Got more than one USB microphone but can’t get them both to work?
If you want to record your podcast using your computer and audio editing software you’re going to need a USB microphone.
Unfortunately, if you’re planning on having more than one person on your show it’s not as easy as shoving a microphone into each of your USB ports and pressing record.
Your computer’s sound card isn’t set up to register more than one USB microphone so you need to do a little configuring in the back end to get things working.
What’s the most versatile equipment set up for podcast recording?
Before I get into an example of how to set up two USB mics let me say that my advice is actually to avoid this process altogether, especially if you’re just starting out.
I’ve been working professionally in audio and podcasting for over 20 years and I was ready to pull my hair out by the end of this process.
So, if you can’t be bothered faffing around with aggregate devices and online mixers, my top recommendation for a versatile podcast setup is to purchase a portable recorder that you can also use as an audio interface.
I have a Zoom H6 which has four inputs so you can plug in a microphone for every person on your show and record everyone at once in one location.
You can save your audio directly onto an SD card. Or, if you want to record into audio editing software, you can plug the device into your computer and record directly into that.
This setup gives you the flexibility to record on the road or at home on your computer. You just plug in your microphones and away you go.
If you’re still reading, here’s a word of advice…
This process of setting up multiple USB mics is way easier (although it’s still not easy) if you have two mics that are different brands.
If you’ve got two of the same, your computer and certain pieces of software sometimes can’t tell the difference between them.
It’s also a pain in the butt to work out which one is which when you’re setting things up manually so save yourself the trouble and avoid this issue.
Ok, here we go…
How to record two USB microphones on a PC
If you’re using a PC you’ll need to download software to make this work.
Voicemeeter is a free online mixer that allows you to link up multiple USB microphones. Then, when you record, it’s as simple as selecting Voicemeeter as your input and output in the audio hardware settings of your recording software.
It’s important to note this method records both microphones on one track rather than each microphone separately.
Having separate voice tracks gives you a little more flexibility when you’re editing but it’s definitely not essential.
Just make sure you’ve checked your levels before you start recording so both voices are at a similar volume because if they’re on the same track you’ll have to go through and manually lift or lower levels if one person is louder or softer than the other.
If you know you definitely want your voice tracks recorded separately (this is more of an advanced step and isn’t essential) you can use a program called ASIO4All.
This is a paid program and takes a bit of configuring so if you’re a beginner I’d just stick to using Voicemeeter.
To see how to set up your microphones in Voicemeeter, check out this video…
Check out more videos like this at my online podcasting course, PodSchool.
How to record two USB microphones on a Mac
This doesn’t require any additional software because there’s an app in the Utilities folder of your computer that can help you do this.
Just search for ‘Audio Midi Setup,’ click the + in the bottom left-hand corner and ‘create aggregate device.’
Once you’ve selected your different USB mics you select the aggregate device as your input and output in your recording software.
To see how to set up an Aggregate Device on your Mac, check out this video…
Check out more videos like this at my online podcasting course, PodSchool.
Got a burning question you’d like answered on the podcast? Send me an email.
Want to start your own podcast but need a little help? Download my “How To Start A Podcast” guide or sign up for my online podcasting course, PodSchool.
Hi! What if you have a mac and you have bought two identical microphones? Will a usb interface process them both, merge the audios and put them in your computer together?
Hey Laura. I’m afraid not. This process isn’t simple but when you’ve got two of the same mics I’ve found it almost impossible because your computer can’t distinguish between them. Or at least that was my experience. If you’re going to use multiple mics in a single location and you want to record into your computer I’d advise using XLR microphones and an audio interface to plug those mics into your computer. I’ve got more info on that here… https://rachelcorbett.com.au/blog/usb-xlr-podcast-microphones/
Thanks, Rach
This was really good and easy to follow. I didn’t know it was that easy to set up two USB mics on a Mac. Saves me a lot of money. Thanks.
Hi,
Do you actually need to have headphones? I’m just starting my podcast and only have microphones, no headphones.
Thank you.
Hey Jorge. Headphones are really important if you want your podcast to be as high-quality as possible. I explain more here… https://rachelcorbett.com.au/blog/why-you-need-to-wear-headphones/