Podcast setup for two or more people: 3 options

If you have two or more podcast hosts or guests, the trick is to keep background noise to a minimum. When you edit your podcast in post-production, you want to make sure each voice is isolated without any bleedover. 

To record clean audio files, here are three things you can do.

Use a USB audio interface

Many beginner podcasters buy USB mics because they plug in directly into your computer and you can use an all-digital audio workstation (like Reaper) that doesn’t require other podcasting equipment. At most, you may need USB port adaptors if you have a newer Mac that uses USB-C inputs. This is a cost-effective way to get into podcasting.

But a problem you can run into with USB mics is your laptop’s sound card can’t register more than one USB microphone at a time. So, it’ll end up picking up your co-host’s voice on your mic and vice versa. 

For podcast recording, the best way to record with multiple microphones is to skip USB microphones altogether and use XLR mics instead. This setup is a bit more expensive because XLR microphones require a separate audio interface. But you’ll have much more control over the sound quality than you do when using multiple USB microphones, and it will save you a lot of headaches during the editing process.

On top of that, an XLR setup allows you to have a bit more control over the sound of your podcast. A good XLR condenser microphone and decent audio interface (like a Focusrite Scarlett) can sound great even if you’re using mid-level recording software. 

🎧 Explore: The best 7 Bluetooth microphones, ranked and reviewed (2023)

Use a digital recorder

You can use a digital recorder if you want to make your podcast more mobile or need a minimal setup. All you need are mics and an audio recorder—no need for a computer. A mid-level audio mixer or recorder will have inputs for multiple XLR mics and allow you to record individual audio tracks.  

Rode makes an audio mixer for podcasting called the RodeCaster Duo. The mixer comes with multiple mic inputs, seven channels, faders, and customizable buttons so you can store sound effects. You can also hook it up to your computer via USB or store your audio files on an SD card.

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If you’re a podcaster that is on the go and prefers not to be trapped in a studio or tethered to one place, a digital recorder or audio mixer may be the best option for you. 

Use a remote recording platform

The most cost-effective option for recording a multiple microphone podcast is to do so remotely. That way there’s no need to worry about multiple mics, because each speaker will be using their own remote recording setup. 

The key to this type of recording is the need for a good recording platform that can seamlessly sync multiple speakers without any lag or glitching. If you’ve ever been in a Zoom meeting and you see someone’s screen freeze or audio drop out, you know how frustrating that can be. 

With Descript’s remote recording tool, you can set up your own recording studio that saves audio locally to your device. This allows you to record both your own audio and your guests’ audio and video, ensuring a high-quality recording without the glitchy sound and look of remotely recorded recordings.

Descript’s remote recording feature also helps you:

• Capture high-fidelity podcast audio to ensure that your voice is as clear as possible.
• Record Each participant on separate tracks, so post-production editing is easier.
• Automatically backup files to prevent data loss and provide an extra layer of security.
• Continuously save recordings throughout the session, so you never lose a recording.

The best part? Remote recording is included in Descript’s podcast editing software at no extra cost. 

How to record a podcast with multiple microphones on a computer

The most common way to record a podcast is with a computer. This gives you more control over the sound quality than with a phone, or even a digital recorder. 

Below are tutorials to get you started whether you’re using Windows or a Mac.

How to record with two mics at the same time on Windows

Step 1: Connect the USB/XLR microphones

First thing’s first, connect your microphones to your computer. This process varies depending on whether you’re using USB or XLR microphones.

USB microphones are usually easy to set up — you just connect the microphone's USB cable to an available USB port on your computer. These microphones often come with built-in preamps and digital converters.

But things get complicated when you want to use two USB microphones at once. The easiest way to do this is to plug each one into a separate laptop, so you and your co-host or guest can each record your own track onto your own machine. 

If you don’t have multiple computers, well, you can still make it work. But it will take some futzing, so don’t say we didn’t warn you. 

How to use two USB microphones with a PC:

1. Download and install the free app Voicemeeter. This is an online mixer that allows you to record inputs from both of your microphones — though be forewarned that it records both onto a single track, instead of separate ones. 
2. Set the levels before you start recording to make sure both voices are at the same loudness level.
3. With Voicemeeter open, go to Hardware Inputs and select each microphone as an individual input. Having two different brands of microphone will make your life much easier here.
4. Follow steps 2–4 below.

How to use two XLR microphones with a PC:

XLR microphones are usually more complicated to use than USB microphones, unless you’re comparing using two XLRs to two USBs. In that case, the process is much more straightforward for XLR microphones.

XLR microphones have a three-pin XLR connector and don't plug directly into a computer, so they require an audio mixer or audio interface. As a bridge between the microphone and the computer, the audio mixer receives analog signals from an XLR microphone, amplifies them (if necessary), and converts them into digital data. As long as your mixer has two XLR inputs, it’s as simple as plugging both microphones into the mixer and plugging the mixer into your computer. 

Step 2: Choose a recording software

You'll need recording software after you've set up your microphone. Sometimes referred to as a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), it lets you record, edit, mix, and produce audio recordings in one place. The platform also tracks, processes, and manipulates all the audio inputs from your mics.

Descript is an all-in-one recording and editing software specially designed for podcasters and video creators. As noted, you can set up Descript for remote or in-person recording, then cut, trim, and rearrange your recordings with a text-based editor.

