Blitzloop

What Blitzloop is

Blitzloop is free, open-source karaoke software for Linux, macOS and web use, designed around a Japanese karaoke experience. It displays a song’s video and lyrics, while playback is controlled remotely through a browser. Users prepare their own songs for the software, and the project also points to a separate public song repository containing tracks whose authors have allowed use with Blitzloop. Those songs may be used with Blitzloop and for performances only when neither the performance nor an event advertising it charges a fee. Blitzloop supports track creation and displays lyrics in a single-screen mode. The project describes the software as a work in progress, and both installation and use require manual effort. Its stated installation requirements include Python 3, JACK, freetype, OpenGL and mpv built with librubberband support. Linux installation instructions cover Arch Linux, Debian and Gentoo; macOS instructions require Xcode and Homebrew. After installation, users open Blitzloop in a browser at port 10111. The guide also documents running without JACK with specific audio options. The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses for the software; song repository terms are separate.

Who it suits

Blitzloop suits people who want free karaoke software they can install and configure on Linux or macOS, with browser-based remote control. It is best for users comfortable preparing songs and handling a manual installation.

Limits

Installation requires manual effort and the listed dependencies. The public songs may be used for performances only when no fee is charged for the performance or an event advertising it.

Getting started

1. Open the project repository at https://github.com/marcan/blitzloop.
2. Choose the Linux or macOS installation instructions for your system.
3. Install the documented requirements, including Python 3, JACK, freetype, OpenGL and compatible mpv.
4. On macOS, use the instructions requiring Xcode and Homebrew.
5. Prepare songs for Blitzloop or review the separate public song repository and its use terms.
6. Start Blitzloop and visit port 10111 in a web browser to control it.

Verdict

Pick Blitzloop if you want a free karaoke setup with browser-based remote control and are prepared to install dependencies and prepare tracks yourself. Look elsewhere if you need a ready-to-use song collection or want to charge for performances using the public songs described by the project.