Authoritative answers for hosts evaluating, configuring, and operating the Auto-KJ ecosystem. For immediate show-night troubleshooting, consult Help & Troubleshooting; for the full system manual, refer to the User Guide. Singers have their own Singer App FAQ; venue tablets the Kiosk Guide; the auto-kj.com operator console the Host Dashboard Guide.
What is Auto-KJ? Auto-KJ is a professional karaoke hosting software and network ecosystem for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The desktop application manages your song library, enforces a mathematically fair rotation, renders multi-screen lyrics/rotation displays, and provides a dual-deck DJ break engine. Singers interact via a zero-install Progressive Web App (PWA) on their smartphones to browse songs, submit requests, and track their position in line.
Which platforms does the desktop app run on? Windows (NSIS/MSI installer), macOS (Apple Silicon DMG), and Linux (AppImage, .deb, .rpm). All three auto-update: Windows and the AppImage update in place, macOS through a signed archive; .deb/.rpm installs update through their package. Settings → Session & Data → ⬆ Check for Updates forces a check.
How does Auto-KJ differ from legacy hosting software (OpenKJ, CompuHost, Karma, PCDJ Karaoki)? Auto-KJ eliminates rotation disputes through an automated single-line fairness engine, unifies karaoke with a professional DJ break suite (Break-Wave Pro), includes built-in AI track creation (Ghost-Trax with live guide vocal rescue faders), provides a local/cloud hybrid architecture with zero-internet LAN fallback, and offers a dedicated phone booth remote for the KJ.
Does Auto-KJ stream or provide copyrighted song files?
No. Auto-KJ plays your existing, legally acquired local media directly from your computer's storage (zipped MP3+G, loose .mp3+.cdg pairs, and .mp4/.mkv/.avi videos). Your audio and video files never leave your rig — only text metadata (artist and title) is synchronized to singer phones.
Do singers have to download an app from the App Store or Google Play? No. The singer interface is a lightweight Progressive Web App (PWA) accessed directly through any mobile browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox) by scanning the crowd screen's QR code, typing the 4-letter Show Code, or using GPS discovery.
What is "The Law of the Line"? Auto-KJ uses a single continuous queue of seats rather than rigid, arbitrary rounds. The core law is:
Every song you participate in sends your seat to the back of the line — and you only ever have one seat.
How do extra songs work (pocket queues)? Singers can request multiple songs throughout the night. However, extra requests sit in that singer's private "pocket queue." Stacking 10 songs at 8:00 PM does not give a singer 10 turns in the rotation; they sing once per full cycle of the line.
How are duets and group songs handled fairly? When 2 to 4 singers submit a group song, the request fuses at the back-most member's seat position. Joining a group cannot be used as an exploit to cut the line. After performing, all participating members move to the back of the line together.
What happens if a singer steps out to the restroom or bar (pausing)? Singers can pause their seat from the PWA, or the host can right-click any singer to pause them. Pausing freezes their position without forfeiting history. When unpaused, the singer re-enters fairly at slot #3 (right behind On Deck). This guarantees returning singers get up quickly without unfairly bumping the singer who is on deck. Pauses expire after 1 hour with a mutual host/singer notification.
What happens if a singer is called to the mic but is missing (no-shows)? If a singer reaches slot #1 with no song ready, they are bumped to the back of the line and tagged with a NO SHOW badge. If they reach the top a second consecutive time without a song, they are automatically removed. Adding a song immediately clears the flag.
Can the host manually override the line? Yes. You are always the boss. You can drag and drop any seat anywhere in the rotation grid at any time. The fairness engine obeys your manual adjustment literally and resumes the Law of the Line from your new order.
What is Free version mode? Free version is a 100% free, perpetual tier for running local shows with desk-entered requests. It includes the complete rotation engine, full library management and auditing tools, the player with key/tempo adjustment, crowd lyrics and rotation screens, show analytics, and standard Break-Wave DJ decks. No watermark, no trial expiration.
What do paid plans add? Paid plans unlock singer phone requests, the venue kiosk mode, singer self-pausing, custom fairness rules (Repeat Song cooldowns, group guest rules), show automation (auto-advance and crossfading), Break-Wave Pro features (Sync, Automix execution, exclusive headphone cue, AcoustID track fingerprinting), karaoke headphone cue preview, venue management, the DJ phone remote, singer messaging and tips, and pre-show "Browse Before You Go." The app itself only distinguishes Free version from "any paid plan": every paid tier unlocks the same desktop features, and the tiers differ in how many shows can run at the same time (not venues-total, not shows-per-month).
