Karaoke Terms
Perhaps you are new to karaoke or perhaps you are just not clear on some terms of the art, read on and we'll explain in detail what the various karaoke terms mean.

CDG or CD+G (compact disc with graphics) - Compact disc which have been encoded with digital information which supplies a song's lyrics and other graphics on a TV/monitor when played on a karaoke system with a graphic decoder. CDG discs can also be played on any CD player for music only.

DVD (Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) - New CD format which, for karaoke use, incorporates a motion picture background with words to the song superimposed in front of the video pictures

ECHO PROCESSOR / ECHO CONTROLLER - An integral part of karaoke which enhances a singer's voice by adding repeat/delay (echo) patterns to the voice, creating a richer, more professional sound. The processor can be a feature of the karaoke mixer or a separate component.

KARAOKE MIXER - The basic component of karaoke hardware, this allows a singer's voice to be mixed with music. Adds echo and special effects; sometimes includes key changer.

KARAOKE - A Japanese word which loosely translates as "empty orchestra," describing the concept of providing a singer with background accompaniment music (usually including background/harmony vocals). The karaoke industry provides both software (cassettes, compact disc, compact discs with graphics, DVD disc, etc.) and hardware, the main features of which include echo, mic mixing functions, etc. described in this glossary.

KEY/PITCH CONTROLLER - Raises or lowers the song key/pitch to help you sing a note which is too high or too low for your vocal range. A pitch controller changes the key by slowing down or speeding up the recording. A Digital key changer changes the key without effecting the speed/tempo of the music.

MONITOR SPEAKERS - Speakers directed at the performer to help them hear the music and singing.

MONITOR - TV Screen used to display words and/or pictures from CDGs, laser dics, or videos by hooking up to the cdg/dvd player.

MULTIPLEX - Recorded with the lead voice on one channel only, allowing for either voice only or music only playing usually by controlling the left/right balance of a stereo system.

OMNI-DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE - Sound pick-up pattern is wide and fan-like. Works well to more evenly pick up two or more singers' voices (can be placed in front of a group for a more even distribution of sounds coming from the sides of the microphone).

UNI-DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE - Sound pick-up pattern is narrow and ideal for a solo singer (does not tend to pick up sounds to the sides of the microphone, reduces possibility of feedback).

VIDEO COMPACT DISC (VCD) - Compact disc with moving pictures in addition to music (encoded with MPEG 1 format). VCDs must be played on a VCD player for either the music to be heard or the video to be
Seen.

VOCAL REDUCER / VOCAL MASKING - Decreases the volume of the recorded vocals on regular cassettes or compact disc so you can sing songs not yet released on karaoke recordings: amount of reduction varies with original recording.