After reading this detailed Memorex karaoke machine review, you will find out if this portable Karaoke Machine is the right one for your needs. The Memorex MKS-SS2 SingStand 2 is perfect for small parties and family gatherings.

The system has a variety of different features. If you desire a Karaoke singing machine that allows you to connect your MP3 player or tablet so you can sing songs from your own playlist, the SingStand 2 will allow you to do so. You can also connect it to a CD or CD+G player which is another added benefit.

This machine will work well for long-time karaoke enthusiasts, as well as karaoke novices and includes everything needed for a fun and lively experience. With a stereo speaker, microphone, and instrument input, this machine is all-inclusive. Not only is it easy to set up, but it’s easy to use as well.

It is definitely worth noting that this Karaoke System is the #1 best seller in Amazon Karaoke Equipment – portable systems.

Type of Usage

Most users will find that this machine performs best at home or at other small venues. The machine is enjoyable for both kids and adults alike, as it is not only fun but is decent quality for the cost. Note that if you are looking for a system to use outdoor and for big parties where a large output power is needed, this is probably not the right product for you. The combination of features and performance make this a great Home Karaoke machine for kids, teenagers and adults.

Karaoke Microphone

One Karaoke microphone is included with the machine, however there are two microphone inputs allowing the user to purchase an additional microphone for doing duets if desired. The microphone cord is about 10 feet, which is the perfect length to enable the performer to move around while singing.

Monitor / Display

This machine does not come with a built-in screen; however, you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the machine which would allow you to view lyrics. An easy way to do this if using an iPad is to download an app called “musixmatch” where you can access the lyrics you need, or simply use karaoke videos on YouTube.

Note that this Karaoke Machine is not designed to be connected to TV.

Song source / Player

Stream music from other device: Another useful feature is that the user can stream music from just about any device. With this machine, the user has the ability to connect any audio device that has a headphone jack. The machine also has the necessary cord to connect to a tablet, MP3 player, smartphone, iPod, iPad, or CD player. A CD+G player plays CD+Gs, which are CDs that also have low-resolution graphics, and the user can also attach one of these players to the machine as well. This makes it possible for you to play your own music on the machine. Also, there is a built-in cradle with safety strap on the machine that makes it easy to view your device and keep it safe.

Karaoke Speakers

Built-in Stereo Speakers: The machine includes two built-in 5-watt speakers in the base. The speakers are reasonably powerful and the audio has a crisp, clear sound – not the best sound but very good considering the price. The design of the karaoke speakers enables the sound to project throughout the entire room. Also, the speakers will work as a speaker system for your MP3 player or tablet so you can play music even when you’re not singing. The speakers are curved and meant to project sound out in all directions.

This system cannot be connected to a separate speaker.

Memorex MKS-SS2 SingStand 2 Features and Connectivity

Instrument Input: With the SingStand 2 Home Karaoke System, the user is able to plug in different instruments to the machine for a live performance. It is very simple to connect an instrument to the machine. Simply insert a cable from the “audio out” jack on your guitar into the “guitar in” jack on the side of the machine. This is a unique feature that isn’t found on every karaoke machine out there. This means if someone has an electric guitar and would like to be able to play along with a song, or provide accompaniment for a singer, he or she can do so without the use of a separate amplifier.

Cord management: Included with the machine is a cord management clip that will organize wires and help to prevent them from getting tangled up. This is especially beneficial if you have an outside device, instrument, and an extra microphone plugged it as this would naturally mean extra cords. Rather than have to untangle the cords over and over, or trip over them while you’re singing, you can keep them all together with the cord management clip.

Adjustable stand bar: the stand bar is adjustable to have different desired heights.

Recording Options

This machine does not have the ability to record.

Memorex MKS-SS2 SingStand 2 Voice and Sound Controls

Auto Voice Control (AVC): The auto voice control feature will amplify the singer’s voice which helps give balance between the music and vocals. AVC also takes the song’s original vocals and softens them so you can hear yourself singing better. For example, when you connect the machine to a CD+G player (a player that plays CD-Gs which are CDs plus low resolution graphics) the auto voice control will mute the vocals on the CD as soon as the singer begins singing into the microphone. As soon as the singer stops singing, the vocals are unmuted. This is a really fun feature because it allows the user to play regular CDs and basically gets rid of the original lead singer’s vocals so the user can sing the song. Sometimes the unit has difficulty identifying the lyrics and separating them out so it’s not perfect by any means but does work well with most songs.

Echo function: With an echo control, you can add an echo ranging from minimum to maximum to the singer’s voice. An echo effect makes a singer’s voice sound more professional and gives it a more quality sound.

Audio/Video Input & Outputs

2 microphone jacks: Even though this machine only includes one microphone, the user does have the choice of purchasing an additional microphone and plugging this into the second microphone jack.

Guitar in jack: This allows you to attach a guitar or keyboard to the machine.

Audio input jack: The audio input jack allows the user to connect another unit to the machine like a CD player or CD+G player.

 Headphone jack: With the headphone jack, the user can plug in headphones so he or she can listen privately.

Media in jack: Allows the user to play songs from his or her iPod, tablet, or smartphone, or CD/CD+G player.

Special Effects – disco lights, etc

This Karaoke Machine does not come with any special effects.

Power Option

AC plug, 120V, 60Hz

Batteries: This machine does not run on batteries.

Control Panel

Power button: Turns machine on and off.

Microphone ON/OFF switch (located on Microphone handle): Turns the microphone on and off.

Microphone 1 Volume control: Allows you to adjust the volume on microphone 1 individually.

