Bluetooth speaker, karaoke machine and tablet all in one: the Ikarao Shell S1 is your must-have for the next party, at least on paper. In our test, the device impressed us with its coherent sound, versatile connectivity and high level of convenience.
Technical data
| The product | Shell S1 |
| Audio power | 280 W |
| Drivers | 2x tweeters (10W) 2x woofer (15W) |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Frequency response | 48 Hz – 18,000 Hz |
| Connections | USB-A; AUX; USB-C (2x); 3.5 mm jack (2x); HDMI |
| Battery life | up to 12 hours |
| Special features | 10.1-inch touchscreen; 2 microphones included; RGB lighting; bass boost |
| Dimensions | 335 mm x 165 mm x 158 mm |
| weight | 5.3 kg |
| Colors | black |
| Scope of delivery | Shell S1, 2 wireless microphones, carrying strap, USB-C cable, instructions |
| Price | € 349.00 * |
Ikarao Shell S1 Review: The all-rounder for the next party
- High-quality and sophisticated design
- convincing operation
- versatile connections
If, like me, you’ve never heard of the Ikarao brand before, you might be a little skeptical about the quality of the Shell S1. Fortunately, this skepticism was quickly dispelled during the test.
The Ikarao Shell S1 is a really high-quality and well thought-out karaoke machine with a simple yet convincing black design and excellent build quality.
With its pill shape, the speaker is somewhat reminiscent of an old radio. A striking feature on the front is the handy, spherical control in the middle, which is framed by a ring of customizable RGB lighting. This reacts to the music, for example, shines in the desired color or changes the lighting.
Below you will find the Shell S1 control panel. In addition to the power button, this includes a Bluetooth pairing button, a bass boost button and a local play button as well as three LEDs that provide information about the current mode.
There are two eyelets on the sides into which the supplied carrying strap can be inserted. Due to the rather high weight of 5.253 kg and the lack of a handle, this is highly recommended if you want to take the device outside. Of course, this is also possible. Ikarao speaks of a weatherproof, robust design. However, it does not provide any information on possible IP certification.
At the back, under a waterproof cover, is the panel with the connections. In addition to USB-A and two USB-C ports, there are two 3.5 mm jack connections and even an HDMI connection to connect the Shell S1 to a TV or monitor.
Ikarao Shell S1 Review: tablet, speakers and microphones
- Two microphones included
- 10.1-inch tablet integrated; but with weak hardware
- weak WLAN
However, things get exciting as soon as you open the top of the Ikarao Shell S1. Thanks to an opening at the front, this is child’s play and the plastic hinges make a robust and high-quality impression.
This not only reveals the two wireless Bluetooth microphones, which are magnetically charged in the body of the speaker, but also the 10.1-inch tablet with HD resolution, which sits enthroned above the Shell S1 as a screen on the top.
Admittedly: You shouldn’t expect a genuine alternative to the best tablets, but the Android-based model absolutely fulfills its purpose and proves to be very useful, as you can not only make entries via touchscreen, but also install additional apps thanks to 32 GB of memory.
However, the selection is limited to a few music and karaoke apps. There is no free app store to choose from. Nevertheless, with KaraFun, YouTube and Spotify, as well as Apple Music and a few other karaoke apps, the pre-installed selection is absolutely coherent and more than sufficient.
Given the price, it should be clear that this is not the fastest and most modern tablet. The manufacturer does not provide any details about the built-in hardware, but the system unfortunately has a certain latency when inputs are made, all of which are implemented with a noticeable delay.
Of course, this inevitably leads to incorrect entries, even if the operation itself works perfectly. The loading times within the OS could also be a little faster.
Another point of criticism is the WLAN signal of the Ikarao Shell S1, as the antennas are unfortunately relatively weak. Even a few meters away from the router or repeater, the system only shows me one bar, which of course increases the loading times and can certainly lead to hangs and buffering problems. In practice, everything usually works very well, but you shouldn’t move too far away from the access point.
Microphones and sound quality
- Good-sounding microphones with effects
- good sound
- also local playback
The Bluetooth microphones of the Ikarao Shell S1 are comfortable to hold and have a wireless range of 20 meters. They are switched on via the power button, which you can also use to choose between different effects by pressing it twice.
