5 Tips for Recording a Duet With One Mic

Treat it like a live performance You cannot fix balance or timing in post. Both singers must commit to a single take.

Position the mic between the singers Place the mic in the center and have each singer stand about 45 degrees off the capsule, facing each other. This reduces comb filtering and creates a natural stereo image.

Use a figure-8 pattern if possible Cardioid works, but figure-8 is better because its side null kills room reflections from the opposite singer.

Balance levels by moving singers, not the mic Each singer must control their own volume in real time. Do a test take, then adjust their distance or angle by inches to fix balance.

Expect to experiment with placement A couple of inches can change everything. Move singers closer or farther from the mic until the blend sounds right.