Recording microphone and system audio as separate tracks
Most screen recorders mix your microphone and system audio into a single output — which is simpler but removes flexibility. Recording them as separate, independent audio tracks in the same file means you can adjust, replace, or remove either independently in editing.
Why mixed-down audio creates specific editing problems
Once microphone and system audio are mixed into a single track, you can’t independently adjust the volume of just one, remove background hum from just the microphone, or replace the narration with a different take while keeping the original system audio intact. Separate tracks preserve these options through the entire editing process.
Which screen recorders actually support multi-track audio
This is a more advanced capability than most recorders offer — OBS supports multiple audio tracks in its output configuration and is the most common free option for this workflow. Camtasia records separate tracks by design as part of its editing workflow. Most lightweight or free recorders don’t support it, defaulting to mixed output.
The OBS multi-track setup specifically
OBS supports up to 6 audio tracks in MKV and MP4 output — you assign each audio source (microphone, desktop audio) to specific track numbers in Settings → Audio, then enable those tracks in the Output settings. The resulting file contains separate, independently adjustable tracks that any multi-track-capable editor can access.
When mixed-down is genuinely fine
For recordings where the audio relationship between your narration and application sound is correct during recording and you won’t need to adjust them independently — a well-prepared tutorial where you’ve balanced levels before starting — mixed-down output is simpler and produces a file any player or editor handles without additional configuration.
The connection to getting audio right before recording
Separate tracks are most valuable when you might need to fix something in post — but the better pre-recording audio setup you have, the less often you’ll need that flexibility. They’re not a substitute for good audio going in, but a safety net when the complexity of a recording makes perfect live levels harder to guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Which screen recorders support recording separate microphone and system audio tracks?
OBS is the most common free option — it supports up to 6 audio tracks in its output. Camtasia records separate tracks by design. Most lightweight recorders only output mixed-down audio.
Why would I want separate audio tracks instead of a single mixed output?
Separate tracks let you independently adjust, fix, or replace either your narration or system audio in editing — once mixed down, those adjustments affect both sources simultaneously.
Related reading: OBS vs Bandicam: which one actually fits you · Getting internal audio right on Mac · Fixing audio sync issues in screen recordings