Karaoke systems are a guaranteed way to have fun on a Saturday night. Whether it's a professional system set up at the club or a smaller living room party-starter, who doesn't love belting along to all-time classics or their favourite songs with a drink in their hand?
What is Karaoke?
Karaoke comes from Japan where 'kara' means empty and 'okesutora' means orchestra. Karaoke systems play instrumental versions of songs with the vocals removed or just turned right down so that you can barely hear them, so it's up to you to fill in the vocals! Rest assured, being a talented singer is by no means a must and, to help you out, the lyrics are shown and are highlighted to prompt you to sing the right words at the right time.
A Karaoke System: Speaker, Amplifier and One or Two Microphones
A successful karaoke-night requires a few things: a speaker, an amplifier and one or more microphones. And there's a lot to choose from here. Some karaoke systems feature an amplifier built into the speaker: a so-called active speaker. Other units are complete all-in-one karaoke machines and come with a mixer section, party lights and echo effects built in. In terms of microphones, karaoke is usually performed with a handheld microphone. Some karaoke packs include a wired handheld mike, while others may come with a wireless microphone. Either way, there's a fair bit of choice here: from microphones with built-in disco lighting and voice-changers to microphones that feature integrated Bluetooth speakers as an all-in-one solution. The best karaoke set-up for you depends on your needs, whether they're professional or just pure entertainment.
Karaoke for Kids
For unforgettable birthday parties or to just entertain kids that love to sing, there are various karaoke sets available that come complete with fun songs. Here, teenagers may demand more volume and more powerful speakers, or features such as disco lights, echo effects and voice-changers. And, if you get a kareoke system with a built-in rechargeable battery, the party can be taken anywhere.
Karaoke Music and Expansions
Some sets include a karaoke DVD, while others come with all the songs on a chip. If that's the case, you can purchase extra chips with even more songs to add to your collection. Naturally, you can also choose a less comprehensive set, or even put together a set yourself depending on your personal preferences. A simple sound system with two microphone inputs and a USB port could also do the trick, in which case you can create your own MP3 karaoke playlist and play it back via USB. Or, using special software, you can filter out the original vocals so you can replace them with your own. If you're using a phone or laptop, there should be ample songs to choose from. You'll even find some on YouTube! Want even more choice? Pick up a special voucher for access to a real karaoke streaming service with over 200,000 songs.
Karaoke for Kids and Grownups - Home or Professional
Karaoke systems come in different configurations. A smaller, more humble set-up is enough for the youngest of karaoke enthusiasts, while teens will probably want something that's a little more powerful and advanced. Love a kareoke house party? You have various options here. For more professional ends, you'll probably need more gear; from complete sets to powerful speakers, mixing consoles, microphones, stands and rechargeable battery packs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karaoke Systems and Accessories
What's a good karaoke set-up?
The best karaoke system for you depends entirely on what you want to use it for. Of course, a karaoke set for kids or the living room naturally doesn't compare to a professional rig. For casual karaoke nights, you'll need at least a speaker, an amplifier and one or more microphones. In some cases, the amplifier has been integrated into the speaker (called an active speaker), but there are also various all-in-one solutions available, including special microphones that come with everything needed for karaoke built in.
How expensive are karaoke systems?
Nowadays, there are plenty of reasonably-priced karaoke sets on the market, especially if you're looking for something to set up at home or for your kids. In addition to complete all-in-one systems and vocal microphones equipped with a built-in Bluetooth speaker, there are ample professional bits of kit available. Whether your budget is capped or not, you're always going to find a satisfying and affordable solution.
How does a karaoke system work?
For karaoke, you're going to need a karaoke system, including a microphone and a display screen for the lyrics. This can be a laptop, tablet, TV or even your smartphone.
Which karaoke systems are the best?
This depends on your needs, since professionals will have higher demands than kids at a birthday party. Either way, the minimum requirements are a speaker, amplifier and microphone, plus a display like a TV, laptop, phone, or projection screen in combination with a projector.
How do I hook up a karaoke system?
Most karaoke system feature 6.3mm jack ports and can be hooked up using jack cables. Various systems also feature Bluetooth, which meansyou don’t need any cables whatsoever to connect to a mobile device or laptop. This isn't just convenient but provides maximum freedom to move.
