what to know
- Get a karaoke machine, karaoke app, or karaoke subscription service to stream music and lyrics to your TV.
- Connect any speakers and have at least two microphones. Use your home stereo receiver to control your audio.
- Do a dry run, sound test your system, and politely notify your neighbors.
This article explains how to use your home theater system to have a karaoke night.
You can find ones with factory-installed song libraries, multiple microphone inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, dedicated display for lyrics, independent volume/EQ controls, song expansion options, auxiliary input, AV output, internal battery, colored lighting The karaoke machine displays projection, compatibility with multiple digital audio formats, includes a microphone, and more.
The great thing about many karaoke machines is that they are plug and play. Devices without a built-in lyrics display can be connected to a TV or through a home stereo receiver.
Most karaoke machines support the CD+G format, which is essentially a music CD that displays graphics (lyrics) along with the audio. You can find a large number of these CDs online (for example, on Amazon), covering popular songs by decade, artist or music genre. This is the easiest way to expand your karaoke song collection.
Karaoke subscription services can provide great value in lieu of hardware investment. Websites like Karafun, Redkaraoke and KaraokeCloudPlayer allow people to use computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones in place of machines. Basic (two-day, one-week or monthly) subscriptions typically cost less than purchasing a CD+G and can be canceled at any time.
The benefit of a karaoke subscription service is instant cloud access to thousands of songs via an easy-to-use interface, saving you from shuffling music CD+G or external media storage.
Many of these services use Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV to wirelessly stream music and lyrics to your TV. In addition to standard AV input/output, microphone and speaker connections, some support features such as offline synchronization, audio control, Bluetooth wireless and second monitor support.
While it is possible to sing acoustic karaoke, most people prefer to use a microphone. There's no need to have a studio-grade microphone for karaoke unless you plan on making these gatherings the norm.
Wired microphones are the easiest to set up, as long as the wires don't get in the way (e.g., dancing, during performances, foot traffic). Otherwise, there are microphones that offer wireless freedom, but they can be expensive and require more effort to set up correctly.
But no matter what, at least two microphones must be available. Duets are more fun (and less scary) than solos, even if the song selections weren't originally designed for the two of them.
If you're only inviting one singer at a time, the second mic will be a handy backup in case anything happens to the first mic or the event requires a host.
A karaoke party wouldn’t be the same without a decent sound system. Use almost any speakers you own, including portable wireless speakers or high-quality stereo speakers - the latter is recommended for the best karaoke experience.
While some speakers connect to karaoke players or devices running karaoke subscription services, take advantage of the capabilities of your home stereo receiver to avoid making drastic adjustments to the sound output and enhance the audio by adjusting the equalizer controls.
The mixer combines multiple input sources. Some models offer independent volume levels, while others allow adjustments to tone, echo, balance, and frequency bands. These devices, especially those used for karaoke, provide AV output so that music and video (for displaying lyrics) information can be passed to the appropriate device.
These mixers work with computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets as well as karaoke machines and receivers.
Want your guests to have the best time at your party? Here are some ideas:
- Conduct a trial run a day or two before the party. Double-check all audio, video, and Internet connections (especially if you're keeping the party away from the wireless network, such as in a garage or backyard).
- Use a microphone and sing to perform a sound test on your system. You may need to make some adjustments to the levels to get it right.
- As a courtesy, please notify your neighbors.
- Set up a universal playlist to keep the party spirit going. You can change to a different track at any time.
- Invite your friends to send special song requests before the party so you don't have to spend time looking for them.
- Consider forming competition teams and having them judged and scored.
- Have a bunch of costumes, wigs, props, and accessories ready for everyone to use.
Any song whose lyrics are known to most people is perfect for karaoke, as the audience will be encouraged to sing along. Popular karaoke songs include "Achy Breaky Heart" (Billy Ray Cyrus), "I Will Survive" (Gloria Gaynor) and "Brown Eyed Girl" (Van Morrison ).
Karaoke bars originated in Kobe, Japan in the early 1970s. Roberto del Rosario patented the first home karaoke machine in 1983.
Yes. Plug your car karaoke microphone into any radio speaker using the AUX cable and use it just like you would in your car.
