To record a microphone, game, voice chat, or music app on separate tracks in OBS, add or capture each source, assign it to tracks in Advanced Audio Properties, then enable those tracks under Settings → Output. If you want the recording to play normally in standard video players, also send a complete mix to track 1: most standard players play only one audio track at a time.
Choose the audio route that fits your setup
Start with the source and the file you want at the end: an editable recording with independent controls, or a mix that is ready to play. OBS’s source-to-track workflow is the foundation; platform-specific capture and virtual devices determine how sound reaches OBS.
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| Method | Best fit | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| OBS source capture and track assignment | Sources already available individually in OBS, such as a microphone and separately captured app audio. | Assign sources to tracks, then separately enable those tracks for recording. OBS’s multiple-track guide explains the distinction. |
| Application Audio Capture on Windows | Isolating supported applications on Windows 10 version 2004 or later, or Windows 11. | Disable global Desktop Audio when using per-application capture to avoid duplicate or echoing sound. Some apps may require virtual routing. OBS’s application-capture guide describes the supported setup. |
| Virtual audio cable | An app that is not captured correctly through direct application capture. | It adds a virtual device and routing steps. OBS documents VB-CABLE as a Windows fallback in its application-capture guide. |
| Native macOS audio capture | The configuration described by OBS for OBS Studio 30 on macOS 13 Ventura or later. | Check your OBS and macOS versions; other configurations may need a different route. See OBS’s macOS capture guide. |
| External mixer software, such as Wave Link | Users who already route audio through that software ecosystem. | This is a vendor-specific workflow, not a prerequisite for separating tracks in OBS. See Elgato’s Wave Link guide. |
Set up separate recording tracks in OBS
- Decide which sources need independent control. For example, plan separate tracks for your microphone, game, voice chat, and music. Decide whether you also want a full mix that combines them.
- Add or capture each source separately. Use the appropriate device or application capture source when available. On Windows, OBS documents Application Audio Capture for Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. When using application-specific sources, disable the global Desktop Audio source to avoid echo or duplicated audio.
- Open Advanced Audio Properties. In OBS, find the Audio Mixer and open Advanced Audio Properties. For each source, check the track boxes that source should feed. A source can be assigned to more than one track.
- Choose a track layout. For editing, you might put the complete mix on track 1 and individual sources on separate tracks—for example, microphone on track 2, game on track 3, and voice chat on track 4. These are examples, not fixed OBS requirements; choose a layout that suits your edit. If the file needs to play as a complete mix in a standard player, make sure all audible sources also feed track 1.
- Enable the recording tracks. Open Settings → Output and check the tracks you want OBS to record. Assigning a source to a track in Advanced Audio Properties does not, by itself, enable that track in the recording output.
- Make a short test recording. Play or speak through every relevant source, then inspect the file in the editor or player you intend to use. Confirm that each isolated track contains the expected audio and that the full mix is present if you need one. This check is especially important before recording a long session.
Make the recording work in both editors and ordinary players
Separate tracks are useful when editing: you can adjust or mute a microphone, game, or voice-chat recording without changing the others. But OBS notes that standard video players play back one audio track at a time. A player may therefore play only one isolated source rather than combine your tracks into a finished mix.
If you need an immediately listenable file as well as editability, route all sources to track 1 for the combined mix, then route them to additional tracks as needed. OBS recommends sending all sources to track 1 when the recording will not be processed in an editor before publication. Check the recording in the actual destination app; player behavior can vary.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Route apps that OBS cannot capture directly
Windows: use a virtual audio cable as a fallback
OBS documents a VB-CABLE route for apps that do not work with direct Application Audio Capture:
- Install and configure the virtual cable according to its publisher’s instructions.
- In Windows’ Volume Mixer, set the target application’s output to CABLE Input.
- In OBS, add an audio input source and select CABLE Output as the device.
- Check that the app’s sound reaches the OBS mixer, assign that source to the intended recording track or tracks, and enable those tracks under Settings → Output.
- Make a short recording and verify the result. Use the actual device names shown in your system; the input and output labels are different sides of the same virtual route.
Use this approach only when direct capture is unavailable or unsuitable: it adds routing complexity, and a misselected device can leave the source silent or send it to the wrong place.
Rank #2
- 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
macOS: check the supported native-capture configuration
OBS’s macOS guide describes the macOS Audio Capture Source with OBS Studio 30 on macOS 13 Ventura and higher. Confirm that your versions fit that documented configuration before following it. The guide also covers virtual-device routing and names Loopback and Sound Siphon for per-application routing; those are software options rather than requirements for every OBS recording.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUse Wave Link only if it suits your existing audio setup
Elgato’s guide shows Wave Link virtual outputs being captured in OBS and assigned to a combined track and individual tracks. If you already use Wave Link, that can fit your workflow. For basic selective recording, OBS’s own source capture and track assignment do not require a separate mixer application.
Rank #3
- 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.
Troubleshoot missing, duplicated, or misplaced audio
- A track is silent: Check both places that control recording: the source’s track checkbox in Advanced Audio Properties and that track’s recording checkbox in Settings → Output. Confirm the source itself is active in the OBS mixer.
- Desktop sound is doubled or echoes: If using Windows Application Audio Capture, disable global Desktop Audio as OBS advises. Do not capture the same sound through both a per-app source and a global desktop source unless you deliberately want both.
- An application does not appear or its audio is missing: Direct Application Audio Capture may not work for every app. Try the virtual-cable method documented by OBS, then verify the app is routed to CABLE Input and OBS is listening to CABLE Output.
- A player plays only one source: That is consistent with standard players selecting one audio track at a time. Include a complete mix on track 1 if the file should play without editing.
- Tracks are combined in the editor: Check the track assignments in Advanced Audio Properties and the editor’s interpretation of the recording’s audio tracks. Record a short test rather than relying on the mixer display alone.
- The macOS capture option or instructions do not match your system: Verify the OBS and macOS versions against the version-specific configuration in OBS’s macOS guide; use its virtual-device discussion if native capture does not fit your setup.
Or let it run in the cloud
Selective audio recording in OBS is a do-it-yourself workflow for recordings you want to capture and edit. If your goal instead is to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo runs that stream in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- 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
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