For two wired interview microphones recorded to one computer, choose an interface with two independently adjustable mic inputs. Consider a podcast console if you also need hands-on routing or onboard multitrack recording. Neither device removes room noise or reflections, so plan close microphone placement and check that the available gain suits your microphones.
If you want a separate level for each microphone without a complicated setup, look for two mic inputs and clear level controls. Assisted gain setting can help you get started, but it cannot correct the sound of the room.
If household noise and reflections are your main concern, leave room to position a microphone close to each speaker. Shure advises reducing background noise or moving the microphone closer; the interface cannot improve the acoustic environment.
If interviews regularly involve calls, playback, wireless microphones or hands-on mixing, a podcast console’s additional connections and controls may be useful alongside its two mic inputs.
Choose it when: Both microphones feed a computer and you want to set and record their levels separately.
Trade-off: A conventional compact interface does not provide the faders or onboard multitrack recording specified for the RØDECaster Duo.
Choose it when: Live level changes, additional routing or recording beyond a computer-only workflow are part of your interviews.
Trade-off: Its broader controls bring more setup decisions and do not remove the need to manage noise in the room.
For two-person interviews in a noisy flat, start with the issue that would most influence your choice, then check the corresponding equipment requirements.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Speech clarity in the flat | Allow close placement for both microphones and identify noise you can reduce before recording. | I need both voices to remain intelligible despite noise or reflections, so microphone placement matters more to me than extra interface features. Around 46% of consumers put speech clarity first. |
| Gain and level setting | Check each microphone’s requirements against the interface’s gain range, and look for separate level control or gain assistance. | With two microphones to set up, I want usable levels without clipping or a difficult adjustment routine. For around 36% of consumers, manageable gain and setup take priority. |
| Production workflow | Decide whether you need faders, call or playback routing, or recording beyond the computer. | If interviews include other audio sources or live mixing, I need controls beyond two basic mic channels. Expanded routing and recording are the primary concern for around 18% of consumers. |
Reflections and background noise reach the microphones before the interface. Shure advises addressing the noise source or moving a microphone closer to the speaker.
Plan close placement for both speakers and reduce controllable noise before choosing extra processing features.
PreSonus cautions that some bus-powered interfaces may not provide sufficient gain for a particular dynamic microphone.
Check the exact microphone and interface together, including the expected speaking distance; test the pairing where possible.
An unsuitable pairing may call for an external inline preamp or a different microphone.
Faders, additional routing and onboard multitrack recording serve a more involved production workflow, not every two-person interview.
If both microphones will feed one computer, decide whether a two-input interface already covers the recording you plan to do.
A console also takes time to configure for its additional functions.
48 V phantom power is for microphones that require it, commonly condenser microphones; it does not replace adequate preamp gain or good placement.
Check each microphone’s instructions before enabling phantom power, then set recording levels using the interface’s meters or supported gain-assistance controls.
The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a compact interface option for recording two microphones to a computer.
The EVO 4 is a compact two-mic interface for computer recording with assisted level setting.
The RØDECaster Duo serves two-mic interviews that also need podcast-production controls and recording options.
The UR22C is a two-input interface to consider when an interview setup also needs loopback, MIDI or computer/iOS use.
The AudioBox USB 96 offers two combo inputs and a direct-monitoring control for straightforward computer recording.
No: an interface should not be relied on to remove noise or reflections that the microphones pick up. Shure advises reducing the noise source where possible and placing each microphone closer to its speaker; processing is a secondary cleanup step.
Yes, if you want to adjust and record two wired microphones independently, choose two usable mic inputs rather than assuming one stereo input will do the same job. Check the connectors and recording workflow as well as the input count.
Enable 48 V when the selected microphone requires phantom power, commonly with condenser microphones. Follow that microphone’s instructions; phantom power is not a general way to increase the level of a quiet mic.