How to Record Audio and Video Separately (OBS Separate Audio Tracks)
- Sam Hajighasem
- 15 hours ago
- 8 min read
If you care about clean sound and flexible edits, learning how to record audio and video separately is a game-changer. Separate (isolated) tracks let you fix crosstalk, mute coughs, balance levels per speaker, and keep your visuals independent from the voice. In this guide, you’ll get a step‑by‑step walkthrough for OBS separate audio tracks, plus dual‑system (camera + external recorder) workflows, syncing tips, and troubleshooting. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to record audio and video separately in OBS Studio and beyond without drift, corruption, or missing audio surprises.
If you're building a full podcast workflow, you may also want to read our guide on Podcast Marketing: Strategies to Grow Your Audience Fast
Quick answer: How to record audio and video separately
Short version: capture video from your camera/screen and record audio on isolated tracks so you can edit them independently later. You can do it three ways:
1) Use OBS Studio to record multiple audio tracks inside one file while it records your video. This is ideal for gaming, live demos, and screen captures.
2) Use a multitrack platform (e.g., Riverside recording, Descript, Zencastr) that automatically records each participant’s audio/video locally on separate tracks and keeps them in sync.
3) Use dual‑system recording: your camera records video while a dedicated recorder/DAW (Zoom H4n, Tascam DR‑40X, Reaper, Logic) records audio at 48 kHz/24‑bit. You sync them in post using a clap/slate or timecode.
OBS separate audio tracks: the step‑by‑step setup
If your goal is to separate audio tracks in OBS or to record separate audio tracks in OBS for mic vs game/desktop, follow this exact sequence.
1) Choose a safe container and set up recording
Open Settings > Output > Recording.
Recording Format: choose MKV container. MKV is safer than MP4 because it resists corruption if OBS or your PC crashes. You can remux to MP4 in seconds without re‑encoding.
Audio Track checkboxes: enable the tracks you want (e.g., Track 1–3). Track 1 is commonly a full mix; Tracks 2–6 are for isolated sources.
Encoder/quality: for most users, standard H.264 is fine. If you plan to edit heavily, consider higher bitrates or intra‑frame codecs when available.
2) Configure global audio devices
Go to Settings > Audio.
Disable unused global devices to prevent duplicate captures.
If you want to capture Desktop Audio and a Mic/Aux, set them here or add them as specific sources in your Scene for more control.
3) Assign each source to specific tracks
In your main OBS window, click the gear on the Audio Mixer > Advanced Audio Properties.
For each source (Mic, Desktop Audio, Discord, Game, etc.):
Tick only the tracks you want that source written to. Example:
Track 1 (Full Mix): tick everything so you always have a quick reference mix.
Track 2 (Mic): tick mic only.
Track 3 (Game/Desktop): tick only desktop/game.
This is the critical step for truly separate audio tracks.
4) Understand Monitor Only vs Monitor and Output
In Advanced Audio Properties > Audio Monitoring:
Monitor Only: You hear it in headphones, but OBS does not write it to the file. If you choose this, the source will not be recorded, a common cause of “missing audio.”
Monitor and Output: you hear it, AND OBS writes it to the recording/stream. Use this for sources you want captured.
Monitor Off: recorded but not heard in your monitor mix.
If audio seems “missing,” check this setting first.
5) Test and verify the tracks
Make a 20–30 second test recording.
Play the file in VLC > Audio > Audio Track to switch between Track 1/2/3 and confirm your isolated tracks exist. Some default players only play Track 1 and make you think other tracks aren’t there.
In OBS, use File > Remux Recordings if you need MP4/MOV for your editor. Remuxing converts the container without re‑encoding, preserving quality.
6) Record mic and game audio separately (popular gaming setup)
Track plan example:
Track 1: Full mix (Mic + Desktop)
Track 2: Mic only
Track 3: Game/Desktop only
In Advanced Audio Properties, tick accordingly. Hit record. Verify in VLC.
Pro tip: Set sample rate to 48 kHz (Settings > Audio) to match video frame standards and reduce sync issues in NLEs. Use 24‑bit where available for headroom.
