Definitions of Karaoke Related Words [N-Z]

For all you new karaoke enthusiasts (and even seasoned singers), we've gathered common karaoke related terms and defined them below.

NEO+G (also referred to as NEOG, NEO CDG, NEO CD+G, NEO CD+Graphics) – A propriety karaoke format developed by the manufacturer RSQ. NEO+G discs can store approximately 75 songs and have additional features compared to CDG. Some features include: song list display, direct access to a particular song, search and reserve songs during play back, rewind, fast forward, pause without disrupting graphics, and skipping of silent introductions. NEO+G contains no lead vocals, just music and any background vocals. These discs must be played with a NEO+G compatible karaoke player.

Octave – A pitch interval consisting of eight notes in a musical scale. A note that is an octave higher than another note has twice the frequency.

OGG (also referred to as Ogg Vorbis) – New audio file format to store digital music. Similar to MP3, but free and unpatented.

Omnidirectional - A type of microphone which can pickup sounds from all directions. Suitable for group performers.

Outputs (also referred to as A/V Outputs, Audio/Video Outputs) – Jacks that allow other components to be connected FROM a main system.

Pitch Control (also referred to as Speed Control) – Changes the music’s key by altering the tempo of the music. Allows a singer to sing within their vocal range, making a song easier to sing.

Power Output – Speaker’s level of sound measured in watts. Also see Watt.

Pre-Amplifier (also referred to as Pre-Amp) – Increases a source signal (e.g. from a CD player, cassette deck) sufficiently to be passed to a power amplifier. Pre-Amplifiers have features to control volume, balance, and tone.

Rack Mountable – A component unit that will fit into a rack case. Use a rack to transport a unit safely.

Repeat – A sound effect that controls the number of echoes occurring within a period of time. Increasing this effect will increase the frequency of echoes. Also see Echo.

Reverb – An audio effect that adds spaciousness to a sound, simulating the acoustics of various room sizes (e.g. small room to concert hall).

RF Modulator – Stands for Radio Frequency Modulator. Converts an input signal (e.g. audio, video) to a radio frequency. A karaoke player can be used with an older television without a video input by attaching this device to the television.

Speed Control (also referred to as Pitch Control) – See Pitch Control.

Sub-Code – Type of code on a CDG disc which creates the song lyrics to be displayed.

Super CDG (also referred to as SCDG, Super CD+G, Super CD+Graphics) – A propriety karaoke format developed by the CAVS company. SCDG discs can store 1000+ songs and contain no lead vocals, just music and any background vocals. These discs must be played with a SCDG supported karaoke machine.

Timbre – Distinctive quality of a sound (voice, instrument) that distinguishes it from other sounds with the same pitch and volume

Tone Control – Controls the level of bass and treble.

Tweeter – Type of speaker producing treble/high frequencies (over 5,000 Hz). Often used with a woofer and midrange to complete a full range speaker system.

Unidirectional (also referred to as Directional) - A type of microphone which can pickup sounds from one direction, minimizing unwanted noise. Good for solo singers.

VCD – Stands for Video Compact Disc. Like a CDG but in addition to lyrics, still background scenes are displayed. Karaoke VCDs can be played on VCD compatible players.

Video Out – A monitor or TV is plugged into this output jack for the display of lyrics, graphics.

Vocal Assist – Enables the lead vocals on a CDGM disc to be heard with headphones.

Vocal Cancel (also referred to as Automatic Voice Control, Vocal Replacement, Vocal Partner) – Lead vocals are automatically removed from a CDGM karaoke disc as soon as singing begins and returns when singing stops. Also see CDGM.

Vocal Demo Track – Lead vocals on a CDGM disc. Helpful when practicing or learning a song. Also see CDGM.

Vocal Eliminator (also refereed to as Vocal Reducer, Vocal Masking, Vocal Suppressor) – See Vocal Reducer.

Vocal Masking (also referred to as Vocal Reducer, Vocal Eliminator, Vocal Suppressor) – See Vocal Reducer.

Vocal Replacement (also referred to as Vocal Replace, Automatic Voice Control, Vocal Partner) – See Vocal Cancel.

Vocal Partner (also referred to as Vocal Cancel, Automatic Voice Control, Vocal Replacement) – See Vocal Cancel.

Vocal Reducer (also referred to as Vocal Eliminator, Vocal Masking, Vocal Suppressor) – Reduces the vocals on a regular audio CD. It may also reduce any music in the same range as the vocals. Thus, you can turn an ordinary audio CD into a karaoke disc (except lyrics won’t be displayed) and sing along to it.

Vocal Suppressor (also referred to as Vocal Reducer, Vocal Eliminator, Vocal Masking) – See Vocal Reducer.

Watt – A basic unit of electrical power measuring supply of energy used. Speakers are measured in watts. Also see Power Output.

WAV – Type of format to store sound in files. Developed by Microsoft and IBM. Standard audio format for PCs.

WMA – Stands for Windows Media Audio. Type of audio file format owned by Microsoft. Works with Windows Media Player 9 or later.

Woofer – Type of speaker producing bass/low frequencies. Often used with a tweeter and midrange to complete a full range speaker system.

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