If you’re setting up karaoke at home, or just want to connect a microphone up to an existing device, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go through all the best ways to connect a microphone to following devices individually, so keep reading!
- Smart TV
- Laptop
- PC
- Phone
- Tablet
- Speaker
If you’re not sure what the connection types are, then skip ahead to the end of the article for some more information on each type of connection mentioned.
We’ll give you plenty of options to try, but keep in mind that they won’t all work, it depends which type of microphone and model of device you’re using, so check the user guide of each device and microphone to confirm which methods are compatible. No matter what device or microphone you’re using, here are the main steps you need to follow.
- Check the connection-type on your microphone first
- Check if your device has an input connection for this type of cable
- If you already have the cable, go ahead and connect them
- If not, check the links on Amazon to purchase one
- But if they don’t have the same connection, consider using an adaptor
If you’re doing karaoke at home then check out this All-in-One Karaoke Microphone on Amazon. It’s the perfect option that doesn’t involve any extra equipment at an awesome price. I was really surprised at just how cheap they were.
How to Connect Microphone to a Smart TV
Some microphones can be connected to a TV, and some TVs can accept a microphone connection, but others can’t. It’ll depend on the equipment you’re using.
If your TV and microphone are compatible, then you can use a wireless or wired connection, again depending on your devices.
Wireless
- The best way to connect your smart TV and microphone is using bluetooth.
- Simply turn on the bluetooth discovery on your microphone.
- Then go into your TV settings and turn the bluetooth on and search for devices. Your microphone will show up and then you’ll be able to press “pair device”.
- Now your microphone and smart TV will be connected.
Wired
- If your microphone comes equipped with an RCA connection then you’ll be able to use this to connect to your TV. Here’s a link to an RCA cable on Amazon.
What if this Doesn’t Work?
If your microphone and TV won’t connect directly, then you’ll need to use an intermediate device. It allows you to mix the audio from the microphone and TV together and for them to be both played out of the speaker, this allows you to play karaoke.
You can use a DIY karaoke setup, in which case you’ll need a speaker, mixer, microphone and then your TV. Or you can use a karaoke machine, this is the easiest way. Take a look at this list of the 12 best karaoke machines.
Connect a Microphone to a Laptop or PC
There are several ways to connect a microphone to a laptop. Here are some you can try depending on the type of microphone you own. Each one will link you to an affordable option on Amazon.
- Pair the microphone and laptop wirelessly via Bluetooth.
- USB Cable
- AUX Cable
- XLR Cable
- Using a mixer as an intermediate connection. Head over to our guide to karaoke mixers for more info.
Check the links above to see what each connection cable looks like so you can work out which is the correct option.
Make sure you check both the input and output to ensure they are compatible. In some cases you may need an adapter which again can be easily purchased from Amazon.
Connect a Microphone to a Phone
There are usually two easy ways of connecting a microphone to a phone. These methods work for both Android and Apple devices, as long as your model has one of these connections.
- The first way you can try, is using a micro-USB connection (android) or lighting (Apple). If you’re using a USB compatible microphone then you simply plug the USB connection into the mic and then plug the other end into the charging port of your phone.
- You can also try using the AUX connection if your microphone has an AUX-in line. If it doesn’t then, you can still use an AUX cable from your phone, but you’ll also need an adaptor for the microphone. The most common adapter is a USB to AUX (Amazon link)
- If you’re using an XLR microphone, then pick up an adaptor to connect your phone and microphone. Here is a link to an XLR to AUX adapter (Amazon)
Connect a Microphone to a Tablet
Here are some methods you can try for connecting your microphone to a tablet.
- If your tablet has a microphone-in line, then simply connect your microphone directly and start recording.
- If your tablet only has an AUX-in line, then you can use an adaptor cable so connect the AUX line from your laptop, to your microphone. Link to AUX Cable on Amazon.
- Another way you can try, is using a micro-USB connection (android) or lighting (Apple). If you’re using a USB compatible microphone then you simply plug the USB connection into the mic and then plug the other end into the charging port of your phone.
Connect a Microphone to a Speaker
Connecting a microphone to a speaker can be really simple and direct, if you’re using a PA speaker, or one specifically designed for singing or karaoke. This is how to do it:
- You can sometimes connect the microphone and speaker wirelessly if they have a bluetooth function.
- Some microphones use an XLR connection and others use USB.
If your microphone isn’t designed to take in a microphone input, then it’s probably because it doesn’t have an amplifier built-in. Usually, the output of a microphone is not enough to drive a speaker alone. This is why you need an amplifier to help. You can go ahead and purchase an amplifier which will be connected to your microphone and speaker to link them together.
Or, you can purchase a speaker specifically designed for microphone inputs. Here are the 10 best speakers for karaoke. There’s something for everyone, with the lowest option being under $35.
Connection Types Explained
Okay, so now you should have plenty of options to be able to connect your devices to your microphone. They won’t all work, it depends which type of microphone and model of device you’re using, so check the user guide of each to confirm which methods are compatible.
Here are some of the main connection types we mention, with a link where you can pick them up on Amazon. Don’t worry if you aren’t from the USA, the link will take you to the appropriate Amazon store from your region.
RCA Connection
This may be an option if you’re connecting a microphone to a laptop or TV. Check compatibility before purchasing.
USB Connection
This may be an option if you’re connecting a laptop or PC to a microphone that has an XLR connection. Check compatibility before purchasing.
AUX Connection
If you’re just after a simple AUX lead and do not need any adaptors special connections. Check compatibility before purchasing.
XLR Connection
If you’re just looking for an XLR connection if your TV/ laptop/ PC/ speaker/ mixer has an XLR input and you’re using an XLR microphone. Check compatibility before purchasing.
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide has made things a bit clearer and given you some options to be able to connect your microphone to your device. Remember these steps:
- Check the connection-type on your microphone
- Check if your device has an input connection for this type of cable
- If you already have the cable, go ahead and connect them
- If not, check the links on Amazon to purchase one
- If they don’t have the same connection, use an adaptor
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