To add a second microphone to Streamlabs, you will add each microphone individually as a separate "Audio Input Capture" source within your scene. This allows Streamlabs to recognize and manage each mic independently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Multiple Microphones
Adding multiple microphones to Streamlabs follows a straightforward process of incorporating each audio device as a distinct source.
1. Open Streamlabs and Access Sources
Launch Streamlabs Desktop. In the "Sources" panel, typically located at the bottom of the software, you'll see a list of all elements currently in your active scene. To add a new source, click the "+" (plus) icon.
2. Select "Audio Input Capture"
From the list of available source types, choose "Audio Input Capture". This source type is specifically designed to bring audio from a microphone or line-in device into Streamlabs. Once selected, click the "Add Source" button.
3. Add Your First Microphone
When prompted, you'll have the option to "Add a new source instead" or select an existing one. For your first microphone, select "Add a new source instead".
- Name your source clearly (e.g., "Host Mic," "Main Interviewer," "Primary Microphone"). Clear naming is crucial for managing multiple audio inputs.
- From the "Device" dropdown menu, select your first microphone from the list of available audio devices connected to your computer.
- Click "Done." You should now see an audio meter for this microphone in your Audio Mixer.
4. Add Your Second (and Subsequent) Microphones
To add your second microphone, you will repeat the exact same process as you did for the first:
- Go back to the "Sources" panel and click the "+" (plus) icon again.
- Select "Audio Input Capture" and click "Add Source."
- This time, for your second microphone, you must again choose "Add a new source instead" to create a distinct source for it.
- Give this new source a unique, descriptive name (e.g., "Guest Mic," "Secondary Microphone," "Co-Host Mic"). This is essential for distinguishing and managing your different audio inputs in the Audio Mixer.
- From the "Device" dropdown menu, select your second microphone.
- Click "Done."
You can repeat these steps for any additional microphones you wish to include in your stream. Each microphone should be added as its own "Audio Input Capture" source.
Managing Your Multiple Microphone Inputs
Once your microphones are added as separate sources, Streamlabs provides robust tools to manage their levels and properties individually.
The Audio Mixer
The Audio Mixer panel (usually located below the Sources panel) is where you'll see individual volume sliders and mute buttons for each "Audio Input Capture" source you added.
- Adjust Volumes: Drag the sliders to set appropriate volume levels for each microphone. Aim for levels that peak in the yellow range without consistently hitting the red, to avoid clipping or distortion.
- Mute/Unmute: Use the speaker icon next to each source to mute or unmute individual microphones as needed.
Advanced Audio Properties
For more granular control, click the gear icon next to any audio source in the Audio Mixer, or right-click the source in the "Sources" panel and select "Filters" or "Properties." This opens the "Advanced Audio Properties" window.
- Monitoring: This setting is crucial for hearing your own audio without creating feedback.
- Monitor Off: You won't hear the mic, but your audience will.
- Monitor Only (Mute Output): You hear the mic, but your audience does not. Useful for testing.
- Monitor and Output: Both you and your audience hear the mic. Use with caution to avoid feedback if listening through speakers. For headphones, this is generally safe.
- Tracks: If you're recording, you can assign each microphone to a different audio track. This allows for separate control over each mic's volume during post-production editing, which is invaluable for balancing audio.
- Sync Offset: If one microphone seems out of sync with another or with video, you can add a small delay here to realign the audio.
Filters for Each Mic
You can apply audio filters to individual microphone sources to improve sound quality. Right-click an "Audio Input Capture" source in the "Sources" panel and select "Filters." Common useful filters include:
- Noise Suppression: Reduces background noise.
- Gain: Increases or decreases the microphone's input volume.
- Compressor: Reduces the dynamic range, making loud parts quieter and quiet parts louder, resulting in a more consistent volume.
- Limiter: Prevents audio from exceeding a certain volume threshold, protecting against clipping.
Best Practices for Multi-Mic Setups
- Distinct Naming: Always give each "Audio Input Capture" source a unique and descriptive name to easily identify which microphone it controls.
- Test Thoroughly: Before going live or starting a recording, always test all your microphones, checking their levels and sound quality.
- Dedicated Hardware: For setups with multiple high-quality (e.g., XLR) microphones, consider using an audio interface or mixer to manage and pre-process your audio before it enters your computer and Streamlabs.
- System Recognition: Ensure all your microphones are properly connected and recognized by your computer's operating system before opening Streamlabs. Check your OS sound settings if a mic doesn't appear in the Streamlabs device list.
