You can record separate audio tracks in OBS while sending YouTube Live one complete audio mix. Assign tracks in OBS Advanced Audio Properties, enable the recording tracks under Output, then choose a single track containing everything viewers should hear for streaming. YouTube’s standard encoder ingest requires one audio stream, so OBS’s separate recording tracks do not give viewers separate audio choices.
What separate OBS audio tracks do—and what YouTube receives
OBS multitrack audio is primarily useful for editing a recording after capture: for example, keeping a microphone and other audio sources isolated so they can be adjusted independently in post-production. Track assignment and enabling tracks for recording are separate setup tasks.
For a standard OBS-to-YouTube Live encoder feed, send one audio stream containing the full live mix. YouTube’s ingest documentation says an input with multiple audio streams must contain only one audio stream: YouTube Live Streaming API: LiveStreams. This is different from keeping multiple tracks inside an OBS recording.
Set up separate audio tracks in OBS
- Assign sources to tracks. In OBS, open the Audio Mixer gear menu and choose Advanced Audio Properties. Assign each audio source to the tracks you need. A useful arrangement is to put every source on Track 1 for a complete playback mix, then assign individual sources to additional tracks for editing.
- Enable tracks for recording. Open Settings → Output and, in the recording section, enable the tracks you want saved in the local recording. The OBS guide describes separate tracks as a way to support post-production: OBS Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide.
- Choose one streaming track. In the streaming output settings, select one audio track that contains the entire mix intended for viewers. Do not select an isolated microphone or music track unless that is genuinely the complete mix you want to send.
- Make a short test recording and stream test. Check the recording in a standard video player and confirm that the complete mix is audible. Standard video players generally play one audio track at a time, as the OBS guide notes; additional tracks may need an editor to inspect or mix them. Then test the live output with representative audio and motion.
OBS labels and available controls can vary by release and output mode. If your menus differ, check the documentation for your installed version rather than assuming every version presents the same controls.
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Choose appropriate live audio settings
YouTube lists AAC and MP3 as live audio codecs. Its advanced encoder recommendations include these audio settings: YouTube recommended live encoder settings.
| Audio format | YouTube recommendation |
|---|---|
| Stereo | 44.1 kHz, 128 kbps |
| 5.1 surround | 48 kHz, 384 kbps; RTMP/RTMPS 5.1 support is AAC-only |
These are YouTube’s recommendations, not a guarantee that every source, encoder configuration, or connection will behave identically. For a typical stereo stream, use the stereo recommendation and verify that the stream-health panel reports a healthy feed.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Test and monitor a continuous stream
YouTube recommends testing with representative audio and monitoring stream health. A brief test can reveal a missing source, an incorrectly selected streaming track, or a mix that sounds different from the local recording. Use the Live Control Room’s stream-health messages while the encoder is running; YouTube’s encoder setup instructions are at Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
Will YouTube archive a 24/7 live stream?
YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That guidance does not establish that an entire stream running for 24 hours or longer will be archived as one complete replay. If preserving the full program matters, plan local recording, segment the stream, or use another archive workflow, and verify current YouTube behavior for your account and setup before relying on an automatic replay. OBS’s recording tracks can support local post-production, but they do not change YouTube’s archive limit guidance.
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is uninterrupted YouTube playback rather than recording isolated tracks on a local computer, StreamNeo keeps uploaded videos or playlists running from the cloud; it does not stream a live camera feed. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on, and StreamNeo can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream.
Each slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot without re-encoding or quality tiers. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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