The biggest challenge in putting together a good computer based karaoke system lies in finding the best karaoke program (or programs) to run on your pc (or mac). I’ve been involved in computer karaoke for the past several years and have recently placed a new laptop computer based karaoke system into my show. I currently use a combination of several programs for different purposes, but I’m always looking for the next big karaoke software to make my life easier.
I decided to start this blog to document my findings and to hopefully pass on my research to help others in search of good karaoke software. I would also enjoy hearing from others out there who have experiences to add or recommendations to make.
This is list of the karaoke programs for the pc that I currently use and their purpose:
1. WinAMP with CDG plug-in: Free software for music playback, does a great job for karaoke MP3+G file cataloging and playback, can modify song tags, supports secondary screen – and yes, it’s free!
2. Tricerasoft CDG Ripper 2: Rips CDG discs to MP3+G format. This software is essential for the conversion of your existing CDG disc library onto your pc.
3. Tricerasoft Song Book Creator: Dynamically creates karaoke song books from your file library. With this software it’s a snap to update the karaoke songbook. The software also eliminates duplicate song listings.
4. MaxVista V4 – Standard Edition: Allows the use of another pc as a secondary monitor (2nd laptop as monitor) wirelessly!
5. Radmin v3 – Remote Control: I sometimes use this software in place of MaxVista V4. It depends on the performance situation – with this software I can sit out in the crowd and control the show wirelessly!
In the coming posts I will discuss my usage of each karaoke program including configurations, system setup and operation. I will then begin to review other karaoke programs, in the constant search for better computer karaoke software for my future use. Some examples of my future karaoke program reviews include pc based audio mixing software that will enable on-board vocal and special effects as well as remote control of vocal volume and effects levels. I’ve also been experimenting with several streaming karaoke services which run on both a laptop and an Ipod touch or Iphone. Imagine, a massive remotely streamed library of instantly playable karaoke songs at the touch of a button! I will also discuss my usage of the Iphone (or Ipod touch) for karaoke playback. I currently use a very cheap and handy app for my Iphone that lets me get unbelievably portable! (With a 32gig iphone or ipod touch you can store a heck of a lot of MP3+G karaoke songs!) I’ve already used this software for live performances and have some really good ideas for Iphone / Ipod implementation in my future karaoke shows.
Please feel free to comment on this post and also make karaoke program suggestions for my research. You can also email me and I’ll get back with you as soon as possible. Thanks for your interest in my new blog and stay tuned for future karaoke program information!