Two people, one voice level

A quiet host and a loud host on the same track is the most common thing we are sent, and the most common reason a show sounds amateur. The fix is boring and it works.

Separate tracks, always

If both voices share one file, almost nothing can be done. Multitrack costs nothing to record and saves everything later.

Level before you compress

Clip gain first, so the compressor is smoothing a performance rather than rescuing a recording. Two or three decibels of reduction is usually enough.

Carve, do not boost

If two voices sit on top of each other, take something away from one rather than adding to the other. Additive equalisation is how shows end up sounding harsh.

Master once, to a target

We finish at -16 LUFS for stereo and check a phone speaker before anything ships.