When you first enter the world of karaoke, one of the first questions you ask is: what formats exist and which one should I use? In this guide we explain the differences between the main karaoke formats supported by Karaoke5.
MP3+G (MP3+CDG)
This is the most widely used format in the world. It consists of two separate files: an MP3 audio file and a CDG file that contains the lyrics synchronized with the music. The two files must have the same name to work together. It is the format used by most online karaoke stores and professional DJs.
Advantages: high audio quality, wide availability, compatible with almost all karaoke software. Disadvantages: two separate files to keep together, limited lyrics graphics.
KFN (KaraFun)
This is KaraFun's proprietary format, very popular in France and other European countries. It contains audio, lyrics and graphics in a single compressed file. Karaoke5 supports KFN file playback, letting you use KaraFun tracks without needing any other program.
Advantages: single file, rich graphics, well-synchronized lyrics. Disadvantages: proprietary format, less widespread than MP3+G.
MIDI and KAR
The MIDI format is one of the oldest in karaoke. It does not contain actual audio but musical instructions that are played by the software's virtual instrument. The KAR format is a MIDI variant with embedded lyrics.
Karaoke5 includes the K5 Instrument engine, a high-quality virtual synthesizer that plays MIDI files with excellent sounds, without the need for additional sound cards.
Advantages: very lightweight files, easily editable, great for creating custom tracks. Disadvantages: audio quality depends on the synthesizer, less natural sound compared to MP3.
K5
This is Karaoke5's native format. It combines MP3 audio and synchronized lyrics in a single file optimized for the program. You can create K5 files directly with Karaoke5 using the built-in synchronizer.
Advantages: single file, optimized for Karaoke5, easy to manage. Disadvantages: mainly compatible with Karaoke5.
MP4 and Video Karaoke
Karaoke5 also supports playback of karaoke video files in MP4, FLV and other formats. These files contain audio and video with lyrics already embedded in the footage. They are the simplest to use but do not allow you to modify lyrics or pitch.
Advantages: extremely easy to use, no configuration needed. Disadvantages: not editable, large file sizes.
Which Format Should You Choose?
- For home use: MP3+G or MP4 video are the simplest choice
- For professional use: MP3+G is the industry standard
- For creating custom tracks: MIDI or K5 with Karaoke5's synchronizer
- If you have KaraFun tracks: KFN natively supported by Karaoke5
Karaoke5 supports all these formats in a single program, so you never have to worry about compatibility.