PCDJ Karaoki: Karaoke Show Hosting for Windows KJs
PCDJ Karaoki is $99 Windows software for karaoke hosts: it plays MP3+G files, sends lyrics to the singers' screen and runs the singer rotation for you. One purchase activates on three Windows computers.
A busy Friday night means 20 people waving song slips at you, a regular who wants her usual key, and silence between singers if you're not quick. Karaoki keeps the queue, remembers the singers and fills the gaps with background music.
Quick facts
- Version: build 0.9.8851, released May 14, 2024 (PCDJ calls it the latest public beta)
- Developer: Digital 1 Audio, Inc. (PCDJ)
- Platform: Windows 10 and 11. No Mac version
- File types: MP3+G, zipped MP3+G, WAV+G
- Price: $99 one-time, activation on three computers
- Trial: 14 days with all features enabled
- Refunds: none after 48 hours, and none once the software is activated
What we checked: installer build 0.9.8851 at 8.8 MB on the vendor's server, and a price of $99 on the vendor's buy button on November 6, 2026. We didn't host a show with it.
Before you buy
Karaoki's development has slowed. The last build came out in May 2024 and still carries a beta label, and PCDJ calls LYRX its newest karaoke program. Karaoki is a fair buy if you like how it works in the trial, but don't expect a stream of new features.
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The Karaoki window: player and lyrics preview on top, the song library on the left and the singer rotation on the right.
Overview
Karaoki is built for one job: running a live karaoke show. The main window puts the player, a lyrics preview, your library and the rotation list on one screen, and the singers see only the lyrics on a second display. PCDJ has sold karaoke software since 2002.
Features
Automatic singer rotation
Karaoki manages the rotation for you, with 5 singers or with 30. You can stack songs per singer, reorder by drag and drop, pre-adjust key, and save a show per venue with its own singers. A Solo Artist mode turns the list into a set list for performers.
Singer and song history
Karaoki stores every singer with their past songs and key changes, so a regular's usual song is a click away next week. The Singer Data screen also holds contact details and can mark a singer as on break. You can even ban a singer from the rotation.
Key, tempo and player controls
Karaoki changes key in quarter, half and full semitone steps, and changes tempo without moving the key. The transport also has fade-to-stop and mute or volume control for multiplex files.
Library, cases and songbooks
Karaoki sorts your files into cases, reads artist and title from file names or ID3 tags, and searches as you type. Print a songbook directly or export it as a TSV file to edit in Excel. A Karaoke File Name Fixer bundle adds batch renaming for $10 more with Karaoki.
Filler music between singers
Karaoki's background music player starts and stops by itself between singers and sets, playing ordinary audio playlists you've saved. That means no dead air while the next singer walks up.
Remote requests
Karaoki works with SongbookDB, so singers can browse your songbook and send requests from a phone. SongbookDB costs $19.95 a month after a 30-day trial. KaraoQuest for iOS is a free option.
Screen extras for the room
Karaoki shows the next singers and a scrolling news ticker between songs, supports your own images behind the lyrics, and has a Drunk-Lock screen lock for the moment someone leans over your laptop.
Benefits
- Fewer arguments. A visible next-singers list settles who's up.
- Regulars feel remembered. History brings back their songs and keys.
- A light install. The installer is under 9 MB.
- A spare license. Three activations cover a venue PC and a backup.
Real-World Uses
- Weekly bar KJ: keep one saved show per venue, each with its own singers.
- Community center: run a monthly night with auto-play and a printed songbook.
- Solo performer: use Solo Artist mode as a set list with backing tracks.
- Phone-only requests: drop the paper songbook with SongbookDB.
Who It's For, and Who Should Skip It
Karaoki suits Windows KJs and venues who already own an MP3+G library and want a dedicated hosting tool.
Skip it if you use a Mac: LYRX is the PCDJ option there. Skip it too if your library is mostly video, because video playback isn't officially supported. And if you also DJ, DEX 4 covers karaoke and mixing together.
