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alexc86242602
New Participant
July 8, 2018
Answered

How Two record with 2 Microphones into audition!!!

  • July 8, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 33508 views

I have a podcast that was being professionally produced but now I am transitioning to doing it on my own with my co-host. My question is- How do I successfully plug two USB microphones into my Mac and record a multichannel podcast on Audition? Everyone seems to have issues with the second microphone quality or it doesn't record at all. Should I just use a different system or is this actually easy and all I need is someone to walk me through it?

Thanks!

Alexandra

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer SteveG_AudioMasters_

It is, certainly on a PC, possible to record two USB mics simultaneously - but certainly not a good idea, because the operating system (or more likely ASIO4ALL) would have to sync one of them to the other in real time, and that's not going to give very good results. People have done it, then very quietly gone away, sold the USB mics (which are always a compromise anyway), bought a small mixer and a couple of 'normal' mics and done the job properly. The sort of mixer I'm talking about is one with a USB connection to your computer, but that allows you control and monitoring on it - in other words, outside of the PC or Mac. Even just a two-channel stereo output will enable you to keep the mics separated using the mixer's pan controls, and also you'd have far more flexibility to add other things - more mics, external feeds, whatever - as well.

Most people find that after a while, doing podcasting with just an audio interface like a Focusrite is very limiting. It has nothing to do with sound quality, but everything to do with flexibility. For more on that, there's quite a lot of useful info here: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/podcast-mixers/

1 reply

K
khaleeq96
Known Participant
July 8, 2018

Hi,

Pretty much all PCs/ Macs come with at least 2 USB ports. However, the general preference is that you purchase a 2-channel audio interface which can take 2 XLR microphones. Of course, this means that you will need to buy 2 XLR mics, but you can find pro quality mics for low prices. Up to you. I personally haven't used a USB mic before, let alone 2 simultaneously! Also, I don't think it's possible to record 2 USB mics simultaneously, or at all rather, without an interface. I think it's best you buy yourself an audio interface. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is very common and produces excellent sound quality as well. I own one also. Remember, the interface takes XLR or Line in inputs only.

Hope this helps.

    SteveG_AudioMasters_
    SteveG_AudioMasters_Correct answer
    Community Expert
    July 8, 2018

    It is, certainly on a PC, possible to record two USB mics simultaneously - but certainly not a good idea, because the operating system (or more likely ASIO4ALL) would have to sync one of them to the other in real time, and that's not going to give very good results. People have done it, then very quietly gone away, sold the USB mics (which are always a compromise anyway), bought a small mixer and a couple of 'normal' mics and done the job properly. The sort of mixer I'm talking about is one with a USB connection to your computer, but that allows you control and monitoring on it - in other words, outside of the PC or Mac. Even just a two-channel stereo output will enable you to keep the mics separated using the mixer's pan controls, and also you'd have far more flexibility to add other things - more mics, external feeds, whatever - as well.

    Most people find that after a while, doing podcasting with just an audio interface like a Focusrite is very limiting. It has nothing to do with sound quality, but everything to do with flexibility. For more on that, there's quite a lot of useful info here: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/podcast-mixers/

    J
    jerryb61055777
    New Participant
    April 11, 2019

    I'm having the same problem. Using Audition CC. There is a podcast template that is configured for four tracks, two of which are host and interview.

    The input setup directs you to the Audio Hardware preferences window, which only sets DEFAULT input devices. This means you can't use it to set separate input devices for the audio tracks.

    There has to be a way to do this without plugging in professional audio mixing board.

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