Recording two microphones in stereo??

[thomask12520588]

I want to record two mic's at the same time. I am using a Macbook Pro with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and two Rode M5 mic's.

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

Should work fine, as long as you position the mics carefully - there are some basic technique tips here:

Beyond the Basics: A Survey of Stereo Microphone Techniques - SonicScoop

[Bob Howes]

The simplest of the techniques Steve suggested is probably a basic X-Y pattern which works well.  You can do this using two mic stands, or if you search the net, there are lots of brackets you can buy to hold two mics on a single stand in proper X-Y positioning or even on an improvised fish pole.  I got the one I use for about $20 but no point giving you the details as I'm in Australia and sourced it here!  A worthwhile purchase if you'll be doing a lot of this

[SteveG_AudioMasters_ · Accepted solution]

Bob Howes wrote:

The simplest of the techniques Steve suggested is probably a basic X-Y pattern which works well. You can do this using two mic stands, or if you search the net, there are lots of brackets you can buy to hold two mics on a single stand in proper X-Y positioning or even on an improvised fish pole.

Yes, I should have mentioned the stereo bar - it makes life so much easier! Since you have Rode M5s, and presumably access to a Rode dealer, it's worth considering the bar that they make that's a recommended accessory for these mics:

RØDE Microphones - Stereo Bar

[thomask12520588]

Okay so I see what you'll are talking about. Yes that is part of what I want but also my mic one input is set to mono in audition and I can't figure out how to get it to change. I want to be able to record myself and someone else talking in podcast form or singing into audition at the same time.

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

Generally when you go to the track controls, you get an option in the input section (with a →) to select either a stereo pair, or a mono mic. The inputs appear as [01s] in the stereo section, which gives you a stereo pair for a proper stereo recording. If, as you want to do, you need each mic on a separate channel (probably the best way to do this, then on the first track you select mono mic 1 [01m] and on the second track, select mono mic 2 [02m]. Strictly that isn't actually a stereo recording, it's a dual mono one. The difference is that with a stereo recording made with carefully positioned mics, you end up with a plausible sound field where the placement of sounds is determined by the performers' positions. With a dual mono recording on two separate tracks you can mix this to a stereo master, and by using the pan control, position each mic in the stereo field to exactly where you want it - but it won't have the ambience capture of a 'proper' stereo recording.