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To record several microphones, instruments, or other sources at once as separate editable tracks, connect them to hardware that exposes enough simultaneous inputs, assign each source to its own track in your recording software, arm every track, and record. The key limit is the number of independent channels the interface or mixer can send at the same time—not its total track count or number of sockets.
1. Count the sources and decide what needs its own track
List everything you want to capture at the same time: for example, three microphones, a stereo keyboard, and a computer return. Decide which sources need to be edited or mixed independently. A mono microphone normally needs one mono track; a stereo instrument or source needs a stereo pair if you want to preserve its left and right channels.
Check how each source connects—XLR, 1/4-inch instrument or line input, USB, or another digital connection—and how many independent channels the hardware actually sends to your computer or recorder. The number of physical sockets does not always tell you how many separate channels reach the recording software. Apple’s Logic Pro guide states: “To record multiple input sources simultaneously, you need an audio interface that has multiple inputs.”
2. Choose a recording path
Computer and DAW with an interface or USB mixer
Connect the sources to a multichannel audio interface or a mixer that sends individual channels over USB. In your digital audio workstation (DAW), create one track for each source, assign each track to the matching input, and record-enable all tracks. Confirm that the device’s USB routing exposes separate channels rather than only a stereo mix.
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Multiple USB devices on a Mac
If you need to combine separate USB audio devices, macOS supports an Aggregate Device configured in Audio MIDI Setup. Select the aggregate device in supported recording software, then assign the tracks to the appropriate inputs. Apple’s Aggregate Device instructions include recording multiple USB microphones in GarageBand. GarageBand outputs through one selected device, so plan how you will monitor the recording—such as choosing the device connected to your headphones or speakers.
Standalone mixer-recorder
A mixer-recorder can capture audio to an SD card or external USB storage without a computer, but the number of channels and recording options depend on the model. RØDE documents multitrack recording to microSD or external USB storage on the RØDECaster Pro II and Duo, including pre-fader or post-fader choices where applicable (RØDE’s setup guide). TASCAM’s Model 12 product page specifies a 12-track internal recorder, up to 24-bit/48 kHz WAV, with up to ten tracks playable simultaneously. Its 2024 Pocket Guide lists the Mixcast 4 as recording up to 14 tracks to SD, with a 14-in/2-out USB interface and four mic inputs. Verify the capture mode and channel count for the exact device before relying on it for a session.
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3. Confirm simultaneous channel capacity before choosing gear
“Mixer,” “multitrack,” and a high total track count do not guarantee that every channel can be recorded separately at once. Manufacturer documentation gives useful examples of how widely the limits vary:
| Device or model | Documented simultaneous recording or channel specification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Allen & Heath ZED Mini, 2-Bus, 4-Bus, and ZEDi-8 | Two channels to a DAW at once. Choosing a different USB record bus does not remove the two-channel limit on these models. | Allen & Heath support, March 26, 2026 |
| Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 and ZEDi-10FX | Four channels to a DAW at once. | Allen & Heath support, March 26, 2026 |
| Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK | 14-in/12-out; up to 48 kHz, 24-bit. | HARMAN/Soundcraft recording guide, updated February 10, 2026 |
| Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK | 24-in/22-out; up to 48 kHz, 24-bit. | HARMAN/Soundcraft recording guide, updated February 10, 2026 |
These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance tests. Confirm the routing details, operating-system support, and driver requirements for your exact hardware and DAW.
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4. Create, route, and arm the tracks
- Select the audio device. In your DAW’s audio settings, choose the interface, mixer, or configured Aggregate Device. Install and select the device’s supported driver if the manufacturer requires one.
- Create one track per independent source. Choose mono for a mono microphone or instrument input. Use a stereo track for a genuine stereo pair.
- Assign the input on each track. Select the corresponding hardware input for each source. In Logic Pro, Apple’s guide to recording multiple tracks describes assigning different interface inputs to separate tracks.
- Show and activate record enable. Turn on the record-enable control for every track you want to capture. Focusrite’s GarageBand setup guide, dated July 10, 2026, notes that GarageBand defaults to recording one track at a time and explains how to expose and enable the controls for multiple tracks.
- Set input levels and monitoring. Check that each source registers on its own track, that levels do not clip, and that you can hear the sources you need through the planned headphone or speaker output.
- Start recording. Once every intended track is armed and routed, begin the take. Stop and check the recording before starting an important session.
5. Test the routing before the real take
- Speak or play each source by itself. Confirm that only the intended track’s meter responds, unless you deliberately routed that source elsewhere too.
- Listen for clipping, feedback, missing inputs, or an unintended duplicate signal.
- Make a short test recording, then play back each track individually. Verify that every source was captured and remains separate.
- If using a standalone recorder, check that the selected mode records individual tracks and that the storage destination has space.
6. Account for Mac and Windows device aggregation
Apple documents Aggregate Devices for combining audio devices in Mac music software. On Windows, RØDE’s instructions say the system cannot natively combine multiple USB audio interfaces and describe using an ASIO driver such as ASIO4ALL for a two-RØDECaster example (RØDE’s Windows guide, July 17, 2026). That example is not a guarantee that every combination of devices will work: check current driver, DAW, and hardware compatibility, and plan monitoring separately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Troubleshoot common failures
Only one track records
Check whether all intended tracks are record-enabled, not just selected. GarageBand’s default is one simultaneous recording track; use its Record Enable controls to arm each track. Also verify that the selected device and its driver expose multiple inputs.
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Several sources appear on one track
The device may be sending a stereo mix instead of individual USB channels, or multiple sources may be routed to the same input. Check the manufacturer’s USB-routing documentation, then assign each DAW track to a distinct available channel if the hardware supports it.
A source is silent or appears on the wrong track
Check the physical connection and input assignment, then watch the DAW meters while testing one source at a time. Make sure the selected device is the one receiving that source and that the input is available to the DAW.
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Recording works but monitoring does not
Recording inputs and playback outputs may use different devices. This is especially relevant with a Mac Aggregate Device: GarageBand outputs through one selected device, so choose an appropriate monitoring destination and verify the headphone route.
Two USB interfaces will not work together on Windows
Windows does not natively combine multiple USB audio interfaces in the same way macOS supports Aggregate Devices. Check the device manufacturer’s driver guidance and your DAW’s support for an aggregation driver; compatibility depends on the particular devices and software.
A mixer has fewer independent channels than expected
Check the simultaneous USB or DAW channel limit for the exact model. A mixer may have many inputs and tracks yet send only two channels to the DAW at once; changing the USB record bus does not necessarily increase that limit.
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