Magic Mic Karaoke Rotating Header Image

October, 2008:

How Popular is Karaoke?

Oct 30th, 2008
by jamie.
No comments yet

Remember Disney’s first installment of High School Musical in 2006? One of the beginning scenes was a party, with two teens shoved on stage to do a duet. It was the first time they met and that singing act began the whole High School Musical saga. The teens happened to be the now ultra-famous characters Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montes. And you have to take notice of that thing that introduced the two—karaoke of course!

Recently, I saw an interview with some of the cast for High School Musical 3, and I heard Zac Ephron say that his dad has friends in the Philippines, and it’s so popular for karaoke. His dad comes back and forth for vacations, and those vacations always include karaoke fun. Yes, karaoke is one supreme form of entertainment. It is so popular that you can see the whole karaoke vogue here and there in different movies and on tv.

I saw a list in Wikipedia of karaoke depicted in a variety of movies and television shows. You might probably know some in the list.

·    Films:
o    1989 film Black Rain
o    1996 comedy The Cable Guy
o    1997 romantic comedy My Best Friend’s Wedding
o    1997 Korean gangster comedy No. 3
o    Karaoke is central to the 2000 movie Duets, which features a father and daughter competing in karaoke  contests
o    In the 2001 film Jackpot, an aspiring singer tours karaoke bars hoping to catch his big break as a country star
o    2001 film Rush Hour 2 includes a karaoke performance by Chris Tucker, where he upstages a tone-deaf local in Hong Kong by singing Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”
o    2003 film Lost in Translation
o    Karaoke is the central theme of The Karaoke King, a 2006 independent film

·    Television shows:
o    American television show Desperate Housewives
o    Several episodes of American television series Angel feature the demonic karaoke bar Caritas, whose proprietor Lorne (Andy Hallett) can tell fortunes based on the songs he hears. Some of the episodes include “That Old Gang of Mine” (episode 3 of season 3) and “Offspring” (episode 7 of season 3).
o    Bones, a forensics and police procedural in which each episode focuses on an FBI case file concerning the mystery behind human remains brought by FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth to the forensic anthropology team of Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan. Karaoke was part of the cast in one of its episode, “Wannabe in the Weeds.”
o    Two Pints of Lager & A packet of Crisps featured Donna singing “Chick Chick Chicken”, which was made for the BBC by Zoom Entertainments, a karaoke producer based in Hull, UK.

You yourself might be thinking now of more episodes in tv series or scenes in movies with karaoke in it. Karaoke is just so widespread!

New Generation of Karaoke INDEED

Oct 28th, 2008
by jamie.
No comments yet

In this generation of multimedia communication, high-definition gadgets, broadbands and wifis, computer-operated machineries and ultra-modern gizmos, one thing comes to mind—high-technology. High-tech, meaning the technology that is at the cutting edge or the most advanced technology (thanks Wikipedia), is the ultimate description of the progressive advancement of everything we use and operate. Of course, karaoke microphones are of no exception. Since the birth of karaoke in Japan, it has evolved into this equipment that is indeed high-tech. And Magic Sing is the fairest of them all. How? Let me tell you.

1.  Karaoke microphones nowadays are wireless. No more primitive wired mics in which your mobility is hindered and in which you worry about tripping over the lines. You can even use it in an open site with its 35 feet wireless distance.
2. They come with a remote control. No worries with convenience. Just use the remote control as you sit cozily in your sofa.
3. They have improved picture quality and clearer vocal sounds. All-In-One digital karaoke indeed.
4.  Songs are built-in, and there are thousands of them. You do not need to use CD or DVD players.
5. Besides having built-in songs, you can even upgrade with song chip expansion slots. The current model even has four slots.
5. They have a built-in USB interface and battery charge status indicator.
6. They contain different melody instruments for background music, and even have the ability to change your voice/pitch to male or female.
7. They mean entertainment to the highest level with team game and competition functions.
8. They include a singing tutor function. Green color if you are too fast or too slow. Blue color if your pitch is too low. Red if your pitch is too high. Black if you are in perfect sync.
9. Full karaoke functions including adjustable key/tempo/echo are included in these fancy karaoke microphones, plus 20 song reservation while in play.
10.  There is a built-in memory for 8 minutes recordings & playback, built-in external video background input (VCD, DVD, Video Camera) and audio output mode (Amplifier or TV).

