How can I record two speakers at different volumes without losing either voice?

First decide whether you can capture the speakers separately. The most controllable arrangement is one microphone per person, each connected to its own input, with each input recorded to a separate track. In Audacity, an interface with two accessible inputs can record each microphone on its own mono track; this depends on the interface, drivers, and inputs the software can access. [S1]

If you have only one microphone, place it between the speakers and have them sit at similar distances from it. Treat this as a practical starting point, not a guarantee of equal levels: check the recording rather than assuming the placement will balance them. Keep the room and speaking positions consistent during the test.

For separate microphones, start with each one about a hand-span from the person speaking into it. Audacity’s guidance suggests that distance, checking the input meter, and making a short recording to listen back. [S2]

Ask both people to speak at their ordinary conversational volume, including the quieter person. Watch the meter for each input while each person talks. Audacity gives roughly −18 dB to −6 dB as a normal-speech meter range, but presents it as workflow guidance—not a level every microphone or setup will achieve. [S2] If one voice is much lower, try moving that microphone a little closer or adjusting its input level, then repeat the test. Check again if you change the setup.

Look at the tracks after a short test: ideally, one track corresponds to each microphone, so you can inspect the voices independently. Audacity’s “Record on new track” command creates a separate track, but its format follows the configured input. Separate tracks require compatible hardware and software settings; the documentation does not establish that every computer can record two microphones simultaneously. [S3]

If the microphones appear combined into one track, check the selected input and channel configuration. A two-channel input can create a stereo track, while other configurations can create mono tracks per input channel. A stereo track alone does not prove that each speaker has been captured separately. [S3] If you cannot confirm separate inputs, use a short recording to check the combined result and adjust the speakers’ distances or microphone placement.

Use this routine before the full recording:

1. Connect the microphones and select the intended recording input or inputs.
2. Place each microphone about a hand-span from its speaker; use headphones to monitor. [S1][S2]
3. Record a short test as both people take turns speaking at their usual volume. If overlap is likely in the conversation, have them overlap briefly too. The duration and overlap prompt are practical test suggestions, not Audacity requirements.
4. Check the meters while each person speaks, then replay the test. Listen for whether the quieter voice is understandable and whether either voice is unexpectedly difficult to hear.
5. If needed, adjust microphone distance or input level and repeat the test. If separate tracks are your goal, confirm that the recording actually creates them rather than assuming your equipment supports it.

For example, if Speaker A is easy to hear but Speaker B sounds faint, move B’s microphone slightly closer or adjust that input, then record another short test with both people speaking. This example assumes separate microphones and adjustable placement; your controls may differ. The guidance does not guarantee a particular recording level or that your device can capture two microphones at once.