To record only the audio sources you choose in OBS, capture each source separately, assign it to the desired recording track in Audio Mixer → Advanced Audio Properties, then enable that track in Settings → Output. For editable files, keep sources on separate tracks; if the recording must play correctly in an ordinary video player, also put a full mix on track 1.
Choose the right routing method
The best setup depends on your operating system, whether OBS can capture each app directly, and whether you want an editing file or a ready-to-play mix.
| Method | Best fit | Tradeoff or check |
|---|---|---|
| OBS sources and track assignment | Audio already available to OBS as distinct sources | You must assign each source to tracks and enable those tracks for recording separately. OBS multiple-track guide |
| Windows Application Audio Capture | Separating supported apps on Windows 10 version 2004 or later, or Windows 11 | Disable global Desktop Audio to avoid duplicate or echo audio. Some apps may need virtual routing. OBS application-capture guide |
| Virtual audio cable | An app that does not work with direct application capture | Adds routing steps and a virtual device; OBS documents VB-CABLE for Windows. OBS application-capture guide |
| macOS native audio capture | OBS Studio 30 on macOS 13 Ventura or later, as specified by OBS | Check that your OBS and macOS versions match the guide. OBS macOS audio guide |
| External mixer software such as Wave Link | People already routing audio through that ecosystem | Vendor-specific workflow; its virtual outputs still need to be captured and assigned in OBS. Elgato Wave Link guide |
Set up selective recording in OBS
1. Decide which sources need independent control
List the sources you want to keep separate—for example, microphone, game, voice chat, and music. Capture them as distinct OBS sources where possible. If you need to adjust one source without affecting the others in post-production, give it its own track.
2. Capture each source separately
On supported Windows versions, add an Application Audio Capture source for each app you want to isolate. When using these per-application sources, OBS advises disabling the global Desktop Audio source to avoid capturing the same sound twice or creating echo. The OBS guide covers Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11: Application Audio Capture Guide.
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On macOS, OBS documents a native macOS Audio Capture Source for OBS Studio 30 on macOS 13 Ventura and higher. The same guide describes virtual-device routing and names Loopback and Sound Siphon for per-application routing: macOS Desktop Audio Capture Guide. Confirm your versions before following a version-specific method.
3. Assign each source to tracks
- In OBS, find the Audio Mixer.
- Open Advanced Audio Properties.
- For each source, check the track or tracks it should feed. For example, assign the microphone to one track, game audio to another, and voice chat to a third.
- If you want a convenient complete mix as well as isolated sources, assign every source to track 1 and also assign selected sources to their individual tracks.
Track assignment is per source: checking a track determines where that source is sent. OBS’s multiple-track recording guide explains the distinction between assigning sources and enabling tracks for output.
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4. Enable the tracks for recording
Open Settings → Output and enable the recording tracks you assigned. A source can be routed to a track in Advanced Audio Properties, but the track must also be selected in Output settings to be included in the recording.
5. Test the recording in its intended destination
Make a short recording with all relevant sources active. Open it in the video editor you plan to use and confirm that the expected tracks are present and independently adjustable. Also try it in the player or publication workflow your audience will use if compatibility matters.
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Keep a compatibility mix when needed
Separate tracks are useful for editing, but they may not behave as a mix in ordinary playback. OBS warns that “all standard video players will only play back one audio track at a time.” If you publish the recording without processing it in an editor, route all sources to track 1 so a player that selects only one track has a complete mix. OBS explains this recommendation in its multiple-track guide.
Route an app through a virtual cable on Windows
Use this fallback when an application is not captured by OBS’s direct Application Audio Capture method. OBS documents the VB-CABLE route; device labels matter because the app and OBS use opposite ends of the virtual connection.
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- Install and configure a virtual cable such as VB-CABLE according to its provider’s instructions.
- In Windows Volume Mixer, set the target app’s output device to CABLE Input.
- In OBS, add an audio input capture source and select CABLE Output.
- Assign that OBS source to the desired recording track in Audio Mixer → Advanced Audio Properties.
- Enable the track under Settings → Output, then make and check a test recording.
OBS notes that some applications’ output is incompatible with direct Application Audio Capture, which is why virtual-device routing can be useful. See the OBS Application Audio Capture Guide for its documented workflow.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use a mixer-software workflow only if it fits your setup
Wave Link is an alternative for users already routing audio through Elgato’s ecosystem. Elgato’s guide shows virtual outputs captured in OBS and assigned to a combined track and individual tracks. It is a vendor-specific workflow, not a prerequisite for basic selective recording: Wave Link — OBS Studio Multi Track Recording.
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Troubleshoot missing, duplicated, or unusable audio
An isolated source is missing from the file
- Check that the source’s track is selected in Advanced Audio Properties.
- Check that the same track is enabled in Settings → Output.
- Confirm the source itself is receiving audio in OBS before recording.
You hear echo or duplicate desktop audio
If you use separate Windows Application Audio Capture sources, disable global Desktop Audio as OBS advises. Otherwise, the same app sound can enter the mix through both the application source and desktop capture.
An app does not appear or will not capture directly
Direct application capture is not compatible with every app. On Windows, try the virtual-cable method and check that the app outputs to CABLE Input while OBS captures CABLE Output. OBS documents this fallback.
The video plays only one source or seems to have no complete mix
Many standard players select one audio track rather than combining all tracks. Add a full mix to track 1 if the file must play as-is, or use an editor that can work with the isolated tracks before publishing. OBS’s multiple-track guide describes this playback limitation.
The macOS instructions do not match your system
The native capture option cited by OBS is for OBS Studio 30 on macOS 13 Ventura or higher. If your versions differ, check the current OBS guidance and consider an appropriate virtual-device method rather than assuming the same interface or support applies.
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