I recorded a tutorial, complete with a voice-over and screen capture. However, during the editing phase, I discovered that the microphone audio and the game sound (or background music) had been mixed into a single audio track. This meant that lowering the microphone volume would also reduce the game audio, and removing the background music would inadvertently delete the voice-over as well. This is a common challenge faced by YouTube creators, educators, and online trainers.
Some Best Windows Screen Recorders for Separate Mic and System Audio – a feature that sounds standard, yet is rarely implemented effectively. Most recorders export microphone and desktop audio into a single, combined track, which creates significant post-editing challenges. In this article, we will compare tools that genuinely provide separate audio tracks, while also examining their setup complexities and the limitations of their free versions.
Why is this feature important? Let’s understand the real problem.
Those who work with video editing know how much easier multitrack audio recording makes the editing process:
- With a separate mic track: You can apply noise reduction or volume normalization to the voice-over, or even replace it entirely, without affecting the system audio.
- With separate system audio: You can independently fade or completely remove background music or game sounds.
- Post-syncing is possible: If the mic audio is slightly out of sync during recording, you can synchronize it separately.
For the growing community of YouTube creators, online educators, and corporate trainers in India, this feature has now become a basic necessity – and it’s even better if the tool is free.
Tool 1 – OBS Studio (the most powerful, completely free)
OBS Studio is the industry-standard free tool for screen recording and live streaming. It is also, genuinely, the most capable free option for multitrack audio recording.
Download: obsproject.com
How separate audio tracks work in OBS:
OBS features audio tracks 1 through 6. Each source – such as a microphone, desktop audio, or browser audio – can be assigned to a separate track.
Setup steps:
- Open OBS → Settings → Output → Recording tab
- Set Output Mode to: Advanced
- Under Audio Tracks: Check the boxes for Track 1, 2, 3 – as many as you need.
- In the Audio Mixer (at the bottom of the main window): Click the gear icon for Mic/Aux → Advanced Audio Properties
- Here, assign a separate track to each source:
- Desktop Audio → Track 1
- Mic/Aux → Track 2
- Start recording
What you will get in the output file:
OBS exports files in the .mkv format, which supports multiple audio tracks. When you open this file in software like Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Audacity, each track can be edited separately.
Note: While the MP4 format technically supports multiple audio tracks, some players and editors only read the first track. For OBS output, the safest approach is to record in MKV format and then remux the file into MP4.
OBS Remux:
File → Remux Recordings → Convert MKV to MP4. The tracks remain intact.
Free tier limitations:
OBS is completely free and open-source. There are no watermarks, no time limits, and no locked features.
Setup difficulty: Medium-High. It might be confusing for beginners at first, but once set up, it is reliable.
Tool 2 – ShareX (Free, Open Source, Underrated)
ShareX is an extremely capable free screen recorder that is not as popular in India as it deserves to be.
Download: getsharex.com
Separate audio track support:
In ShareX, you can select different audio sources – such as a microphone and system audio – but it does not export them as separate tracks. Instead, they are combined into a single, mixed track.
So, when is ShareX useful for multitrack recording?
Combine ShareX with Audacity:
- Record your screen and system audio using ShareX.
- Simultaneously, open Audacity (audacityteam.org) to record your microphone audio separately.
- Synchronize both in post-production.
This is a ‘jugaad’ (makeshift/hacky) approach, but it’s free and effective.
The real strength of ShareX:
- Completely free, no watermark
- Lightweight – less than 150 MB
- Built-in annotation, GIF recording, file upload
- Hotkey to start/stop recording
Free tier limitations: None – the entire feature set is free.
Tool 3 – Camtasia (easiest for separate track recording; paid)
Camtasia is a paid tool specifically designed for tutorials and screen recording. Multitrack audio recording here is genuinely seamless.
Link: techsmith.com/video-editor.html
How separate tracks work:
When recording in Camtasia, microphone audio and system audio are automatically captured on separate tracks – no extra setup required.
After recording, on the timeline:
- One track: Screen + system audio
- Second track: Microphone
Both can be edited independently – volume, noise removal, trimming – everything is separate.
For whom is this feature a game-changer?
