#singingmachine

You don’t have to be a Beyoncé to sound like her.

A vocal music professor in college once told me that one of the key elements of being a great singer is having an imagination. When you envision the words you’re singing, understand the meaning behind them and imagine the sound and tone you want to release while singing—it can be a cinch. What better way to use that imagination than through singing karaoke?

There are a number of at-home karaoke machines that allow you to cover songs from your favorite artists, but my personal recommended brand is Singing Machine. The company is a leader in providing consumer-oriented karaoke systems, music, youth electronics, musical instruments and accessories. (See its products here.)  While Singing Machine has a variety of karaoke machines, the SML-385W model Disco Light Karaoke System is a personal favorite. Let me explain some of the unique features.

SML-385W Disco Light Karaoke System Review

I give this karaoke machine a 4/5 rating:

At first glance, the machine is simple-looking. However, the quality of the machine and its features make it stand out amongst the crowd of karaoke systems. Perhaps the coolest feature is the disco lights that reflect throughout the room from the karaoke machine. Whether you are hosting a gathering with friends or just feel like singing alone at home—you will feel like you are glowing with the flashing lights. They instantly create a party. The system can conveniently be plugged into any television, which displays the lyrics from your CD-G (karaoke cd) right across the screen.

Photo: Singing Machine SML-385W Disco Light Karaoke System (via WalMart.com)

Another exciting feature of the karaoke machine is the ability to adjust echo, balance and voice control on the microphone with the simple turn of a knob. As you imagine yourself onstage as your favorite artist, you can control the volume and effects of which you would like for your voice to be heard. Additionally, the machine comes with one microphone and two microphone jacks.

Though there are no CD-Gs that come with the machine, the device is compatible with Singing Machine brand karaoke CDs and other brand CD-G karaoke CDs.  These can be purchased either online or in the music department at a large retailer like Wal-Mart or Target. The Singing Machine also conveniently allows you to download and burn your own customized CD-G here.

The only reason this machine did not gain five stars from me is because of the lack of a built-in screen. The older version Singing Machine devices had screens on them so users could view the screen even if they weren’t necessarily in a room with a television. Other than that factor, this is an excellent machine for singing and fully utilizing one’s imagination.