The last time I bought a microphone, I bought a standalone unit that used one of those giant desktop microphone stands. But those aren’t the only way to get better sound out of your microphone.
Today I’ll show you how to connect multiple microphones to a computer. I’ll also show you how to use the microphones together as a single unit.
How to Connect Multiple Microphones to a Computer?
Microphone setups can get complicated quickly. It’s easy to end up with a lot of hardware or have parts that don’t do exactly what you need.
If you’re looking to use multiple microphones, there are a few things to consider.
First, you need to make sure you have the right input on your computer and it’s set up correctly. For example, if you’re using a USB mixer, you need to make sure the level of each microphone is set the way you want it.
The next step is making sure your audio software is set up correctly. Most applications should have a setting for channel mapping, which tells the software which microphone to use for each channel.
Check out: Top 5 Best Microphones For Facebook Live in 2024
How to Connect Multiple USB Microphones to a Computer?
As a podcaster or amateur musician, you may need to plug in multiple microphones for chatting with your audience or recording multiple instruments.
If your computer has only one microphone jack, this can be tricky. However, if you have a Thunderbolt port, it is easy to use the right kind of connector to hook up multiple microphones.
Let’s look at two options, the USB hub, and the Thunderbolt chassis.
The most lightweight and portable option is really a USB hub. You plug one USB microphone into your computer and then plug the hub into the USB port. Then, you plug four or five USB microphones into the hub and you are ready to go.
Check out: Top 7 Best USB Microphones Under $100 in 2024
Tips for Recording With Multiple Mics
XLR vs. Direct Injection
A major debate exists among engineers about which is better, XLR, or direct injection when recording with multiple microphones.
XLR has long been the standard, but direct injection has become popular in recent years thanks to its ability to record each microphone with more clarity than XLR offers.
The debate isn’t simply about which is best, but how to achieve the best sound with each method.
Signal Flow
Most mics have a Mic On/Off switch that should be used when you want to avoid feedback. If you are using an active mic it can also be used to avoid the high voltage pre-amplifier from picking up vibrations from nearby sources.
This allows you to place the mic close to the source without picking up a lot of background noise. Using the switch is not always necessary but it’s still a good habit to get into. If the mic is active you will have to adjust the level of the pre-amp.
Check out this video tutorial to know it in a much better way:
Tips to Record Better With the Microphone
- Get closer to the sound source
- Use a microphone that is better at recording the sound
- Use a microphone that cancels out surrounding sounds (ie. Binaural Microphone)
- Use a microphone that gives a wider array of sound
- Find the best spot for each mic
- Switching Mics during the recording
- Micing Up Drums
- Choose the perfect microphone for yourself
Check out: 10 Best Microphones For Singing Or Recording Vocals
Conclusion
I hope this guide would have helped you know how to connect multiple microphones to a computer. I will surely make a video tutorial on how you can connect multiple microphones.
Do you want to know anything else? Do let me know in the comments below. Until then, check out:
How to Make Your Voice Deeper On the Mic?
How To Play Music Through Mic?
What is a dynamic microphone? Working, Advantages & Disadvantages
How To Use Headset Mic On PC With One Jack
How To Stop Microphone From Picking Up Keyboard Noise
Easy Hacks To Improve Microphone Sound Quality