Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a popular free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used by gamers, content creators, and professionals for its flexibility and customization options. However, one of the common challenges faced by OBS users is how to record video and audio separately. This can be useful for various purposes, such as editing, post-production, and audio enhancement. In this article, we will explore different methods and tools to record video and audio separately in OBS.
How to Record Video and Audio Separately OBS
Method 1: Using Multiple Audio Tracks
One of the simplest ways to record video and audio separately in OBS is by using multiple audio tracks. OBS allows you to create up to six audio tracks, each with its own settings and sources. Here’s how to do it:
- Open OBS and go to Settings > Output.
- Under Recording, select the option “Use Track 1” for both Audio Track and Audio Track 2.
- Go to Audio Mixer and click on the gear icon next to each audio source.
- Select “Advanced Audio Properties” and choose the desired audio track for each source.
- Start recording and OBS will save the video and audio tracks separately in the output folder.
This method is useful if you want to have different audio sources, such as game audio, microphone, and music, on separate tracks. However, it may not work if you have multiple video sources or if you want to adjust the audio levels during recording.
Method 2: Using Virtual Audio Cables
If you need more flexibility and control over your audio recording, you can use virtual audio cables. Virtual audio cables are software tools that allow you to route audio signals between different applications and devices. Here’s how to use virtual audio cables with OBS:
- Download and install a virtual audio cable software, such as VB-Audio Virtual Cable or Voicemeeter Banana.
- Open OBS and go to Settings > Audio.
- Under Mic/Auxiliary Audio Device, select the virtual audio cable as the input device.
- Go to Audio Mixer and add the desired audio sources.
- Open the virtual audio cable software and set it as the output device for OBS.
- Configure the virtual audio cable software to route the audio signals to separate channels or files.
- Start recording and OBS will capture the video and audio signals separately according to your settings.
This method requires some technical knowledge and may involve trial and error to get the desired results. However, it can be useful for advanced audio processing, such as noise reduction, EQ, and compression.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Plugins
If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can use third-party plugins that add extra features and options to OBS. There are several plugins available for OBS that allow you to record video and audio separately, such as OBS MultiTrack, OBS Studio Output-Recording, and OBS Audio Recorder. Here’s how to use OBS MultiTrack:
- Download and install OBS MultiTrack from the official website.
- Open OBS and go to Settings > Output.
- Under Recording, select the option “Use MultiTrack Recording” and choose the desired audio tracks.
- Go to Audio Mixer and add the desired audio sources.
- Start recording and OBS MultiTrack will save the video and audio tracks separately in the output folder.
This method is easy to use and provides a visual interface for managing multiple audio tracks. However, it may not be compatible with all OBS versions and may require additional configuration.
Conclusion
Recording video and audio separately in OBS can be a useful technique for improving the quality and flexibility of your recordings. Whether you use multiple audio tracks, virtual audio cables, or third-party plugins, the key is to experiment and find the method that works best for your needs. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you can take your OBS recordings to the next level and achieve professional-level results.