- Corporate trainers who create polished tutorials
- Educators who provide voice-overs alongside screen demos
- YouTubers who want to control background music and commentary separately
Pricing:
- Camtasia one-time purchase: $299.99
- Subscription: $169.99/year
- Free trial: 30 days (with watermark)
Free tier limitations: Includes a watermark. No features are disabled – just the watermark. A one-time purchase grants a lifetime license.
Setup difficulty: Low. Once you record, the tracks are automatically separated on the timeline.
Tool 4 – Bandicam (Gaming + Separate Audio, Budget Option)
Bandicam is primarily known as a screen recorder for gaming, but it includes an option for recording separate audio tracks.
Download: bandicam.com
Separate track setup:
- Bandicam → Settings → Sound → Enable both “Record sound from microphone” and “Record sound from speakers”
- “Two sound sources recording simultaneously” option: Saves to separate tracks
The output consists of two separate audio files – one from the mic and one from the system audio. These must be manually synced with the video file.
Pricing:
- Free version: Bandicam watermark + 10-minute recording limit
- Lifetime license: $39.95
- 1 PC license: One-time purchase
For whom: Gamers who want commentary and game audio recorded separately. A budget-friendly paid option.
Setup difficulty: Low-Medium.
Tool 5 – NVIDIA ShadowPlay / GeForce Experience (Free, GPU Required)
For NVIDIA GPU users, GeForce Experience includes a built-in screen recorder called ShadowPlay.
Link: nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/geforce-experience
Separate audio track support:
ShadowPlay offers an option to record both mic and game audio onto separate tracks:
- GeForce Experience → Settings → Recordings → “Separate both tracks”
Enabling this option results in two audio tracks in the output video, which appear separately in a video editor.
Free tier:
Completely free – requires an NVIDIA GPU (GTX 600 series or newer).
Limitations:
- NVIDIA GPU required – does not run on AMD or Intel integrated graphics
- Designed primarily for gaming
- Sometimes encounters issues when recording non-game windows
Setup difficulty: Low. If GeForce Experience is installed, then Alt + Z opens the overlay and starts recording.
Xbox Game Bar – Why this isn’t suitable for multitrack
Many people use the built-in Xbox Game Bar (Win+G) in Windows 11. However:
- Xbox Game Bar records a single mixed audio track.
- The microphone audio and system audio are not separated.
- Separating them during post-editing is impossible.
It’s fine for gaming clips, but not for multitrack recording.
Audacity – A Free Solution for Recording the Mic Track Separately
Audacity (audacityteam.org) is a free, open-source audio editor and recorder.
A workflow that works in practice:
Run Audacity alongside any screen recorder:
- Using a screen recorder (OBS/ShareX/ShadowPlay): Record the screen and system audio (keep the microphone muted).
- Using Audacity: Record only the microphone audio separately.
- In post-production: Drag the microphone recording from Audacity into your video editor and synchronize it.
How to sync: Give a loud “clap” as soon as you start recording – this will create a visible spike in both tracks, which you can then use to align them.
This free workflow, using a combination of OBS and Audacity, delivers genuinely professional multitrack results.
Feature Comparison Table
Windows Screen Recorder separates the microphone and system audio tracks – the truth about all such tools, based on this one feature:
| Tool | Separate Tracks? | Setup Difficulty | Free? | Watermark? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | ✅ True multitrack | Medium-High | ✅ | No | Free |
| ShareX + Audacity | ✅ (manual sync) | Medium | ✅ | No | Free |
| Camtasia | ✅ Automatic | Low | Trial only | Trial watermark | $299.99 |
| Bandicam | ✅ (separate files) | Low-Medium | Trial | ✅ free | $39.95 |
| ShadowPlay | ✅ Two tracks | Low | ✅ (GPU required) | No | Free |
| Xbox Game Bar | ❌ Mixed only | Very Low | ✅ | No | Built-in |
Which tool for whom?
- For a free, proper multitrack solution (beginner-friendly): OBS Studio – learn the setup once, and it will always come in handy.
- If you have an NVIDIA GPU: ShadowPlay – press Alt+Z, hit record, and you’re done. Free and reliable.
- For corporate trainers (paid tools are fine): Camtasia – offers the cleanest multitrack experience with automatic separation on the timeline.
- For gamers on a budget: Bandicam – $39.95 (one-time payment), supports separate audio files.
