Karaoke microphones: types, model rating and operating rules

Karaoke is a popular entertainment these days, which is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. With the help of this system, everyone can feel like a real singer and musician, even if they have neither voice nor hearing.

Let us dwell on the description of microphones for karaoke in more detail - we will tell you about their features, types and selection rules.

Karaoke microphones are used as part of a general system, thanks to which everyone can sing the selected song to the backing track sounding from the speakers. The microphone is usually connected via a wire, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth system to a computer, mobile phone, tablet, any other gadget, or it can work through a USB flash drive.

Karaoke microphones are irreplaceable in the following cases:

• when you need to entertain your loved ones during friendly gatherings and family feasts;
• when the soul asks with feeling and loudly singing songs;
• when to record an interview, stream or podcast;
• to distract children from the computer, develop their craving for vocals, and also keep young fidgets at the event.

If you use wireless microphones, then they will come in handy during a hike or on a picnic - you can always sing along with a guitar. And besides, the microphone can be used as a wireless speaker.

As a rule, the microphone is connected to the speaker systems via the Audio Jack of 6.5 or 3.5 mm. Wireless devices connect to computers or gadgets via Bluetooth of various versions. Karaoke microphones without wires are available in two versions.

• A wireless microphone can be built directly into a karaoke system in the event that if you purchased a set of equipment.
• Standalone microphones are available commercially. You don't need to connect them to anything, it is, in fact, a mobile Bluetooth speaker, as well as a smartphone / tablet or any other device that has the same Bluetooth.

Thus, karaoke microphones can work anywhere: even at a picnic, even on a noisy street, even at home. Moreover, such microphones themselves can function as a speaker, for this you only need to insert a flash card with tracks.

One more advantage of karaoke microphones should be noted. Agree, few people like the sound of their voice on audio recordings. The fact is that it is strikingly different from the voice we hear in our head. Professional vocalists certainly use mixing consoles for sound recording, which are designed to eliminate voice defects - this equipment makes the sound smoother and softer. Most modern karaoke microphones have the option to correct the voice using mini-mixers.

Structurally, karaoke microphones can be condenser and dynamic.

The design of a condenser microphone is based on the use of a condenser, in which one of the plates acts as a diaphragm, usually made of thin plastic. The other plate is static, it is made from a conductor.

In order to start the operation of the condenser, a suitable electric field must be created that generates a polarizing voltage. This becomes possible only if the power is supplied from the mains or from the battery. Under the influence of acoustic waves, the diaphragm begins to oscillate, as a result, the air gap between the capacitors changes, and the capacitance of the capacitor itself changes. Consequently, The plates vibrating from tension repeat the movements of the diaphragm and thereby provide sound reproduction.

A dynamic microphone uses an inductor to which the diaphragm itself is connected. This coil is placed in the center of the magnetic field, which is generated by a permanent magnet. Under the influence of acoustic waves, the coil wire begins to move. As a result, the coil itself crosses the lines of force of the magnetic field, and the EMF of induction is concentrated in it - this is how an electric current appears. The magnitude and direction of this current is influenced by the movement of the diaphragm, and the current reflects a sound wave.

Thus, we see that condenser and dynamic microphones have their own typical design features. However, the list of their differences does not end there.

• As we have already mentioned, For a condenser microphone, the presence of additional power is essential.
• Any dynamic microphones in their dimensions much more capacitor.
• For capacitor units, a wider frequency range is characteristic... They are more often than dynamic used for recording acoustic instruments and vocals.
• Dynamic microphones are characterized by an increased level of overload capacity. They can be used in professional karaoke bars as well as in combination with professional setups that produce a louder sound.

We've put together a roundup of the best karaoke microphones for you. It was compiled based on feedback from real customers, as well as expert opinions.

Let's start with excellent quality low-cost devices.

This microphone features a cardioid directivity that filters out all extraneous noise. Thus, when using the microphone in karaoke, the absence of interference and background sounds is guaranteed. Due to the possibility of phantom power, such a device can be connected to the vast majority of modern mixers. It can be powered by a regular AA / UM3 battery, which makes it possible to ensure the operation of the installation even if there is no phantom power.

Microphone housing made made of high strength metalwhich makes it more durable and practical compared to plastic constructions. According to reviews, this microphone gives long and relatively trouble-free operation.

The condenser type karaoke microphone provides maximum sensitivity while recording vocals. It is noteworthy that this setting can be used not only in karaoke... It has a stand with which it can be placed on a table or any other horizontal surface. This allows you to use the technique to record videos on YouTube, play audio tracks and chat via Skype. The microphone is connected to the karaoke system via a USB interface and does not need any other additional equipment.

The next group of more expensive and equally high quality microphones includes several models.

These microphones are made with Internal Acoustic Diffuser technology, which provides high quality recording, comparable to the studio, and, in fact, is a proprietary development of the company.

This brand karaoke microphone supports direct connection to any mobile device via the USB interface. The recording rate reaches 24 bit, which is about 30% higher than the average of any other device in this price segment. The microphone has a built-in headphone port so that every songwriter can listen to the recording in real time.

