How to use and troubleshoot the Singing Machine Vocal Hero (ISM9027)

Overview

The Singing Machine Vocal Hero (model 9027) is a Wi-Fi karaoke system with a touchscreen, built-in speaker, and two rechargeable wireless microphones. Connect to Wi-Fi to access available music apps, or play audio from a compatible device using Bluetooth or the 3.5 mm AUX IN jack. You can also play compatible music from USB, connect a TV through HDMI for video, and record performances.

Key features

• Touchscreen for setup, available apps, playback, and system settings
• Sing with up to four people at once: two included wireless microphones plus up to two wired microphones connected to MIC 1 and MIC 2. Four wireless or four wired microphones are not supported.
• Vocal Fader to reduce or restore lead vocals; results may vary by song
• Multiple selectable voice effects and two built-in lighting modes
• Bluetooth audio streaming with play/pause and track skip
• USB playback and recording to internal memory or a USB drive
• HDMI video output to a compatible TV; audio and microphone input are not sent to the TV
• 3.5 mm AUX IN and Line Out connections
• Automatic screen saver and power-saving mode

What's in the box

• Vocal Hero main unit
• Two wireless microphones
• AC adapter

Wired microphones, HDMI cable, 3.5 mm audio cables, and USB drive are not included.

Getting started and updating the system

1. Connect the AC adapter to the DC IN jack on the back of the unit and plug it into a nearby outlet.
2. Press the power button to turn on the system.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi. Select your network, enter its password, and choose Connect.
4. Before first use, open Settings > System > Update and install any available system update. Making sure your machine is updated before use is important and can help avoid setup or performance problems.
5. When setup is complete, choose an app or input from the touchscreen.

An internet connection is required for online apps and services. A separate account or in-app purchase may be required; availability and terms are set by each service provider.

Using music and entertainment apps

1. Connect the system to Wi-Fi.
2. Swipe the app bar on the touchscreen to find an available app.
3. Tap the app and follow its instructions to sign in, choose content, and begin playback.

Some apps may require a separate account, subscription, or in-app purchase. Available apps and features may change.

About the 3-month free trial

If your Vocal Hero (ISM9027) box advertises a 3-month free trial, the 3-month complimentary subscription is included when you choose the yearly subscription plan in the Singing Machine Karaoke app on the machine. The monthly and weekly subscription options include a 1-month trial. To claim the 3-month offer, select the yearly plan directly in the app on your machine; it cannot be redeemed through a third-party subscription such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Third-party apps and services are provided by their respective providers. If an app has a problem with sign-in, subscription, billing, content availability, or app functionality, contact that app or service provider. These app-specific issues are related to the app or service and do not necessarily indicate a problem with Vocal Hero. If several apps are affected, check the system's Wi-Fi connection and install any available system update.

Using the wireless microphones

Charge the microphones

1. Place each microphone upright in its charging dock on the back of the unit.
2. The microphone indicator lights while charging and turns off when fully charged.

Turn on and use the microphones

1. Turn on the main unit.
2. Press the power button on the wireless microphone to turn it on. The microphone indicator shows that it is on.
3. Use the microphone's volume buttons to adjust its volume. The main unit's microphone volume setting controls both microphones.

The microphones work up to 10 m (32.8 ft) away in an open space. If there is no audio input for 20 minutes, the wireless microphone connection turns off automatically. Turn on the unit and press its power button to reactivate the connection. The rechargeable microphone batteries are not user-replaceable.

Vocal Hero supports up to four singers at once: use the two included wireless microphones plus up to two wired microphones connected to MIC 1 and MIC 2. You cannot connect four wireless microphones or four wired microphones at the same time. Wired microphones are not included.

Connecting a device via Bluetooth

1. Turn on the system and select Bluetooth on the touchscreen.
2. On your phone, tablet, or other audio device, turn on Bluetooth and search for available devices.
3. Select SINGING MACHINE VOCAL HERO (9027) from the list.
4. If your device asks for a passcode, enter 0000.
5. Start playback on your device. Use the system's play/pause and skip controls where supported.

Keep the Bluetooth device within 10 m (32.8 ft) in an open space. If your device pairs but no music plays, confirm it supports the A2DP Bluetooth audio profile and raise its volume. When finished, disconnect the device from the Bluetooth screen.

Using AUX IN and Line Out

Play audio through AUX IN

Connect a phone, tablet, computer, or other compatible audio device using a 3.5 mm audio cable (not included).

