Sound equipment for karaoke gigs.🎤

Summer is the golden time for karaoke hosts, as events and celebrations are held from weekend to weekend. We are occasionally asked for recommendations on various sound equipment. This article gathers PA systems specifically suitable for karaoke use.

Requirements 🎤

Sound equipment is available for various needs at different price points. The choice of equipment depends on your intended use, activity level, and the size of the venues. As it involves a mobile job, setting up the workspace should be as easy and convenient as possible. Additionally, they should fit in a regular car and, to save your back, have a moderate weight.

This text discusses various options that work excellently for gig use, whether you're a casual enthusiast or you make a living covering the entire country.

Sound equipment (speakers) for karaoke. 🎤

Speakers are broadly classified into two groups: active and passive speakers. This article will only cover active speakers, as they have largely displaced passive speakers in gig use. The difference lies in the fact that a passive speaker requires a separate amplifier, whereas in an active one, it is built-in.

Below, I've listed various options based on size and usage needs. As with other equipment recommendations, I'm not suggesting the cheapest options on the market, as professional gear, unlike home devices, pays off in the long run.

Compact and handy for occasional use

Don't let the small size fool you, as these devices produce sound, loud and with good quality. These speakers come with a mixer and inputs, allowing you to connect microphones directly to the back of the speaker. These are best suited for small parties where sound levels remain moderate.

Bose S1 Pro
At the forefront of small PA systems. Behind the speaker, there are two inputs where you can connect microphones. In the battery-powered model, the power lasts for the entire gig, so you don't have to worry about electricity. The device also features Bluetooth, allowing you to use it as a speaker at home. If you're building a larger setup, this speaker can also be used as a monitor for the singer.

Yamaha DRB12
A bit larger than the Bose speaker, but similarly includes inputs where you can connect microphones directly. Sound-wise, it features the familiar Yamaha quality. 

Medium-sized for heavy use

Medium-sized PA systems are perfect for active use and quick setup. The systems listed below include sufficient inputs and controls to connect microphones directly to the speaker. It is also possible to expand with a separate mixer.

Bose L1 Pro16
In our opinion, Bose's "column speakers" are among the best options in the category. This Pro16 model, as the name suggests, includes 16 elements at the top end, and the sound is delivered to a 180-degree listening area. At the bottom, you'll find connections for 2 devices, but you can also connect a separate mixer.

Bose L1 Pro8
The little brother of the Pro16 model. The difference comes in the number of top-end speakers, which in this model is 8. Bose also offers the L1 Compact system package, which is the most affordable in the series, but we recommend investing in this Pro8 model.

Yamaha Stagepas 600
This package looks like traditional active speakers from the outside but conceals a 10-channel mixer inside. A full-fledged mixer is integrated behind the second speaker, and it can be detached.

Unlike column speakers, it's a good idea to get speaker stands for these to elevate the speakers higher.

For a large space, heavy-duty use

If you've decided to go big and want the best value for your money, our recommendation is the complete Bose F1 package. You can order one top unit and one bottom unit, but since you're aiming for perfection, go ahead and add everything to your cart in pairs.

Bose F1 Active subwoofer
A subwoofer about hip height and weighing 25 kg serves as the foundation of the package, both in sound and physically. This bottom unit delivers low frequencies smoothly and powerfully, without any "boom."

Bose F1 Model 812
The active speaker is placed on the subwoofer with the help of legs. The specialty of this speaker lies in its adjustable elements. By pressing/pulling from the top and bottom, you can modify the coverage area vertically. If the speakers are elevated, you can press the bottom inward, directing the sound at a larger angle downward.

If you're not ready for a large one-time investment, you can start by acquiring the top units separately, as they come with 12" subwoofer elements. With just one top and bottom unit, you can meet the audio needs of even a larger space.

You might also be interested in these articles.

👉 What kind of a mixer for karaoke?

👉 5 Ways to offer karaoke in a restaurant

👉 Proven microphones for a karaoke restaurant

👉 How to host karaoke? - Tips for beginners

👉 Karaoke to a restaurant - What licences do I need?

Would you like to know more about Feelment?

Feelment is perfect for karaoke gigs as you can use it truly offline, without an internet connection. Additionally, you have access to the widest range of karaoke songs on the market, including over 50% more domestic productions than competing systems.

Book a time on the calendar, and let's discuss your karaoke needs together 😉