In case you didn’t know, they are the built-in features of Magic Sing models, including the latest Enter Tech Magic Sing ET-18000. Undeniably high-tech!

Down Magic Sing History Lane

Oct 19th, 2008
by jamie.
No comments yet

Ever wonder how Magic Sing became Magic Sing, being the most innovative piece of entertainment equipment there is in the market? Well, of course, Magic Sing’s history began with karaoke (kara for empty and o-kesutora for orchestra) being invented in Kobe, Japan. It became a sensation in Japan and eventually the craze extended across other parts of Asia including East and Southeast Asia. In the following decades, karaoke finally reached different countries all over the world as it turned out to be a global obsession.

Karaoke initially was bulky and heavy, but as developments in technology emerged, developments in karaoke also emerged, making it compact and lightweight for the further comfort and enjoyment of consumers. And thus, this handy, convenient singing machine was finally branded as the “karaoke magic sing microphone.”

Magic Sing Karaoke Microphone ultimately became THE household entertainment gadget, replacing videoke CDs and karaoke DVDs due to its upmarket features such as having micro chip slots if you want to play sets of songs under a specific genre by inserting song chips (and get this, you can choose from hundreds to thousands of songs!), voice features like changer and recording, real time scoring elements and plenty more, besides already being efficient and convenient in size and weight.

Enter Tech was the pioneer designer and creator of the first Magic Sing. It was called “Magic Sing,” designed in color black and contained 800 built-in songs. Being the foremost Magic Sing, it lacked the capacity to work with a second wireless microphone. Soon afterward, the second model was introduced to the market, designed in color black and silver, having 800 songs in a chip and already had the sub microphone and mic stand unlike the first version. These models of course became a hit, and almost every family who loves singing has one in the entertainment areas of their homes.

The third version was then launched by Enter Tech after the successive feats of the first two versions. This more enhanced model included gold in the color of the mic and excluded the round microphone head. At the latter part of 2002, Enter Tech then released the Silver Magic Mic IV and the vocoder is an added feature. Two years after, the Silver Magic Mic V with a new record feature and built-in 800 songs was out in the market.

In 2005, Enter Tech released ED-8000. This model has 2058 built-in songs with additional features such as uploading of your own song record to computer and burning it to CD. The following year ED-1100 was released with features including 10 song chips. Then in December 2007, EG-18000 model with more enhancements was introduced in the market.

And for this year, Enter Tech has released its newest Magic Sing ET-18000 Multiplex Karaoke Microphone 2009 Edition. This model is the recent addition to Enter-Tech’s music microphones with original new features such as the new Multiplex Function wherein you can easily follow songs, My Mic (100 customized songs), Customizable Picture Background using an SD Card, Picture Background Themes, Improved Sound Quality, Name That Tune Game, Musical Notes, Jump Feature (Prelude/Interlude), Score Board Function, and Real Time Song Search.

Indeed, Magic Sing is the leading appliance when it comes to modern entertainment. And in the years to come, new models with finer and fancier features will be released, adding up to Enter Tech’s already successful versions of Magic Sing.

Got Singing Problems?

Oct 18th, 2008
by thea.
No comments yet

Do you feel you’re most of the time out of tune? Or that you are more like a better performer than to be a real singer? Don’t fret. Here are some of the singing tips experts around the world have agreed on:

> Know your capacity. Don’t choose a song not fit for your pitch. But if you think singing a song that’s out of your range can give you that plus-factor, go ahead. Singing is about having fun anyway. Just make sure you’re not abusing those vocal chords and that the eardrums of those within the area won’t get destroyed :)

> Learn how to properly breath while singing. This seems to be a hard task but most voice teachers say that if you’re having a hard time breathing while singing, probably you’re not doing it right. Make sure there’s proper air flow.

> Feel the mood and the music. More often than not, a singer isn’t an artist is he or she failed to communicate the message of the song. It’s one of the basics: don’t smile when you’re singing about a heartbreak. Who’s happy with that? Make eye contact or if you’re singing for your own pleasure then be at ease! Let loose all the emotions you’ve long wanted to get over with.

> Relax those facial muscles. Stiff muscles may prevent proper blood and air circulation. This will help your breathing while singing. The result? Better singing performance!

There are many others and will dwell on the tips more in the next blog posts.

However, if you tried all these already and still feel you still have not gotten the songs right, then maybe you need to get a better singing equipment. Because sometimes, the microphone has the magic too.

