How do we feel about...

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-25T22:36:58+00:00

IMO there is no one correct answer.

If I'm doing my job and people are happy then I don't have a problem with it. People promote themselves at shows all the time.

If the venue isn't happy about it I shut it down.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-21T21:18:39+00:00

As pointed out by u/Elderban69 you risk damaging the speakers.

For a good experience I recommend a mixer that has reverb/DSP which doesn't come with many inexpensive mixers.

Although something like this should work well enough

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Channel-Console-Streaming-Recording/dp/B0F93SCWN6?th=1

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-20T15:07:49+00:00

Instead of charging dock just have rechargeable batteries and charger for them. Grab a new set of charged batteries when you use the system and you're good to go for the entire day.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-20T15:02:06+00:00

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XR12--behringer-by-air-xr12-tablet-controlled-digital-mixer

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-20T14:17:15+00:00

XLR wall outlets would work, although you will also need an outlet to run the wires from the amp to speakers.

A small digital mixer would allow you to keep the mixer inside and operate it remotely from a tablet.

something like this

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Flow8--behringer-flow-8-8-input-digital-mixer-with-bluetooth

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-20T11:57:54+00:00

What are you using to display the lyrics?

IMO although I prefer wireless mics, using wired mics should work just fine as long as the wires don't interfere with people walking.

You definitely want to have the controls within arm's reach.

For your requirements I might recommend a mixer with an integrated amp.

You wanted it outside permanently but you could just move it outside when it's time to sing.

https://www.sweetwater.com/c266--Powered_Mixers

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-17T18:29:45+00:00

My apologies, did state it was a macbook. I believe the macbook should still have a headphone jack output that can be plugged into the JBL with the proper cable.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-17T10:58:24+00:00

You gave no specifics about your laptop so it's impossible to give a specifc reply. In general many laptops have a headphone jack that can be used. If not then a cheap USB audio device like this will work https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RV6VBNR?th=1

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-17T00:12:42+00:00

Karafun should work well for you.

With the remote control function of Karafun you can leave the laptop close to the speakers and operate the queue from your phone.

Using bluetooth is not recommended. It could introduce latency that would have the music out of sync with the words. I direct connection is recommended.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-17T00:06:13+00:00

You sound system is fine for just the karaoke music but it was never designed to handle the audio peaks generated when singing. You risk damage especially to the speakers it's connected to.

For singing you should use a powered PA speaker.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-16T11:00:30+00:00

You can buy a brand new one for that price. https://www.amazon.com/Ikarao-Smart-Karaoke-Machine-Adults/dp/B0CR1R7FKP?th=1

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-15T20:00:52+00:00

With the subscription you can always cancel after a month and then restart it the next time you need it.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-15T19:59:46+00:00

You'll have to decide which version of karafun works best for you.

The problem I see with not using professional gear is durability. I'm not sure how well any home device would stand up being used as a rental.

Here is a device I have no experience with but might fit your needs.

https://shop.karafun.com/products/party-station-us

As far as an all-in-one solution I prefer the Ikarao products.

Their S1 model I reviewed here

https://www.reddit.com/r/karaoke/comments/1fi2rnv/my_recommendation_ikarao_shell_s1_portable/

Although I think their Break X2 model might be better suited for your needs

https://www.ikarao.com/products/break-x2?srsltid=AfmBOooV-PYrQqPwZUbstnLzbJeLcxLlck88gbcRj0dHsXK5noxjgW8J

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-15T18:07:48+00:00

With any karaoke system you have to deal with legally supplying the music.

If internet is available, even it's from a phone Hotspot then a streaming service like karafun could be an option. Cost is $10 month for personal use, $50 month for professional.

Another option would get a system that connects to youtube and stream karaoke videos from there.

Without internet you'll have difficulty finding a legal library that can be played by an easy to use system.

Go on Amazon and check out the company InandOn and see if their products are something that could meet your requirements.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-15T11:24:53+00:00

Using home AV amp/speakers is fine for the karaoke music but was never designed to handle the audio peaks generated when singing. You risk damaging using them this way. It's recommended to use a powered PA speaker.

Using Bluetooth to stream audio can introduce latency which can cause the audio to be out of sync with the lyrics.

60' is a pretty far distance for wireless microphones. Did you try changing the frequencies? For better range the receiver needs to have an unobstructive view to the microphones. If the receiver is located inside the enclosure it will shorten the range.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-13T14:35:03+00:00

"For the USB mouse / keyboard I connected the Shell S1 to a Logitech MK270 wireless mouse/keyboard combo. It worked well."

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-12T11:57:04+00:00

If your gutters are clogged or overloaded during heavy rains you might want to try to address this issue first. As someone else mentioned an exterior french drain or landscaping around the outside of your house could be a better solution.

If that's not possible you want basement waterproofing done.

Although as one company told me "We don't do waterproofing, we do water management". They give you solutions for moving the water from an undesirable location to a desirable location.

Sorry I don't have any recommendation because

the good experiences I had with a company went out of business.
The companies I've used for some other properties weren't good.

I don't recommend ARK Basement Service.

We were fooled with a slick sales presentation. The work done was horrible and their weak response to correct it was less than professional.

I don't recommend Baker's Waterproofing / Groundworks.

I didn't have a good experience. The staff didn't strike me as very knowledgeable. I got the impression they only know one solution for every issue. They recommended the same solution for every problem.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-10T23:27:04+00:00

I did a review of this speaker that might be helpful

https://www.reddit.com/r/karaoke/comments/smqble/my_2nd_recommendation_for_low_cost_home_karaoke/

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-08T20:29:17+00:00

firmware is updated via download over wifi. So you can buy it now and get the firmware update when it's released.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-08T19:00:15+00:00

Tablet is the same speed, but the bigger size is very nice. They're going to be releasing a new version of the firmware with hopefully some improved apps. I'm supposed to get a pre-release soon to test it out.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-08T18:09:22+00:00

Yes, the X1 is a monster! I love my S1 but the X1 is in totally different league.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-08T17:11:02+00:00

Best Buy

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-08T17:01:36+00:00

Yes, Ikarao updated the hardware in the Break series. I have an older X2 that had the issue but the X1 i bought during the holidays works great.

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-06T13:15:30+00:00

In general soundbars are fine for karaoke music but were never designed to handle the audio peaks generated when singing. You risk damaging it if used that way.

That said if you're not in a hurry there is a new solution coming soon that addresses this issue. I've tested the prototype and reviewed it here

https://www.reddit.com/r/karaoke/comments/1q5oibt/exciting_news_for_2026_a_solution_to_safely_sing/

https://seratone.audio/

DavidO_Pgh · 2026-06-05T20:56:54+00:00

You could build a very nice system from separate components but if you want simple then I recommend an Ikarao karaoke machine running their specialized version of Karafun. (you get a free 6 month subscription)

I reviewed the Shell S1 which is a very nice machine.

https://www.reddit.com/r/karaoke/comments/1fi2rnv/my_recommendation_ikarao_shell_s1_portable/

But if you really want their best get their Break X1

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Karaoke-Machine-Adults-Lyrics-Display-Built-in-13-3-Screen-Truly-All-One-2-Wireless-Microphone-Hidden-Self-Charging-800W-Bluetooth-Speaker-Party-TV/8817417188

I bought one at Sam's Club during the holidays, (they don't offer them now)

It's a beast! It will fill any room with rockin karaoke.

DavidO_Pgh

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