The Tool Desk
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To record separate microphone, game, and desktop audio in Streamlabs Desktop, switch Output Mode to Advanced, enable the recording tracks you need, then assign each mixer source to its track in Advanced Audio Settings. Keep in mind that the stream uses one selected audio track: include every source your live audience should hear on that track, even if you also record sources separately.
Set up multi-track recording
- Open the recording output settings. In Streamlabs Desktop, go to Settings > Output. Change Output Mode from Simple to Advanced, then open the Recording tab.
- Choose the recording tracks. Select the audio tracks you want the recording file to contain. Streamlabs documents up to six separate recording tracks. The tracks are audio streams inside the same recording file, not separate video files. Streamlabs’ multi-track guide explains the recording controls.
- Choose a compatible recording format. Use MKV or MP4 as the straightforward choices: both are listed in Streamlabs’ multi-track and selective-routing guidance. The multi-track guide says FLV does not support multiple audio tracks. Streamlabs’ selective-routing guide also lists TS, while its multi-track guide does not; if you choose TS, verify the result in your editing application. See Streamlabs’ selective-recording audio-routing guide.
- Assign sources to tracks. In the mixer, click the settings gear to open Advanced Audio Settings. For each source, check the track or tracks where it should be recorded. For example, put game or desktop audio on one track and your microphone on another if you want to adjust them independently later. Streamlabs also describes source-to-track assignment in its multi-track guide and selective-recording guide.
- Set the live mix separately. In Settings > Output > Streaming, select the audio track for the stream. Stream output uses one selected track; recording can include additional tracks. Make sure every source meant for viewers is assigned to the streaming track as well as any separate recording track it needs.
- Make a short test recording. Record a few seconds with the sources you intend to use, then import the file into your editing software. Confirm that the expected tracks are present and that the stream-track mix includes the sources you want viewers to hear before relying on the setup for an important session.
Choose which sources go to the stream and recording
Think of each source’s routing as a decision about where it should be heard or preserved. The table below shows common choices; assign tracks to suit your edit and live mix.
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| Source routing | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming track | Sends the source to the one audio track selected for the live stream. | Use for anything the live audience should hear. |
| Separate recording track | Includes the source on an additional track in the recording file. | Use when you want to mix or edit that source independently after recording. |
| Both | Includes the source in the live mix and on a recording track. | Use when viewers should hear it live and you also want a separate editable stem. |
A source assigned only to an additional recording track should not be assumed to reach viewers. Check the selected streaming track and test the live mix before a broadcast.
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Application Audio Capture and more complex routing
Capturing audio from one application
If you use Streamlabs’ Application Audio Capture to capture a chosen application, Streamlabs advises disabling the general Desktop Audio source. Keeping both enabled can capture all computer audio as well and may cause echoes. Check the source routing if you want application audio recorded, streamed, or both.
#1 Best Overall
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Selective recording and virtual routing
Selective Recording lets you control whether a source goes to the stream, recording, or both. Streamlabs’ routing guide also gives a more advanced VoiceMeeter Banana example for routing sources through virtual inputs. That is an optional approach for more complex separation; it is not required for the basic multi-track setup.
Troubleshooting
- The recording has only one audio track: Check that Output Mode is Advanced, that the desired tracks are selected under Settings > Output > Recording, and that each source is assigned to its intended track in Advanced Audio Settings. Then make and inspect a fresh test recording.
- The microphone or game audio is missing from the live stream: Confirm that the source is assigned to the track selected under Settings > Output > Streaming. A separate recording-track assignment does not by itself put a source in the live mix.
- Tracks are missing in the editor: Confirm that you recorded in a supported multi-track format. Streamlabs warns that FLV does not support multiple audio tracks; MP4 and MKV are the formats named in both official guides. Check your editor’s handling of the file by importing a short sample.
- You hear echoes or duplicated computer audio: If Application Audio Capture is active, disable the general Desktop Audio source as Streamlabs advises, then record a short test to check the routing.
- The interface labels or behavior differ: Streamlabs’ guides document the workflow but do not establish that labels or behavior are identical across every current application version or operating system. Use the settings available in your installation and verify your output with a sample recording.
Or let it run in the cloud
Separate audio tracks are for editing recordings; if your goal is instead to keep a prerecorded YouTube stream running 24/7, StreamNeo is a different workflow. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams, not camera-based live video. Learn about StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Rank #3
SABRENT USB External Stereo Sound Card Adapter, Plug & Play (AU-MMSA)
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Rank #2
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
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