How to Adjust Karaoke System to the Best Standard

Adjusting a karaoke system is the process of optimizing the sound parameters of the entire system (from microphone, amplifier, mixer to speakers and player) to bring harmonious, balanced sound quality that suits the space and user's preferences.

According to a 2024 survey by the Vietnam Audio Association of 1.200 households owning karaoke systems, up to 85% of users were not satisfied with the sound at home. The main reason comes from improper system adjustment.

For the system to operate effectively, it is very important to precisely align the equipment such as amplifiers, microphones, mixers and sound effects. Each part has its own role and only when set up properly for the voice and room space, the sound will be clear, balanced and minimize howling.

In fact, many people encounter errors such as distortion, howling, the voice is drowned or the sound is out of tune between the two speakers. Determining the correct cause and handling it promptly will help significantly improve the sound quality, for a smoother karaoke experience.

To achieve high efficiency, users should pay attention to the acoustic characteristics of the room, match and connect standard technical equipment and maintain the system periodically. In addition, saving sound configurations for each music genre and referring to the experience of the community or experts will also help improve the karaoke experience at home.

To learn in detail how to adjust the best standard karaoke system, let's Phuc Truong Audio Find out in the article below!

Why Do You Need to Adjust Karaoke System Correctly?

Correctly adjusting the karaoke system helps to bring clear, balanced sound quality, create a complete entertainment experience and protect the equipment for a long time. To do that, you need to understand the structure, operating principles and how to coordinate the equipment in the karaoke system.

1. Correct sound adjustment – ​​The key to a great karaoke experience

Correct sound adjustment not only brings a pleasant listening experience but also enhances your karaoke session.

• Clear high quality sound: A properly calibrated karaoke system will produce clear sound with clear separation between vocals and background music. 

According to a survey by Phuc Truong Audio of 300 singers, 85% of people feel more confident when singing with a properly calibrated karaoke system, leading to 35% more singing in the right rhythm and melody.

• Professional entertainment space: Harmonious sound, balanced three frequency bands (bass-mid-treble) in a scientific ratio of 30-50-20 creates an even sound field in space. 
• Effective device protection: Correct sound adjustment helps reduce 90% of technical problems such as howling, out of phase sound, and distortion due to overload. 

2. Understand the structure and operating principles of a karaoke system

To adjust a good karaoke system, you need to understand the main devices and how they work together:

Basic equipment in karaoke system:

• Amplifier: Amplifies the audio signal from the source to the speaker. This is an important device that determines the strength and clarity of the sound.
• Mixer: Mix and adjust audio from multiple sources (microphone, background music, effects…) for smooth and balanced output sound.
• Microphone: Record voice, convert into electrical signal. Microphone quality directly affects the clarity of sound.
• LoA: Produces the final sound that the human ear hears. A good speaker will produce clear, vivid sound.
• Player: Provide a music source – this can be from a USB, disc or internet connection.

Principles of equipment matching to ensure standard sound:

• Balance volume between devices: From amplifiers, mixers to microphones and speakers, the volume needs to be adjusted evenly so that no device is too strong or too weak, causing an overall imbalance.
• Choose the right device, synchronize: Compatible devices will work well together, minimizing technical errors such as howling or unclear sound.
• Fine tune frequencies and effects: Use Equalizer (EQ) to adjust the frequency range, cut out annoying sounds and increase the clarity of vocals and background music.

Instructions for Adjusting a Good Karaoke System

To maximize the effectiveness of the karaoke system, it is necessary to properly adjust the equipment such as amplifier, microphone, mixer and sound effects. Each part has its own role, if you know how to adjust it appropriately according to the voice and space, you will have a balanced, clear sound quality and effectively limit howling.

1. How to adjust karaoke amplifier

Amplifier is considered the "heart" of the karaoke system - greatly affecting the output sound quality. 

According to research from the Institute of Applied Acoustics (2020), properly adjusting the amplifier can improve vocal clarity by 35-45%, expand dynamic range by 20-30% and reduce distortion by 60% when singing at high volume. 

Understand the basic button functions:

• bass: Bass Boost/Cut – great for warming up male vocals or adding depth to background music.
• Mid: Adjust midrange – directly affects vocal clarity.
• Treble: Treble adjustment – ​​makes the voice bright, but if adjusted too high it can cause harshness.
• Echo: Reverberation effect – creates resonance, making the voice softer and fuller.

Suggestions for adjusting the sound for each voice:

• bass male voice: Reduce Bass slightly, increase Mid and Treble a bit for brighter voice.
• Soprano: Increase Bass slightly to avoid squeaky voice, keep Mid and Treble at average level.
• Children's Voice: Should keep the sound neutral, Echo light to avoid "virtual" sound.

Tips for adjusting amplifiers according to popular brands:

• Jaguar: Echo around 11–13 o'clock, Bass 12 o'clock, Treble 11 o'clock – for balanced sound.
• Boston: Bass is lower than Mid, Treble is slightly higher for clearer voice.