1. Connect one end of the cable to the external device's audio output or headphone jack.
2. Connect the other end to the AUX IN jack on the back of the unit.
3. Select LINE IN on the touchscreen and start playback on the connected device.

Start with the external device's volume at one-third or lower to help prevent distortion. Track-skip controls are not available for external audio played through AUX IN.

Connect an external speaker

Use a 3.5 mm audio cable (not included) to connect Vocal Hero's LINE OUT jack to the Line-In jack on a compatible external speaker. Refer to the speaker's instructions for setup.

Connecting the system to a TV

An HDMI cable (not included) can send video and lyrics to a compatible TV for a larger display. HDMI output is video only.

1. Connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the back of the unit.
2. Connect the other end to an HDMI input on your TV.

The system can be used with or without a TV. Audio and microphone input are not sent to the TV.

Playing music from USB

1. Connect a compatible USB drive to the USB port on the unit.
2. Select Media on the touchscreen, then choose USB.
3. Select a file to play. Use the touchscreen or the system's skip and play/pause controls.

The unit supports FAT32 USB drives up to 32 GB. File compatibility may vary. To delete a file, press and hold its name on the touchscreen.

Recording a performance

1. Start music playback.
2. Press the REC button to record your voice along with the music. A timer appears on the screen.
3. Press REC again to stop. Choose whether to save or delete the recording.
4. To save, choose internal memory or USB. Connect a USB drive before selecting USB as the save location.
5. Rename the recording if prompted.

Recordings can be saved to internal memory or a USB drive. To play saved recordings, select Media, then choose Recordings and select the file.

Can I transfer recordings from the iSM9027's internal memory to a USB drive?

The iSM9027 allows you to save recordings either to its internal memory or directly to a compatible USB flash drive.

Recordings saved to internal memory can be accessed and played through Media > Recordings.

To save future recordings to a USB drive, insert a compatible USB drive before recording and select USB when prompted to save.

Adjusting vocals, effects, and lighting

• Vocal Fader: Press the VOCAL OFF button to reduce the lead singer's vocals. Press it again to restore them. Results may vary by song.
• Voice effects: Press the VOICE EFFECT button repeatedly to cycle through effects, or press it once and rotate the VOLUME/EFFECTS control to select an effect.
• Music and microphone volume: Use the VOLUME/EFFECTS control to choose music volume or microphone volume, then turn the control to adjust the level.
• Speaker lights: Press the LIGHTS button repeatedly to cycle through the two built-in lighting modes.

Troubleshooting

No power

• Press the power button and confirm the unit is not in standby.
• Check that the AC adapter is firmly connected to the unit and the outlet.
• Try a different wall outlet. If the issue continues, turn off the unit, disconnect it from power, wait briefly, reconnect it, and try again.

No sound

• Raise the music volume on the system.
• For Bluetooth or AUX IN playback, raise the volume on the connected device and check that playback is active.
• For AUX IN, check that the cable is connected to the correct jacks and that LINE IN is selected.

No sound from a microphone

• Charge the wireless microphone and make sure it is turned on.
• Check the microphone volume on the unit and on the microphone.
• For a wired microphone, make sure it is fully inserted into MIC 1 or MIC 2.

Bluetooth pairing or playback problems

• Confirm Bluetooth is selected on the system and enabled on your phone or tablet.
• Select SINGING MACHINE VOCAL HERO (9027) from your device's Bluetooth list. If prompted for a passcode, enter 0000.
• Turn off other nearby Bluetooth devices during pairing and try pairing again.
• If the device is connected but there is no music, confirm it supports the A2DP profile and raise the external device's volume.

USB files will not play or a recording will not save

• Confirm the USB drive uses FAT32 and is no larger than 32 GB.
• Try another compatible file or USB drive. The file may be damaged or unsupported.
• To save a recording to USB, insert the drive before selecting USB as the save location. If the drive is full, move or delete files to make space.

Unable to connect to Wi-Fi or the internet

• Move the system closer to the router; a distance of about 10 m (32.8 ft) or less is recommended.
• Check that Wi-Fi is turned on, confirm the network password, and try connecting again.
• Confirm the router has an active internet connection. Check the system's date and time settings if websites or apps will not load.
• If the system connects to Wi-Fi but cannot access the internet, check the router's settings. Certain WPA3 configurations may affect connection; consult the router's compatibility guidance.

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change.

Still need help?

For additional setup, operation, and troubleshooting instructions, consult the user manual supplied with your Vocal Hero. If you still need assistance, submit a request to Singing Machine support and include model number 9027 and a description of the issue.