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I have not reviewed a karaoke machine before, but with the approaching holiday season, I thought this would be an interesting product to review.
The Ikarao Shell S2 is a compact all-in-one karaoke system that combines a speaker, Android tablet, and wireless microphones. As a smaller version of the Shell S1, it aims to deliver quality sound and karaoke features in a more portable package. I’ve tested this unit thoroughly to help you decide if it’s worth considering for your karaoke needs.
Specification
- Screen Size: 8-inch
- OS: Android
- Peak Power: 140W
- RMS power: 12Wx2
- Frequency Response: 55Hz – 18KHz
- Speaker SPL: 103dB
- Speaker Count: 2
- Mic Type: Dynamic
- Bluetooth Version: 5.4
- WiFi: 2.4G/5G
- Connectors: HDMI, Guitar, USB, AUX IN 3.5mm, AUX OUT >3.5mm, SD, Wired Microphone
- Power Source: Lithium ion Battery (included)
- Battery Capacity: 4800mAh / 53Wh
- Speaker Battery Playing time (Screen On): ≥7H (50% volume)
- Speaker Battery Playing time (Screen Off): ≥8H (50% volume)
- Mic Battery Playing time: ≥20H
- Speaker Charging Time: ≤3H
- Mic Charging Time: ≤5H
- Product Dimensions: 25.4 x 14 x 15 cm
- Product Weight: 3.3 kg
- Gross Weight: 3.5 kg
Ikaro Shell S2 vs Shell S1 vs Break X2 vs Break X1 Portable Wireless Smart Karaoke Machine Compared
| Specification | Shell S2 | Shell S1 | Break X2 | Break X1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Configuration | Full-range: 2.75 inch * 2 | 3.5″ woofer × 2 1″ tweeter × 2 | 4″ woofer × 2 1.2″ tweeter × 2 | 6.5″ woofer × 1 2.6″ tweeter × 2 |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz – 18KHz | 50Hz – 18kHz | 48Hz – 20kHz | 45Hz – 20kHz (-10dB) |
| SPL Ratings | 85dB | Woofer: 84dB Tweeter: 87dB | Woofer: 84dB Tweeter: 88dB | Woofer: 89dB Tweeter: 93dB |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB | 104dB | 105dB | 107dB |
| Coverage Area | 15-80 m² (150-800 ft²) | 15 – 80 m² (150 – 800 ft²) | 15 – 100 m² (150 – 1000 ft²) | 15 – 200 m² (150 – 2000 ft²) |
| Bass System | Inverter Tube | Inverter Tube | Bass Reflex Tube | Bass Reflex Port |
| Power Output (RMS) | 12W*2 | 15W × 2 (Woofer) + 10W × 2 (Tweeter) | 25W × 2 (Woofer) + 10W × 2 (Tweeter) | 80W (Woofer) + 10W × 2 (Tweeter) |
| Peak Power | 140W | 550W | 600W | 800W |
| Technical Specs | Distortion: ≤1% Standby Power: ≤0.5W Input Overload: ≤1V | Distortion: ≤1% Standby Power: ≤0.5W Input Overload: ≤1V | Distortion: ≤1% Standby Power: ≤0.5W Input Overload: ≤1V | Distortion: ≤1% Standby Power: ≤0.5W Input Overload: ≤1V |
| Signal-to-Noise | ≥85dBA | ≥85dBA | ≥85dBA | ≥85dBA |
| Noise Floor | ≤500µV | ≤500µV | ≤500µV | ≤500µV |
| Best Use Case | Intimate Settings / Home | Intimate Settings | Mid-Sized Gatherings | Large Events and Venues |
Features
- Music Library: The Shell S2 comes with a 6-month KaraFun subscription, providing access to over 100,000 karaoke songs. It requires a WiFi connection to access this library. The device can be connected to a TV via HDMI for a more comprehensive karaoke experience.
- Sound Quality: The Shell S2’s dual 2.7″ full-range speakers, powered by Ikarao PRO Sound 3.0 technology, provide up to 140W peak power. The inclusion of DSP chips and smart crossover technology ensures balanced sound output, minimising noise and echo at all volumes. It functions effectively as a Bluetooth speaker during the day, with a bass boost feature for enhanced sound.
- Microphone Design: The Shell S2 comes with two wireless microphones, each with independent adjustment capabilities. The microphones feature a super-cardioid pickup pattern for clear sound reproduction. The device includes storage slots for the microphones, which also serve as charging points.
- Usability: The interface is designed to be user-friendly, with the manufacturer claiming it to be as intuitive as a smartphone. The device includes 8 sound effects and EQ adjustments.
- Design: The Shell S2 features a premium fabric finish and is designed to be lightweight and portable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Design / Build Quality
The Shell S2 features a practical and compact design with an aluminium alloy handle for easy transport. The fabric finish gives it a premium look while remaining durable. At 3.3kg, it’s light enough to carry around without strain.
The 8-inch screen folds down when not in use, which helps protect it during transport and reduces the overall footprint. The microphones slot neatly into dedicated charging cradles with magnetic alignment, making storage straightforward.
The control layout is logical, with easy access to power, Bluetooth, bass boost, and play mode buttons on the front panel. An LED ring around the volume knob provides visual feedback and can be customised for different lighting effects.
