If you’re serious about building your own karaoke setup or private karaoke rooms in a bar or restaurant: You'll need a professional karaoke microphone. These are a must-have component of any professional karaoke system that can turn your karaoke nights, rooms, and solo sessions into a next-level singing experience.
If you’re new to karaoke, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of professional options on the market. We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about finding a professional karaoke microphone that meets your needs.
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What is a professional karaoke microphone?
A professional karaoke microphone is a microphone you can use to practice singing karaoke, perform on stage, and use to create the ultimate karaoke setup for your bar, nightclub, or venue. Most professional karaoke systems are an a la carte style. You'll need to invest in a reliable software option, the TV screens, and the sound system you plan to use. A professional mic can also be great for personal at-home setups if you want to create your own karaoke setup.
Karaoke microphones typically have a range of features that help improve sound quality. Before shopping for a karaoke microphone, you'll want to consider if you want a handheld or wireless mic, what features are appealing, what the use case is for the microphone, and how much money you're willing to spend.
If you buy the cheapest option on the market, you may run into major sound issues on stage or need to replace the models more frequently - which can cost you more in the long run.
What to look for in professional karaoke microphones
When looking for a professional microphone for your karaoke setup, there are a few things you want to consider to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Wired vs. Handheld
Wireless mics are just regular mics with a transmitter and a receiver. Handheld microphones have a cord attached to them that you can plug into your sound system. This is mainly a personal preference and what you plan to use your karaoke microphones for. You can find high-quality options for both. But if you want a wireless handheld microphone, you can expect to pay a little more than a wired one.
Cost
If a professional microphone costs less than $50, it can’t actually be considered professional. Microphones between $25-$50 are gimmicky and are often used as a toy for a makeshift karaoke setup in your home.
When looking for a professional microphone, you can expect to pay anything from $90-$150. However, if you want a more precise condenser microphone, you can expect to pay anything between $150-850.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is arguably one of the most important aspects of a professional microphone. You’ll want to invest in a professional microphone with clear sound and a great presence. Consider looking for super cardioid microphones. This means it only takes audio in from the front and not the sides, so you can ensure the best possible singing experience.
Longevity
You want to ensure you’re investing in a high-quality professional microphone that will last you for at least a few years. If the sound isn’t as clear as it once was or the features aren’t working quite like they used to, you’ll most likely be quick to replace it with a different option.
To know if a microphone will last you a few years, read the reviews before purchasing. See what problems other individuals run into and weigh the pros and cons. Many professional grade microphones also come with a 5-10 year warranty for that extra peace of mind.
Durability
If you’re looking for a professional karaoke microphone for your bar, restaurant, or club: You’ll want one built to last. You never know what could happen. A singer could drop the microphone on accident or roll off the table.
You'll want a sturdy, durable option to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Consider looking for karaoke microphones made of steel and have a rugged, metal construction, so you can have peace of mind whenever someone takes the stage.
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The top 5 best high-quality microphones
1. SE Electronics V7
The SE Electronics V7 is a highly sought out for model. It sells for around €98 and is the go-to professional microphone engineers use in their studios. It features a supercardioid polar pattern and a microphone grille made of spring steel. It should be noted that some versions of the V7 feature an off/on switch,
Keep in mind: Microphones with an on/off switch are not usually considered professional singing microphones. They are more designed for giving speeches. They can be great for singing but aren't the top choice for sound engineers.
Pros:
- Durable; Built to last
- Internal pop filter
- Modern look and feel
Cons:
- Singers need to sing directly into the microphone, or it will affect the volume levels
- The on/off switch version is less professional than other options as users may accidently turn off the sound while singing.
2. Shure SM58 LC
The most used dynamic cardioid microphone on the market is the Shure SM58 LC. You can expect to pay around €90-110 for this model, which is relatively low compared to other models. This model is a reliable microphone with high-quality sound and a range of basic must-have features. It has a wind and pop filter, optimized frequency response, and a shock absorption system, making it great for on-stage performances and karaoke nights. This is the go-to solution for performance karaoke that you can count on delivering a high-quality experience.
The big difference between the SM58 LC and the S is that the S features an on/off switch. This can accidentally disrupt the karaoke experience if your customers aren't careful, so we recommend opting for the LC.
If you're looking for a fancy microphone with all the bells and whistles, this probably isn't the model for you. It's basic, easy to use, and gets the job done. However, there are other mics on the market with more features for the same or a similar price.
Pros:
- High-frequency response
- Durable, sturdy, and rugged
Cons:
- Not as precise as other solutions on the market
- Great for on-stage performances, not recording in a studio. Which means it might not be the best solution for karaoke rooms.
3. Shure Beta 58A
The Shure Beta 58A is a professional-grade dynamic microphone designed for performances and studio recordings. It features a supercardioid polar pattern, which means it rejects better from the sides of the microphone. This microphone also features a hardened grille, making it harder to dent if anyone drops it on stage. Lastly, it has a greater sensitivity than other professional mics, which can be good or bad. If you have beginner karaoke singers screaming on stage into the microphone, the sound can be off-putting for the crowd. You can expect to pay around €175 for this option.
Pros
- Steel-built design, making it durable and resistant to dents
- You can expect a "true to life" vocal sound quality
Cons:
- Highly sensitive to sound, making it not great for beginners
4. Sennheiser E935
The Sennheiser E935 is a cardioid, dynamic professional karaoke microphone. It's designed with a shock-mounted capsule, which means it has a low sensitivity, making it a great option for all vocal types. Even though it's a cardioid mic, the feedback resistance is impressive, making this mic perfect for stage performances and hosted karaoke nights. The Sennheiser E935 also features a humbucking coil and a shock-resistant capsule mounting to help minimize the handling noise and eliminate any unwanted interference, providing a clear, crisp sound every time. Lastly, it looks great on stage! The stunning detail will complement any karaoke setup you have in your home, bar, or nightclub.
Pros:
- A great option if you're looking for a mic that can accommodate a range of male and female voices
- Durable and sturdy
- Affordable and comes with a 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Somewhat quiet compared to other microphones
5. AKG D-7
This dynamic supercardioid stage microphone features crisp sound and a natural tone. It's known for being relatively resistant to feedback and can easily accommodate just about any singing style. The AKG D-7 is a corded microphone with a dual-thickness variation diaphragm, an integrated hum compensation coil, and a precision metal dust filter. Together, these features deliver the best sound quality you can find. While it's a great option for on-stage performances, it might not provide the same experience in small karaoke rooms.
Pros
- Crisp, high-quality sound
- Resistant to feedback
- Great for performing on stage
Cons
- It's slightly more expensive than the other options. You can expect to pay anywhere from $179-$199
- Some may argue the sound is too clear and crisp for their liking
Upgrade your professional karaoke system with Singa
This is only to skim the surface of the microphones available on the market. When shopping for a microphone, always consider what features you want and what you’re using the karaoke microphone for.
Once you find a karaoke microphone that complements your setup, it’s time to think about karaoke software. If you don’t have the right karaoke software, you won’t be able to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Whether you’re looking to set up karaoke rooms at your club or host karaoke nights in your bar: Singa is here to help. Singa is an easy-to-use karaoke software that will help you create a next-level customer experience.