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To keep your microphone and game or desktop sound independently editable, use OBS Studio: assign each source to its own recording track, enable those tracks in Output settings, then check the file in a multitrack editor. A built-in screen recorder can include audio, but that does not necessarily mean it saves microphone and system sound as separate tracks.
Choose what “separately” means
There are three different outcomes people mean by recording audio separately while screen recording:
- Audio included: the screen video has sound, but the microphone and game or app audio may be mixed together.
- Separate tracks in one video: the microphone and system or app sound are stored on different tracks so you can adjust them independently during editing.
- A separate audio file: sound is saved apart from the screen video. The built-in mobile recording instructions below do not establish a universal way to create this output.
If you need independent editing, use a multitrack recording workflow and verify the result in an editor that displays tracks. The OBS Project notes in its Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide that standard video players play back only one audio track at a time.
Record separate microphone and system tracks with OBS Studio
OBS supports assigning audio sources to different tracks in a recording. The exact devices available depend on your operating system and audio setup.
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- 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.
- Add your sources. Add or enable the audio you want to capture, such as desktop or game output and a microphone. OBS’s audio sources documentation describes Audio Input Capture and Audio Output Capture. On Linux, it directs users to ALSA or PulseAudio sources instead.
- Open Advanced Audio Properties. In the Audio Mixer, open the menu for Advanced Audio Properties.
- Assign sources to tracks. Select the recording tracks for each source. For example, place the microphone on one track and game or desktop audio on another. You can also assign both sources to a combined track for convenient playback, while retaining the individual tracks for editing. OBS explains that assigning sources to track 1 helps ensure standard video players have a track to play.
- Enable the tracks for recording. Go to Settings → Output and enable the tracks you assigned. Check the recording output settings before you begin; assigning a source in Advanced Audio Properties alone is not enough if its track is not enabled for recording.
- Make a short test recording. Open it in a video editor that exposes multiple audio tracks. Confirm that the screen video is present, each source is on the intended track, and the tracks line up. Do not rely on a basic player to determine whether all tracks were recorded.
Avoid duplicate capture and echo
If you add a microphone or output device directly as a scene source, check whether the same device is also enabled globally in Settings → Audio. OBS warns that capturing the same device both globally and as a scene source can create echo; disable the duplicate global device if you have added it to the scene.
Mac and Linux considerations
OBS lists Audio Input/Output Capture for macOS, but available capture routes can depend on the Mac version, permissions, and device setup. The OBS documentation specifies ALSA or PulseAudio sources for Linux rather than the Windows-style Audio Input/Output Capture sources. Confirm that your sources show activity in the mixer and make a test recording before relying on the setup.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 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.
Built-in screen recording: what each platform captures
Built-in controls are a simpler choice when you only need audio included. Their documented controls do not promise independent editable microphone and system-audio tracks.
| Platform | Documented controls | What to know about separate tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 and 11: Xbox Game Bar | Open Game Bar settings, choose Capturing, and select the option to include all computer sounds. Use Windows key + Alt + R to start or stop a clip and Windows key + Alt + M to toggle the microphone. Microsoft says clips are saved as MP4 files in Videos/Captures. See Microsoft’s Xbox Game Bar instructions. | The instructions cover computer sound and microphone controls, not independently editable tracks. Use a multitrack recorder if you need to balance those sources separately later. |
| Mac: built-in screen recording | In the screen-recording controls, select a microphone if you want voice or other microphone audio included. Apple’s Mac screen recording instructions describe microphone selection. | This establishes microphone capture, not a general built-in split between system sound and microphone. Apple’s Logic Pro guide covers recording inputs to separate audio tracks; recording multiple sources at once requires an audio interface with multiple inputs. Logic Pro is an audio-recording workflow, not a screen recorder by itself. |
| iPhone | Open Control Center, touch and hold Screen Recording, turn on Microphone, then start recording. See Apple’s iPhone screen recording instructions. | The microphone control adds audio to the recording workflow; the instructions do not promise separate editable microphone and app-audio tracks. Some apps may not allow their content to be recorded, and screen recording cannot run at the same time as screen mirroring. |
| Android | Open Screen recorder from Quick Settings, choose whether to record audio, start, and stop from the Screen recorder notification. See Google’s Android screen recording instructions. | Options vary by device and software version. Google’s general instructions do not specify a universal choice of audio sources or separate editable tracks; consult your phone maker if the controls differ or do not work. |
Check the recording before editing
- You hear only one source in a player: open the file in a multitrack editor and inspect its tracks. A standard player may play only one track even when the file contains more.
- OBS audio echoes: check whether a device is captured both globally and as a scene source, then disable the duplicate capture.
- A source is missing or on the wrong track: revisit Advanced Audio Properties and Settings → Output, then record another short sample and inspect it in an editor.
- A phone does not offer the audio option you need: check the device maker’s instructions. Google’s Android Help specifically directs users to the phone maker when its general steps do not work.
- An app’s sound or content will not record: capture restrictions can apply. Apple notes that some iPhone apps may not allow their content to be recorded; check the relevant app and platform guidance.
Do you need an external microphone?
No. A USB microphone is optional: it can provide a dedicated input for narration, but the separation workflow is configured in the recorder and does not require a particular microphone model. On a Mac, Apple’s built-in screen-recording controls let you choose a microphone; for recording multiple audio inputs to separate Logic Pro tracks, Apple’s documentation says an audio interface with multiple inputs is required.
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Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- 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 goal is to keep a prerecorded video live on YouTube rather than capture your screen, StreamNeo is a separate option. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It is for uploaded videos, not camera streams, and streams to YouTube only.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Visit StreamNeo or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 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
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- 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
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