Articles by Angela Newton
I qualified as a classroom teacher in 2010, and it was working for several years in a school environment that caused my interest in lighting and PA equipment to develop massively. Also being married to industry legend Brett Newton since 2015, I could not help but develop an interest in sound and lighting, as he enjoys nothing more than talking about the latest developments!
In the school environment, I saw how lighting and audio could be used to engage students, enhance their learning experience, and provide much fun. From suitable speakers to play audio and video clips, to light-up buzzers for quizzes, to stage effects for productions, to party lighting and effects for school discos. I became aware of how sound and lighting equipment is all around us, and how using the right equipment can make a big difference.
Over the years I have also been involved in helping to organise sound and lighting equipment for live music events, which has been a great learning experience. There is nothing like seeing an audience enjoy an event, and seeing firsthand what impact high-quality sound and lighting equipment can have.
Since having my own children I have additionally organised numerous children's parties, using sound and lighting to create a fun-filled party atmosphere. This has been a great way to experiment with a selection of party lighting, and effects machines, such as smoke, bubble and snow machines. Halloween events are particularly enjoyable, with smoke and strobe machines creating a spooky atmosphere that the children love.
My passion and expertise have continued to grow as the years have gone by. I love carrying out research to learn how each product works and to find out what features are included. The sound and lighting industry is a fascinating area that is continuing to develop as technology improves, and I enjoy discovering all the latest products.
My main interests are active speakers, record players, party lighting, and effects machines, such as smoke and snow machines. As a parent to two young children, I am also very interested in musical instruments for learners, as this is a brilliant way to develop creative skills.
Karaoke machines have come a long way since their beginnings in the 1970s. What was once a novelty item has become a staple at parties, bars, and in the home. With advancements in technology, karaoke systems have become more affordable, portable, and versatile than ever before, making it easier to enjoy singing your favourite tunes.
Our karaoke systems for adults are perfect for bars, house parties, special occasions, and fun nights in with family and friends. They provide more power than kids’ karaoke machines and come as a complete system so you have everything needed for an easy set-up. In addition, they are packed with useful features, so you can easily play your choice of music, for instance, Bluetooth connectivity, and an in-built MP3 player for SD cards and USB sticks.
However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This is where our guide to the best karaoke machines for adults comes in handy. We have carefully reviewed and handpicked five of the best karaoke machines currently available in the market. Our selection includes machines that are suitable for both beginners and professionals, with a range of different features and prices to fit your budget.
Whether you're planning a party or simply looking for a way to unwind after a long day at work, our guide will help you find the perfect karaoke machine to suit your needs. With our recommendations, you can be sure that you'll be singing your heart out in no time!
Wireless microphones are widely used nowadays and are highly popular with performers, due to the freedom of movement they provide. They are perfect for speeches, announcements and vocal performances. Therefore, they are used for karaoke events, church sermons, business presentations, school assemblies, university lectures, and mobile DJ announcements.
Wireless microphones are easy to set up and operate and provide a high-quality performance. They work by sending an audio signal to a receiver, which easily connects to your sound system, amplifying your performance.
In the past wireless microphones were costly, but now a great range of affordable systems are available to suit different needs. For example, there are systems designed for one microphone, a pair of microphones, or even several microphones. The frequency ranges and coverage also differ, as do the outputs on the included receiver.
To help you choose the perfect system, we have searched the market to find five cheap wireless microphones that do not compromise on quality. Below are our recommendations for the best wireless microphones on a budget.
Record players have made a big comeback in recent years, and it is never too late to join the trend and purchase your first vinyl player. Therefore, today we are here to help you find the best record player for beginners. Record players provide an excellent audio experience, and have a stylish look that will complement any home. They are great for home use and are a perfect gift for music lovers.
A great range of styles and colours are available, guaranteeing that you can find the ideal fit for your home decor. Modern record players are also packed with lots of useful features, for instance; Bluetooth technology to stream music wirelessly, and a USB output to connect to a PC.
The vast range of record players currently on the market can be intimidating, so we have selected five record players perfect for beginners. Each of these models is easy to set up and operate and includes a selection of useful features. We also guarantee they will provide an excellent audio performance and value for money. Here are our recommendations for the best vinyl players for beginners.
