How to Record 2 USB Mics with Separate Tracks at the Same Time on MAC (For Interviews & Podcasting)

TL;DR

You can conduct an in-person podcast interview with two USB microphones and a computer, without needing expensive portable recorders.

Transcript

• Hey podcasters, Pat here, with an answer to a very specific question that many of you had in the Student Center, I appreciate you all for that and that is, can you conduct an interview in person. Let's say for example with a guest or maybe a co-host with a computer and two of your microphones that plug in via USB? These are two ATR2100 microphone... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎙️ Conducting in-person podcast interviews is possible with two USB microphones and a computer, eliminating the need for expensive portable recorders.
• 🎙️ It is important to have long enough cords for the microphones to ensure flexibility in placement during interviews.
• 🚙 Using a USB hub can be a solution for limited USB ports on the computer when connecting multiple microphones.
• 👻 Creating an aggregate device in the computer's audio MIDI setup allows both microphones to be recognized and used in recording software like GarageBand.
• 🎙️ Properly setting up the microphones in GarageBand ensures that each microphone is assigned to a separate track for editing purposes.
• 💬 Taking steps to minimize background noise, such as using foam balls on the microphones and adding filters in recording software, can improve the quality of the interview recordings.
• 👣 Conducting test recordings with each microphone can help determine the correct assignment of tracks and ensure the quality of audio capture.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you conduct an interview in person with two USB microphones and a computer?

Yes, you can conduct an interview in person with two USB microphones and a computer. By following the steps mentioned in the content, you can set up the microphones and record the interview using GarageBand.

Q: Do I need to have long cords for the USB microphones?

It is important to have long enough cords for the USB microphones to ensure the distance is covered between the interviewees. Using short cords may restrict the movement and placement of the microphones.

Q: What if I only have one free USB port on my computer?

If you only have one free USB port, you can use a USB hub to connect multiple microphones. This allows you to have up to four different microphones connected to your computer.

Q: How can I ensure that the microphones are properly set up in GarageBand?

To ensure the microphones are properly set up in GarageBand, create an aggregate device in your computer's audio MIDI setup by selecting the two USB microphones. Then, in GarageBand preferences, set the input device to the aggregate device that you created.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• You can conduct in-person podcast interviews by using two USB microphones plugged into your computer.

• Ensure that you have long enough cords for the microphones, and if you have limited USB ports, you can use a USB hub.

• Create an aggregate device in your computer's audio MIDI setup by selecting the two USB microphones, and set them up in GarageBand to start recording.