How to use and troubleshoot the SML294 - Sparkle

This article applies to Singing Machine models SML294P (Pink) and SML294BK (Black).

Overview

The SML294 is a compact, rechargeable karaoke speaker that pairs with the Singing Machine app for karaoke playback. It's a great fit for casual, at-home use with a phone or tablet. It comes with 2 wireless dynamic microphones and supports Bluetooth audio and a line-in (AUX) connection.

Key features

• Preferred karaoke experience through the Singing Machine mobile app 
• Bluetooth audio streaming Line-in (AUX) input 
• Built-in rechargeable battery 
• Built-in speaker for music and vocals Includes 
• 2 wireless dynamic microphones

What’s in the box

• Singing Machine karaoke unit
• USB Charging Cable 
• Wireless Dynamic Microphone x2 
• User manual

Getting started

Rechargeable Battery

This unit comes with a built-in rechargeable battery pack that allows the unit to be used without being connected to power. The rechargeable battery pack must NOT be serviced or replaced by the user.

To optimize battery life, we recommend charging the unit once a month. When the Singing Machine logo on the display flashes red and a beeping sound turns on, follow these steps to charge the unit:

1. Insert the USB cable (included) into the USB Type-C port on the rear of the unit. Plug the other end into a computer USB port or other USB charging device (not included).
2. Allow the unit to charge for approximately 8 hours for a full charge. When fully charged, the Singing Machine logo on the display will turn green.
3. Disconnect the USB cable. The fully charged unit can be used for approximately 4 hours depending on the function chosen.

Note: This unit is operated by an internal rechargeable lithium battery. The unit cannot be turned on if the battery level is too low. It's suggested to charge the unit for about 5 minutes to charge up the battery. (This will not fully charge the battery — see above for charging time required.)

Attention: The sound volume will adjust automatically when the battery is not full.

Connecting via Bluetooth

Before you start:

• Keep your phone or tablet within about 3–6 feet of the machine during pairing
• Make sure the machine is not already connected to another device
• Turn Bluetooth on in your phone or tablet settings

Pairing steps:

1. Turn the karaoke machine on
2. Put the machine into Bluetooth pairing mode
3. On your phone or tablet, open Settings → Bluetooth
4. Look for a device name that includes Singing Machine or the model number (e.g. SML294P or SML294BK)
5. Tap the device name to connect
6. If prompted for a PIN, try 0000 or 1234

How to confirm it's connected:

• Your phone or tablet should show the device as Connected
• The machine may show a Bluetooth indicator light or play a tone when pairing succeeds (varies by model)

If audio still plays on your phone after connecting:

• On iOS: open Control Center → AirPlay audio → select the karaoke machine
• On Android: check Bluetooth device settings and make sure Media audio is enabled

Connecting via Line-In (AUX)

You can also connect another device using a 3.5mm audio cable.

1. Plug one end of a 3.5mm audio cable into your device's headphone jack (or audio adapter)
2. Plug the other end into the karaoke machine's LINE IN port
3. Put the karaoke machine in Line-In/AUX mode
4. Start audio playback on your device

Using the Singing Machine app

The Singing Machine app is the recommended way to access thousands of karaoke songs. Pair the app to your machine and stream high-quality karaoke videos with on-screen lyrics.

What you get with the app:

• 100,000+ songs — Access a massive karaoke catalog with new songs added every Friday
• High-quality videos — Engaging karaoke videos with on-screen lyrics, plus lyrics-only mode to save bandwidth
• Ad-free experience — No interruptions while you sing
• Optional lead vocals — Toggle lead vocals on or off to sing solo or get vocal support
• DJ mode — Queue up to 100 songs and control the playlist from your device
• Easy pairing — Quick wireless connection between your device and karaoke machine

Subscription options

Purchase an in-app subscription to unlock unlimited access to the full catalog. Certain plans include a 30-day free trial.

Download the app

Available for iOS and Android. Visit singingmachine.com/pages/download-the-app to get started.

Troubleshooting

No power

• Press the Power button to turn the unit on
• Make sure the unit is charged — connect the USB Type-C charging cable and charge for at least 5 minutes before trying again
• Confirm the USB cable is securely connected
• Try a different USB power source (computer USB port or USB charging adapter)
• If the unit still won't power on, use a pin to press the reset button (located inside the AUX IN jack)

No sound or distorted sound

• Turn up the Master Volume on the machine and the volume on your phone or tablet
• If using Bluetooth, confirm your phone is routing media audio to the karaoke machine (not just calls)
• If using Line-In/AUX, confirm the machine is in Line-In/AUX mode
• Disconnect and reconnect Bluetooth
• Lower the volume, then raise it gradually
• If sound is distorted, reduce any bass boost or EQ settings on your phone

No sound from the microphone

• Make sure the microphone is turned on
• Replace the batteries in the wireless microphones if needed
• Turn up the mic volume on the unit (if available)
• If you hear squealing or feedback, lower mic volume and move the mic farther from the speaker
• Note: Bluetooth is for music audio only. Mic audio comes directly from the wireless microphones — it is not sent over Bluetooth

Bluetooth won't pair or keeps disconnecting

• Keep your phone or tablet close to the karaoke machine
• Make sure the unit is in Bluetooth mode and not already connected to another device
• Turn Bluetooth off and back on, then try again
• Forget the karaoke machine in Bluetooth settings, then pair again
• If prompted for a PIN, try 0000 or 1234
• Power cycle the karaoke machine, then try again
• Move away from Wi-Fi routers or other Bluetooth devices that may cause interference

Machine doesn't appear in Bluetooth list

• Make sure your device is within range
• Toggle Bluetooth off and on on your phone or tablet
• Turn the karaoke machine off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on and re-enter pairing mode
• If the wireless microphones have been idle for about 20 minutes, they may turn off automatically — turn them back on to reconnect

App playback issues

• Confirm you are signed into the correct account
• Close and reopen the app
• Confirm the karaoke machine is selected as the Bluetooth audio output device
• Try playing audio from another app to confirm Bluetooth audio is working

Auto power off This unit may turn off automatically after about 20 minutes of inactivity (energy saving mode). Press Power to turn it back on.

Missing or broken parts

The box should include 2 wireless microphones and a USB charging cable. If any of these parts are missing or damaged, here is the best way to resolve the issue:

Microphones

If a microphone is missing, you can contact our team with the original receipt and we will be happy to sort this out with you.

If you broke a microphone, you can purchase a replacement from our online store:

• Pink model (SML294P)
• Black model (SML294BK)

USB Charging Cable

If the USB charging cable was missing from the box or is damaged, you can use a compatible cable you already own or purchase a replacement from an electronics retailer.

Important: If you choose to use a different cable, make sure it meets the following requirements to avoid damaging your machine:

• Connector: USB Type-C
• Power output: 5V DC, 1A

When searching online, a term like "USB Type-C 5V 1A charging cable" should help you find suitable options. Standard USB phone chargers at 5V 1A are generally compatible.

This model does not connect to a TV for lyrics display. Lyrics are displayed in the Singing Machine app on your phone or tablet.

Specifications

Downloads and resources

• SML294  Product manual - English
• SML294 Product manual - Spanish
• SML294  Product manual - French

Still need help? 

Contact Singing Machine support:

• Get help quickly via our chat bot — click on the chat bubble in the bottom-right of our help page
• Send us an email by submitting a request here or clicking the link at the top-right of our help page