What Is The Best Way To Connect Multiple Microphones To A Computer?

Connecting Multiple Mics to a Computer: Your Options and a Guide

In order to connect numerous microphones to your computer, you may use a variety of methods. In all likelihood, you’d choose the approach that allows you to attain the highest possible audio quality. 

 

 

Some individuals also like to record each microphone into a different audio track in order to make editing more convenient. As a result, this is another factor to consider when deciding on your chosen mode of communication.

 

 

 

In the following paragraphs, we will look at four different approaches to creating the links. To learn more about connecting numerous microphones to a computer, please continue reading.

 

 

1) Making use of a USB audio interface

Using an audio interface to connect numerous microphones is undoubtedly the most basic and easiest technique of doing so. Fortunately, a USB audio interface is quite inexpensive, with devices available for as little as $50 on Amazon. Of course, you want to be certain that you’re getting a high-quality product when you shop.

 

 

 

Once you’ve purchased an audio interface with several XLR inputs, all you’ll have to do is connect your microphones to the interface’s outputs. Then, using a USB connection, you attach the interface itself to your computer and begin recording your session.

 

 

Furthermore, if you use a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Audacity (which is free), you may record the sound from each microphone into a distinct audio track. This implies that when it comes time to modify, you will have more options available to you.

 

 

The only equipment you’ll need to record using a USB audio interface is your recording microphones, as well as the appropriate amount of XLR cables and, of course, the interface itself.

 

 

 

2) Making Use of an Audio Mixer

When running a multiple-mic podcast, another alternative is to connect the microphones to your computer using an audio mixer. Although you do not need a full-featured mixer, it must have a sufficient number of channels. 

 

 

Another point to add is that using a mixer for connecting numerous microphones to a computer is a somewhat more costly solution. However, the simplicity of the design more than makes up for this shortcoming.

 

 

 

When you record your podcast using an audio mixer, you open up a whole new world of possibilities for yourself. You have the option of connecting the mixer to your PC, iPad, or any other device with no problems.

 

 

 You also won’t have to be concerned about the quantity of guests you can have on to your podcast because of this. If you like, you may even invite an entire band to your party! After all, you now have a mixer that allows you to quickly and easily balance the different sounds.

 

 

Now it’s time to get down to business and make the connection. The procedure of connecting several microphones to your computer using an audio mixer is surprisingly straightforward. All that is required is that you connect the microphones (as well as any other inputs) to the mixer using XLR cables.

 

 

 Then, using a USB connection, connect the mixer to your laptop and begin mixing. It’s just that simple!

Some audio mixers give you the option of having up to four channels for your microphones, which is really useful. 

 

 

There are various audio mixers available that are capable of handling multiple inputs, if you want more input flexibility. However, be sure you utilize a digital audio workstation (DAW) that enables you to record on different tracks.

 

 

Instructions for Connecting Two USB Microphones to a Computer

Using several USB microphones (for example, two), you may connect them all to the same computer without having to switch between them. You will, however, need to download a third-party application, Voicemeeter, in order for it to operate.

It is possible to connect many USB microphones to a single PC using Voicemeeter, which is an open-source mixer program.

 

 

 In order to use Voicemeeter as an input and output device in your DAW, you will just need to choose it in the audio hardware settings. There is one thing you should be aware of, though. It will capture the sound from all of the microphones into a single recording using this program.

 

 

 

This implies that you will have restricted options when it comes to editing. Positively, you may put all of your USB microphones to use and collaborate on recording sessions with your buddies. 

 

 

 

However, make sure that the level of your microphones is comparable so that one does not overpower the other. If you don’t, your post-production will likely become much more difficult.

 

 

 

After that, let us to guide you through the process of connecting numerous USB microphones to Voicemeeter.

Plugging in your microphones into the USB ports on your computer is the first thing you need to do. Most computers will have at least two on the side or at the rear, if not all of them.

 

 

After that, start the Voicemeeter application in the background.

Then, after a few moments, your computer should automatically detect the USB microphones.
If your USB microphones are all of the same brand and model, the PC may have trouble distinguishing between them. Although this may not happen all of the time, if it does, you may have to manually distinguish between the two microphones.

 

In order to ensure that all of your microphones are operating at the same volume, double-check their levels before beginning your recording session.

 

 

Keep in mind that Voicemeeter will record all of your microphone inputs into a single audio track.

 

In the event that you wish to record with several USB microphones yet need to have each recording on its own track, there is another option available to you.

 

 

 Instead, you may use a software called ASIO4AII, which is available for download. This app, on the other hand, demands that you purchase it. Furthermore, it needs certain complex setups in order to be fully functional.