Learn how to record with multiple usb mics simultaneously! In this step-by-step guide you will learn how to record two mics at once in Audacity. Plus discover how to record each USB Microphone on separate tracks in multi-track DAW software like Reaper.
This is a step-by-step guide for Windows PC. (Got a Mac? Click here for sister post). You will learn how to record multiple mics using Voicemeeter (Audacity) and ASIO4ALL (Reaper). If you own a mac then you should refer to our sister post on how to Record 2 USB Mics At Once For Mac.
Not sure which USB mic to buy? Check out our ultimate guide to the best USB microphones. We have tested all the most popular USB mics, and our guide includes uncompressed audio recordings plus video reviews.
In our step-by-step video tutorial we used a Shure MV5 Digital Microphone and an Audio Technica AT2020USB+ USB Condenser Mic. However the instructions will work with any USB Microphones correctly installed on your Windows PC.
Table of contents
How to Record Multiple Tracks At Once in Audacity & Reaper – Video Tutorial
Our complete video tutorial on how to record two USB mics at once on a Windows PC is below. Then if you need more detailed information, scroll down for our step-by-step guide.
How to Use Two Microphones at the Same Time in Audacity
We will begin with the simplest way to record 2 USB mics. As a stereo mix in Audacity.
Install Voicemeeter
Grab yourself a copy of the Voicemeeter Utility from the VB-Audio Software site. The software is completely free to use, but they do have a donateware model. If you use Voicemeeter and like it, do consider a donation! This is an awesome utility. Let’s keep it updated by paying a small amount!
Check Audio Device Settings
Navigate to the Control Panel in Windows to make sure your USB mics are correctly installed. Navigate to Hardware and Sound -> Manage Audio Devices.
Click on each mic in turn, and click the Properties button. You can then make sure the level is correct by clicking the level tab. Then click the advanced tab and check the sampling rate. All the mics should have the same sample rate.
Voicemeeter Setup
Open up Voicemeeter. Select your USB Microphones under the Hardware Inputs. Make sure you click B for each mic you wish to record. This sends the mic signal to the virtual output.
You can also click A if you wish to hear the mic in your headphones or speakers.
Select your hardware outputs at the same time.
Now make sure you leave Voicemeeter running! Do NOT shut it down. Go back to the Control Panel and choose Voicemeeter as the default device for recording and playback.
How To Set Up Audacity with Voicemeeter Correctly
The screenshot above details how to select Voicemeeter as the recording and playback device in Audacity. It is very quick and easy, as the devices are available in drop-down lists on the main screen.
You can also choose whether to record a Mono or Stereo track.
Press Record and You Will Record 2 Mics At Once in Audacity
Now all you need to do is press the record button. Audacity will record the combined input of the USB microphones on one track. Either stereo or mono – that will depend on your choice.
When you are satisfied with your recordings, you can export the audio ready to share with the world!
How To Record More Than One USB Microphone On Separate Tracks in Reaper – or Any DAW
You can easily record multiple USB Mics in any DAW or ASIO software on Windows. In the following worked example we used Reaper to record. But you could use the same principles to record in any multitrack recording software.
Download and Install ASIO4ALL Drivers
Step 1 is to download and install the ASIO4ALL drivers. This is a FREE utility. We recommend that you install ASIO4ALL anyway to record in the most efficient way with your USB Microphone.
You will need to restart your PC after installation.
Set Up The ASIO Drivers in your DAW
Whichever multi-track ASIO recording software you use, you will need to set up the ASIO drivers. In Reaper you navigate to Options-> Preferences and then click on Device. Select ASIO from the Audio system, the ASIO4ALL from the ASIO Driver dropdown list.
Enable Multiple USB Mic Inputs in the ASIO Configuration
In Reaper you click the ASIO Configuration button, then ‘Pin’ all the USB Mics you wish to record with. Then make sure your first input is the very first USB Mic, and the last input is the last USB mic you wish to use (see image below)
Arm Separate Tracks To Record Different USB Mics Simultaneously
To record multiple mics simultaneously in Reaper, on separate tracks, double-click to create new tracks. On each track, click the record button to arm the track to record. Then choose the audio input from the drop-down list. You can choose a different input for each track.
Record USB Mics on Multiple Tracks At the Same Time
Follow the steps above. Now all you need do is press the main record button on the transport bar. You will record multiple tracks at once – each with a different input.
Home Recording Studio Setup – Further Reading
Now that you have mastered recording two USB mics at the same time on Windows, you may be ready to learn more recording tips and tricks.