Singing Machine SML385BTBK Karaoke Review

We purchased the Singing Machine SML385BTBK Karaoke so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

In the market for a fun, reliable karaoke machine that channels all of the energy of the disco era? Look no further than the SML385BTBK Singing Machine Bluetooth Disco Light, Amazon’s top-selling karaoke machine. We tested a unit to see how it lives up to the competition, and evaluated setup, play, and sound and recording quality. 

Design: Flash and substance

Singing Machine packed an array of disco lights into a 7 lb. speaker for the SML385BTBK. At just over a foot in height, it fits comfortably on most home entertainment centers, side tables, or TVs stands. 

One of the best parts of this singing experience is the light show. Flip the disco switch and adjust your way through a range of desirable settings. Disco Lights flash in white, red, green, and rainbow hues in any setting you’d like for the duration of your karaoke experience. 

The chassis is sleekly designed as well, boasting a matte black finish beneath a plated plastic exterior that would look at home in a mid-70s discotheque. Like other popular karaoke models, this unit offers a CD+G top-loading unit, has Bluetooth-pairing capability, and offers an auxiliary input and output unit for a hardwired connection if desired.

Setup Process: Extremely straightforward

Setting up the SML385BTBK is relatively easy and takes just a few minutes. Inside the box you’ll find a simple instruction manual, AC power cable, karaoke unit, wired microphone, and standard RCA cables. Connect the RCA cables from your television to the machine to display video and song lyrics, then plug in the AC adapter and you’re ready to go.

Performance: Festival of lights and sound

The SML385BTBK packs quite a punch for its size. It comes equipped with a microphone boasting dual ports and connectivity for two users to sing a duet, as well as equalizer control to blend sounds and voice. Once connected to the TV, you’re ready to start singing. Turn on Bluetooth and pair to your singing machine from your smartphone or through the aux port, and flip on the lights for mood.

Connectivity: Flawless Bluetooth support

The SML385BTBK offers multiple options for connectivity. We tested the Bluetooth feature in our apartment, and even up to fifteen feet from the machine we got crystal clear sound.

Microphone Quality: Top notch at this price

The Singing Machine SML385BTBK supports two mics for duet style singing, recording, and mixing. The one downside to this machine is that it only comes with a single mic by default. Microphone quality is excellent for the price of the machine, offering echo control and sound-enhancing options for the everyday singer. 

Price: A bargain

The SML385BTBK retails for about $70 and is a great value at that price. Its minimal design, Bluetooth connectivity, and access to the Singing Machine Karaoke App for thousands of additional hit tracks make this machine a great addition to any party or gathering.

Singing Machine SML385BTBK vs The Karaoke USA

If Bluetooth, sound quality, and a disco light show aren't enough, there are other karaoke machines with even more extras. The Karaoke USA enjoys many of the features of this model but also includes an SD card reader. However, it’s almost twice the price, at about $137. Comparing the two machines, there aren’t enough additional features in the Karaoke USA model to justify spending twice as much, while the SML385BTBK Disco Lights is well worth its $70 price tag.