Focusrite Vocaster Two Review: Two-Host Podcasting

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This write-up is based on Focusrite’s published specifications and documentation, not hands-on testing.

The Focusrite Vocaster Two is a two-microphone USB-C podcast interface with Auto Gain, Enhance voice presets, a mute button per host, two headphone outputs, Bluetooth and wired phone connections, a camera output and computer loopback. It is designed for shows with a host and a guest in the same room, plus remote callers, and it trades music-studio flexibility for speed of setup.

See the Focusrite Vocaster Two on Amazon.

Focusrite Vocaster Two key features

Mic inputs	2 XLR, with enough gain for low-output dynamic mics (Focusrite: “no booster needed”)
Headphones	2 outputs, one per presenter, each with its own Show Mix level
Phone	Bluetooth, or a single TRRS cable
Camera out	TRS output to send the show audio to a camera
Loopback	Capture computer audio such as music beds or call audio
Software	Vocaster Hub for levels, Enhance, routing and Show Mix

Details are on Focusrite’s Vocaster Two page.

Auto Gain and Enhance

Auto Gain is a one-button level set: press it, talk at your normal show volume, and the interface sets the mic gain for you. It solves the most common podcast problem, which is a host who is too quiet or clipping. Enhance applies one of several presets designed for spoken voice. It is a fast starting point; if you prefer to shape the sound yourself later, record without Enhance and treat the voice in your editor.

Two hosts, two headphone mixes

Each presenter gets a headphone output and their own level. That sounds minor, but in a two-person show it stops one host from having to listen too loud or too quiet. Each host also has a mute button, so a cough or sneeze can be cut on the fly without touching the computer.

Phone guests and computer audio

Bluetooth lets you bring a phone call or music from a phone into the show. A TRRS cable does the same with a wire, which some people prefer for reliability. Loopback captures audio playing on your computer, such as an online call, an intro sting or a music bed, so it can be recorded and streamed together with the mics.

Setting up a two-host room

The interface is only part of the sound. Two mics in one room pick up each other’s voice, so the further apart the hosts sit and the closer each speaks to their own mic, the cleaner each track will be. Dynamic microphones a few inches from the mouth, pointed away from the other host, reduce spill. Soft furnishings, a rug and curtains reduce the echo that makes home podcasts sound like they were recorded in a kitchen.

Keep both hosts at a similar distance from their mics so their levels match. Auto Gain helps set levels, but it cannot fix a host who leans back halfway through the show.

A simple remote-guest workflow

1. Connect the guest by phone (Bluetooth or TRRS) or through a call app on the computer using loopback.
2. Check that the guest hears both hosts but not their own voice delayed back to them.
3. Record the in-room mics on their own tracks, and the guest on a separate track if your software allows.
4. Ask the guest to record their own audio locally as a backup when quality matters.

Camera output for video podcasts

The camera output sends the show mix to a camera through a single TRS cable. This means the camera file carries the good audio, which can save syncing in the edit for simple video shows. For multi-camera shoots you may still prefer to record the audio separately in your DAW.

Included software

Focusrite lists six months of Hindenburg PRO and six months of Acast Influencer with registration. Bundles change over time, so check what is offered when you buy.

Who should consider the Vocaster Two

• Two-person podcasts recorded in one room.
• Shows that bring in phone or online guests.
• Streamers and video podcasters who want camera audio without a separate mixer.

Who should look elsewhere

• Solo hosts. The Vocaster One has the same idea for one mic.
• Musicians who need instrument inputs, MIDI or line inputs for synths; a music interface fits better.
• Shows with three or more in-room hosts, which need more mic inputs.

Common mistakes with a podcast interface

• Running Auto Gain while speaking quietly. Talk at the volume you will use during the show, including laughs, or levels will be set too high.
• Not testing the phone route. Make a test call before the show to check levels and that the caller cannot hear an echo of themselves.
• Using condenser mics in a noisy room. Dynamic mics close to the mouth pick up less of the room.
• Recording only the stereo mix. If your software allows, record each host to its own track so you can fix one voice without affecting the other.
• Forgetting the mute buttons are on. Check mute status before every take.

Setup checklist

1. Register the unit and install Vocaster Hub.
2. Connect both mics and headphones, then press Auto Gain for each host.
3. Choose an Enhance preset or leave it off.
4. Pair a phone by Bluetooth or connect it with TRRS, and test a call.
5. Set your recording software to the Vocaster Two and record a test.

For recording and editing tips, read how to record and edit a voice-over or podcast and our overview of audio interfaces for podcasting. More guides are in the recording hub.

How to set up the Focusrite Vocaster Two step by step

The checklist below covers the basics. These steps add detail for a two-host show.

1. Choose a powered USB port

Focusrite states that Vocaster Two needs a USB port that supplies 900 mA. Connect it straight to the computer instead of an unpowered hub.

2. Install Vocaster Hub

Vocaster Hub controls Enhance, the Show Mix, loopback and Bluetooth. Install it, connect the interface and check for firmware updates.

3. Position both mics

Seat the hosts facing each other or side by side, with mics pointed away from each other. Keep each mic close to its speaker. That reduces bleed between the two channels.

4. Run Auto Gain for each host

Each host has separate Auto Gain. Ask each person to talk at show volume during the process. Then check the meters while both talk and laugh together.

5. Pick Enhance presets

Choose a preset for each host on its own. Voices differ, so the same preset may not suit both. Record short tests and compare.

6. Record to separate tracks

Record each host on their own track in your software. Add a track for loopback or phone audio too. Separate tracks make editing and level balancing much easier.

