Are you contemplating the idea of starting a karaoke business? If so there is a lot to learn if you want to achieve the best results. The karaoke system itself will determine the experience your audience will get before you even think about the people who will eventually use it. There are components available from many manufacturers and the purpose of this site is to assist you in making the correct decisions before parting with your hard earned cash.

One of the very first considerations will be the media you will be using, remember quality media means quality results. It is possible the most common media at the moment is the well tested CDG karaoke disc system however there are many Karaoke operators now switching to the computerized or “digital” format, this is typically mp3 format including screen graphics.
These are usually stored on a computer hard disk and played via a laptop or standard computer using a special software program.

This more modern system provides the following advantages:
# A lot less equipment to truck around.
# Nothing to load into a mechanical device such as a disc player.
# No more damage to discs that lie around during any performance.
# The computer has a database and makes it a lot easier to locate tracks.
# You can now purchased songs by themselves and download them easily via the internet.
# No more shipping costs and no worries about finding a place to store discs.

There are many clever software companies offering “Karaoke Hosting” software. They have been producing high quality products for many years. Their Hoster karaoke hosting software is a widely used and user friendly program. This software includes all importing tools, CD+G Disc playback and ripping tools, video playback, songbook creator, and many more features. This same company also offers karaoke ready laptop computers.

The Requirements for an excellent karaoke system is as follows:

The Karaoke machine (player) itself if you use the older disc system.
Computer system with adequate audio and graphic output if not using disc sytem above.
A quality audio mixer and amplifier or a stand alone POWERED mixer.(IE: a mixer with a built in amplifier.
At least 2 high quality Speakers preferably on stands.
Two High quality microphones (wireless or conventional).

Monitor screen, LCD, Plasma or TV
Rack or table to house equipment.
Filing system and carrier if using discs.
Tool box, cables and leads

The conventional Karaoke Machine.

If you intend using the conventional Karaoke CDG Machine it should be a reliable brand, tried and tested many times. It will require suitable controls that are easy to access. It must incorporate a digital key control, capability to play one single track at a time. Instant access to song titles and tracks.

There is no real requirement for any voice effects, the machine does not require a special LCD display as the main monitor will show all graphics.

Amplification and or Mixer.

You do not require a big multi fader mixer for a karaoke set up. You do require a reliable quality mixer with built in amplifier or an output to a separate amplifier. graphic equalizer is also advisable, and the amplifier should be correctly matched with the correct power to drive your speakers.

There are many companies manufacturing amplifiers, mixers and speakers. The correct matching of these components is vital and we will go into this in more detail later.

Speakers
The speakers are the most important aspect of assembling a great sounding system. If you buy the wrong speakers the sound will be lousy regardless of other components in the system. Much care should be taken with speaker selection as the efficiency match and power handling must be thought through and well planned. It may be actually desirable to buy a powered subwoofer (that is a bass speaker with separate amplifier) to provide adequate base and smooth sound otherwise people will not enjoy the experience and the sound will be thin and screechy.

Speakers Stands
The main Speakers will require stands and should be slightly above the crowd. They should be constructed of tubular metal such as aluminium or steel with a solid cast iron base.

They are now a lot lighter than they used to be, they are easy to carry around and set up. However once again it is important to buy a quality brand and something that will last the distance.