Recording With 2 Yeti Mics, And Adding Sound Effects

Audacity Help Forum Windows
1

This is a two parter, and I’ve read a few posts with some good information, but I wanted to offer my specific requirements to see if I can get a little extra help. I’m a first time poster, and I’ve been using Audacity for a year or so. Hopefully these questions aren’t too repetitive, and I really appreciate the support.

I’m recording a weekly podcast (http://www.lastpintprod.com) for anyone who likes movie talk and potty humor. :slight_smile: We recorded from a single yeti blue mic for the year. Recently, I purchased a second mic, so we could each use the Cardioid setting and reduce the room echo caused by placing a mic inbetween the two of us.

From what I’ve read, in order to make both mics work with Audacity, we need to download and enable a virtual audio cable that “combines” the two signals into one input for Audacity to read. Any additional information on the best way to set this up, and where to download the proper plugin/driver would be greatly appreciated. We’re working on a Windows 7 computer.

Second, I’ve long wanted to have a live running “sound board” on the podcast. From what I can tell, this also can be applied through the virtual audio cable. So the main question is how to use the virtual audio cable to both combine the mics and to allow sound effects played on the computer to also be picked up by audacity, all in the single track.

Again, thank you for the help and I hope these questions aren’t delving into too well worn territory.

Thanks!

2

As you say, your question is primarily about using Virtual Audio Cable, so they should be in a much better position to help you: Virtual Audio Cable (VAC) - connect audio applications, route and mix sounds
Please note that VAC is a commercial product. They have no association with Audacity.

3

I’ve never used VAC… Maybe it will work for you in this application.

USB mics are super-convenient and economical, but you do run into limitations…

The “normal” solution is a pair of analog mics (good studio or performance mics with XLR connectors, not “computer mics”), plus an audio interface with two (or more) mic inputs.

Another option is a small analog mixer with an optional built-in USB interface. These are generally around the same price as an interface (starting around $100 - $200 USD).

A USB mixer will (usually) only record in stereo even if there are more than 2 mic inputs (fine for you application), whereas a multi-channel interface can do multi-track recording. And, some interfaces allow you to monitor yourself with zero-latency while also monitoring a backing-track.