Why MKV is safer than MP4 and how to remux
MKV container: If your PC crashes or power drops mid‑record, MKV is far more likely to salvage your file. That’s why seasoned OBS users recommend MKV for recording.
Remuxing to MP4: In OBS, go to File > Remux Recordings, select your MKV, and remux to MP4/MOV for your editor if needed. This is lossless and fast because it does not re‑encode.
Post‑separation without re‑encode: Tools like Avidemux or MKVToolNix can demux audio tracks from MKV/MP4 and save them without re‑encoding. If your NLE forces a re‑encode, only do it once during your final export.
Troubleshooting: OBS audio missing from recording track 1 (and other fixes)
Only Track 1 plays: Your default player might only read Track 1. Check the VLC > Audio Track menu. Confirm other tracks exist.
Recorded silence: In Advanced Audio Properties, was the source set to Monitor Only? Change to Monitor and Output or Monitor Off.
Wrong routing: Ensure each source is only ticked on its intended tracks. A common mistake is ticking everything everywhere.
Global vs Source duplicates: If you add Mic as a global device and also as a Source, you might introduce doubling/phase. Use one or the other.
Logs and reset: If behavior seems broken, share OBS Logs (Help > Log Files) for diagnosis, or reset OBS settings to defaults and re‑apply the steps above.
How to record audio and video separately without OBS
You have two solid alternatives if you’d rather not configure OBS.
Multitrack platforms (fastest, simplest)
Riverside recording: Each participant’s audio and video are captured locally on separate tracks, then auto‑aligned in the cloud. You get isolated tracks without manual routing, plus a multitrack editor to remove filler words, shorten silences, and mute crosstalk. Great for podcasts, interviews, and remote panels.
Other options: Descript (studio sound + text‑based editing), Zencastr (browser‑based multitrack), Zoom (enable multitrack audio in settings), and SquadCast. These tools aim for automatic sync and separate tracks with minimal setup.
Dual‑system recording (maximum control)
Gear: Camera for video + external audio recorder/DAW for sound (Zoom H4n, Tascam DR‑40X, Reaper, Logic, Pro Tools). Use an XLR microphone via an audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, MOTU M2) for better preamps and lower noise vs some USB mics.
Settings: Record audio at 48 kHz/24‑bit WAV; set your camera to a constant frame rate (e.g., 23.976/24/25/30 fps, not variable). Keep headroom: target peaks around −12 dBFS to avoid clipping.
Sync: Do a loud hand clap or slate at the start of each take. In post, align the transient spike or use your NLE’s “synchronize by audio” feature.
Manual workflow: record video and audio separately, step‑by‑step
1) Camera setup: Mount on a tripod, lock exposure/white balance, confirm storage, and set a constant frame rate.
2) Microphone setup: Choose dynamic (for noisy rooms) or condenser (for pristine rooms; needs 48V). Lavs for hands‑free dialogue, shotguns for directional pickup, or a close‑placed dynamic for podcasts/voiceover.
3) Recorder/interface: Use a field recorder or an interface into a laptop DAW. Monitor with closed‑back headphones to catch hum, rustle, or clipping.
4) Gain staging: Speak at performance volume. Set levels so peaks hit roughly −12 dBFS (never beyond −6 dBFS).
5) Roll sound first, then video: Start audio, then video. Do a clap/slate in view for easy waveform alignment.
6) File management: Keep a folder per project with subfolders for Video, Audio, and Sync Assets. Name files with scene/take numbers.
7) Sync in post: In Premiere Pro (Merge Clips/Auto Sync), DaVinci Resolve (Auto Sync based on waveform), or Final Cut Pro (Synchronize Clips). If your editor struggles, manually align the clap spike.
How to sync external audio to video without drift
Match sample rate: 48 kHz for audio; avoid 44.1 kHz for video projects. Mismatched rates can cause slow drift.
Avoid variable frame rate (VFR): Many phones screen‑record VFR. Convert to constant frame rate (CFR) before editing.
Long takes: In very long recordings, drift may occur even at matching rates. Solutions:
Timecode: Use recorders/cameras with timecode and jam sync both devices.