Step 3: Configure your audio input

Before you start recording, you have to select your microphones as audio inputs. This is easy in Descript. Once you’re in the app, open the recording panel by selecting the Record button.

Select your camera and microphone from the dropdown menus. You can also enable Studio Sound and transcription during the recording. If you’re using more than one microphone, you can add and remove up to 8 inputs in the speaker panel.

Choose your first audio input from the microphone dropdown menu. Then select + Add input at the button of the recorder panel. 

Step 4: Start recording

Now you just have to hit the record button and capture all your wit and knowledge on tape.

💡PRO TIP: Make sure you set your levels correctly before you start recording! You’ll want to make sure that both voices are at about the same loudness level. Otherwise, you’ll have to go in and turn each person’s audio up and down throughout the recording to make them match up nicely for the listener. 

How to record with two mics at once on Mac

Step 1: Connect the USB/XLR microphones

If you’re using two USB microphones, Macs have the option to create what’s called an Aggregate Device for recording sound. To do this, first plug both microphones into your computer. Then search for “Audio Midi Setup” and click on the + icon in the lower left-hand corner to create an aggregate device. 

That + icon should then offer you a list of all available audio inputs; just click the two (or more) you want to use. You’ll have to click each one twice — once to grab its input, and once for its output. Make sure that the input and output channels for each mic are matched up — so if microphone number #1 is input channels 1 and 2, it should also be output channels 1 and 2. Then make sure to turn on Drift Correction, which keeps the two mics in sync with one another! 

If you’re using XLR mics, connect your microphones to your audio interface. Then hook the interface up to your Mac. Some audio interfaces may require a driver to function correctly or unleash their full features. So, read up on the manufacturer’s website to see if there are any drivers you must install on your Mac. 

Step 2: Open your recording software

Open your Descript app. Click + New and then select video project or audio project if you’re recording in person. It’s self-explanatory, but if you’re creating a video podcast, choose the video project option. 

Step 3: Configure your audio input

Recording in Descript is as easy as selecting your microphones as audio inputs. Select the Record button to open the recording panel.

Choose your camera and microphone from the drop-down menus. 

If you’re using more than one microphone, you can add and remove up to eight inputs. Select your first audio input from the microphone dropdown menu. Then select + Add input at the button of the recorder panel. 

Step 4: Start recording

Once you’re all set up to record, hit the Record into script button and you are ready to roll! 

2-person podcast setup tips and best practices

Now that you know how to configure your recording setup, let’s go over some best practices that will level up the audio quality of your recordings and generally make your life easier. 

Use quality microphones and headphones

Don’t skimp on the microphone and headphones you use. The difference in sound quality between a Blue Yeti and a Shure Dynamic condenser mic is like night and day. Remember, podcasting is a purely audio medium, so you want to choose tools that make you sound the best.

The same goes for podcast headphones. Even if you have a great mic, if your headphones can’t faithfully convey the full aspects of your recordings, you’ll miss things like the hum of your refrigerator or sirens in the background. Then all of that will get broadcast on Spotify or wherever you post your podcast and you’ll lose listeners. Some good options include the Audio Technica ATH-M30x and the Sony MDR-7506.

Take the time to go through Amazon, read some reviews, and do some research to find a good mic and headphones for your budget.

Test and prepare before recording

Do a few test runs before recording your first podcast episode. A lot of this gear and software can be new, so it’s a good idea to experiment and test out what configurations and settings work best for your gear, your voice, and your space. 

Record each guest on separate tracks

This will save you a lot of headaches when you’re editing your podcast. It’s much easier to edit a word or phrase when one voice is on its own track. Rather than trying to single out a voice on a track with multiple voices on it.

Descript lets you record multiple tracks remotely or in-person with multiple microphones. In either case, it will generate a transcript where you can edit each track or work on them individually in Sequences.

Establish a clear workflow

Podcasting involves multiple stages like planning, recording, editing, and publishing. Effective organization keeps these stages on track and ensures episodes are released on time. It also makes your life less stressful and podcasting more enjoyable. 

With Descript you can record, edit, transcribe, and manipulate sound all on one platform. This simplifies your workflow because you don’t need to switch between a bunch of different tools. Descript also offers non-destructive editing, so you can experiment with edits without losing original content. 

Plus, AI-driven tools like filler word removal and automated leveling speeds up the editing process, so you can focus more on content and less on technical details.

Want to join the thousands of podcasters already using Descript’s audio editing app? Take a tour of the dashboard today.

How to record a podcast with multiple mics FAQs

How do I set up a multi-mic podcast?

There are a number of ways to set up a multi-mic podcast. It will depend on your budget constraints, whether you want to be mobile, and your level of expertise.

How do I record multiple USB mics for podcasts?

Using two USB mics at the same time is complicated, but doable. On PC, you’ll want to use a free app called Voicemeeter, which will allow you to record inputs from multiple USB microphones. On Mac, you’ll go to Audio MIDI Setup, click on the  + icon to create an aggregate device, and choose the microphones you want to use.

A much easier solution is to use XLR mics and get an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to record a multiple mic podcast. 

How to record a podcast with multiple people in different places?

Remote recording a podcast is actually pretty easy as long as you have the right platform. A great all-in-one platform that records, edits, and publishes remote podcasts is Descript.

How do you record a 4-person podcast?

Make sure you have an interface that has four mic inputs. Your best bet is XLR, but you can also use USB with the right configuration. Just make sure you have the ability to put each person on a different track in your editing software.