For two interview microphones at a shared desk, choose a two-input USB interface if you will record on one computer and both speakers need headphone monitoring. Consider an advanced podcast mixer for remote callers or more involved routing, or a standalone-capable recorder if you need to record without a computer or add more local microphones. Whichever route you take, check whether your chosen recording mode saves each voice separately rather than only a combined mix.
If you will record on a computer, two dedicated mic inputs and a headphone connection for each speaker provide a straightforward starting point. Focusrite describes this two-person arrangement for its Vocaster Two.
Choose a recording mode that preserves individual microphone channels if you want to adjust one speaker without changing the other. RØDE and Zoom describe multitrack recording options for their respective podcast devices.
If callers, additional desk microphones or recording away from a computer are part of your plans, consider routing and recording options alongside the initial two inputs. RØDE documents remote-call routing for RØDECaster Duo; Zoom specifies four mic inputs and microSD recording for PodTrak P4next.
Start with where you will record: a computer-connected interface covers the basic shared-desk workflow, while local recording or remote guests can justify a different device.
Choose it when: Two people will record through one computer at a fixed desk.
Trade-off: Plan around recording software on the connected computer rather than assuming the interface can save a session by itself.
Choose it when: The interview also involves callers, another device or configurable production routing.
Trade-off: Those routing choices add setup decisions that a basic two-person recording may not need.
Choose it when: You want to save interviews without a computer or may add more local speakers.
Trade-off: Extra mic channels may go unused if interviews will always involve the same two people at one desk.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Separate voice tracks | Check for two XLR-capable mic inputs and confirm that your chosen recording mode saves each mic on its own channel. | If I edit interviews afterwards, I want to adjust one voice without changing the other. Around 42% of consumers would put separate-track editing first. |
| Two-person monitoring | Count headphone outputs, check their level controls and decide whether you want assisted gain setup. | At a shared desk, I want both speakers to hear the recording without managing complex routing. Straightforward monitoring would come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Recording and expansion | Check the exact options you need: microSD recording, remote-call routing, a second device or more than two mic inputs. | If the interview format may grow beyond two people or include remote guests, I do not want the initial setup to limit those plans. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise that flexibility. |
A device can accept two microphones yet save only a combined mix, limiting adjustments to one speaker after the interview.
Check whether the recording mode you will use saves individual mic channels, and whether it records to your computer, microSD or USB storage.
Both speakers may need to monitor the interview, and the headphone connectors must fit the headphones you intend to use.
Check the number of headphone outputs, their level controls and their connector size before buying.
RØDE advises using a 1/4-inch-to-3.5 mm adaptor with 3.5 mm headphones on RØDECaster Duo.
Additional USB interfaces, remote-call routing and sound pads add decisions to a workflow that may only need two desk microphones and a computer.
Decide whether you will actually connect callers, another device or more microphones before choosing those features.
Zoom identifies PodTrak P4 as discontinued; it is a different model from PodTrak P4next.
Check the exact model number against Zoom’s current product and support information, and confirm what the retailer includes.
Focusrite’s Vocaster Two is a computer-powered podcast interface aimed at recording a host and guest.
RØDECaster Duo combines two desk-mic inputs with production options for callers and other devices.
Zoom’s PodTrak P4next is a podcast recorder and USB interface with room for more than two local speakers.
You need two physical microphone inputs compatible with the microphones you plan to use. Focusrite specifies balanced XLR inputs on Vocaster Two, while RØDE specifies combo inputs on RØDECaster Duo; check separately whether your recording mode preserves two individual voice tracks.
Yes, if the chosen inputs provide the phantom power your microphones require. Focusrite specifies switchable 48 V phantom power for Vocaster Two, and Zoom specifies 48 V phantom power for PodTrak P4next; check each microphone’s requirements before switching it on.
Yes, with a device that supports recording to local storage: RØDE specifies microSD and USB-storage recording for RØDECaster Duo, while Zoom specifies microSD recording for PodTrak P4next. If you choose a computer-centred USB interface instead, plan to record through compatible software.
Both can monitor if the device has suitable headphone connections; do not infer their number from the mic inputs. Focusrite specifies two headphone connections on Vocaster Two, RØDE specifies two outputs on RØDECaster Duo, and Zoom specifies four on PodTrak P4next. Check connector sizes against your headphones as well.
GOV.UK guidance for placing products on the market in Great Britain recognises CE marking alongside UKCA marking, subject to the requirements applicable to the product. Check the exact device’s conformity information and use separate guidance for Northern Ireland rather than assuming Great Britain’s rules apply there.