Wireless karaoke microphones: how do they work and how to use them?

As soon as they hit the market, wireless karaoke microphones raised a flurry of questions: how they work, how to use the mixer and how long the battery charge will last - all these points consumers want to find out before making a purchase. Meanwhile, portable professional and other models of such equipment are already available in both the budget and premium segments of the market, which means that it is becoming more and more difficult to make a choice.

The rating of good microphones with wireless connection, as well as a detailed consideration of their functional and technical capabilities, will help to understand and make the final decision.

A wireless karaoke microphone is a portable device supplemented with an external receiver or completely self-contained, with a built-in speaker and battery. It differs from other analogs by the absence of connecting cables between the system components. Instead of them, independent batteries and Bluetooth modules are actively used, which are responsible for communication with the karaoke program.

All wireless microphones - for professional stage and home use, favorably differ in the possibility of free movement, which appears in the vocalist. The signal reception range, depending on the technologies used, varies in the range from 10 to 30 m. Some models can work at a distance of up to 60 m. Externally, a wireless karaoke microphone may look quite ordinary, especially if it has a receiver in the kit. In this case, all visual differences will be reduced to the absence of wires.

The wireless microphone is rechargeable or battery operated. In its structure, it is similar to a conventional amplifier used in speakers and other acoustic devices. Inside it is a special membrane through which sound is passed, becoming louder. In addition to the obvious amplification effect, special features can also be used here, allowing you to remove interference and noise, create an echo.

The signal is transmitted in a wireless microphone via radio waves or via a Bluetooth connection. The design contains:

• a handle with a battery hidden in it;
• head with a mesh metal grill;
• control module and amplifier;
• volume buttons, track selection, mode selection, special effects, on and off;
• microphone activation button;
• AUX input for wired connection;
• USB port and microSD card slot in the case.

Depending on the brand model, the appearance, equipment equipment may vary.

The modern home appliance market offers a fairly wide range of options for karaoke microphones that can work autonomously. Among the most popular models are options with a built-in speaker, allowing you to play a melody regardless of the presence of external speakers. However, home karaoke systems with a receiver have not lost their relevance yet.

For those who want to be the star of any party, portable karaoke microphones with Bluetooth support and built-in speaker have been developed. They are produced in professional and amateur performances. Among the most popular brands and models are the following.

• Tuxun (MicGeek) Q9. The leader in the list of portable microphones from the company, which was the first to introduce such a novelty to the world. The model works on the basis of Bluetooth 4.0, is compatible with devices on iOS and Android, includes USB ports, microUSB, membranes for high and low frequencies, echo function. This model is equipped with 3 noise suppression filters, equipped with 2-channel stereo speakers, can maintain a Bluetooth connection at a distance of up to 10 meters, and work without recharging for up to 9 hours.

• Tuxun Q7. A karaoke microphone with a built-in speaker and a fairly high rating from user reviews. The mobile model has a control panel in the front of the case, stereo speakers, a panel with special sound effects, which allows you to change the vocalist's voice data. The volume of music and voice is regulated by "sliders", at the top of the column is the track control panel. The device easily connects to devices via Bluetooth, from smartphones and music players to car audio systems.

• Tuxun C-355. model with less battery life, stylish design, durable aluminum body. The column here is not square, but rounded, the device itself is lighter and more compact. Among the functions there is no change and adjustment of frequencies, but more slots are provided. You can connect a microSD card up to 8 GB, listen to music through headphones with a 3.5 mm jack. The model has a fairly wide variety of colors and body shades.

• GMINI GM-BTKP-03S. A model of a karaoke microphone produced in China with a built-in speaker, a 2600 mAh battery, a Bluetooth module. The sound source can be a phone, tablet, laptop. The device belongs to the capacitor models, is well suited for home use, has a realistic sound reproduction, is focused on the singer's voice. For professional use in karaoke clubs, the device is not powerful enough.

• WSTER WS-858. A popular model from one of the market leaders in karaoke microphones. The multifunctional device supports the function of voice recording, allows you to perform songs, listen to music through a speaker or headphones, it has a mode of operation as a selfie button and a radio transmitter. The device has customizable modes for rooms of different sizes, as well as a full set of sound effects.

