If Two Guests MUST Share One Microphone…

First of all, don’t do this unless there is absolutely no way each participant can have their own microphone.

But if they MUST share a microphone…

1. If you’re using a regular cardioid microphone (ATR2100, SM7b, etc.) the two guests should sit side by side (as close as possible to each other) and you should point the mic at the area directly between them. This way each person’s voice will enter the mic from the same slight angle.
2. If you’re using a microphone which has an omni-directional pickup pattern, then it doesn’t matter what angle the participants are in relation to the microphone (they could sit on opposite sides of the mic), but they should be the same distance away from the mic as long as they both speak at approximately the same volume. If one person speaks louder, move the microphone away from them and closer to the quiet speaker.
3. If you have a microphone which has an bi-directional pickup pattern, then the two guests should face each other with the mic directly between them.

What are your thoughts on these strategies? Have you ever had to do this? 

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