I’m using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to record from two mics into Audacity for a podcast. For a time it was working just fine, but then input 2 on the Scarlett stopped recording in Audacity.
When I speak into the mic plugged into input 2, the Scarlett is showing the signal light around the input 2 gain dial, so I know the hardware is working. I checked the Windows sound settings and input 2 is displaying when I speak into the mic, as well, so it’s not Windows. Based on that, I’m assuming the issue is with Audacity. The recording device is set to the Scarlett 2i2 via USB and recording channels are set to 2 (Stereo). Input 1 is successfully recording and show up on the left stereo, but input 2 is not recording and not showing up on the right.
Thanks, Windows sound settings are unchanged and showing both inputs as working, and the Focusrite is set to record 2 channels. I just uninstalled Audacity and reinstalled it to the latest version, 3.0.3, and it’s still having this issue, unfortunately.
Try making a test recording in Windows Sound Recorder (or whatever they call it these days). Ensure that the recording is very obviously stereo (if you have two mics, speak into one, then speak into the other, and check that the recording has the stereo separation.)
Did you start using Skype, Zoom or other chat or conferencing service? They like to take over your sound system and they don’t tell you. That’s a good place to go when your machine presents with seemingly impossible or magic symptoms.
I believe those work in mono rather in stereo. Mono is easier to manage room echoes, real-time noise reduction, and feedback problems.
Never leave other programs running in the background while you’re trying to record in Audacity.
Are you trying to record a Zoom podcast by any chance?