What is Karaoke?

The empty orchestra

Karaoke gives amateur singers across the world the chance to sing along with their favorite tunes. The music features instrumental (or sometimes very quiet ‘backup’ vocal track) versions of popular music.

The lyrics to the song will be played across a screen so that singers can follow along. Sometimes the lyrics are color-coded or synchronized to the music so that you know when to sing the words. Other Karaoke machines will also include a pitch meter so that you know exactly how the lyrics should sound.

Equipment

There are a wide number of different Karaoke machines and systems available for both professional and home use. At its most basic, the machines work with an audio output for the instrumental tracks and an input for the singer’s voice. The video screen may be part of the machine itself or may be a completely separate system.

How the machine looks and works will depend on the type of system you’re using. The simplest of home or portable Karaoke machines simply play a disc and display words on a screen. Professional systems can get quite elaborate with lighting and voice altering technology that makes individual performers sound better.

Want to Sing?

Everyone loves to sing along to their favorite songs and Karaoke offers you the opportunity to show your stuff. Whether you get yourself out to a Karaoke bar and belt out a tune in front of a room full of strangers or you purchase a home system and share your songs with your dog, Karaoke has something for everyone.

As the hobby continues to catch on with all kinds of different people the options for stretching your vocal chords have multiplied. There’s the traditional Karaoke bar (or Karaoke box as they’re known in Japan and China) and the home system but there’s also accessories for your Play Station and Xbox, your PC and even your DVD player!

It’s getting easier and easier to take your show on the road – some retailers are even working with Karaoke on cell phones and iPods. The technology is also coming down in price and it’s quite easy to find discount equipment that you can use to hone your skills without breaking the bank.

So, if you were born to sing, get in front of a screen, grab yourself a microphone and Karaoke!