How does the 60-day trial work? It starts inside the desktop app, not on the website. In the setup wizard choose Start my free 60-day trial, or later open Settings → 🔑 License Activation → Try Full version for 60 days. Sign in with your free auto-kj.com account (or an existing key), Send verification code, paste the code from the email, Verify email, accept the consent box, and Start my 60-day trial. No card and no automatic billing. The trial grants Full version: singer phones, the kiosk, pausing, automation, Break-Wave Pro, venues and gigs, 1 live show at a time. Ghost-Trax credits are not included.
How does licensing work across multiple computers (Floating Seats)? You can install Auto-KJ on as many computers as you like under a single license. Your plan determines how many machines can run a live show at the same time (not venues-total, not shows-per-month):
What happens if I hit my simultaneous show limit? If a laptop launches a show while another show is already running on this license at the same time, Auto-KJ displays a takeover dialog:
What is the offline grace period? An activated computer that loses internet connectivity maintains its full paid license status offline for 14 days (or 365 days on Infinite Play). License seat verification resumes once reconnected.
How does per-singer key and tempo memory work? When you adjust the pitch (−6 to +6 half-steps) or tempo (0.50× to 2.00×) for a singer, Auto-KJ binds that setting to that singer's profile and song ID. The next time that singer requests that song (even weeks later), Auto-KJ automatically applies their saved key and tempo.
What does the 11-band spectrum VU meter show? Unlike basic volume meters, Auto-KJ features a true multi-band spectrum analyzer dividing the audio output into 11 discrete frequency bands from 63 Hz to 14 kHz with realistic dB decay and peak-hold ticks.
What is the mini lyrics monitor? Located beside the transport controls, this monitor renders a real-time pixel-accurate stream of the CDG graphics playing on the crowd TV, allowing the host to monitor lyrics without looking away from the console.
How does duplicate song blocking work? If Singer B requests a song that Singer A already has in the queue, the system rejects Singer B's phone request with a clear notice. If you wish to allow duplicate songs, you can override this from the desk search or Inbox approval card.
What is the difference between Auto-Approve and Manual Approval?
[!NOTE] Account identity claims, duplicate song warnings, and requests using reserved DJ stage names always pause for manual host approval, even with Auto-Approve enabled.
What are Account Identity Claims? If you enter a walk-up singer ("Sarah") at the desk, and Sarah later opens the phone app and requests to link her registered account, an identity claim card appears ("🪪 Sarah wants to claim..."). Approving transfers her queue position and history to her mobile profile.
How do GPS Departure Alerts work? If a singer checks into your gig via GPS and subsequently moves more than 200 meters away for 45+ minutes, Auto-KJ displays an alert card in the Inbox, allowing you to remove them or dismiss the alert.
Can singers message the DJ or request uncataloged songs? Yes. Singers can send Direct Messages to the host inbox. They can also use "Ask DJ to Buy Song" with a tip pledge (Venmo/Cash App/PayPal). The host can reply inline or accept/decline the request.
What happens to the DJ decks when a karaoke song starts? Karaoke always has absolute priority. Starting a karaoke song automatically fades out and pauses the Break-Wave decks. You can configure Settings → Automation → End of Song Action → Play Break Track Playlist to automatically resume DJ playback the second a singer finishes.
Where do I point Break-Wave at my music, and how do I browse it? The Path / Browse… / Identify row sits at the bottom of the BREAK-WAVE PLAYLIST under Deck A. The folder must be separate from your karaoke library (mp3, wav, m4a, ogg, flac). The Search and Explorer tabs at the bottom of the mixer strip switch the library dock: Search filters the whole folder (first 25 rows), Explorer walks it one folder at a time. Every track you add is analyzed for BPM, key, and waveform in the background (⏳ until done), once per file, and the results are cached.
What is the Pro Control Hub? Located under Deck B in the Break-Wave tab:
The soundboard, drums, and looper play through the computer's default output, not the Break-Wave deck device or its limiter. MIDI controllers are detected (Settings → 🎛️ MIDI Controllers shows the connected device and activity), but control mapping and Stream Deck integration are not shipped yet.
How does Automix work? AUTOMIX plans a set from the Break-Wave playlist: a nearest-neighbour chain scored on BPM (within ±6%), Camelot key compatibility, and an energy arc (build → plateau → wind-down). The plan preview is free; ▶ Start needs a paid plan. Transitions are ⚡ beat-locked (32 beats, bass swap, phase-locked tracker that follows the outgoing deck live and re-syncs after a seek) when both tracks have usable beatgrids, otherwise a ∿ timed fade. While running: SKIP (transition now), STOP (music keeps playing, set ends), PANIC (instant clean cut to the current track), ▶ next on any upcoming track. ▶ RESUME picks a stopped or panicked set back up from whatever is on the mic. Tracks whose analysis finishes mid-set upgrade their transition automatically.