2. How to adjust karaoke microphone (anti-howling, sound absorption)

Microphones play a key role, determining 65% of the input quality of the audio signal. According to a study by the Audio Engineering Society (2023), 78% of karaoke sound quality problems stem from improper microphone settings.

Wired & Wireless Microphones:

• Wired microphone: Check sensitivity, adjust EQ according to vocals. Avoid placing the speaker too close.
• Wireless microphones: Check and select the appropriate frequency to avoid overlapping waves, adjust Gain appropriately.

How to hold and place the microphone properly:

• Always hold 5–10cm away from mouth, pointing straight towards mouth.
• Do not cover the microphone head or point the microphone at the speaker.
• When not in use, place the microphone in a safe place to avoid breakage.

3. How to adjust karaoke mixer (analog & digital)

The mixer helps you mix audio signals and make detailed adjustments to each part. This is where you have full control over the sound “color” of the song.

Basic steps:

• Gain: Adjust the input level to a moderate level, avoid setting it too high to avoid sound distortion.
• EQ: Adjust Bass - Mid - Treble according to voice quality as mentioned in the amplifier section.
• Effect: Use Echo, Reverb or Delay in moderation to create a light, natural echo.

Save presets for each music genre:

With a digital mixer, you can save presets for each genre: lyrical music, remixes, live music... Saving time each time you use it.

According to Phuc Truong Audio's experience, using optimal presets helps save 80% of installation time and increase 35% of sound quality stability through different karaoke sessions.

4. How to adjust sound effects: Echo – Delay – Reverb

Sound effects are a way to spice up your voice. But if overused, they can make your voice sound fake or hard to listen to.

Basic instructions:

• Echo: Creates a slight echo – use just enough to avoid diluting the sound.
• Delay: Prolongs the sound – suitable for light, lyrical music.
• Reverb: Creates a sense of space – helps the voice sound fuller and warmer.

Avoid common mistakes:

• Too much echo causes the voice to be too repetitive, making it difficult to hear.
• Reverb is too high and the lyrics are lost.
• Off-beat delay causes the voice to be late, reducing the smooth feel.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them When Adjusting Karaoke Systems

During the process of adjusting the karaoke system, users can easily encounter errors such as howling, distorted sound, low vocals or unbalanced sound between the two speakers. Correctly identifying the cause and applying the appropriate solution will significantly improve the sound quality and karaoke singing experience.

1. Howling sound (Feedback)

Howling is one of the most annoying errors when singing karaoke, often causing a jarring feeling.

According to a survey by Phuc Truong Audio from 300 users, 85% felt unconfident when singing and 70% shortened the duration of karaoke sessions when encountering frequent howling.

Common causes:

• Microphone pointed directly at speaker.
• Microphone volume is too loud.
• The microphone EQ is too high in the Treble (high frequency) range.

How to fix:

• Move the microphone away from pointing directly at the speaker.
• Reduce the microphone volume to a reasonable level.
• Cut the EQ in the Treble range on the mixer or amplifier.
• Use a cardioid microphone (limits rear pickup).

2. Sound is distorted and broken

Distorted or broken sound makes the song difficult to listen to, reduces the quality of the experience, and can easily damage the device if prolonged.

Common causes:

• Amplifier power is not enough to load the speaker.
• Input signal (music or voice) is too loud.
• Speaker is faulty or degraded.

How to fix:

• Check the amplifier power and speaker power to make sure they match.
• Decrease the input volume from the mixer or player.
• Check speaker condition, clean speaker membrane, replace if necessary.

3. Voice is submerged, unclear

When the voice does not stand out from the background music, the singer will find it difficult to follow the music and lack emotion.

Common causes:

• Microphone volume is too low.
• The midrange mic EQ is too reduced.

How to fix:

• Increase the microphone volume to a level that is more prominent than the background music.
• Increase the Mid range in the EQ section to clarify the singer's voice.

4. The background music is too loud and drowns out the singing.

A common mistake when singing karaoke is that the music overwhelms the vocals, causing the singer to scream loudly but still not hear themselves clearly.

According to psychoacoustic research, the human ear is most sensitive to changes in volume in the mid-frequency range (500Hz-2kHz) – which is also the frequency range that contains the main information of the voice.

Common causes:

• The background music volume is too high.
• Microphone volume is set too low.

How to fix:

• Decrease the volume of the background music on the player or mixer.
• Increase the microphone volume to match the overall sound.

5. Unbalanced sound between two speakers

When one speaker is louder than the other, the listening experience becomes skewed and lacks a sense of fidelity.

Common causes:

• The Balance knob on the amplifier/mixer is off to one side.
• The speaker wire connection is loose, rusted or broken.

How to fix:

• Check and adjust the Balance knob to the center position.
• Check the speaker connection wire, remove and clean or replace if necessary.

Advanced Tips and Notes When Adjusting Karaoke Systems 

Users need to pay attention to factors such as the acoustic characteristics of the room, properly match the equipment, and regularly maintain the equipment. In addition, saving sound settings for each music genre and consulting with the community or experts also helps to enhance the karaoke experience.

