TL;DR
LG announced the Xboom Stage 501, a party speaker developed with Will.i.am that uses an “AI Karaoke Master” to remove or adjust vocals from most songs and can shift pitch to suit singers. LG also revealed three other Xboom models with AI audio and lighting features; pricing and exact launch dates have not been shared.
What happened
LG introduced the Stage 501 as a karaoke-focused addition to its Xboom speaker lineup, developed in collaboration with Will.i.am. The Stage 501 includes an "AI Karaoke Master" that the company says can strip or alter vocals from "virtually any song" without requiring dedicated karaoke tracks, and it can change song pitch to better match a singer's range. The speaker retains a five-sided form factor but adds upgraded dual woofers and full-range drivers that LG says improve sound. It uses a swappable 99Wh battery rated for up to 25 hours of playback and delivers 160W of power when on battery (up to 220W when plugged in). LG also unveiled the Xboom Blast, Mini and Rock models, each with distinct battery, durability and wireless features; all four speakers include AI-driven EQ adjustments and lighting tied to audio, while the Stage 501 and Blast can apply "Space Calibration Pro" to adapt sound to the environment. Pricing has not been announced and LG says the products will arrive later this year.
Why it matters
- AI vocal separation makes karaoke possible without special backing tracks, potentially broadening use cases for home and portable speakers.
- On-device pitch adjustment can make singing more accessible to users with different vocal ranges.
- Adaptive EQ, lighting and space calibration suggest manufacturers are integrating AI to tailor audio and ambience to real-world settings.
- Removable batteries and high power output target longer outdoor or party use where portability and loudness matter.
Key facts
- Stage 501 is part of LG’s Xboom lineup and was developed with Will.i.am.
- The speaker includes an "AI Karaoke Master" that can remove or modify vocals from "virtually any song," per LG.
- Stage 501 can alter song pitch to make tracks easier to sing.
- Design: five-sided form with upgraded dual woofers and full-range drivers (LG claims richer audio).
- Battery: swappable 99Wh pack rated for up to 25 hours of playback; power output 160W on battery, up to 220W when plugged in.
- Xboom Blast is a smaller, outdoor-focused model with edge bumpers, two handles and a 99Wh battery rated for up to 35 hours.
- Xboom Mini offers up to 10 hours of playback and IP67 water and dust resistance.
- Xboom Rock also offers around 10 hours of battery life and supports Bluetooth Auracast for multi-speaker broadcasts.
- All four new speakers use AI to analyze audio and adjust EQ to emphasize melody, rhythm or vocals and to drive built-in lighting effects.
- Stage 501 and Blast include "Space Calibration Pro," which adjusts sound based on the surrounding environment.
What to watch next
- Pricing and specific release dates — not confirmed in the source.
- Independent reviews of the AI vocal-removal and pitch-adjust features in real-world use — not confirmed in the source.
- Market availability and regional launch plans — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- AI vocal separation: A machine-learning technique that isolates or reduces vocal elements in an audio track to create instrumental or backing versions.
- EQ (equalization): The adjustment of audio frequencies (bass, midrange, treble) to shape the overall sound balance.
- Woofer: A loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce lower-frequency sounds such as bass.
- Bluetooth Auracast: A wireless broadcast capability that enables one audio source to stream to multiple compatible receivers simultaneously.
- IP67: An ingress protection rating indicating a device is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Reader FAQ
Can the Stage 501 remove vocals from any song?
LG says the "AI Karaoke Master" can remove or adjust vocals from "virtually any song."
Does the speaker need special karaoke files?
LG states the feature works without karaoke-specific audio files.
How long does the Stage 501’s battery last?
LG lists a swappable 99Wh battery with up to 25 hours of playback for the Stage 501.
When will these speakers be available and how much will they cost?
Not confirmed in the source.
NEWS ENTERTAINMENT TECH LG’s new karaoke-ready party speaker uses AI to remove song vocals The Stage 501 can also adjust the pitch of songs to make them more comfortable to…
Sources
- LG’s new karaoke-ready party speaker uses AI to remove song vocals
- LG Electronics Expands xboom by will.i.am Lineup …
- LG announces new line of xboom speakers ahead of CES
- LG Expands will.i.am Partnership, Tees Up New Xboom …
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