Resample: If the recorder runs slightly fast/slow, stretch the audio by the exact ppm difference (NLEs or DAWs can do precise resampling).
Mid‑session claps: Add sync marks every 20–30 minutes for safety.
Extract audio from OBS MKV without re‑encoding (demux audio)
Avidemux: Open your MKV. Set Video Output to “Copy,” Audio Output to “Copy,” and choose an output container (e.g., MKV/MP4). You can also disable video and save audio only as WAV/AAC without re‑encoding.
MKVToolNix: Uncheck unwanted tracks, export only the desired audio track.
ffmpeg: You can copy streams by selecting the audio track and mapping it out to a separate file with stream copy. This preserves quality and is instantaneous on most systems.
Recommended settings and a pre‑record checklist
Settings for reliable sync and quality:
Audio Sample Rate: 48 kHz; Bit Depth: 24‑bit (when possible) for extra headroom.
Video Codec: H.264 for smaller files or an intra codec for edit‑friendly footage if disk space allows.
Recording Container: MKV in OBS; remux to MP4 only if your NLE needs it.
OBS Mixer Plan: Track 1 = full mix; Track 2+ = isolated sources.
Monitoring: Use Monitor and Output for any source you must capture.
Pre‑record checklist:
Mic placement: 6–12 inches from the mouth for dynamics; 8–16 inches for condensers. Aim slightly off‑axis to reduce plosives.
Room: Reduce echo with soft furnishings or panels. Turn off HVAC/fans if possible.
Headphones: Closed‑back for isolation. Do a 15–30 sec test.
Levels: Peaks around −12 dBFS. Confirm no clipping.
Storage/Power: Check SD card space and battery or connect to mains.
Slate: Clap clearly at the start of each take.
FAQs: common search questions answered
How do I record separate audio tracks in OBS Studio?
Enable multiple tracks in Settings > Output > Recording, then route each source in Advanced Audio Properties to its own track. Record a short test and verify tracks in VLC by switching Audio Track.
What does Monitor Only vs Monitor and Output mean in OBS?
Monitor Only lets you hear a source but does not record it. Monitor and Output lets you hear it and write it into the file/stream. Use Monitor and Output (or Monitor Off) for any source you need captured.
What is the safest container to record in OBS to prevent file corruption?
MKV container. It’s resilient to crashes. After recording, use File > Remux Recordings to convert to MP4/MOV without re‑encoding if your editor prefers those formats.
How can I sync external audio to video without drift?
Record audio at 48 kHz, keep camera frame rate constant, avoid VFR, and use a slate/clap. For very long takes, consider timecode jam sync or resample slightly in post if minor drift appears.
Should I record audio and video separately?
Yes, if you want cleaner edits and professional polish. Separate audio tracks (isolated tracks) let you remove noise, fix levels per speaker, and swap visuals freely without affecting sound.
Do YouTubers record audio and video separately?
Many do. Common workflows include OBS with separate tracks for mic/game, or dual‑system setups where a dedicated recorder captures high‑quality audio that’s synced in post.
Can I record audio and video separately on iPhone?
Yes. Simple route: record video in Camera and audio in Voice Memos or a mobile DAW, then sync in iMovie/Final Cut. For remote shows, tools like Riverside’s mobile app record separate, high‑quality tracks and keep them synced automatically.
OBS audio missing from recording Track 1—what now?
Check Advanced Audio Properties for Monitor Only, verify per‑source track ticks, and test playback in VLC switching Audio Track. If it persists, review OBS Logs (Help > Log Files) or reset OBS settings to defaults and reapply the setup.
Conclusion:
Recording separate audio and video tracks gives you far more control in editing and a cleaner final product. Whether you prefer OBS separate audio tracks for precise routing, a multitrack platform that auto‑syncs, or a dual‑system recorder for maximum fidelity, the key is consistent settings (48 kHz/24‑bit), safe containers (MKV), and smart monitoring. Now that you know how to record audio and video separately and avoid common pitfalls, you can capture isolated tracks with confidence and deliver professional, polished content every time.
Now that you know how to record audio and video separately, we can audit your setup, standardize OBS profiles, and build a repeatable track plan so edits stay clean and consistent.