Combine two mics into one mono channel?

[jacobacro]

I am trying to connect 2 Rode Video Micro microphones to my laptop. My laptop does not appear to have the ability to record a 2 channel mic input. I have a 2 mono to 1 stereo combiner but only one mic can record on my laptop. I have same problem when I try to connect two mics to my iphone.

I am working on a workaround. There must be a way I can turn two mono mic channels into one mono mic channel. I looked around on Amazon and could not find anything. Thats why I am here. I would get a small mixer if what what I need to make this work.

Thanks

-Jacob

 

[Mrv8q]

Sure sounds like a simple 4 channel mixer, from Mackie or M-Audio or the like, that will interface with your laptop is the answer. The great thing will be individual mic level input adjust, as well as 48V phantom power as needed.

Markertek might be a source to explore, among others.

 

[jacobacro]

If i'm reading this correctly then get a small mixer. It will give you flexibility as to routing, eq, etc. I have a small Behringer with both analog and USB outputs that I use for a similar purpose. It's one of their 4-channel models. Not a world beater but it's affordable and does the job with very good mic pres and overall sound quality. Mackie has similar options and there are several others on the market to pick from.

The Behringer you have... Does it use 3.5 mm plugs?

 

[jacobacro]

Sure sounds like a simple 4 channel mixer, from Mackie or M-Audio or the like, that will interface with your laptop is the answer. The great thing will be individual mic level input adjust, as well as 48V phantom power as needed.

Markertek might be a source to explore, among others.

Do you think this would do it?
https://www.amazon.com/Maker-hart-J...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I need 2 mics to turn into a dual mono signal. I want to hear both mics equally on the right and left output channels.

Thanks

-Jacob

 

[jacobacro]

That would probably work OK. It all depends how much flexibility you want on the "outboard" side and what you're doing on the laptop. For the $ it's not much of a risk and you most probably return it if it doesn't work out.

Do you know if I could do this without a mixer. Maybe there is a splitter which could turn two mics into dual mono out. I looked around on Amazon but could not find anything. I could only find 2 stereo to one stereo or breakout cables which turn stereo into right and left channels.

 

[Chip Chester]

Your little white mixer has a high probability of working.

You can use a transformer-based mic splitter to sum two dynamic microphones just fine. That won't work in this case because of the microphone powering involved. The transformer will block it, and using two power sources can be problematic if not managed correctly. Order the Amazon thing and give it a try.

There may be two-mic-input USB-based external sound cards out there, if you look...

 

[jacobacro]

Hello again. I got a Maker Hart Just Mic IV. It is working just like I was hoping. If I wanted I could plug in 4 mics and get dual mono out. Now I have question about levels. There are individual channel and master levels on the mixer and input volume on the computer. What is the best way to set these so I get the best sound?

 

[Chip Chester]

In general, you want to avoid extreme attenuation or extreme boost. Can lead to noise, distortion, etc.

Your mixer doesn't offer input gain controls, labeling of unity gain settings on the fader, etc. so just tune for minimum noise/no distortion. Mute unused inputs. Fader levels probably should not be all the way up or all the way down -- strive for balance in the middle-upper range of fader throw. Listen to output for hiss/noise and distortion. Watch inputs of the next item in the chain, and adjust system so that item isn't all the way up or down also. Do you have any meters in your system?

There are ways to do this 'right' on higher level mixers, but they have calibrations/labels, input gain controls and metering. You get to guess, and verify by listening and evaluating the output. Both are valid approaches, because in the end, it's how it sounds that matters.

 

[jacobacro]

In general, you want to avoid extreme attenuation or extreme boost. Can lead to noise, distortion, etc.

Your mixer doesn't offer input gain controls, labeling of unity gain settings on the fader, etc. so just tune for minimum noise/no distortion. Mute unused inputs. Fader levels probably should not be all the way up or all the way down -- strive for balance in the middle-upper range of fader throw. Listen to output for hiss/noise and distortion. Watch inputs of the next item in the chain, and adjust system so that item isn't all the way up or down also. Do you have any meters in your system?

There are ways to do this 'right' on higher level mixers, but they have calibrations/labels, input gain controls and metering. You get to guess, and verify by listening and evaluating the output. Both are valid approaches, because in the end, it's how it sounds that matters.

Thanks I will keep everything in the middle. I only have levels on the computer input. I can watch it to make sure there is no distortion.