Such a microphone provides reception of the entire spectrum of voice and backing tracks with all their rich nuances. This effect was made possible thanks to three condenser capsules. All devices have an active noise cancellation mode, which minimizes any negative impact of noise from the street, the sound of the fans of the system unit, keyboard and mouse clicks. This microphone is indispensable for holding parties, it has a proprietary light and music, which includes four visualization modes.

Microphone volume control and power button are located directly on the body - this makes the process of equipment control especially convenient. Additionally, an AUX audio input is provided, which allows you to connect the installation to any musical instrument and thereby mix the melody with a voice without using any software.

These models are the most expensive and have a premium quality.

This microphone can be used not only in karaoke, it is popular among streamers for recording podcasts, as it is able to perfectly convey all the timbres and notes of the vocalist's voice. HaveThe installation provides a USB interface, so you can always connect the device via a standard USB connector on a personal computer.

The condenser microphone allows you to increase the sensitivity of the equipment so that the sound reproduction conveys every minimal change in vocal intonation. The capture scheme is cardioid, due to which complete suppression of any background and third-party noise is achieved. Has a backlight.

This luminous microphone is typically less sensitive, and the electromagnetic field provides effective equipment protection against interference from nearby electrical appliances.

To start the device, you need an autonomous power supply, and the microphone can be run from an alkaline battery or from phantom power. The setup has a fairly wide dynamic range. The technique can be used at temperatures from -7 to +50 degrees Celsius, so the microphone is popular in countries with a wide variety of climatic conditions. The microphone body is made of high strength metal.

The variety of the assortment presented on the domestic market of acoustic systems is truly amazing, therefore it is quite difficult to choose the optimal one from a large number of microphones for karaoke. To do this, you need to know all the basic selection criteria that you need to pay attention to while still in the store. First you need to clarify whether your accessory is compatible with the PC or TV at your disposal. This point is one of the most important, because in case of a mistake you cannot fix anything - the only way out is to buy a new microphone. Check out the technical parameters: operating range, battery capacity, degree of sensitivity, frequency range and many others.

Enjoy the ease of use of the microphone: hold it in the palm of your hand - it should be comfortable and not too heavy. If the microphone is too large and bulky, it can ruin the whole fun of karaoke entertainment. Cost plays an important role. Usually, the cheapest models are increasingly disappointing, so don't buy into the cheap. However, you don't need to overpay either. Too expensive models are likely to have a huge number of features that you simply won't need.

The first thing to remember for karaoke microphone owners: this device needs to be recharged from time to time. Otherwise, it simply won't work. As a rule, the microphone is supplied with a special plug and a USB cable, which is used to charge the installation. It must be connected either through a special adapter to an outlet, or brought to a personal computer. Keep in mind that for such devices, the battery does not hold a charge for too long, but it is quite enough for one evening filled with the sound of your favorite tunes.

Of course, You need to treat your karaoke microphone with care: avoid dropping and knocking it, do not throw it into water or treat it with caustic solutions. Professional equipment faces many problems during operation. For example, guests of a karaoke club are very fond of "playing" with a microphone, unscrewing its mesh and even a capsule, which inevitably leads to breakdowns.

If the staff of the karaoke club forgets to charge the battery or change the used batteries, this will also lead to equipment downtime. At least once every 10-14 days, the microphone and mesh should be carefully cleaned. It is very simple to do this: for this, the microphone is washed in warm water with a detergent dissolved in it, and it is directly cleaned with a toothbrush.

Please be aware that during active use during a working day, moisture accumulates in the microphone, therefore, at the end of the shift, it must be thoroughly dried... Be sure to take care that the microphone does not fall to the floor, for this it must be equipped with special attachments.

Sometimes the microphone is phoning and noisy, sometimes it is also necessary to remove the echo. The most common problem occurs when if the microphone cable is of poor quality or damaged. In order to perform diagnostics, you need to turn on the system, then pull the cable with your hand, slightly tug at it. If the problem is in the wire, then you will clearly hear an increase in crackling.

If none of the above recommendations led to a positive result, then attention should be paid directly to the microphone. Cod, noise and other disturbances arising during its operation may have more complex reasons, namely:

• damage to the microphone membrane;
• malfunction of the electronic circuit of the device;
• violation of the integrity of the contacts in the connecting wires.

The only thing that in this case can be corrected on your own - this is bad contact. If you can carefully disassemble the casing of the device and find the damaged or oxidized contact, and then solder it, then the sound quality will return to normal. The membrane can also be replaced, but such work can only be performed by a professional craftsman, and they will not be cheap at all. Therefore, such measures can only be justified when it comes to expensive equipment, in all other situations it will be more correct to change the microphone itself. Any violations in electronic modules need to be able to diagnose - this can only be done by a specialist equipped with all the necessary equipment.

From our article, you learned what a karaoke microphone is, why you need it and how it differs from other devices. This equipment looks more like a kind of portable or wired speaker with voice sound reproduction options. The most expensive models have a lot of interesting effects that can make home gatherings more fun.

In the next video, you will find a review-comparison of karaoke microphones.