Adjustable echos and pitch level, which is available in the Magic Mic, will help you determine your singing capacity.

Thank heavens the magic mic also have the Singing tutor function which will show the Green color if you are too fast or too slow. Blue color if your pitch is too low. Red if your pitch is too high. Black if you are in perfect sync. How cool is that? An instant vocal coach!

There is also a Built-in memory for 8 minutes recordings & playback which can help you assess your performance. Listen to your voice or get friends to comment on it. And if the verdict is “more practice” you don’t have to worry–there are hundreds of built-in songs in the mic you can practice on.

It is not bad too to practice in front of the mirror so you can see if your facial expressions match that of what the song means. With the magic mic’s 35 feet wireless distance (open site), a remote control and a dual microphone base, you need no bring a mirror near your television set.

Amazing? You have not heard the rest of the deal yet. :) Keep returning to this blog for more tips and whatnots.

Top Videoke Hits

Oct 18th, 2008
by thea.
No comments yet

Although no official survey had been conducted yet, videoke afficionados would agree there are just some songs worth singing all the time, whatever the occasion.

There is no scientific proof in this but a few searches over the internet would tell you Filipinos like to hum it up with classics like Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”;  the very popular party-starter Build me up Buttercup, Hotel California by the Eagles, Crazy for you by Madonna, Jose Mari Chan’s Beautiful Girl, and even Sharon Cuneta’s Bituing Walang Ningning.

Can you share what’s on your list?

And the good thing about this is all of these songs can be found in the Magic Mic Karaoke! Why bother buy videoke compact disks that usually contain songs of just one artist? In the plug and play magic mic karaoke, with various song chips to choose from, you can have a wide array of song choices; from pop to ballad to rock and even to novelty (think April Boy Regino and Sexbomb)! The list is alphabetical in order so it’s totally hassle-free to look for a song.

Over two dozens of song chips to choose from, with each chip alone containing hundreds of popular and unforgettable songs, you’ll surely get the party going right in your home or office.

The Magic Of Singing

Oct 10th, 2008
by thea.
No comments yet

Why do you think rock stars, opera artists, pop divas, and balladeers have such promising careers when in fact, all they seem to do is sing their hearts out?

Well, it’s a no-brainer: singing is a way of life; an indispensable form of art present in whatever culture or race; has transcended across generations–and it’s evolving! It’s surprising how many musical notes there could ever be.

Art and passion it is, singing has become a way to express one’s self, to kill idle time, or to plainly have fun. Check your grade school slum book (what is your hobby? singing.) or reminisce your good ‘ol high school days and there’ll be surely plenty of ‘singing’ memories.

In most Filipino rituals, singing is as well present. Name it: wedding, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, even burials! There’s a song to sing for every occasion, for every emotion, and for practically every reason.

Singing in turn became almost a necessity, paving the way for the creation of instruments that would make the art easier. From archaic instruments like mandolins, time and technology gave birth to radio, cassette tapes,  compact discs then the Karaoke.

Wikipedia defines Karaoke as a form “of entertainment in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music (and/or a music video) using a microphone and public address system” with the voice of the original singer removed or reduced in volume.

But first generation karaoke systems were very expensive and huge in size, making it impossible to sing anywhere you like it. Lyrics were still printed in a paper and if you don’t know the song’s lyrical timing, you have to play it by ear. Thankfully, this evolved into KTV (Karaoke TV) and all you had to do is follow the highlighted prompt on the lyrics.

The Karaoke phenomenon also spurred the rise of KTV bars but public singing areas can be not as fun to those who are shy and not confident with their singing prowess. Besides, there would be a lot of competition in public KTV bars!

All these apparently prompted the creation of Microphone Karaoke. But the Mic Karaoke is a hundred times better! Easy to carry, with a choice of a thousand songs, and just as easy as 1-2-3. Plug and play, the mic karaoke can be used at home (now that is where you can really sing your heart out) or can be brought anywhere you want to. And the good news? The possibilities of this magic microphone is endless. Let me tell you about this more in the future posts.

For now, exercise those vocal cords. Who knows? It might come handy soon.

Welcome!

Oct 9th, 2008
by bien.
No comments yet

Hello! Welcome to the official Magic Mic Karaoke blog. This blog is all about the portable karaoke microphone craze. More posts coming soon.