• Magic Karaoke YS-86. Chinese karaoke microphone with a full range of necessary functions. The model can be called universal - working as a speaker or reproducing singing. The set includes a slot for memory cards, TF, AUX, USB connectors, LED illumination, the range of the device is only 10 m from the source of the Bluetooth signal, the duration of autonomous use reaches 6 hours. The model has a low-frequency membrane that makes the sound spacious and beautiful.

Among the microphones operating on the basis of wireless technologies included with the receiver, the following models deserve special attention.

• Sennheiser XSW 1-825-B. Professional karaoke system with wireless connection, manufactured in Germany. It is designed for stage performances, supports tuning up to 10 channels in the UHF range, broadcasts clear and bright sound, without noise, distortion. This microphone model belongs to vocal, is suitable for sound recording and live performances, can be installed on a stand. The included receiver helps you achieve a professional karaoke system effect.

• Sennheiser XSW 35-A. An amateur model for home use. The set is a complete karaoke system with everything you need.The microphone itself weighs 245 g, fits comfortably in the hand, belongs to condenser models and is suitable for experienced vocalists. The kit is not too cheap, but for this money the user gets the European quality of the device and a high level of its reliability.

• Defender MIC-155. These are budget brand karaoke microphones supplied with the receiver. There are 2 of them in the set, the range of the supported wireless connection is up to 30 m. This option is suitable for use at home - it clearly does not reach the professional level.

The market for karaoke microphones with a receiver is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Among the remaining models, one can single out those that are focused on professional vocalists - these are full-fledged systems for recording, sound reproduction, and performance on stage.

When selecting a wireless karaoke microphone you need to pay attention to the most important criteria.

• Compatible with other devices. When it comes to Bluetooth connectivity, you need to study the requirements for the connected phones and tablets. It's good if the music can simply be played through a flash drive or microSD - the presence of such inputs will be a big advantage for a fully portable model with a speaker.
• Specifications. Here it is important to look at the range of signal reception, the sensitivity of the equipment, the capacity of the battery. Only dynamic type omnidirectional or unidirectional microphones are suitable for karaoke. The former are suitable for singing in a company, the latter for solo performance.
• Dimensions and weight. An oversized microphone can be a nuisance. A device that is too heavy will put a heavy burden on your hand. We need to find a compromise solution that can deliver exceptional singing pleasure.
• Device price... The cheapest models produce low quality sound, they drain the battery faster, and the signal is often lost. It is also not worth overpaying for the abundance of functions, especially when buying a home karaoke system.
• Additional functions. Echo, changing the vocal range from bass to soprano, light music and a speaker right in the body of the device. These are just a few of the popular options in wireless microphones today. How much it is expedient to pay for it is up to the buyer himself.
• Design... An important part of the artist's stage image. When playing in a karaoke club or at a party, a stylish microphone can draw more attention to the speaker. At home, design issues are mainly occupied by a teenage audience. For singing in a close male company, it is better to choose models with a neutral black, white or metallic body color.
• Sound quality. It is worth checking the device in operation. A karaoke microphone should transmit all the nuances of the voice well, not distort the sound, and extinguish external noises. Their appearance when checking is a reason to refuse a purchase.
• The duration of the device's uninterrupted operation. Most inexpensive models last 2-3 hours of intensive use. The best options can last up to 9-10 hours on a single charge.

To use a karaoke microphone you need to configure its connection with the source of the melody playback... If a receiver is included in the package, it is connected to the TV, then the microphone is charged or batteries are inserted into it. By activating the connection using dedicated buttons, you can get a stable system for playing songs. You can also turn off the microphone in 1 click.

If you have a Bluetooth module, the connection will be even easier, through pairing. It is enough to turn on this function on a laptop, tablet PC or smartphone, then activate the microphone using the power button and find the name of the device in the list of available for connection. Once you have selected and set up a pairing, you can make the settings.

In the section "Sounds and Audio Devices" you can change such parameters as the sensitivity of the speaker system, volume, noise reduction. To work in karaoke mode, you need to install a special program, where the songs will be played.

It should be noted that if you have a built-in speaker, you can simply broadcast music through the microphone. Headphone support can be an advantage too. With their help, you can listen to tracks without disturbing others, check the recorded voice without any interference.

In the next video you will find an overview of the Lewinner L-698DSP Professional wireless karaoke microphone.