Recording podcast on Audacity w/2 mikes and Skype input?

Factual Questions
1

I’ve started creating a podcast with a colleague and so far have recorded three episodes using a single USB stick mike. Recording and editing on Audacity on my MacBook.

I’d like to be able to use two headphone mikes, so we can monitor the sound, but my understanding is that only one USB audio input device can be used at one time. I’d also like to be able to add remote “guests” through Skype.

So, ideally, I’m using at least three import sources.

I went to the Apple store and found audio mixers ranging from $120 to $600 but none of them seemed to have the capacity for two-mike inputs.

Plus, it seems to me that Audacity lets you choose only one audio input at a time.

So any suggestions here? It’s just talking, so I’m not overly concerned about the best sound quality. Also, if these podcasts are any good, I’m going to pitch the idea to my employer and get them to pay for equipment, so I’m not looking to spend a ton of money at this point. If there’s any way for me to use the USB headset microphones that I already have, I’d prefer that rather than going out and buying more microphones.

2

Here’s how to do it with GarageBand - maybe this will work with Audacity, too.

3

Hmm … My audio and midi windows don’t seem to match the ones in the demo.

4

You can certainly use a small physical mixer outside of your computer, and send a single mix into either the mic or line input on your computer. Something like this little Shure 4 channel mixer. That one might be a but pricey it’s about $250, but I’m sure there are cheaper consumer versions around. I don’t have a clue what to do about Skype.

5

With Skype, it’s just a matter of making sure your computer and Audacity are set up to record the computer’s audio. I don’t know how to do that on a Mac, though.

6

I think the question is whether you can do that while simultaneously recording 2 or three other mics. You may need the capacity for 4 audio sources. One each for a host and guest (or co-host), one for a Skype guest, and possibly a 4th to run back through Skype to the Skype guest. You would need the first 3 of those 4 going into your podcast mix, and while you might not need the 4th in the mix, you might need it if you are unable to feed the mix back through Skype so that person can hear you.