How to Record from Multiple Audio Devices Simultaneously

Recording audio from multiple devices simultaneously can be achieved through various methods, depending on your operating system and the software you have at your disposal. This guide will walk you through a few common approaches, ensuring you can capture high-quality audio from multiple audio sources seamlessly.

Using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

Most DAWs offer multi-track recording capabilities, allowing you to record from multiple audio devices at once. Here’s how to set up a multi-track recording session with a DAW:

1. Select a DAW

Pick a popular DAW like Audacity (free), GarageBand for Mac, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, or FL Studio.

2. Setup Audio Interfaces

If you have multiple audio interfaces, connect them to your computer. Ensure your computer recognizes these interfaces within your chosen DAW.

3. Configure Input Settings

Open your DAW. Go to the audio settings or preferences. Select your audio interfaces as the input device. Enable the necessary inputs for each device you are using. Create tracks for each input. Assign each track to the corresponding input device.

Once your setup is configured, you can record audio from all your connected devices simultaneously.

Using Virtual Audio Devices

If you are on Windows, you can use software like Voicemeeter or ASIO4ALL to aggregate multiple audio devices.

Voicemeeter

This virtual mixer allows you to manage multiple audio sources. You can route audio from different devices and send it to your recording software.

ASIO4ALL

This driver allows you to use multiple audio interfaces in a DAW that supports ASIO.

Using Audio Interfaces with Multiple Inputs

If you have a multi-channel audio interface, you can connect multiple microphones or devices into the available inputs on your audio interface.

1. Connect Multiple Microphones/Devices

Plug your devices into the available inputs on your multi-channel audio interface.

2. DAW Setup

Open your DAW. Select the multi-channel audio interface as your input device. Create tracks for each input. Assign each track to the corresponding input device.

Using Software Solutions

Some software tools are designed to handle multiple audio sources:

OBS Studio

Primarily for video streaming, OBS can also record audio from multiple sources. You can add different audio input sources and record them together.

Audio Hijack (Mac)

This software allows you to capture audio from multiple applications and devices simultaneously.

Operating System Settings

Windows and Mac operating systems offer built-in mechanisms for handling multi-device audio recording:

Windows

Use the built-in audio mixer or group audio devices through Windows Audio.

Mac

Use the Aggregate Devices feature in Audio MIDI Setup to combine multiple audio interfaces into one virtual device.

Conclusion

The best method for recording from multiple audio devices depends on your specific needs, available equipment, and the software you prefer. Make sure to test your setup before starting a recording session to ensure everything works as expected. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maximize the quality and versatility of your audio recordings.