How to Use Two USB Microphones on Your Mac (Made Simple)
If you’ve ever tried to connect two USB microphones to your Mac at once, you’ve probably noticed that macOS doesn’t allow it by default. Luckily, there’s an easy solution using Audio MIDI Setup to create an Aggregate Device. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step to help you get both mics working perfectly together.
What You’ll Need:
- Two USB microphones
- A Mac computer
- macOS (with the built-in Audio MIDI Setup app)
Step 1: Connect Both USB Mics to Your Mac
- Plug both USB microphones into your Mac.
- Verify that your Mac recognizes them by going to System Preferences > Sound or opening an audio app like Audacity or GarageBand.
Step 2: Open Audio MIDI Setup
- Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner.
- Select Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.
- You can also quickly open it by pressing Command (Cmd) + Space, typing Audio MIDI Setup, and pressing Enter.
Step 3: Create an Aggregate Device
- In the Audio MIDI Setup window, click the + button in the bottom-left corner.
- Select Create Aggregate Device from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Add Both Microphones to the Aggregate Device
- You will see a list of available audio devices in the right pane.
- Check the boxes next to the two USB microphones you want to use.
- This combines them into a single virtual audio device that apps can use.
Step 5: Configure the Aggregate Device (Optional)
- You may need to adjust the sample rate or clock source settings to ensure optimal performance.
- Choose one microphone as the Clock Source to avoid audio sync issues. Generally, pick the microphone you prefer as the main input.
Step 6: Rename the Aggregate Device (Optional)
- Click the name (e.g., “Aggregate Device”) and type in a new name like “Dual USB Mic Setup” to make it easier to recognize.
Step 7: Select the Aggregate Device in Your Audio App
- Open the audio or recording app you want to use (e.g., Zoom, GarageBand, or Audacity).
- Go to the app’s audio input settings.
- Select the Aggregate Device you just created as the input device.
Step 8: Test Your Setup
- Speak into both microphones and check that both inputs are detected in your app.
- If needed, adjust the input levels of each microphone in Audio MIDI Setup to balance the sound.
Bonus Tips:
- Sync Issues: If you hear audio delay or mismatched levels, adjust the clock source or sample rate.
- Volume Control: Some apps allow you to control the input levels directly within the software, but it’s best to get it balanced in Audio MIDI Setup first.
Common Questions:
Q: Can I use more than two USB microphones?
A: Yes, you can add more than two microphones to your aggregate device, but the more devices you add, the higher the chances of sync issues.
Q: What if one mic is louder than the other?
A: You can adjust the input levels for each microphone in Audio MIDI Setup.
Q: Does this work for live streaming?
A: Yes! Just select the aggregate device as your input source in your streaming app (e.g., OBS or Streamlabs).
Conclusion
That’s it! By creating an Aggregate Device on your Mac, you can use two USB microphones simultaneously for podcasts, interviews, or even dual vocal recordings. Now that you know how to set it up, give it a try and see how seamless your recordings become.
Got questions or need more help? Drop a comment below!
