You can connect multiple microphones to a computer using a USB hub for USB microphones, a Thunderbolt chassis for higher channel counts, or an audio interface with multiple XLR inputs for professional setups. The right option depends on how many microphones you need and what kind of recording you are doing.
This guide covers how to connect multiple microphones, USB-specific setups, and tips for getting the best results when recording with more than one mic.
How to Connect Multiple Microphones to a Computer
Microphone setups can get complicated quickly. It is easy to end up with more hardware than you need, or with parts that do not quite do what you expected.
If you want to use multiple microphones, there are a few things to consider.
First, make sure you have the right input on your computer and that it is configured correctly. If you are using a USB mixer, for example, make sure the level of each microphone is set the way you want.
Next, make sure your audio software is configured correctly. Most recording applications include a channel mapping setting, which tells the software which microphone feeds into which channel.
How to Connect Multiple USB Microphones to a Computer
If you are podcasting or recording multiple instruments, you may need to plug in more than one microphone at a time for chatting with guests or capturing multiple sound sources.
If your computer only has one microphone jack, this can be tricky. However, if you have a Thunderbolt port, the right connector makes hooking up multiple microphones straightforward.
There are two main options worth considering: a USB hub or a Thunderbolt chassis.
The most lightweight and portable option is a USB hub. Plug a USB microphone into your computer, then plug the hub into a USB port. From there, you can plug four or five USB microphones into the hub and you are ready to record.
If you are shopping for USB microphones to use in a multi-mic setup, our guide to best USB microphones under $100 covers solid budget options.
Tips for Recording With Multiple Mics
XLR vs Direct Injection
There is an ongoing debate among engineers about whether XLR or direct injection is the better approach when recording with multiple microphones.
XLR has long been the standard, but direct injection has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its ability to capture each microphone with more clarity than XLR sometimes offers.
The debate isn’t really about which method is universally better, but about how to get the best sound using each approach for your specific setup.
Signal Flow
Most microphones include a mic on/off switch, which is useful for avoiding feedback. If you are using an active microphone, this switch can also help prevent the high voltage preamp from picking up vibrations from nearby sources.
This allows you to place the microphone closer to its sound source without picking up excess background noise. Using the switch isn’t always strictly necessary, but it’s a good habit to build. If the microphone is active, you will need to adjust the preamp level accordingly.
Tips to Record Better With Multiple Microphones
- Get closer to the sound source
- Use a microphone that is better suited for the specific sound you are recording
- Use a microphone that cancels out surrounding sound, such as a binaural microphone
- Use a microphone with a wider sound capture range
- Find the best position for each microphone
- Switch microphones during recording when needed for different sources
- Pay attention to mic placement when miking up drums
- Choose the microphone best suited to your specific use case
If you are setting up specifically for vocals, our guide to 10 best microphones for singing or recording vocals covers strong picks worth considering.
Conclusion
Connecting multiple microphones to a computer comes down to choosing the right hardware for your setup, whether that’s a USB hub, a Thunderbolt chassis, or an audio interface with multiple XLR inputs, along with making sure your software is configured correctly for channel mapping.
For more on getting the best results from your setup, see our guides on how to make your voice deeper on the mic and easy hacks to improve microphone sound quality.