Connectivity
The Shell S2 offers comprehensive connectivity options:
- HDMI output for connecting to external displays
- USB port for playing media from external drives
- 3.5mm aux input and output
- Additional microphone input for wired mics
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz/5GHz)
The inclusion of both Bluetooth and WiFi is particularly useful, as it allows direct access to streaming services and karaoke apps without needing a phone connected.
Display, User Interface and Apps
The Shell S2 features an 8-inch Android touchscreen that serves as the central control interface for the entire system. The display is clear, bright, and responsive, though the relatively small screen size means users may need to sit closer to interact comfortably with the on-screen content. This limitation can make reading lyrics or browsing the song catalogue a little challenging from a distance, especially during group settings.
The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, designed to mimic the familiar Android environment, making it accessible for users of all ages. Pre-installed apps like YouTube, Spotify, and KaraFun enhance the device’s versatility, though it is noted that Spotify cannot be shown in promotional materials, as per Ikarao’s request. The ability to connect to streaming services via Wi-Fi is a standout feature, as it removes the need to use a separate phone or tablet.
One minor issue observed during use was that, when exiting the KaraFun app, the external monitor does not automatically disconnect. This requires users to either unplug the HDMI cable or restart the system to disable the external display. A software update to fix this would improve the overall experience.
Microphones
The wireless microphones are well-designed and have good build quality despite being plastic. They offer:
- Up to 20 hours battery life
- Individual volume controls
- Effect selection buttons
- Minimal latency
- Good vocal clarity
- Low handling noise
The magnetic charging cradles are particularly convenient, ensuring the microphones are always ready for use.
Speaker Sound Quality
For its size, the Shell S2 produces impressive volume levels and clear audio. The dual full-range speakers deliver balanced sound with decent clarity across frequencies. While the bass response is good for casual listening, it doesn’t quite match larger systems, even with the bass boost enabled.
The speakers maintain clarity at moderate volumes, though some bass definition is lost at maximum volume – a common trait in compact systems. The 140W peak power output is sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms.
Karaoke Experience
The karaoke functionality is well-implemented. The included KaraFun subscription (valued at £50) provides access to a large song library. The system can display lyrics on either the built-in screen or an external display via HDMI, with the latter automatically recognised when connected.
The microphones feature individual volume controls and effect buttons directly on the units. There are eight vocal effect modes, including various reverb settings, pitch modification options, and a custom mode for fine-tuning treble, bass, and reverb levels.
A thoughtful addition is the hidden menu accessed by swiping from the right edge, which allows adjustment of microphone volumes and effects without interrupting the karaoke session.
Battery Life
Battery performance is solid:
- 7-8 hours for the main unit (depending on screen usage)
- 20 hours for microphones
- 3-hour charging time for the speaker
- 5-hour charging time for microphones
Real-world usage aligns well with these specifications, though intensive use at high volumes will reduce battery life.
Price and Alternative Options
The Ikarao Shell X2 is available on Amazon.com for $349.99 and is not currently available from Amazon UK. At the time of writing there was a $50 coupon available as well.
In the UK, it looks like discotec.co.uk has the full range of Ikaro speakers, with the Shell S2 priced at £300.
As previously mentioned, there is also the Ikarao Shell X1, which has a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen and is capable of producing 280W peak output. This is priced the same at $349.99 (£350 from Discotec)
Moving up the range, there is the Break X2 priced at $320 (£449 from Discotec, £500 from Amazon), with a 10.1″ tablet and 600W speakers. Then the Break X1, with a 13.3″ tablet which has powerful 6.5-inch woofer and dual 2.6-inch tweeters with 800W peak output (80W+10W*2 RMS) this is priced at $474 (£531 from Amazon, £669 from Discotec).
In the UK, JYX is a well-reviewed alternative option, but none of them has a built-in tablet; you can mount your phone or tablet on top of the speaker. The JYX-T9 looks like a good, affordable large karaoke machine with 2x wireless mics, a 500W peak output and RGB lighting effects for just £250
There is also the Mr Entertainer Digibox, which is the only alternative option I can find with a built-in Android display. It is not very attractive and has no lighting effects. You get 2 wireless speakers, and there is a 300W output with a weight of 10kg for the price of £350.
Overall
The Ikarao Shell S2 succeeds as a portable all-in-one karaoke system. It balances features, sound quality, and portability well, making it suitable for home use and small gatherings. While it has some limitations in terms of bass response and screen size, these are reasonable trade-offs for its compact form factor.
The system offers good value when considering its built-in Android tablet, wireless microphones, and included KaraFun subscription. It’s particularly suited for families, casual karaoke enthusiasts, and those prioritising portability over maximum sound output.
For users needing more power or a larger screen, the pricier Shell S1 or Break series might be better options. However, for its intended use as a portable karaoke system, the Shell S2 delivers a well-rounded package that should satisfy most users’ needs.
Ikarao Shell S2 Karaoke Speaker Review
Summary
The Ikarao Shell S2 is an excellent small, portable, all-in-one karaoke system. It balances features, sound quality, and portability well, making it suitable for home use and small gatherings. While it has some limitations in terms of bass response and screen size, these are reasonable trade-offs for its compact form factor.
Overall
80%-
Overall - 80%80%
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Good sound quality for size
- Well-designed wireless microphones
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- Built-in Android tablet
- Six-month KaraFun subscription included
- Decent battery life
- Quality build materials
Cons
- No USB power supply included
- Limited documentation
- Small text on 8-inch screen
- Bass response could be stronger
- Currently no MP3+G file support
- App selection could be broader
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
