How to Record Separate Audio Tracks in OBS

One feature that stands out in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is recording separate audio tracks. This gives streamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to improve recordings postproduction a chance to do so.

Learning how to record separate audio tracks in OBS can be a game changer. This article explains everything you need to know.

Recording Separate Audio Tracks in OBS Studio

Recording separate tracks opens up greater possibilities since it’s easier to convert the content into audio-only or video-only versions without recording twice.

Here’s how you can record separate audio tracks on OBS:

1. After downloading OBS from the official website, review app permissions giving access to mic, camera, and accessibility settings.
   
2. Launch the “Audio Settings” menu in the lower right corner of the studio window.
   
3. Go to the “Output” option within the settings window and toggle the “Output mode” to “Advanced.”
   
4. Choose “Recording.”
   
5. Check “Audio Track” 1-6. This depends on the number of tracks that need to be recorded.
   
6. Toggle “Recording Format.” However, you should know that not all the available formats can record separate audio tracks.
   

Once you begin streaming or recording, OBS captures each of the audio sources separately. This matches the selected track number.

For the separate audio feature to work, add multiple audio sources. This is done by going to the “Sources” option and selecting “+.” Pick the preferred audio source such as desktop audio, microphone, or any other specific application.

It’s important to adjust the audio sources’ volume levels in OBS. Do so to ensure they’re properly captured and balanced in the respective tracks. Achieve this by adjusting audio mixer sliders for every source within the main window.

The recorded audio can then be imported to other software supporting multi-track audio. This facilitates audio track manipulation in the postproduction phase.

Changing the Audio Track Settings

While recording, you may want to alter the settings. Unfortunately, the changes can’t be made during active streaming or recording. Such settings need configuration before doing so.

If it’s necessary to change the settings in the middle of streaming or recording, the recording session must be stopped first. You change within the settings menu. However, you have to begin recording another session.

Proper settings configuration ensures that every audio source is captured on the right track. To avoid making errors, prepare for the recording sessions to avoid a redo.

Adjusting Separate Audio Track Volumes After Recording

Volume level adjustments in OBS aren’t built in as an option. During the recording, OBS captures audio sources into respective tracks. However, the extensive audio capabilities are limited in postproduction.

To adjust the individual tracks, you need external software. The editing software should support multi-track. For it to work, save the file first before importing it.

The editing software can help make all necessary adjustments in terms of effects, audio editing, and other tools as needed.

The ability to adjust the tracks is based on the editing software’s capabilities. Pick software with all the necessary features.

Microphones Needed for Recording

When recording on OBS, you need more than one microphone. Separate tracks are used to isolate and capture different audio sources like system audio or multiple microphones.

If only a single microphone is used, OBS captures the audio as one track. This means it’s impossible to record separate tracks for different sources unless there are multiple audio sources connected.

Even with a single microphone, the audio levels can be adjusted and you can apply basic effects within OBS. An audio mixer is provided to allow more control of the various audio sources in real-time. Effects and filters can be applied to the microphone input to enhance quality.

If separate audio tracks are required for different sources, you need more audio sources connected and configured in OBS. This may include audio interfaces bearing multiple inputs, virtual audio cables, and microphones. Having multiple sources allows you to assign every source to another audio track to get the kind of control you need postproduction.

Number of Audio Tracks That Can Be Recorded Separately in OBS

OBS Studio supports up to six audio tracks. This is the default number, meaning each audio source can be assigned to six available tracks for purposes of separate recording. To assign the audio sources to the different OBS studio tracks, you should follow the steps in the settings menu. It’s through the settings that the audio track numbers are picked.

If you need over six audio tracks, there is a workaround. You can take advantage of the virtual audio cables or audio routing software to a single track. The single track can then be used as input for yet another OBS studio instance running on the computer. This way, you can record more tracks separately.

Managing many audio tracks may become complex in terms of postproduction editing and hardware sources. You should ensure that the RAM and CPU power can handle the recording and processing simultaneously.

Not all editing software options are capable of handling or importing large audio track numbers. Check the limitations and capabilities first before getting the software ensuring it’s compatible.

Challenges You Could Encounter While Managing a Large Number of Audio Tracks

Managing a large number of separate audio tracks can be challenging for a number of reasons.

Hardware Limitations

Recording and processing multiple audio tracks simultaneously may strain computer resources. This leads to poor performance issues, system crashes, and audio latency. Ensure that the hardware specifications like disk space, RAM, and CPU can handle multiple tracks.

Audio Routing Complexity

When you increase the audio tracks, routing, and configuration complexity grows as well. Configuring the virtual aid cables, audio routing software, and the additional OBS studio instances becomes difficult. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with advanced audio setups.

Postproduction Compatibility

Compatibility issues may ensue in the postproduction phase due to multiple audio tracks. Some of the editing software options have limitations when handling multiple audio tracks. Picking the right software is the key.

Audio Synchronization

When using multiple audio sources, synchronization should be done correctly. Inconsistencies and delays complicate the entire editing process. This leads to poor quality. Pay attention to synchronization and audio latency settings for proper alignment.

Complexity During Editing

Editing multiple audio tracks introduces a new complexity level that needs better coordination. This makes it hard to track every audio source or make precise adjustments to the tracks postproduction. Proper planning, organization, and labeling are needed to maintain efficiency and clarity in the editing process.

Benefits Associated With Recording Separate Audio Tracks

Recording your separate audio tracks in OBS comes with various benefits:

• Postproduction flexibility: The editing process can be controlled better, making changes to the audio sources independently.
• Audio balancing: Separate audio tracks give room for fine-tuning the audio sources, especially where there are two elements.
• Noise reduction: Audio issues and unwanted background noise may occur during recording. With separate audio tracks, they can be isolated through audio cleanup and noise reduction. This results in higher quality and cleaner sound.
• Voice-over and narration: Presentations or tutorials needing narration or voice-over benefit from recording separate tracks. In the end, you’ll have consistency and clearer quality.
• Multiple audio sources: Each source captures its own track which makes editing and management much easier
• Multi-lingual content: When creating multi-lingual content, recording separately gives you a chance to have every language in its own track. This simplifies the process.

Enhance Precision by Recording Separate Audio Tracks in OBS

With the right steps and ideas, content creators can achieve audio recordings of a professional standard on OBS. Recording separate audio tracks enables precise control over various individual elements in the post-recording phase. All of which enhances the output and quality of the content.

Have you ever tried to record separate audio tracks on OBS? If so, did you use any of the tips and tricks featured in this article? Tell us in the comments section below.