Why is Headphone Cueing restricted to a separate audio device? To protect your audience from hearing pre-cue audio. Auto-KJ strictly enforces hardware isolation: the headphone cue cannot share the same physical audio output as the front-of-house karaoke or DJ mixer.
Will Auto-KJ modify or rename my files without permission? No. Standard library scanning is read-only. File modifications only occur when you explicitly run maintenance tools:
.mp3 and .cdg pairs into clean .zip archives (with mandatory dry-run preview).Quarantine/ subfolder — never permanently deleted.Does Auto-KJ support MP4 and video karaoke files?
Yes. Auto-KJ plays standard video karaoke containers alongside traditional zipped MP3+G archives and loose .mp3+.cdg pairs. Supported video extensions include .mp4, .mkv, and .avi. When a video karaoke track is cued or played, Auto-KJ renders the video track directly to the crowd lyrics output and mini lyrics monitor, maintaining full key, tempo, and transport control.
How do I clear or reset my song library without losing my show data?
In Settings → Session & Data, click Clear Song Library (under Danger Zone). Auto-KJ prompts for a two-click confirmation ("Are you sure?" → "Yes, Clear Everything") to prevent accidental wipes. This surgically deletes from the songs, song_versions, and songs_fts SQLite tables without touching your singers, rotation, history, settings, or license. You can then cleanly rescan your media folder without starting from scratch. For headless maintenance or script automation, scripts/clear-song-library.py executes the exact same surgical cleanup.
Why does song preview show the first lyrics frame instantly? When previewing a song from search results, the preview window immediately decodes and paints the initial CDG lyrics frame on mount rather than remaining black until audio starts. If a dedicated headphone cue audio output is not configured, Auto-KJ runs a silent visual preview fallback so you can verify lyrics and graphics immediately without routing audio to the crowd.
What is Brand Priority Ordering? When you own multiple versions of the same song from different manufacturers (e.g., Sound Choice, Karaoke Version, Chartbuster, Sunfly), Brand Priority Ordering lets you rank manufacturer prefixes. The highest-ranked brand automatically serves as the default version for search and requests.
How do I export my songbook? In the Library tab, click Export Songbook CSV. This generates a clean, formatted CSV containing all active titles and artists for physical printing or custom web display.
What is Ghost-Trax? Ghost-Trax is an integrated AI cloud service that converts standard commercial audio files into complete karaoke packages: an instrumental track, synchronized CDG lyrics, and an isolated guide vocal stem.
How does the live GHOST-TRAX fader rescue singers? When playing a Ghost-Trax track, the GHOST-TRAX slider on the main player becomes active. If a singer loses their rhythm, forgets the melody, or struggles with lyrics, you can smoothly raise the slider to blend the original artist's vocal stem into the house mix to guide them.
What formats and file sizes are supported?
Ghost-Trax accepts .mp3, .wav, .m4a, .flac, .ogg, and .aac files up to 60 MB per upload.
Do Ghost-Trax conversions require a separate subscription?
Ghost-Trax conversions use credits linked to your Ghost-Trax account (ghost-trax.com) via an API key (gtk_...). The standalone GHOST-TRAX lifetime plan also unlocks the full Auto-KJ desktop suite.
What data is included in Tonight's Proof Sheet? The Analytics proof sheet calculates: total unique singers, total completed songs, active queued songs, overall completion rate percentage, average queue wait time, peak hour of room activity, solo vs. group performance ratio, and total applause taps received.
Can I export show reports for venue management? Yes. Click Copy CSV, Copy JSON, or Print Report. The printable report formats a professional executive summary including attendance metrics and staffing notes to demonstrate show value to bar owners.
Can I view a singer's favorites from past shows?
Yes. Selecting a singer in Analytics or Rotation reveals their [ History | Favorites ] inspector. You can view their saved favorites and double-click any track to queue it immediately.
What are DJ Profiles and Stage Name Claims? If multiple KJs share one laptop rig, Settings → DJ Profiles lets each host maintain their own profile (visual skin, fairness rules, on-deck message, tip handles). Creating a DJ profile automatically claims that DJ's stage name, preventing singers from requesting songs under that name.
How do I configure multiple displays (TVs / Projectors)?
How do backups work? Auto-KJ continuously saves show state to local storage. In Settings → Session & Data, you can create on-demand validated snapshots via Back Up My Data… or restore previous states via ♻️ Restore From Backup… with full checksum verification and an automatic pre-restore snapshot. Automatic local backups run at startup and hourly on the schedule you set (6 hours to 7 days, keeping 1–100 packages). License keys and login tokens are never included.
