Karaoke Forums

Hello, fellow karaokers!

I am looking into a karaoke system for home use. At first I was thinking about getting a component based system that would plug into my TV, but based on these boards, it sounds like I could use a laptop. However, my laptop is a Mac. Is there software out there for Macs, and if so, how would I "transform" my laptop into a karaoke machine?

If this isn't possible, do you have any recs on what to get for home use? Please bear in mind that I am on a tight budget (would prefer under $100 including songs and mics, so no spending $1000 on a system for me). I have sung a lot in bars and would prefer a way to change the key on songs, but other than that I would love your suggestions. If you need any more information, please let me know. Thanks so much for your help!

Hi everyone,

I was looking into these two systems:

http://www.karaokewh.com/item_details.c ... raoke.html

http://www.karaoke.com/cgi-bin/WebObjec ... t?sku=VKG8

Feedback on these would be great as well. Thanks!

You can use your Mac laptop for Karaoke fairly easily. There are two ways to do it. Either purchase a copy of Windows and run it under Bootcamp and use readily available software like Hoster. Or if you want to use the OS X, there is only one software I know available, KJams. Unfortunately, the software seems to be in beta for last few years. You can download the software and try it out, although it's limited to few songs. It looks like iTunes and it does a decent job.

As for connections, your Mac laptop should have come with a Micro DVI to vga converter. Use that to connect to either a LCD monitor or use a converter to connect to your TV. Then use the Display control panel to create a continuous desktop and move the singer screen to the external monitor.

What you need to worry about is the sound. I would try a USB external sound card to bring the sound to your mixer. If not, the external 1/8" stereo cable that goes to either RCA or 1/4" to connect to the mixer. I would not, as well as most of the people here, suggest you use AV Receiver for your vocal, it may blow your speakers out. Get yourself a small mixer plus passive PA speakers with an amp or active PA speakers. Get a couple of mics and possibly an effects box and you should be set.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

Yes KJams is the best karaoke program for mac. Although it is in Beta, it works well and is very easy to use.

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Future Mobile Disco - Karaoke & Mobile Discos in Leicester
Roasted Studios - Professional Recording Studios & Rehearsal Rooms in Leicester

Thank you for your thorough reply! I'll admit tho, that other than installing the software, it sounds complicated to me...is there any way for you to explain this in layman's terms? Apologies for my ignorance. I've never hooked up a sound system in my life!