Choosing The Right Microphone For Your Karaoke Setup
For karaoke fans, it has never been easier – in many ways – to achieve the perfect home setup. From speakers to microphones for karaoke, there are many options across a range of styles and prices, meaning there is certainly something for everyone.
However, with the abundance of choice comes the challenge of choosing the right microphone for your particular karaoke set-up. The microphone, after all, is a pretty important component for successful karaoke sessions.
In this article, we will help unpack everything you need to know about microphones for karaoke and ensure you have the understanding you need to make the right choice for your needs.
Understanding the Types of Microphones
There are, in fact, different types of microphones. For our purposes, the two main categories are most relevant for karaoke: Dynamic and Condenser.
1. Dynamic Microphones
These microphones are high-quality devices that are designed to pick up less background noise. Their design, durability and practicality for use in live and busy environments mean that they are adept at handling louder vocals without being damaged.
2. Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are somewhat less robust and can be known to pick up unwanted background noise and feedback. However, they are designed to deliver a more detailed and clearer vocal thanks to their heightened sensitivity, making them better for use in studios or quieter environments.
Microphone Connectivity
For karaoke purposes, there are a number of other factors to consider, and connectivity is among them.
Wired and wireless microphones both come with their advantages and drawbacks. On the one hand, wired microphones generally offer better sound quality for the relative price. There is no need to worry about batteries or recharging, and the wired design makes it extremely reliable.
On the other hand, wireless microphones are far better for providing freedom of movement. Nowadays, many wireless microphones offer a good range and battery life, and can easily connect to a range of devices – such as a karaoke machine or speaker.
What Sound Quality Do Microphones for Karaoke Need?
Sound quality might seem like a luxury, but with the range of affordable, good-quality mics in the market, there is no need for sacrifice in this regard.
When you’re looking at different mics on offer, check out the vocal reproduction and noise reduction features. These can include built-in filters or even shock mounts that can effectively reduce handling noise.
Note on Frequency
For those of you unfamiliar with frequency responses: The wider the range, i.e., 50Hz–15kHz, of a microphone, the more of the vocal nuances can be captured.
Additional Factors to Consider for your Karaoke Microphones
1. Durability
Microphones are put through their paces during karaoke sessions. Being handled a lot, passed around, and even subject to the odd drop or collision means that durability in build is important.
We generally recommend opting for metal-bodied microphones as they tend to be more robust than plastic options. If your budgetary constraints allow, it is also ideal to opt for water and shock resistance in your choice of microphones to provide peace of mind during use in high-energy, party environments.
2. Compatibility
This quality is often overlooked, but it certainly ought not to be.
Always make sure that your chosen microphone is compatible with the other equipment in your karaoke setup. For example, your home speaker, mixer, PA system, karaoke machine, or computer needs to be able to connect to your microphone to make it usable.
Fortunately, nowadays, compatibility is pretty standard. However, it certainly pays to double-check.
3. Budget
Price is the all-important factor we cannot ignore. And with today’s range in product options and microphone varieties, it can be quite confusing as to how much to budget.
The truth is that for home karaoke setups, neither end of the spectrum is likely to be the sweet spot. Many entry-level microphones can cost as little as $30 or less. Whilst many branded and long-lasting wireless microphone kits can spill into the over $400 category.
For casual or social home use, we recommend mid-range options that manage to offer a good balance of quality and durability, without breaking the bank.
Recommended Microphones for Karaoke
You can find all of the recommended microphones for karaoke and other uses on the DJ City website here.
Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphone
The Shure SM58 is a dynamic-style, wired microphone that is best known for its versatility and reliability. This industry-standard device offers clear and robust vocals that suit professional use, whilst at a price that isn’t out of reach of casual karaoke fans.
AKG D5 Dynamic Supercardioid Microphone
The AKG D5 is a fantastic dynamic, wired karaoke microphone. The high level of feedback rejection ensures a clear and focused sound, making it ideal for use in live performance settings. If your karaoke use tends to get rowdy or often happens in a party setting, the AKG is certainly a value for money.
Vonyx WM55 – Wireless Microphone Plug-and-Play UHF
The Vonyx WM55 is a great microphone for karaoke at a much lower price. This plug-and-play budget model is built for home karaoke use, features a simple setup and connectivity ability, UHF and relatively high durability.
Fenton DM100 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
If you are truly looking for a cheap option of karaoke microphone, the Fenton DM100 is a good entry model. Despite its plastic construction, fixed lead and limited connectivity, it can make for a smart trial microphone as you embark on the beginning of your karaoke journey.
AVE Vox-Pack Dynamic Microphone 3 Pack
This three-pack microphone set from AVE is certainly a value for money and a strong choice for those karaoke fans with a strict budget but an intention to have multiple singers engaging in belting out their favourite tunes at once.
Need a hand? Give DJ City a call today!
Choosing the right microphone for your karaoke setup should be a fun, exciting experience. And with DJ City – one of Australia’s largest online stockists of all things music and DJ gear, it can be!
Our team is made up of music and sound experts who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect microphone to suit your needs, preferences and budget. So, feel free to have a browse of our microphone offerings, and if you need a hand with anything and everything microphones for karaoke, contact the DJ City team today.
