Don't abuse the karaoke microphone

The microphones used by singers at karaoke shows are often abused because amateur performers are untrained, and unaware of the damage they can cause. Many karaoke singers would not know a high quality microphone from an inexpensive product purchased at a department store. However, no one should abuse equipment that doesn’t belong to them.

Whether the microphone is wired or wireless, a high quality microphone outputs a richer, cleaner and more accurate reproduction of the vocal performance. Wireless microphones can be a very expensive investment for a KJ who cares that the singers sound their best. A serious KJ can spend $600 to $700 for each wireless microphone, so it’s easy to understand why they would not want this piece of equipment to be mistreated. Wired microphones are generally less expensive and more durable but afford singers less opportunity to move around as they sing. It’s the cables to these wired microphones that take the most abuse and must be frequently repaired or replaced at the expense of the KJ. Swinging a wired microphone around by its cord is never permitted.

Slapping a microphone against your hand or hitting it most certainly can cause damage, so these actions are always prohibited! Blowing or spitting into a microphone, or just screaming into the microphone could cause damage so these actions are also not acceptable. Tightly twisting the plastic battery cover on a wireless microphone, while singing, is another objectionable activity that a KJ will not accept. Dropping the microphone will usually cause a singer to be removed from the singer’s rotation for the remainder of the show as it is the most serious form of abuse.

Performers should never smoke while singing, nor should they ever bring their drink with them when they step up to sing. Both of these activities could cause damage to the microphone or simply cause discomfort to the next performer to sing. Even an untrained singer should understand that other people will be using the same microphone and may not want to smell smoke or alcohol as they try to sing.

The karaoke microphone is an essential piece of equipment for all who attend a karaoke show, for without it, there can be no show. Anyone who doesn’t understand this simple fact will soon find that they are not welcome to perform, so don’t abuse the karaoke microphone.