aka: my no-drama karaoke setup that fills the whole theater room with sound and puts the lyrics on the big screen.

If you’ve ever tried to “just plug in a karaoke machine,” you already know: video over HDMI is easy, but audio (especially your microphones) takes a little finesse. This post shows how to setup karaoke at home using a Singing Machine, a home theater receiver, and—if you want to level up—an inexpensive mixer and dual UHF wireless mics that work through walls.

TL;DR
HDMI from the karaoke unit goes to the projector/TV for lyrics. Music exits the unit via line-out, hops wirelessly to the receiver’s Analog 1 input, and (optionally) your pro karaoke setup adds a small mixer + UHF mics so vocals come through every speaker.



The Gear I Used (quick list)
 

• Singing Machine — HDMI for lyrics, 3.5 mm Line Out.

• Cordless HDMI: I have a projector and the receiver is in a little room under the stairs. I didn't want to plug the HDMI into the projector and I didn't have a cord run to the back room. This solved my problem! 

• Audio Receiver — make a “Karaoke” Virtual Input (Video=HDMI 3, Audio=Analog 1).

• Wireless audio link— sends line-out through walls.

• Wireless mic Mixer: balance music + mics, EQ, master volume. Stable, professional karaoke setup feel.

• Power: I needed additional plug-ins for this setup in both my receiver room and in the theater. I like this one because it has USB-A and USB-C too!

• Optional: Universal remote control if you don't already have one

Wiring It: Music + Mics → Receiver (the simple version)
 

1. Lyrics to screen: HDMI OUT (Singing Machine) → projector/TV (or Wireless HDMI RX → Audio Receiver HDMI INPUT 3.

2. Music to speakers: Line Out (3.5 mm headphone jack) → Wireless mic Mixer (3.5mm to Red/White RCA)→ wireless audio transmitter (or directly to Analog 1). Create Audio reciever Virtual Input: Video = HDMI 3(this is what I used you can use whatever HDMI is open), Audio = Analog 1.

3. Mics (super simple): without a mixer, the Singing Machine’s mic jacks play from the unit’s speaker only—fine for quick karaoke setup for parties.

4. Pro Mic Setup (my diy karaoke setup guide): I added the 2 additional mics with the Wireless mic Mixer. Now the best karaoke setup routes both music + vocals through the theater.

Sound Modes & Room Feel (fast wins)

• All-Channel Stereo/Mono spreads vocals evenly.

• Add Lip Sync (30–80 ms) if wireless HDMI adds delay.

• Keep mics in front of speakers; cut a bit of High EQ if they squeal.

Karaoke equipment setup tips (what saved me time)

• Label the Audio Receiver's input "Karaoke".

• USB-power the wireless link.

• Organize cables for clean look.

• For frequent karaoke setup for home, save a Karaoke scene/button on your universal remote.

Troubleshooting

• No audio over HDMI: many units send video only via HDMI—use Line Out.

• Mics only in the karaoke speaker: correct without a mixer—I used the wireless mic mixer for a professional karaoke setup.

• Singing machine karaoke Bluetooth setup: great for Spotify into/out of the unit; the native Singing Machine app won’t output vocals over BT—stick to line-out.

• Through-walls reliability: choose UHF mics and transmitters/receivers; or keep the receiver near line-of-sight.

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FAQ (quick hits)

• Best karaoke setup for a living room? HDMI for lyrics + line-out to AVR; add mixer + UHF mics.

• A “karaoking setup” without a mixer? Use machine for vocals, send line-out to AVR for music.

• A true “karaoke setup at home” that feels pro? Yes—mixer + UHF mics.

• DIY karaoke setup under an hour? 1) HDMI, 2) Line-out → receiver, 3) test levels, 4) add mixer + UHF mics.

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