Microphone 2 Volume control: Allows you to adjust the volume on microphone 1 individually.

Master Volume control: Here you can adjust the overall volume of all connected units/microphones.

Guitar Volume control: Adjust the volume of a connected guitar with this control.

Auto Vocal Control (AVC): This control amplifies the singer’s voice and can also take the song’s original vocals and dampen them.

Media in Jack: Connect another device such as an iPod or smartphone.

Echo control: Control the echo effect.

Remote Control

This machine does not come with a remote control.

Set Up

Assembly and set-up is very simple with the user manual, and some users have said they were able to set it up in just a few minutes without even using the user manual.

Output power and quality

The Memorex MKS-SS2 SingStand2 offers 5-watt speakers.

Note that the output power of MKS-SS2 had significantly improved over the older model MKS-SS1 which is 2.4 watts

What’s in the box

SingStand 2

Microphone: Machine includes one microphone

Microphone cord

11-inch line-in cord

7-inch line-in cord

Cord management clip: Used to organize cords

User manual

It is also backed by a 90-day limited warranty.

Memorex MKS-SS2 SingStand 2 Consumer Reviews

When I do a detailed research about a product, I pay most attention to reviews and what people are saying about it. My goal is to provide  as much info as possible to help you find the best karaoke machine for your needs. In addition to positive views, I also try to highlight negative reviews so you can have both side of the story.

Easy to assemble: Most people seem to agree that the machine is very easy to assemble. Some even say they were able to put the whole thing together in minutes without even reading the instructions. This is a good quality as it means you can get started using the machine right away and won’t have to waste time reading pages of instructions to get it set up.

Standalone machine: The machine comes with everything needed to perform karaoke (other than music, but it makes it very easy to connect an MP3 player, smartphone, or CD/CD+G so you can access your own music) – the machine is basically ready to use.

Durable: The machine feels sturdy. Many users said their children use the machine every day and the machine continues to work well.

Connects to multiple devices: Because the Memorex MKS-SS2 SingStand 2 Home Karaoke System doesn’t come with any music, people really like the fact that you can connect a variety of different devices to the machine. Some users mentioned that there are free karaoke apps that can be downloaded on iPads, tablets, or Smartphones that contain a wide variety of popular and current songs that you can sing to. This system can also be used without any device attached as a basic mic and speaker set which is great for budding singers who want to hear themselves singing their own songs through the mic.

Enjoy the features: People like the fact that the microphone volumes can be controlled separately, and think the auto voice control function is a really fun feature. People like being able to take regular CDs and sing along, while the auto voice control mutes the lead singer’s voice.

Microphone stand: People like that the machine is basically a microphone stand. Many karaoke machines don’t come with a microphone stand, and people enjoy this feature as it makes it feel more like a real performance. However, the microphones can also be taken off the stand and used in-hand. The stand bar height is also adjustable.

Weak speakers: There are some people who think the speakers are a bit weak and don’t provide adequate volume. Others think the volume and sound quality is sufficient, especially for children to use.

Overall Opinion: The general feeling from people about this machine is that it is better suited to children, however adults can use it for fun as well. It’s probably not a machine that would be adequate for a serious karaoke performer as the speakers and sound are not the best quality. Many parents purchased this for their children wanting something a bit better quality than a children’s karaoke machine, and those people were not disappointed. It is simple to assemble and operate, and fairly durable so you won’t have to worry too much about your kids breaking it. The features included with the machine are fun, especially the auto voice control and echo functions.

Dimensions

The machine is 59 inches tall when the stand is extended to its full length. The base is 12 inches in diameter.

Specifications

Power Source: 120V, 60Hz AC

Power Consumption: 20W

Speaker: 4 ohms

Weight: 11 lbs

Output Power: 5 W

Accessories

No accessories included.

Pros

• Versatile connections: The machine can be connected to a variety of different types of devices such as iPods, iPads, tablets, CD players, and CD+G players.
• Musical Instrument input: Designed to be connected to musical instruments such as a guitar
• AVC control: The auto voice control function is a nice feature that allows you to make the singer’s voice louder to provide balance between the vocal and the music.
• Easy to assemble: Assembly is simple, especially with the user manual.
• Durable: Well-constructed and built to last.
• Built-in cradle: Cradle allows MP3 player or smartphone to sit upright so the singer can read lyrics.

Cons

• No recording function: There is not a way for the singer to record his or her own voice. Some people like to be able to sing something, record it, and immediately play it back to hear what it sounds like. This machine will not do that, however one wouldn’t really expect it to have this feature considering the very affordable cost.
• Microphone: The machine only comes with one microphone, however it does have two microphone inputs so an additional microphone can be purchased and used.
• No built-in screen: The machine is not equipped with a built-in monitor to view lyrics on. There is, however, the cradle that can hold an MP3 player or iPod so that is a solution if one wants to view lyrics.
• Poor speaker quality: The speakers are a bit weak.
• Connection to TV: This system is not designed to be connected to TV

Consumer Ratings

Overall, this home karaoke system has received good ratings and review from consumers. As long as the machine is used for what it’s suitable for (small gatherings in the home,) and not expected to perform well in a large setting, people were fairly satisfied.

Memorex MKS-SS2 SingStand 2 Price

Based on my extensive research and having gone through tons of reviews, I would say that the price of this Home Karaoke System is very fair. It is affordable, and performs well for the price. With the many useful features it comes with (ability to connect to various different devices and instruments, built in speakers, different voice controls, etc) you really are getting a good deal for your money.