How many skins are there? Eleven, under Settings → 🎨 Appearance: Arcade, Artifact, Broadway, Classic Dark, Haunted House, LCARS, Neon Lounge, Signal, Studio (default), Unicorn Overdrive, and Word 95. Skins follow the DJ profile; the lyrics, rotation, and preview windows stay plain under Unicorn Overdrive, and reduced-motion settings freeze its sparkles.
Where are the guides?
Settings → 📖 Guides & Help opens the User Guide, Help & Troubleshooting, this FAQ, the Walkthroughs, the auto-kj.com Dashboard guide, the printable Singer Sheet, the Singer App FAQ, and the Kiosk Guide. They are published at singer.auto-kj.com/docs/ and also served by the LAN server.
How do singers join my show?
singer.auto-kj.com.Can singers use the app without creating an account? Yes. Singers can join as guests to browse songs, submit requests, view the queue, and send applause. Creating a free account unlocks pre-planned Setlists, Favorites, personal History, Backstage badges, and social friend features.
What are the ★ and 🎤 catalog indicators?
How does the Live Applause system work? During an active performance, singers can tap the 👏 button on their phones up to 10 times per song. Taps trigger real-time floating emoji animations on the crowd lyrics screen, increment the host's applause counter, and contribute to the singer's lifetime profile stats and 29-badge achievement catalog.
How do singers sign out or reset a password? Log out sits in the app header next to Leave show, on the connect screen under Continue as guest, and in Social → Profile. Forgot password? on the sign-in screen emails a single-use, one-hour reset link that opens the app on Set New Password and signs out every other device. Singers can also delete their profile from Social → Profile (password required; irreversible).
What is Kiosk Mode? Kiosk Mode formats the singer web app for venue-provided tablets. It displays an attract screen with the venue QR and code, guides walk-up singers through a clean request wizard, and confirms their place in line without requiring logins or leaving personal data behind. A ? button on every kiosk screen explains the steps. Setup and troubleshooting: Kiosk Guide.
What is the DJ Phone Remote?
The DJ Phone Remote is a private, token-authenticated mobile web console served directly by your laptop over local Wi-Fi (http://<lan-ip>:8080/remote). It allows the host to step away from the booth and control the show from anywhere in the room.
What operations can I perform from my phone?
How do I pair and secure the remote? Open Settings → Remote Control in the host app and scan the private pairing QR code with your phone. The secret pairing token is stored in your phone's browser session. If you suspect unauthorized access, click Revoke & Re-pair in Settings to instantly disconnect all remotes and generate a new token.
What is the Cloud Server?
The Auto-KJ Cloud Server is a high-performance backend (Rust Axum + PostgreSQL) that indexes live gigs, coordinates real-time WebSocket relays (/ws/host, /ws/singer), manages subscriptions, and synchronizes requests and applause between hosts and singers worldwide.
What happens if the venue's internet goes down during a show? Auto-KJ automatically transitions to its embedded Local LAN Fallback Server running inside the host app on port 8080. The lounge screen QR code switches to the local network IP within seconds. Singers on the venue Wi-Fi continue submitting requests, viewing the queue, and interacting with zero disruption.
What is the OpenKJ Songbook Bridge?
For KJs who host shows using OpenKJ software instead of Auto-KJ, the Auto-KJ Cloud Server provides a dedicated Songbook bridge ($5/mo standalone, included free with Host and Infinite Play, as well as legacy Basic/VIP plans). Hosts enter their endpoint (https://auto-kj.com/api/okj) and API key into OpenKJ to provide singers with a clean, mobile-friendly request catalog at auto-kj.com/your-venue. Both values live on the OPENKJ SONGBOOK tab of the auto-kj.com dashboard.
What do I do on auto-kj.com after signing up?
The Operator Console (auto-kj.com → Sign In, or auto-kj.com/#manage) has four tabs: TELEMETRY (plan, billing, the LICENSE KEY you copy into the desktop app, the active show code, cancel/upgrade), VENUES & GIGS (add venues with a geocoded address, schedule one-time, weekly, or monthly gigs; venues get the 4-letter show code and GPS discovery), OPENKJ SONGBOOK (request-server URL, API key, and auto-kj.com/your-venue links), and SECURITY (change password, delete account). Full reference: Host Dashboard Guide.
Do I start the trial there? No. The trial starts in the desktop app. The dashboard is where you create the account the trial signs in with, and where you buy a plan when the trial ends.
Why can't I add a venue? Venues and gigs need the cloud tier: an active trial or Full version and above. Free version and LAN Cabinet accounts get "Cloud shows require a cloud plan (Full version: 1 live show at a time, or higher)." In the desktop app, saving a venue or gig also needs the license to be active.
Auto-KJ FAQ • Documentation Revision 2026-09-10 (v1.22) • auto-kj.com