Wireless microphones are a popular choice for karaoke events, enhancing any performance. They provide freedom of movement while you perform, allowing you to move and dance around, without wires getting in the way and causing a tripping hazard.
Wireless karaoke microphones produce an excellent audio performance and are simple to set up and operate. Our wireless systems include a receiver that connects to your sound system and receives the signals from your microphone. The sound system will then amplify your vocal performance.
A great range of options are available, suiting all budgets and requirements. For instance, there are systems designed for one microphone, a pair, or for several microphones. Some systems also include a battery-powered receiver, creating an easy setup, as a wired connection to the mains is not needed.
We have carried out extensive research to find the five best wireless microphones for karaoke. Each is straightforward to operate and provides a high-quality performance, ideal for all karaoke events.
It is fast approaching our favourite spooky time of year, and it is time to start planning the perfect party.
We have got some great Halloween party ideas to enhance any celebration and maximise the spooky atmosphere.
Firstly, there are smoke and fog machines which produce a misty spooky effect, and also enhance the impact of your party lights by causing beams of light to be visible in the air.
In addition, there are low-lying fog machines which create a smoke effect that remains close to the ground, transforming your dancefloor into a creepy graveyard.
Next, there are a range of party lights guaranteed to enhance your Halloween event. UV party lights are a popular choice, as they illuminate white and bright colours, highlighting your Halloween party decorations.
There are also strobe lights that produce a flashing light show, creating an eerie lightning storm and slow-motion effect.
Below we have taken a thorough look at popular Halloween party effects, helping you design the ultimate Halloween party.
Discover the dazzling world of moving head lights in our comprehensive guide. Learn the unique features and applications of the three main types—wash, spot, and beam lights. Whether you're illuminating a wedding venue, enhancing a stage show, or electrifying a nightclub, our insights will help you choose the perfect lighting to captivate your audience. Dive into specifics such as lens types, LED configurations, and DMX controllability. Make your event shine with the right moving head light!
Step into the future of home audio with the Power Dynamics NCBT range of wireless Bluetooth ceiling speakers. These sleek, low-profile speakers are not just eye candy; they pack a punch with high-quality sound. They're perfect for streaming music, podcasts, and enhancing your home entertainment experience. Bluetooth 5.0 technology ensures a stable, long-range connection, while an optional line-in lets you connect to non-wireless devices. The two-way coaxial design offers crisp, clear audio. Plus, they're a breeze to install and available in different sizes and colors to match any room. Read on to see why these speakers might just be the upgrade your home needs.
Introducing the new BeamZ BBP54, a wireless, battery-powered uplighter that's perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings! With four powerful 12W LEDs and a host of dynamic features like RGBAW-UV colour mixing and sound-to-light mode, this versatile light brings brilliance to any event. Boasting a long-lasting rechargeable battery, it's ideal for outdoor venues where power supplies are limited. Plus, its IP54 weatherproof rating makes it resistant to rain and dust. Looking to enhance the aesthetics of a building, light up a wedding venue, or create an unforgettable party atmosphere? The BeamZ BBP54 has got you covered.
Light up your events with the BeamZ Fuze professional moving head lights range! These versatile fixtures offer dazzling wash lighting, covering surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings effortlessly. Perfect for medium to large venues—bars, nightclubs, weddings, or stage shows—each light in the range is easy to set up and operate in standalone mode. Explore models like the Fuze2812 with adjustable zoom and multi-color effects, the Fuze 712 with a neon-like glow, or the Fuze1910 with controllable LED rings. Plug-and-play or fully customizable via DMX, these lights are designed to mesmerize.
Introducing the new BeamZ LCB183 LED Light Bar—an upgrade that outshines its predecessor in every way. With 18 high-powered 3W LEDs, this versatile wall washer is designed to elevate the atmosphere of any event. Whether it's a wedding, party, or stage show, its vibrant colour range, independent section control, and pre-programmed light shows are here to impress. Easy to set up and also controllable via DMX, this light bar offers endless possibilities for synchronised lighting effects.
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