HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99% of hacker crime. Secure Site, Click To Verify BMI Licensed ASCAP Licensed

Karaoke Speaker Advice

It is a little known fact that most standard PC speakers will not do justice to your MIDI and Digital Karaoke tracks. Most often, when someone buys a PC, speakers are included as well as other accessories. Depending on the package these speakers can be of high quality, but are usually not. Quality speakers are a very important part of singing because slight differences in tones and frequencies can produce inaccuracies in even the most professional singer’s vocals.

Upgrading your speakers to mid-level audio components is fairly inexpensive, but it can make a drastic improvement on your Karaoke performance. If you want to upgrade your present computer speakers to a mid-level range, begin by looking at Satellite/Sub-woofer systems. These systems can deliver both impressive high and low frequencies, perfect for the amateur performer.

The basic mid-level speaker package will have a 2.1 stereo system including 2 small speakers to reproduce middle and high frequencies, and an independently controlled sub-woofer that will produce the low bass frequencies. A 3-speaker system is also extremely versatile when playing music at low levels, the sub-woofer can be turned up to compensate for the lack of bass at low volumes.

Also available are surround-sound satellite/sub-woofer systems. In these systems there are four satellites speakers and one sub-woofer. 4.1 speaker kits are usually available with the following installation options.

For those of you who enjoy singing karaoke using the computer at home, this 4.1 system might be the perfect upgrade. With a surround-sound system you can have the sensation of being totally immersed in the music.

Satellite/sub-woofer systems are not the only option for good sound. There is also the more traditional 2-way speaker system available. This type of speaker is an alternative for those who want decent sound at a reasonable cost. Good quality speakers of this type will deliver a punchy full range sound suitable for smaller environments. Systems of this type can also have headphone outputs, which is great if you don’t want to disturb anybody.

If however, accurate vocal reproduction is what’s most important to you, then we should look at professional bi-amplified speaker monitors. Inside the speaker cabinets of a bi-amplified system there are actually two speakers, a tweeter for the highs and woofer for the middle-low frequencies. Each speaker cabinet will also have independent power amplifiers for each speaker. This self-contained system produces superior sound because each layer of the audio output is controlled independently, allowing for music as rich as the original recording. Speaker systems such as these are designed to give a more accurate representation of the sound spectrum without adding color. This is especially true in the middle frequencies where the vocal singing range is.

These professional systems come in a wide price range that can start at a couple hundred dollars, or go up to and over $2000. The most common type of speakers used by professional singers and sound engineers are called ‘Near-Field’ speakers. Near-field speakers are designed for listening at close range, and therefore are perfect for an office or home studio environment. This is a great way to get up close and personal to the sound. If you choose to add a set of bi-amplified speakers remember to direct them towards the head of the listener. Another important note is that these types of speakers do not have preamplifiers. This means that there are no treble or bass controls. There are volume controls on the backs but of these speakers that should be set just once. Then, the listening volume can be adjusted from a output source, typically a sound card or mixer.

A final tip, regardless of which speaker system you choose, is to maintain a reasonable level of volume. Not only does this keep the neighbors happy, but louder does not necessarily provide a better experience and can often be detrimental to the listeners appreciation of the music.

Until next time, get up and SING!

Dr. Karaoke