The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →OBS Studio and Camtasia are the clearest choices when you need a screen recording with independently editable audio tracks. OBS is free, open-source, and configurable; Camtasia combines recording and editing in one product. Descript can capture computer audio during screen recording, but the documentation reviewed does not establish that its standard screen-recording workflow saves separate tracks.
Here, “multitrack” means that sources such as your microphone and computer audio remain on separate tracks you can select, adjust, mute, or clean up later—not merely that the recording contains sound.
What to check before choosing a recorder
A screen recorder that captures audio is not necessarily a multitrack recorder. Before you start, check that it can keep each source independent in the recording or editable project, and confirm how you assign those sources.
- Separate sources: Can you isolate the microphone from system or application audio? If you record a camera or remote guests, can those sources be separated too?
- Track assignment: Does the software put sources on distinct tracks automatically, or must you assign them during setup?
- Editing path: Can you adjust, mute, replace, or clean up each source independently in the software or a compatible editor?
Separate tracks are useful when narration needs different volume or noise cleanup from computer audio, or when you want to remove one source without changing the others.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- RECORD, LAYER, BOUNCE, REPEAT – Capture up to 4 tracks, mix and bounce to a dedicated bounce track to free up channels and keep adding layers, with undo if you want to go back.
- CLIP-FREE AUDIO WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAIN – No clipping, no gain adjustments needed, just plug in and record with confidence whether you're tracking vocals, instruments, or ideas on the fly.
- XLR/TS COMBO INPUTS FOR ANY SOURCE – XLR/TS combo inputs with Zoom preamps let you connect microphones, instruments, keyboards, and more for versatile recording in any setup.
- EIGHTY-PLUS DRUM PATTERNS TO JAM WITH – A built-in rhythm section with over 80 patterns across rock, hip hop, funk, metal, and more keeps your sessions inspired and your timing tight.
- INTERFACE, RECORDER, AND BATTERY DEVICE IN ONE – Functions as a 32-bit float 2-in/2-out USB audio interface for computer or smartphone, and runs on 4 AA batteries or USB-C for total flexibility.
Best screen recorders with multitrack audio
| Software | What the documentation establishes | Setup and editing approach | Platforms established by the sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Sources can be assigned to recording tracks, with selected tracks enabled for output. | Configure source assignments and output tracks in OBS; edit the resulting tracks in a compatible editor when needed. | Windows, macOS, and Linux, according to the OBS product page. |
| Camtasia | TechSmith documents separate screen, camera, system-audio, and microphone tracks. | Record and adjust those elements independently in Camtasia’s integrated editing workflow. | Platform-specific requirements are not established here; check the product page for your system. |
| Descript | Its desktop recorder can capture system-wide computer audio during screen recording; its web recorder can capture audio from a specific browser tab. The documentation reviewed does not establish separate tracks for ordinary screen recordings. | Audio capture is documented, but do not assume source isolation. Descript Rooms’ multitrack recording is a separate remote-recording use case. | Recorder platform requirements are not established here; check Descript’s current documentation. |
OBS Studio: best for configurable, free recording
The OBS Project describes OBS Studio as free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. Its multitrack workflow gives you control over how sources are routed, but it requires configuration: sources do not automatically become separate tracks just because they are recorded together.
- In OBS, add and check the audio sources you want to record, such as your microphone and desktop or application audio.
- In the Audio Mixer, open Advanced Audio Properties and assign each source to the recording tracks you want. Keep sources you need to isolate on separate tracks.
- Open Settings → Output and enable the tracks you want included in the recording.
- Record a short sample, then open it in your intended editor and confirm each source appears on the expected track before recording a full session.
The OBS Project’s Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide, dated 2023-07-14, uses track 1 for ordinary playback and tracks 2–6 for separation. It warns: “It is important to note that all standard video players will only play back one audio track at a time so if you are not planning on processing every video through an editor before publishing it, send all of your audio sources to track 1 like you see in the example below.” In practice, a basic player may appear to be missing sources because it plays only one track; use an editor that can access the separate tracks. See the OBS Studio product page for the software overview and supported operating systems.
Rank #2
- 4 high quality microphone inputs with phantom power
- 4 headphone outputs with individual volume control
- 4 programable Sound Pads + multi-track recording for all inputs and Sound Pads
- Automatic Mix-Minus for call-in phone interviews + remote interviews via TRRS jack and USB Audio Interface mode
- Up to 3.5 hours on 2 AA batteries
Camtasia: best for recording and editing in one product
TechSmith says Camtasia can record screen, camera, system audio, and microphone on separate tracks, then let you adjust those elements independently in editing. Its feature page advertises 4K screen capture. Those are vendor-described capabilities, not independent test results.