Usage Guide
- Download and run the installer. Choose the free trial on the splash screen.
- Scan your karaoke files into a case, picking the naming convention your files use.
- Connect a second display and send the lyrics output to it.
- Add singers, search for their songs and drag them into the rotation.
- Set up a background music playlist for the gaps.
- After buying, click Enter License Details and paste your code without any dashes.
Where it falls short
- Video files such as AVI and MP4 aren't officially supported. They can play if you install a codec pack.
- PCDJ recommends fewer than 10,000 files per case, so large libraries need splitting.
- If the installer reports "powerplaycdg.ocx failed to register", you'll need PCDJ's patch or a Visual C++ runtime reinstall.
- The refund rule is tight: nothing back after 48 hours, and nothing once activated.
What Users Say
Independent reviews of Karaoki are thin, and the customer quotes below are from PCDJ's own site, so they're the vendor's selection.
Customers on PCDJ's site
"Excellent customer services, excellent product. 5* all the way. I’m new to karaoke we run a community centre and this software is brilliant and loads super-fast.. and the help in setup and problems I have had is very quick. Thank you." - Steven Priestley, 2017, 5/5
"Very Very easy to use, perfect for a Karaoke Host, or for Home use. I have also tried about three other programs. Your program is the best and easiest to use." - Dan Belsher, 2017, 5/5
"I use the Karaoki program. It is a great format and easy to use. When I first got it I received an email with contact information if I had any questions. When you call the phone number you get someone every time." - David Lane, 2017, 5/5
Music Industry How To
Victoria McAdam's roundup of karaoke hosting software calls it "one of the most popular options" and "cost-effective and reliable software to test their karaoke establishment before investing". It also notes that songs must be imported through a file naming convention or a scanner.
Ease of use and reachable support are the themes in these quotes. All of the customer quotes date from 2017, so they say little about the current build.
Comparisons
Karaoki vs LYRX vs DEX 4
All three are PCDJ products that host karaoke.
| Product | Price | Platforms | Video karaoke files | Best for |
|---|
| Karaoki | $99 | Windows | Not officially supported | Windows KJs with MP3+G libraries |
| LYRX | $79.95 | Windows, Mac | Yes | Modern hosting on either platform |
| DEX 4 | $149 | Windows, Mac | Yes | DJs who also host karaoke |
FAQs
Does PCDJ Karaoki work on a Mac?
No. PCDJ Karaoki is Windows only. PCDJ's LYRX runs on Mac and Windows.
Is PCDJ Karaoki a subscription?
No. PCDJ Karaoki is a one-time purchase. Song services such as Karaoke Cloud Pro and the SongbookDB request service are separate.
Does PCDJ Karaoki come with songs?
No. PCDJ Karaoki plays your own files, and you can add the Karaoke Cloud Pro subscription, which PCDJ describes as 5,500+ commercially legal songs, for downloads inside the app.
Is PCDJ Karaoki still in beta?
PCDJ labels the current Karaoki download "Latest Public Beta", build 0.9.8851, though it's the version sold as the full product.
Can I get a refund on PCDJ Karaoki?
PCDJ Karaoki has no refunds past 48 hours from purchase, and activated software is never refunded. The 14-day trial is the way to test it.
What if I lose my PCDJ Karaoki license code?
PCDJ looks up lost codes through a support ticket, not by phone.
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or 11
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core i3 or greater, or AMD 64 X2 or greater
- DirectX compatible sound card
- 4 GB RAM or better
- 200 MB free on the hard drive
- ATI or Nvidia graphics card with 256 MB
Conclusion
PCDJ Karaoki is worth $99 for a Windows KJ who wants a focused hosting tool with solid rotation and singer history, and who plays MP3+G files.
The main reason not to buy it is its age: slow updates, a beta label and no official video support. LYRX costs less and runs on Mac too, so try both before you pay.
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