A two-host episode workflow

Start each session with a quick sound check. Then agree on a hand signal for pauses. Each host can use their own Mute button for coughs.

During recording, avoid talking over each other too often. Crosstalk is hard to edit later. Afterwards, edit gaps, balance the two voices and set loudness to your platform’s target.

Vocaster Two vs similar interfaces

The table compares published features. Focusrite’s Vocaster Two product page lists full specs.

Feature	Vocaster Two	Vocaster One	UA Volt 2	Scarlett 4i4 (4th Gen)
Mic inputs	2	1	2	2
Headphone outputs	2	1	1	1
Auto Gain	Yes, per host	Yes	No	Yes
Mute buttons	Separate host and guest	One	No	No
Bluetooth	Yes (5.0)	No	No	No
Phone connection	Stereo TRRS and Bluetooth	Mono TRRS	No	No
Camera output	Yes	Yes	No	No
MIDI	No	No	Yes	Yes

Vocaster Two is the only one here with two headphone outputs and Bluetooth. Volt 2 and the Scarlett 4i4 also record two mics, but they target music rather than speech.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Two mic inputs with separate Auto Gain and Mute.
• Two headphone outputs.
• Bluetooth and wired phone connections.
• Camera output for video podcasts.
• Loopback for remote guests.
• Bus-powered from a 900 mA USB port.

Cons

• No instrument inputs or MIDI.
• Only two mic inputs, so a third guest needs another solution.
• Enhance cannot fix a very echoey room.

Using Bluetooth for phone guests

Bluetooth is the quickest way to bring a phone caller into the show. Pair your phone with Vocaster Two in the phone’s Bluetooth settings. Then make the call as normal. The caller’s audio enters the mix, and they hear both hosts.

Run a test before every interview. Check that the caller hears you clearly and that their level matches the hosts. Keep the phone on charge for long calls, and turn off notifications so alerts do not interrupt the recording.

A wired TRRS connection is another option. It avoids pairing and wireless issues. Use whichever is more reliable in your space.

Choosing microphones for two hosts

Use the same mic model for both hosts if possible. Matching mics make the two voices sit together naturally. Broadcast-style dynamic mics are a common pick because they reject room sound and bleed.

Condenser mics capture more detail. However, in a shared room, each condenser also picks up the other host. That bleed can sound hollow. If you use condensers, treat the room and keep the mics close.

Room setup for two people

Hard walls cause echo, which makes speech sound distant. Record in a room with carpet, curtains or soft furniture. Then position the hosts so that each mic points away from the other person.

Keep at least an arm’s length between the two mics where possible. Ask both hosts to stay at a consistent distance from their mic. A boom arm for each helps.

Video podcasts with the camera output

The camera output sends the mix to a camera’s mic input. That puts usable audio straight on the video file. Set the camera input gain low and adjust from Vocaster Hub.

Still, record a separate audio file on the computer. It is a backup and gives cleaner edits. A clap at the start helps you sync audio and video later.

Who should buy it and who should skip it

Buy Vocaster Two if two people share a room for your show, or if you take phone guests often. It suits interview shows, co-hosted podcasts and streams with a partner.

Skip it if you host alone, because Vocaster One is smaller and does the job. Skip it also if you record music, since a music interface like the Scarlett 4i4 has instrument inputs and MIDI. If you need three or more mics, look at a larger interface or a podcast mixer.

Editing two voices

Edit each host’s track separately. First, remove noise and gaps. Then balance the two voices so neither dominates. Gentle compression on each track evens out levels. Finally, set overall loudness to your platform’s target and check the episode on earbuds.

Using the Show Mix and loopback

The Show Mix combines both hosts, the phone guest and computer audio into one stereo feed. That feed is ready for streaming or quick-turnaround shows. Meanwhile, you can still record each source on its own track for detailed editing.

For a video call guest, use the loopback. It brings the call audio into your recording software. Record it on its own track, so you can lower the guest or fix their level later.

Watch out for echo. If the remote guest hears their own voice back, check that your call app is not receiving the loopback. Check your routing so the guest’s own audio is not sent back to them.

More mistakes with Vocaster Two

• Using one preset for both hosts. Pick presets per voice.
• Running Auto Gain with only one person talking. Each host needs their own check.
• Recording to one stereo file only. Separate tracks give you control in the edit.
• Forgetting phone notifications. Silence them before a Bluetooth call.
• Mics facing each other. Point them away to reduce bleed.
• Using a low-power hub. Connect to a 900 mA port.

A repeatable show routine

Consistency helps listeners. Set up the mics in the same place each time and keep the same presets. Save a template in your recording software with tracks for each host, the guest and loopback.

Before each episode, run Auto Gain for both hosts and do a short test recording. After the show, back up the raw files before editing. This routine makes each episode sound like the last.

Headphone mixes for host and guest

Two headphone outputs mean each host has their own level. That matters, because people prefer different volumes. A host with louder headphones may speak more quietly, which changes the recording.

Start with both headphone controls low, then raise them slowly. Ask each host whether they can hear themselves and the other person clearly. If a host cannot hear their own voice, they tend to talk louder or move away from the mic.

For long sessions, keep headphone levels moderate. Lower levels reduce ear fatigue and help everyone stay focused through the episode.

Final checks before recording

Run a quick checklist before every Vocaster Two session. Confirm both mics show signal. Check both headphone outputs. Test the phone or call audio. Then record thirty seconds of both hosts talking and play it back. Listen for noise, echo and level differences before starting the real episode.

Keep a short written note of each host’s preset and seating position. It saves time and keeps the sound consistent between episodes.

FAQ

When your episode is edited, our single track mastering can bring it to a consistent, polished loudness. Send the final mixed file.