If you want to record and refine the separate sources in one integrated workflow, Camtasia is a straightforward option to consider. Check the Camtasia multitrack recorder feature page and the Camtasia product page for current details. Current price and precise operating-system-specific limits are not stated in the sources cited here.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- EIGHT TRACKS WITH A TOUCHSCREEN – Records up to 8 tracks with two XLR/TRS inputs, a full-color LCD touchscreen, and DAW-style editing tools for cutting, copying, looping, and mixing without a computer.
- DRUM LOOPS, SYNTHS, AND MIDI ALL BUILT IN – Provides a built-in rhythm section with 150 preloaded drum loops across multiple genres and 18 FM synth instruments playable via MIDI keyboard or programmed on the touchscreen.
- USB-C INTERFACE AND DAW CONTROL IN ONE – Functions as a stereo USB-C audio interface and DAW control surface, with transport controls and faders for seamless integration with your favorite recording software.
- PHANTOM POWER AND HI-Z ON BOTH INPUTS – Both inputs offer 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, and input 1 features a Hi-Z switch for plugging in guitars and basses directly without a DI box.
- FIVE HOURS ON FOUR AA BATTERIES – Runs up to 5 hours on four AA batteries, making the R12 the perfect portable recording studio for musicians who want to capture ideas anywhere inspiration strikes.
Descript: audio capture is not proof of separate tracks
Descript’s help documentation distinguishes desktop and web capture: the desktop recorder can capture system-wide computer audio when screen recording is enabled, while the web recorder can capture audio from a specific browser tab. That establishes audio capture, not that screen audio and microphone audio are saved as separate tracks in the ordinary screen recorder.
Descript also describes multitrack recording for Rooms, its remote-recording use case. Do not treat that feature as confirmation of separate tracks in a standard screen recording. See Descript’s computer-audio help article and its feature overview.
Rank #4
- Uniquely designed to provide multi-track recording in a compact package for filmmakers, television producers, advertisers, and documentarians
- Four balanced XLR mic inputs with phantom power meet the requirements of production sound, from pro users to indie DSLR shooters
- The compact format can be mounted either above or below a camera, and a pair of built-in microphones can capture sound on-set
- The interface is designed for quick adjustment, with additional features to keep recording levels under control
- The High-Quality HDDA Mic Preamps include 64dB of gain for quiet performances, and all four inputs have individual gain controls
Which one should you choose?
- Choose OBS Studio if you want a free, configurable recorder and are comfortable assigning sources and tracks yourself, then checking the result in an editor.
- Choose Camtasia if you want documented separate screen, camera, system-audio, and microphone tracks within a combined recording and editing product.
- Consider Descript cautiously if its computer-audio capture suits your workflow, but verify the current screen-recording output yourself before relying on separate tracks.
Only OBS and Camtasia have explicit separate-track screen-recording workflows established by the vendor documentation cited here. These comparisons describe documented features, not hands-on testing. Check current pricing, availability, and system requirements directly with each vendor before choosing.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a YouTube live stream, that is different from recording your screen. StreamNeo uploads and loops prerecorded videos from the cloud; it does not record a camera or create multitrack screen recordings. Upload a video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploads stream as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; and the service automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- CAPTURE BIGGER PROJECTS WITH CONFIDENCE – Record music, interviews, podcasts, video audio, and live performances with a 4-track recorder that helps you capture more of the moment without worrying about distorted takes.
- PLUG IN THE MICS AND GEAR YOU NEED – Use the built-in stereo microphones, connect external mics or instruments, or plug into a mixer or soundboard with two XLR/TRS inputs.
- CLEAR SOUND FOR CREATIVE WORK – Capture detailed audio for songs, videos, podcasts, interviews, and field recordings, whether you’re recording quiet dialogue, loud performances, or anything in between.
- RECORD TO YOUR DEVICE AND YOUR SD CARD – Connect to your phone, tablet, or computer with USB-C for recording or streaming, while also saving a backup directly to SD card.
- EASIER TO USE FOR MORE CREATORS – Spoken menu guidance helps make recording more accessible for visually impaired users and easier to navigate for anyone who wants a more guided experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
