If you love karaoke, the Ikarao Break 2 provides up to 300W peak output and includes a tablet with a 10.1-inch display, two wireless mics and a huge range of inputs and outputs.
IKARAO
The world is divided into two types of people: introverts and extroverts. The worst nightmare for an introvert like me is to be invited to an evening of karaoke. However, for many extroverts, the thought of a mass singalong with a redition of ‘You’re The One That I Want” in a voice that has all the finesse of fingernails scraping down a chalkboard, is their idea of a wonderful night out. So, if you’re one of those extroverts, these speakers from Ikaroa might be just what you are looking for.
Ikarao was founded in 2021 with a mission to create high-quality home entertainment devices that bring people together through music. It’s a laudable aim and the company spent an entire year researching market trends and collecting feedback before it developed a range of portable speakers that deliver a seamless karaoke experience.
Speaker With Tablet And Microphones
Unlike traditional Bluetooth speakers and karaoke machines, the Ikarao Break X2 and Shell S1 and S2 models combine a speaker, tablet and wirelesss microphones in a compact and portable entertainment device. The speakers are designed for singing, public speaking, cultural events, fundraising activities or backyard barbecues. These mini-PA systems have storage and charging cradles for two wireless microphones so you never have to remember where you put them and they are always ready for action.
The Ikarao Break X2 comes with a six-month subscription to Karafun, the most popular karaoke service in North America.
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All the speakers have YouTube and karaoke apps pre-installed and the Ikarao Break X2 speaker can play music and show videos on its built-in screen that is large enough for everyone to see and follow lyrics without having to huddle around the small screen of a smartphone.
The Ikarao Break X2 includes an HDMI output — as do the other two models — so it can be connected to a large TV for an even larger and clearer display for showing the lyrics. All Ikarao models include two rechargeable and wireless microphones, which have their own charging bays so they are ready to use as soon as the speaker is turned on.
The brand’s best-selling product is the Break X2, a speaker designed for use at larger gatherings. With up to 300W of peak power output, the Break 2 has enough muscle to fill a room with sound while its 10.1-inch rotatable screen has an 180-degree adjustable viewing angle. Suitable for parties of up to 15 people, the Break X2 is a high-end Bluetooth speaker that’s been tuned with plenty of bass and a clear treble thanks to a couple of 4-inch woofers and a pair of 1.2-inch tweeters.
The Ikarao Shell S1 is smaller than the Break X2 but has a similar sound and power output in a more convenient and portable design.
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Support For Up To Four Mics
At the rear of the Break X2 are inputs and outputs which can support up to four microphones, which can be used simultaneously for all those budding boy bands. This model included built-in dynamic LED lighting effects that add to the party atmosphere. The speaker has a long-lasting battery and is relatively compact so the Break X2 is light enough to take to the beach or out to the pool.
The next Ikarao product in the range is the Shell S1. Designed as an all-in-one party speaker for home use, the amplifier is rated at 280W peak power output. The Shell S1 has the same 10.1-inch HD screen as the Break X2 but is slightly smaller and lighter than the flagship Break X2.
Ikarao claims the Shell S1 is best suited for gatherings of up to 10 people, such as backyard barbecues, camping trips or casual parties. The speaker includes multiple built-in sound effects for use with various music styles.
The Ikarao Shell S2 can also be used to watch movies if you don’t fancy singing along to another classic.
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Ikarao Shell 2
The final model featured here is the Ikarao Shell S2. Deescribed by the company as “a lightweight and portable powerhouse” this compact speaker has an ultra-light design but has a sound similar to Shell S1, but in a more portable form factor. Designed for small gatherings of up to 5 people, the Shell S2 is suitable for travel, camping and portable karaoke around the campfire. A built-in carrying handle and low weight make it easy to carry around or go on a hike with.
That’s the hardware dealt with, but what about the singing? What turns these speakers into karaoke machines? Each of the three models featured is pre-installed with Karafun, described as “the most popular karaoke app in North America.” Ikarao has developed an official partnership with Karafun and when you buy an Ikarao speaker, you get six months of free premium Karafun membership worth $60.
As well as Karafun, all Ikarao’s speakers come pre-installed with YouTube, which means access to an almostunlimited song library which can be viewed on the built-in tablet. With YouTube, you can search for almost any song title by adding the word “karaoke,” and you should be able to find a singalong instantly.
The Shell S1 from Ikarao has an HD display built into the lid for displaying lyrics.
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Spotify And Apple Music Integration
Other software features include Spotify integration, so users can log in to their account and sync with playlists and see streaming history. iPhone users will appreciate the support for Apple Music, which is also pre-installed. Subscribers to Apple’s music streaming service can download additional tracks based on their musical preferences.
While the primary function of these speakers is for playing music and karaoke, the Ikarao speakers are designed with more than just karaoke in mind. Beyond singing on YouTube and Karafun, users can use them to watch tutorials such as yoga classes, cooking lessons and crafts. They can also be used to stream favorite movies and music videos, useful if you’re camping and use your smartphone’s hotspot to stream some video entertainment.
Pricing and Availability:
The Ikarao Break X2 is available now from the Ikarao website and is priced at $499.99. The Ikarao Shell S1 is also available from the company’s website and is priced at $349.99. Finally, the compact Shell S2 is ready to ship and costs $249.99.
Tech Specs:
Ikarao Break X2
- Interfaces: HDMI, USB, TF card, microphone/guitar inputs, Aux in, Aux out.
- Peak power: 300W.
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz (±1.5dB).
- Drivers: 2 x 4-inch woofers, 2 x 1.2-inch tweeters.
- Playing time: 10 hours.
- Charging time: 4 hours.
- Lighting effects: 5.
- Display: 10.1 inch.
- Storage: 32GB.
- Bluetooth: 5.3.
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 and 5GHz.
- Microphones: x 2
Mic charging time: 5 hours. - Battery life: 20 hours.
- Sound effects: Original, Kraoke, Super, Popular, Professional, Cartoon, Monster, Custom.
Ikarao Shell S1
- Interfaces: HDMI, USB, microphone, Aux in, Aux out, OTG.
- Peak power: 280W.
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz (±1.5dB).
- Drivers: 2 x 3.5-inch woofers, 2 x 1-inch tweeters.
- Playing time: 8 hours.
- Charging time: 4 hours.
- Display: 10.1 inch.
- Storage: 32GB.
- Bluetooth: 5.3.
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 and 5GHz.
- Microphones: x 2
Mic charging time: 5 hours. - Battery life: 20 hours.
- Sound effects: Original, Kraoke, Super, Popular, Professional, Cartoon, Monster, Custom.
Ikarao Shell S2
- Interfaces: HDMI, USB, microphone, Aux in, Aux out, OTG.
- Peak power: 140W.
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz (±1.5dB).
- Drivers: 2 x 2.75-inch full-range.
- Playing time: 8 hours.
- Charging time: 3 hours.
- Display: 8-inch.
- Storage: 32GB.
- Bluetooth: 5.3.
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 and 5GHz.
- Microphones: 2.
Mic charging time: 5 hours. - Battery life: 20 hours.
- Sound effects: Original, Kraoke, Super, Popular, Professional, Cartoon, Monster, Custom.