Mastering OBS Audio Routing for Separate Tracks
Achieving pristine audio separation for game and music during live streams and recordings is crucial for content creators. This method enhances VOD flexibility, simplifies post-production editing, and helps manage DMCA compliance for your music.
Why Separate Game and Music Audio?
Separating game audio from your music track offers significant advantages. It allows you to mute music on VODs for copyright protection, adjust levels independently in post-production, and provide a cleaner listening experience for viewers who might prefer only game sounds.
Setting Up Audio Sources in OBS
First, identify your audio sources. For game audio, use a dedicated Audio Output Capture source targeting your game’s sound device or your default system audio if games output there. For music, add another Audio Output Capture source specifically for your music application (e.g., Spotify, browser). Ensure each has a unique name for clarity.
Configuring Advanced Audio Properties
Open the Advanced Audio Properties window in OBS (via the gear icon in the Audio Mixer). Here, you’ll see all your audio sources and their assigned tracks. Locate your game audio source and check the boxes for the tracks you want it on (e.g., Track 1). Then, find your music source and check a different set of tracks (e.g., Track 2). Crucially, uncheck the music source from any tracks shared with game audio (e.g., Track 1) if you want full separation. For live streaming, typically Track 1 is the main mix, so ensure your game audio is on Track 1, and music is only on Track 2 (and not Track 1).
Finalizing Output Settings for Streams and Recordings
Navigate to OBS Settings, then Output. Under the Streaming tab, ensure you select all the audio tracks you’ve assigned (e.g., Track 1 for game, Track 2 for music, if sending multiple tracks to your platform, or just Track 1 with music excluded from it). For Recording, set your output mode to “Advanced” and select the desired audio tracks under the “Recording” tab. This ensures your separate tracks are embedded into your recording file for later editing.
Direct Answer
To route stream audio in OBS to separate game and music tracks, add separate Audio Output Capture sources for each, then use OBS’s Advanced Audio Properties to assign game audio to one track and music audio to a different, distinct track. Finally, configure your OBS Output settings to utilize these selected audio tracks for streaming and recording.
