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audio tracks

How to Record Multiple Sources in OBS

Add inputs to an OBS scene to record one composed video, or assign audio sources to separate tracks for editing. Here’s how to arrange sources, configure tracks, and troubleshoot common issues.

By DocumentaryTube Team 5 min read
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To record several visual inputs together in OBS, add them as sources in a scene, arrange their layers in the preview, and start recording. OBS records the finished scene as one composed video—not a separate video file for each source. If you need audio tracks you can edit separately, assign audio sources to different recording tracks in Advanced Audio Properties and enable those tracks in Output settings.

What “multiple sources” means in OBS

A scene is the layout OBS records. It can combine inputs such as a display, a game, a webcam, a capture device, an image, text, or a media file. The recorded picture reflects the scene’s composition and layer order. OBS’s documented multiple-track workflow is for audio; it does not establish a way to save each visual source as an independent video track.

Decide which result you want before setting up:

  • Several visuals in one picture: add them to a scene, position them in the preview, and record that composition.
  • Separate audio for editing: assign audio sources to separate recording tracks, then enable those tracks in Output settings.

Add and arrange visual sources

  1. Create or select a scene. Choose the scene that should contain the inputs for this recording.
  2. Add each input. In the Sources dock, click + and choose the source type that matches what you want to capture. Common choices include Display Capture for a whole screen, Window Capture for one application window, Game Capture for a game on Windows, Video Capture Device for a webcam or capture card, and Media Source for a file. OBS’s available sources vary by operating system. On macOS 13 or later, OBS documents macOS Screen Capture for display, window, or app capture.
  3. Position and size sources. Select a source in the preview and drag it into place; drag its handles to resize it. For example, a screen capture can fill the canvas while a webcam sits in a corner.
  4. Set the layer order. In the Sources list, a source higher in the list appears above sources below it and can cover them. Reorder sources if an input is hidden. Use the eye control to show or hide a source without removing it.
  5. Check audio activity. Watch the Audio Mixer meters while speaking or playing the relevant audio. Confirm that the intended inputs register before recording.
  6. Make a short test recording. Start and stop a brief recording, then play it back to check the framing, visibility, and sound before capturing a full session. OBS recommends testing settings because results depend on the setup and available system resources.

Choose the right source for each input

What you want to capture OBS source to consider Important qualification
The whole computer screen Display Capture On macOS 13 or later, OBS documents macOS Screen Capture for display capture.
One application window Window Capture On macOS 13 or later, OBS documents macOS Screen Capture for window or app capture.
A game Game Capture OBS documents Game Capture for Windows; source availability varies by operating system.
A webcam or external video input Video Capture Device A webcam or capture card may be used where appropriate; a capture card is not required for every recording.
A recorded video file Media Source Use this when the input is a media file rather than a live capture device.
A microphone or other sound input An audio input source Check whether the same device is already selected as a global audio device to avoid capturing it twice.

Record audio sources on separate tracks

Separate audio tracks are useful when you plan to mix or edit the recording afterward. OBS’s Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide, dated July 14, 2023, explains track assignment and notes that standard video players play only one audio track at a time. If the file must play all intended audio in an ordinary player without editing, route all required audio to track 1.

  1. Open Advanced Audio Properties. In the Audio Mixer, click the gear menu and choose Advanced Audio Properties. OBS also documents opening this from the Edit menu.
  2. Assign tracks per source. For each audio source, select the track or tracks it should be recorded on. For example, you could put microphone and desktop audio on different tracks for editing, while also assigning both to track 1 if you need a combined track for straightforward playback.
  3. Enable the tracks for recording. Go to Settings → Output and enable the recording tracks you assigned. Assigning a source to a track alone is not enough if that track is not enabled for the recording.
  4. Test the file in your intended workflow. Confirm that your editor can access the separate tracks, or that a standard player plays the combined audio you expect from track 1.

Avoid duplicate audio capture

If you add an audio device as a scene source while also selecting that same device as a global audio device, OBS may capture it twice and create echo. Check your global audio-device setup and scene sources, then make a short recording and listen back. OBS’s Audio Sources guidance describes this duplicate-device configuration as a possible cause of echo.

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Troubleshooting a multiple-source recording

  • A source is missing or covered: Confirm its eye control is on, then move it higher in the Sources list if another layer covers it.
  • The recording has only one audio track: Check that the sources were assigned to separate tracks in Advanced Audio Properties and that those tracks are enabled in Settings → Output.
  • A standard player does not play every separate audio track: That is expected behavior for many standard players. Put all audio needed for immediate playback on track 1, or use an editor that lets you select and mix the separate tracks.
  • You hear echo: Check whether an audio device is selected both globally and as a scene source. Avoid capturing the same device through both paths.
  • A capture source is unavailable: Source choices depend on the operating system and input. Use the source OBS documents for your platform—for example, Game Capture on Windows or macOS Screen Capture for display, window, or app capture on macOS 13 or later.
  • Framing or performance is not right: Make a short test and adjust the scene before the real session; the result depends on the chosen sources and system resources.
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