How to Record a Four-Person Podcast Using One or Two iPhones

Recording a podcast with four people doesn’t have to mean expensive gear or complex setups. Here’s exactly how to set it up.

Podcasting setups used to be complicated; multiple cameras, tangled cables, and bulky mixers. But now, with a few smart tools, you can record a four-person podcast using only one or two iPhones.

Let’s go step by step through two setups:

• Setup 1: One iPhone (or iPad) + four microphones (using Hollyland Lark M2 Max)
• Setup 2: Two iPhones (or iPhone + iPad) + two microphone systems (like Rode Wireless Go or Hollyland)

Setup 1: Record Four People with One iPhone

This is the cleanest and easiest method if you have a Hollyland Lark M2 Max or another multi-mic system that supports four microphones on one receiver.

What You’ll Need

• 1 iPhone or iPad
• Detail app installed
• 1 Hollyland Lark M2 Max kit (two dual-mic sets)
• Lightning or USB-C cable (included in the kit)
• A simple tripod or stand

Step 1: Update and Prepare Your Microphones

1. Make sure your Hollyland system is updated to the latest firmware.
2. Open the case and check that your receiver and four microphones are fully charged.
3. Press the Settings button on the receiver.
4. Scroll to Four Microphone Mode and enable it.

Now, when you remove each mic from the case, you should see color indicators (for example: purple, yellow, blue, and green) meaning all four are connected.

Step 2: Connect to Your iPhone

1. Plug the receiver into your iPhone using the USB-C or Lightning adapter.
2. Open the Detail app.
3. Tap + New Project.
4. The receiver should automatically connect, Detail will use it as your external mic input.

Step 3: Record with Front and Back Cameras

This is where Detail shines.

1. Tap Layout and select Split Screen to enable Front + Back Camera Mode
   • The back camera can capture two guests.
   • The front camera can capture the hosts.
2. Position your iPhone centrally so both sides are framed nicely.
3. Tap Record, you’re now filming and recording everyone’s audio on one device.

💡 Pro Tip: Turn on Auto-Edit in post. Detail’s AI can detect speakers, cut between them, and polish the final video automatically.

Setup 2: Record Four People with Two iPhones

If you already have a dual-microphone system like the Rode Wireless Go II or another set that only supports two microphones per receiver, you can still record four people by using two iOS devices together.

What You’ll Need

• 2 iPhones (or 1 iPhone + 1 iPad)
• 2 wireless mic systems (e.g. two Rode sets or a Rode + Hollyland combo)
• Detail app on both devices

Step 1: Connect Each Microphone Set

1. Plug one receiver into your iPhone and another into your iPad.
2. Each will automatically pair with its two transmitters (microphones).
3. Clip one mic on each speaker.

You now have four microphones, two on each device.

Step 2: Connect Both Devices in Detail

1. Open Detail on both iPhone and iPad.
2. On each, tap + New Project.
3. Tap Connect on both devices.
4. Select your camera (front or back)

Once connected, the two devices sync together, you’ll see both cameras in one recording setup.

Step 3: Frame and Record

1. Place each device to cover different angles (e.g., one for hosts, one for guests).
2. Check audio levels from all four microphones.
3. Tap Record on the main device.
4. Detail records both camera feeds and merges them seamlessly.

Why This Setup Works

• Crystal clear audio: Four separate mics mean everyone sounds balanced.
• Less gear: No external recorders or mixers.
• Multi-camera video: Record front and back angles—or two full shots at once.
• AI editing: Detail’s Auto-Edit detects speakers and creates ready-to-share podcast clips.

Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Lighting

If you’re filming indoors, use a ring light or set your devices near a bright window. Good lighting will instantly make your podcast look more professional.

Final Thoughts

Recording a four-person podcast no longer needs a studio full of gear. With wireless microphones, an iPhone or iPad, and the Detail app, you can capture professional-quality video and audio in minutes.

Whether you go for the Hollyland four-mic setup or the two-device Detail connection, you’ll end up with crisp sound, multiple angles, and a podcast that looks and sounds amazing.