Record microphone and PC audio on separate tracks with OBS
This is the official method using up to 6 tracks in the free OBS Studio. Typical video players only play one audio track, so assign all audio to track 1, PC audio to track 2, and microphone to track 3.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- People who want to adjust the microphone and game sound separately after recording
What you need
- Set the PC audio and microphone to work as separate sources with the audio mixer
Make recording output compatible with multiple tracks
Set the output mode to Advanced in Settings > Output and turn on audio tracks 1, 2, and 3 in the Recording tab. For the recording format, choose MKV, which supports multiple audio and is resistant to abnormal termination. You can convert it to MP4 later by going to File > Remux Recording.
- Make output mode verbose
- Enable recording tracks 1-3
- Change recording format to MKV
Assign tracks by source
Open the Audio Mixer gear > Advanced Audio Properties. Turn on Desktop Audio 1 and 2, Microphone 1 and 3, and turn off the others. Track 1 is the full audio for confirmation, and tracks 2 and 3 are separated audio for editing.
- Open advanced properties
- Assign PC audio to 1 and 2
- Assign microphones to 1 and 3
Verify with a short test recording
While playing music, say "Microphone test" and record for 30 seconds. Confirm that you can hear both from track 1 on a regular player, then import it into an editing software that supports multiple audio and check whether track 2 has only the PC audio and track 3 has only the microphone.
- Play and record both sound sources
- Play track 1 normally
- Check 2 and 3 separately with editing software
Fix double audio and silence
Adding the same device both in Settings > Audio and in the scene's Audio Input/Output Capture is redundant, so disable one or the other. If there is no sound, check the output settings track check and detailed property assignments.
- Check for duplicate sources
- Match track number
- retest
Limitations and requirements
- Do not judge separated tracks using only a normal player.
Frequently asked questions
When I play a recording, only the microphone can be heard.
The player is playing only one track. Make sure you have assigned both sound sources to track 1, and check each track in your editing software.
The microphone becomes an echo.
Check if the same microphone is being picked up by both global audio and scene source and disable one.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.
Related practical guides
- How to record your screen for the first time in OBS Studio
- OBS Studio vs Snipping Tool: Choosing a Screen Recorder
- VLC: Play Video, Audio, and Network Streams
- HandBrake: Compress Video with a Device Preset
- ScreenToGif: Create a Short Instructional GIF
- MP4 vs MKV: Playback Compatibility and Multiple Tracks