In addition to a karaoke effect with echo and a “perfect voice” preset, you also have the option of adjusting the display to your voice using three sliders on the screen. Or you can create a cartoon or monster effect for a few laughs.
Which option you choose is always up to you. The microphones achieve a good sound in any mode – even if they can’t compete with real vocal mics, of course.
Another practical feature is the ability to adjust the volume of the microphones. Just in case someone at the party starts singing out of tune. You know what I mean.
I also liked the sound quality of the Ikarao Shell S1. The frequency response of 48 Hz to 18,000 Hz is absolutely sufficient, but lacks low bass and some details in the bass segment. The bass boost button provides some relief here, providing more oomph.
Nevertheless, the Bluetooth speaker sounds pleasantly full and detailed, even at maximum volume, and does not tend to overdrive. And at 104 dB, the Shell S1 is also loud enough to fill larger rooms or parties with sound.
Unfortunately, the Shell S1 does not offer a full equalizer. However, I didn’t really miss the option to adjust the sound during the test.
The device is pleasantly versatile. You can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to play music directly from there or use local options via AUX, a USB stick or an external hard disk. Or you can play the music directly via the integrated tablet using YouTube or one of the pre-installed music streaming services.
The battery life is absolutely impressive. Up to 12 hours are possible when the display is switched off. With the screen active, however, the runtime is still a good nine hours.
KaraFun app and karaoke practice test
- KaraFun app in the center…
- … with monthly premium subscription
- excellent karaoke features
As a Bluetooth speaker, the Ikarao Shell S1 does a good job. But what about the karaoke functions? This is where the KaraFun app comes into play.
KaraFun is a popular karaoke platform that is available both as a desktop application and as a mobile app and offers access to an extensive library of over 50,000 songs. With features such as offline mode, customizable pitches and speeds, and support for multiple microphones, KaraFun is ideal for private karaoke evenings or professional events.
When you buy the Shell S1, you also get six months of premium membership for free, which normally costs around €8 per month. This is of course quite steep for such a manageable catalog, although the free version of KaraFun also includes a whole range of well-known songs. And yet: if you want to get the most out of the karaoke machine, you need the premium subscription.
The selection of songs is completely convincing. In addition to classics from all genres, you will also find brand new songs, songs from movies, Christmas music and much more. These are clearly sorted into playlists, which makes them very easy to use.
The collaboration with the smartphone app is also practical, as additional songs can be conveniently added to the playlist from the cell phone using a QR code – much more convenient than entering them in the clumsy OS.
Theoretically, you can of course also use the Shell S1 with other karaoke apps, which works with Spotify to a certain extent, but could also be more convenient with YouTube thanks to the connection via the website and not via the app. It quickly becomes clear that Ikarao is working with KaraFun, as the app offers by far the best karaoke experience.
And it leaves nothing to be desired. The song lyrics are displayed in a nice big size on the screen. It is also possible to adjust the pitch or speed and increase or decrease the volume of the original song. The karaoke experience with the Ikarao Shell S1 is impeccable. Even if the additional premium subscription leaves a bland aftertaste.
Ikarao Shell S1 Review: Conclusion
Karaoke machine, Bluetooth speaker and (limited) tablet in one device. The Ikarao Shell S1 does a lot right in the test and one thing above all: it’s a lot of fun. The device impresses with a full, lively sound that lacks a little bass, but is still very suitable for most music genres.
The karaoke function is particularly fun, not least thanks to the integrated display and good microphones. And the Shell S1 has enough reserves to fill even larger rooms with music. Of course, a pure Bluetooth speaker sounds better and a pure tablet offers a better, smoother experience. But in my opinion, the overall package is absolutely right considering the price.
You just have to be aware that without a premium membership with KaraFun you’re giving away a lot of potential, but that’s included in the price for six months.
- Good sound
- 2 microphones included
- Great karaoke functions
- Operation somewhat clumsy
- KaraFun Premium subscription
- Limited app selection
Ikarao Shell S1
Workmanship
Ease of use
Sound quality
Features
Value For Money
89/100
A convincing combination of karaoke machine and Bluetooth speaker with a practical display and good sound. However, the OS is a little sluggish and a Premium subscription is actually mandatory.
