Use OBS multitrack audio to keep isolated tracks in a local recording, while sending YouTube Live one complete audio mix. In OBS, assign sources in Advanced Audio Properties, enable the recording tracks you need in Settings → Output, then choose a single streaming track that contains everything viewers should hear. YouTube’s standard live ingest does not make OBS’s separate recording tracks selectable by viewers.
What separate OBS audio tracks do—and do not do
OBS can record sources on separate tracks so you can adjust them individually in post-production. For example, you might isolate a microphone from music or other program audio. OBS notes that standard video players play back only one audio track at a time, so keep a complete mix on track 1 if the recording needs to play correctly without editing. OBS Project’s Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide explains the recording workflow.
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That local recording setup is separate from the audio sent to YouTube. YouTube Live’s ingest documentation says an incoming stream with multiple audio streams must contain only one audio stream. For a standard encoder feed, choose one OBS streaming track with the full intended mix; do not expect viewers to choose among OBS’s isolated tracks. YouTube Live API documentation
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Set up separate tracks in OBS
- Open Advanced Audio Properties. In OBS, use the Audio Mixer gear menu and choose Advanced Audio Properties. The exact label or control placement can vary by OBS release and output mode.
- Assign each source to tracks. Tick the tracks that should contain each audio source. A useful pattern is to put every source on track 1 for a complete playback mix, then assign selected sources to additional tracks for editing.
- Enable the recording tracks. Open Settings → Output and, in the recording section, enable the tracks you want saved in the local recording. Assigning sources to tracks and enabling those tracks for recording are separate tasks.
- Select one streaming track with the full mix. In the streaming output settings, choose a single audio track that includes all audio the YouTube audience should hear. Do not select an isolated source-only track unless that is intentionally the entire live program.
- Test and monitor. Before relying on a continuous stream, test with representative audio and motion. Check YouTube Live Control Room’s stream-health messages while the encoder is running; YouTube recommends testing and monitoring. YouTube’s encoder settings guidance
Audio settings for the YouTube feed
YouTube lists AAC or MP3 as supported live audio codecs. Its advanced recommendations specify the following audio settings; these are recommendations, not requirements for every possible stream configuration:
#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
| Audio format | YouTube advanced recommendation |
|---|---|
| Stereo | 44.1 kHz, 128 kbps |
| 5.1 surround | 48 kHz, 384 kbps |
YouTube’s documentation says RTMP/RTMPS 5.1 support is AAC-only. Match your OBS output to the intended format and verify stream health rather than assuming isolated recording tracks affect these ingest settings. YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
Plan for a 24/7 stream and its recording
A 24/7 broadcast raises two separate continuity questions: whether the encoder keeps sending the live program, and whether you preserve a replay or local recording. The OBS multitrack workflow creates tracks for local post-production; it does not itself guarantee that a long live broadcast will be archived in full by YouTube.
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
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That statement does not establish that a stream lasting 24 hours will have a complete automatic archive. If you need a full copy, plan a local recording, segment the program, or use another archive workflow, and verify current YouTube behavior for your stream before relying on it. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions
For related YouTube broadcast concepts, Google’s Understanding Broadcasts and Streams explains how broadcasts and ingest streams fit together.
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.
Troubleshooting separate tracks
- The recording is missing a source. Check both that the source is assigned to the intended track in Advanced Audio Properties and that the track is enabled in the recording section of Settings → Output.
- The recording plays only one source. A standard player plays one audio track at a time. Keep a full mix on track 1 for ordinary playback, or open the file in editing software that can work with the isolated tracks.
- YouTube viewers cannot switch between your isolated sources. OBS recording tracks are not separate audience-selectable audio feeds through a standard YouTube ingest. Select one streaming track containing the complete live mix.
- The wrong mix is reaching the stream. Recheck the selected streaming track and its source assignments, then test the result in YouTube Live Control Room and review stream health.
- You expect a complete 24-hour replay but only find a shorter archive. YouTube’s stated automatic archive guidance covers streams under 12 hours, not a guaranteed full-day archive. Use a planned local or segmented archive workflow and confirm current behavior.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is keeping uploaded videos live on YouTube around the clock, rather than routing a live microphone or camera through OBS, StreamNeo runs the uploaded video or playlist from the cloud. Upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. StreamNeo 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, and the monthly option is $9.99 per month.
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
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