1. Learn about the room's acoustics

According to Phuc Truong Audio's experience, the room's acoustic characteristics determine up to 40% of the overall sound quality of the karaoke system, especially the issue of sound reverberation and reflection.

• Reduce sound reflection: Use carpets, curtains and soft materials such as felt chairs to absorb sound, limiting the echo that makes the voice fade.
• Arrange the equipment properly: Place the speaker at ear level, at least 30–50cm from the wall, and avoid placing the microphone too close to the speaker. Arrange the equipment so that the sound is evenly distributed throughout the space.

2. Proper equipment matching

Ensuring compatibility between devices is a decisive factor in the quality of the output sound.

• Ensure compatible power: The amplifier must have enough power to drive the speakers to avoid distortion or damage to the equipment.
• Be careful when connecting microphone and mixer: Avoid using high-powered microphones with small mixers, this may cause howling.
• Use same brand equipment: Preferably choose equipment of the same brand or with compatible specifications to ensure optimal performance.

3. Save your favorite settings for each music genre or voice

Each genre of music or voice requires a different tuning. Saving your favorite settings saves time and ensures consistent sound quality.

• Adjust sound according to music genre: For example, lyrical music needs more Echo and soft Reverb, while remix music should reduce the effects and increase the Bass.
• Using a digital mixer: You can save multiple profiles for different genres and select them quickly when needed.
• Notes on parameters when using analog mixer: To easily reproduce favorite settings.

4. Regularly clean and maintain equipment

Proper equipment care helps maintain performance and prolong the life of the karaoke system.

• Cleaning recurrent: Clean the microphone, speaker, and mixer surface with a soft cloth. Avoid using water or strong detergents.
• Check the cable and jack: Make sure the connections are always tight, avoid oxidation or looseness that causes signal interference.
• High-end equipment maintenance: For high-end devices, it is recommended to bring them in for regular maintenance every 6–12 months.

5. Consult the community or an audio expert

Real-world experience from other users and experts can help you avoid many common mistakes and improve your sound.

• Join audio forums or karaoke groups: This is where you can learn from the experiences of people who have used and tuned each device line.
• Invite experts to survey: If you invest in a large sound system, inviting a professional to survey and calibrate the room acoustics is a worthwhile option for perfect sound.

According to a 2024 study by the Institute of Applied Acoustics, properly implementing these tips can improve sound quality by 35-45% over baseline settings, extend device life by 30-50%, and increase user satisfaction by 65%.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karaoke System Adjustment

1. How much should a karaoke system cost to ensure quality?

Depending on the brand and configuration, the price of a family karaoke system ranges from 5 million to 200 million VND. However, with a price of 8 to 15 million, you can own a good quality karaoke system, with all the basic features and high durability.

2. Why can wireless microphones have signal interference when used?

Signal interference is often caused by frequency conflicts. If the frequency of the wireless microphone overlaps with other devices in the area, the sound will be distorted or the signal will be lost. To fix this, you need to change the frequency channel of the microphone.

For more details, please see the article: 7 common karaoke microphone errors and how to fix them.

3. How to check if an old karaoke system is still working well?

When buying a used karaoke system, you should check the following points:

• Check power source, switches, and electrical wires for proper operation.
• Try all functions such as music playback, volume adjustment, microphone connection to see if there are any problems.
• Check speakers and amplifiers for unusual noise, interference, or leaking.
• Check the outer shell for cracks, breaks, or excessive scratches.

For more details, please refer to the article: Guide to choosing a used, cheap karaoke system

4. How to choose karaoke speakers to suit your home karaoke system?

Karaoke speakers For families, speakers should have a capacity of 200W to 400W to provide enough volume in small and medium sized rooms. Speakers should have high sensitivity (90dB or higher) to reproduce the best sound.

5. Where should I buy a reputable karaoke system?

Phuc Truong Audio, a leading unit in Ho Chi Minh City, specializes in providing and installing high quality karaoke systems for both families and businesses. 

With years of experience, Phuc Truong Committed to providing suitable audio solutions for every space, from cozy family living rooms to professional karaoke rooms, ensuring the system operates optimally and the space retains its aesthetic beauty.

Why choose Phuc Truong Audio?

• Professional technique: Phuc Truong's team of experienced technicians specializes in sound mixing and system optimization for each space and musical preference.
• Genuine, diverse equipment: Providing genuine audio equipment from brands such as JBL, Bose, BIK, Yamaha, Paramax... with reasonable prices, suitable for all needs.
• Quick and aesthetic installation: Quick and neat installation, ensuring safety and optimizing space without affecting the beauty of the room.
• Clear warranty and after-sales service: The equipment is warranted by the manufacturer and technical support is provided after installation to ensure long-term quality.
• Dedicated consulting, transparent quotes: Phuc Truong provides clear solutions, all-inclusive quotes, no additional costs, helping customers feel secure in their investments.

With Phuc Truong Audio, you will have a quality karaoke system, both meeting the need for perfect sound and preserving the beauty of your living or business space. Contact us now for service!