Having trouble connecting all your microphones to one USB input? Looking for the best way to connect multiple microphones to one input? Read our article!

If you need to record music you would need several microphone connections each connected to a different instrument to pick its sound. Podcasters or interviewers also need several microphones for their guests to record their conversations in a paneled discussion. There are many other situations in life where you will find the necessity of connecting multiple microphones to one input. 

How can you connect your microphones to one input in your computer?

Due to the lack of microphone input options in your device, especially your PC, which usually has only 1-2 inputs, you might find it difficult to work. To help you solve this problem we have come up with ways how you can connect multiple microphones to one input. Check our article and find out all the ways you can connect your mics to one jack. 

 

With USB Audio Interface

If you are looking for the most convenient way to connect multiple mics to your computer you need a USB audio interface. It is reasonable and get the job done smoothly. You need an audio interface that has multiple XLR inputs.

Connect all your mics to the XLR inputs and then connect the audio interface to your PC using a USB cable. After connecting all the mics you can simply use Audacity to edit and mix all the sound you receive from multiple mics.  

Three or Two 3.5 mm microphones to one 3.5 mm input 

To connect two or more 3.5mm cables a 3.5 mm splitter cable would be the best device for them. These splitter cables have 2-3 input sockets with a male output stereo jack. You can plug one or two mics on the right channel and the remaining one on the left channel. 

XLR mics to a USB input

XLR mics are mainly connected to USB inputs for a podcast. You need an audio interface device that has 2-3 XLR inputs, that is then connected to a USB cable to send your recordings and audio directly to your PC. This will provide you maximum flexibility to record without any complications. 

With Audio Mixer

An audio mixer is another essential device that helps people to connect many mics to one input. Audio mixer is very handy when it comes to hosting a podcast with many guests. However, an audio mixer is a bit more expensive that all the other devices that have been mentioned here previously.

As it the best intensive option for connecting multiple mics to any device and makes the task of operating them very smooth. Audio mixer allows people the freedom to connect the mixer to their iPad, Mac, laptop, DAW, or PC. You can also have no limitations to the number of guests you want to have in your podcast show. As a mixer will not compromise the sound quality received from each of the mics. 

If you think connecting multiple mics using an audio mixer to your computer would be complicated, you are mistaken. Rather it is very simple and easy. You need XLR cables to connect all the microphones to the audio mixer. Then connect the mixer using a USB cable to your PC or laptop. Few audio mixers allow people to have four to five channels for their microphones with an increased number of input options. 

Can a Y cable be used to plug microphones into a solo input?

Using a Y cable is the best practice for inserting two microphones to a single input. However, in many situations a Y cable manages to get the job done somehow. Although, it will cause ground loops, impedance mismatches, and buzzes which will cause interference and or ruin sound quality.

Y cables are not recommended for summer signals but used rather for splitting signals. A single Y cable can be used to feed a single stereo output on the mixer and divide two separate recording inputs.

What is a ‘Voicemeeter’?

Suppose you have all the pieces of equipments ready to connect multiple microphones to one single input in your computer. However, it will not work properly. You need specific software to make them all work. ‘Voicemeeter’ is the software you need to download to make all your mics work.  

Many of you have never heard of the ‘Voicemeeter’ software before, it is a free tool so you do not have to worry about additional charges. You can connect, link, and mix all the recordings you receive from your mics using it.

So for starters, you need to select the ‘voicemeeter’ as your input device and output tool in your audio hardware options. You do need to make sure that your mics are on the same volume level while they are recording conversations, otherwise editing will get a lot complicated. 

Steps to Connect Multiple USB Mics to one input using voicemeeter

• First of all, you need to plug all your mics into an audio interference device then use a USB port to connect the device to your PC. 
• Download the ‘Voicemeeter’ software and launch it in your PC. 
• Your PC will locate all the separate USB mics automatically. 
• If your PC muddles up the brand of all your mics, you may have to identify or set them apart manually.
• Crosscheck the volume of each mic before recording
• Use the ‘voicemeeter’ to record all your inputs in one single audio file. 

If you do not want to record all the recordings from different mics into one file but into separate tracks you need to download another app. ASIO4All has been developed for this purpose however, its configurations can get a little complicated for people to fully understand and operate.

Bottom Line

Now that you have read this article, you should know how to insert multiple microphones into one input. Recording with multiple mics are fun, but you need to know the right way and have the right devices to make it work.

 

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