You can record separate audio tracks in OBS while sending one complete audio mix to YouTube Live. Assign sources to separate tracks in OBS, enable those tracks for recording, and choose a single track containing the full intended mix for the stream. YouTube’s standard live ingest does not expose OBS’s separate recording tracks as audience-selectable audio.
What separate OBS audio tracks can—and cannot—do
Separate tracks are useful when you want to edit a recording later—for example, to adjust narration and music independently. They are not a way to offer viewers separate audio choices through one ordinary YouTube Live encoder feed. Google’s YouTube Live API documentation states that an ingest stream containing multiple audio streams “must only contain one audio stream.” YouTube Live API documentation
For a standard stream, send YouTube one audio stream with the complete program mix. You can still capture additional isolated tracks in the local OBS recording.
Set up separate tracks in OBS
OBS labels and available controls can vary by release and output mode. The general workflow in the OBS guide is to assign sources in Advanced Audio Properties, then choose which tracks to record in Output settings.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Open Advanced Audio Properties. In the Audio Mixer, open the gear menu and choose Advanced Audio Properties.
- Assign each source to tracks. Use the track checkboxes to decide which sources appear on each track. Keep every source needed for normal playback together on Track 1; assign isolated sources to additional tracks as needed. OBS notes that standard video players play only one audio track at a time, so a complete mix on Track 1 helps ensure the recording plays normally outside an editing application. OBS Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide
- Enable recording tracks. Open Settings → Output and, in the recording section, enable the tracks you want captured. Assigning sources to tracks and enabling tracks for recording are separate steps.
- Choose one streaming track with the full mix. In the streaming output settings, select the track that contains all audio the YouTube audience should hear. Do not select an isolated narration or music track unless it is intentionally the entire live program.
- Test and monitor. Make a representative test with the audio and motion you expect to stream. Check that the live mix is complete, that the recording contains the intended separate tracks, and watch the Live Control Room’s stream-health messages. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring streams. YouTube encoder setup guidance
Audio settings for the YouTube feed
For audio codec, YouTube lists AAC or MP3 for live encoding. Its advanced recommendations specify the following audio settings; these are platform recommendations, not requirements for every production. YouTube live encoder settings
| Audio format | Sample rate | Bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo | 44.1 kHz | 128 kbps |
| 5.1 surround | 48 kHz | 384 kbps |
YouTube’s guidance says RTMP/RTMPS 5.1 audio support is AAC-only. Match the stream output to the format you are actually sending; recording extra isolated OBS tracks does not change the requirement for one audio stream in the standard YouTube ingest.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Plan for a 24/7 stream and its archive
A 24/7 stream is longer than YouTube’s stated automatic-archive window. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived; that guidance does not establish that a stream longer than 12 hours will receive a complete automatic archive. YouTube encoder setup guidance
If preserving the program matters, plan an independent recording or archive workflow, or consider segmenting the output. Verify current YouTube behavior for your account and setup rather than relying on an automatic full-day replay. For a local recording, enable the needed recording tracks in OBS and check the resulting file to confirm the editor can access them.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your aim is to keep a pre-recorded program live continuously, rather than to use OBS’s local multitrack recording workflow, StreamNeo can loop uploaded videos to YouTube from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Every slot supports uploaded video up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card; the monthly option is $9.99 per month. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
