How-to

How to Sing Karaoke Cheaply and Record Yourself (PC)

1. Microphone

I use a RODE NT-USB Mini. It costs around €100 and is very solid for the price.
There are cheaper USB microphones, but this one is simple, reliable, and sounds good enough without extra hassle.

2. Karaoke Software: Karafun

Websites:

I usually subscribe only for one month (around €8), which is more than enough.

Good to know:

Not every song is available
Download the Karafun Player to:
- Browse the catalog
- Listen to previews
- Partially enable or disable the original lead vocals

Practice first. Record later.

3. Recording Software: Audacity

Download: https://www.audacityteam.org/

Tip:

If possible, install Audacity without the “Muse” stuff – it keeps things simpler.

Audacity settings:

Recording device: your microphone (e.g. RODE NT-USB Mini)
Playback device: your normal speakers

4. Start Recording

Start recording in Audacity
Then start the song in the Karafun Player
Before the real take:
- Check that the background music isn’t too loud
- Make sure your voice is clearly audible

Then just sing. Don’t overthink it.

5. Stop & Review

When the song ends, stop the recording in Audacity
Listen to the result
If needed:
- Adjust volume
- Do minimal tweaks (don’t over-edit)

If you’re happy:

Save the project
Export it as MP3

6. Publish

You can upload the MP3 to:

YouTube
WordPress
A personal blog or website

Done. Simple and effective.

Honest takeaway

This is low-budget but functional.
No studio, no nonsense — just singing and recording.
You can always upgrade later, but you don’t need to.