- For maximum control (free): The combination of OBS + Audacity – the most flexible option.
How to Import Multitrack Audio into DaVinci Resolve
After recording multiple tracks from OBS to an MKV file, import them into DaVinci Resolve (free version):
- DaVinci Resolve → Project Settings → General → Configure timeline audio tracks
- Import the MKV file into the Media Pool
- When dragging it onto the timeline, select the “Use All Tracks” option
- Track 1 (System Audio) and Track 2 (Mic) will appear in separate rows
DaVinci Resolve free version: blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve – Completely free, even for commercial use.
Free Tools Quick Reference
| Tool | Feature | Link |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Screen record + multitrack audio | obsproject.com |
| ShareX | Free screen recorder, lightweight | getsharex.com |
| Audacity | Separate mic recording + audio editing | audacityteam.org |
| DaVinci Resolve | Free video editor, multitrack support | blackmagicdesign.com |
| VoiceMeeter Banana | Virtual audio routing, advanced mic/system separation | vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter |
Be sure to check out fixtech.in to read practical guides covering screen recording, audio setup, and Windows productivity.
VoiceMeeter Banana – For Advanced Users
VoiceMeeter Banana (vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter). It is a free virtual audio mixer.
For advanced use: Add VoiceMeeter as an audio source in OBS and route your microphone and system audio from separate virtual buses into completely isolated tracks.
This setup is complex, but it offers maximum flexibility – ideal for podcast recording, calls with multiple guests, and game streaming.
FAQs – Windows Screen Recorders for Separate Mic and System Audio
Q1. Why do I only see one track in my video editor even after setting up multitrack audio in OBS?
OBS records correctly, but you must ensure the multitrack file is imported into your video editor. In DaVinci Resolve, select the “Use All Tracks” option. In Premiere Pro, a track selection dialog appears when importing an MKV file.
Q2. Does the built-in recorder in Windows 11 provide separate tracks?
No. The Xbox Game Bar (Win+G) records microphone and system audio into a single, mixed track. Separating them during post-editing is not possible.
Q3. How many audio tracks can be recorded simultaneously in OBS?
OBS can record up to 6 audio tracks simultaneously. Desktop audio, microphone, browser audio, and virtual cables can all be assigned to separate tracks.
Q4. Bandicam provides separate audio files – how do I sync them with the video?
Perform a “clap” when you start recording. This will create a visible spike in both the video and audio waveforms. In your video editor, manually align the files using that spike.
Q5. Does the quality of microphone recording differ from system audio when using free software?
Quality depends on your microphone hardware and recording settings, not the software itself. In OBS, set your microphone sample rate to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz – these are the professional standards.
Q6. Where does the watermark appear in the Camtasia trial version?
In the Camtasia trial, a watermark appears in the corner of the exported video. All recording and editing features remain fully functional; the watermark only appears on the final exported file.
Q7. Can ShadowPlay be used to record non-gaming screen activity?
Yes. GeForce Experience includes a “Desktop Capture” option. Go to Alt+Z → Record → Settings and enable “Desktop mode.”
Q8. The MKV files recorded in OBS are very large – what should I do?
Adjust the encoder quality and bitrate under OBS Settings → Output → Recording. For tutorial recordings, a bitrate of 6000–8000 kbps is sufficient. 10,000–15,000 kbps for high-action gaming.
Q9. I encounter latency issues when recording with a microphone in Audacity – how can I fix this?
Go to Audacity → Edit → Preferences → Recording → Latency settings and adjust the “Recording latency.” A range of –130 ms to –200 ms typically works well.
Q10. Is it possible to live stream and record locally simultaneously using OBS while connected to a mobile hotspot?
Yes, but streaming requires a stable upload speed. Local recording is not affected by bandwidth, as the file is saved directly to your local disk.
Conclusion
The Windows screen recorder separates the microphone audio track from the system audio track – a feature that is not as common as it might seem. Among free options, OBS Studio is the most capable, offering proper 6-track recording with no watermarks or time limits. While the initial setup takes some time, once configured, every recording automatically generates separate tracks. If you have an NVIDIA GPU, ShadowPlay is the easiest free option. If you have a budget and prefer simplicity, Camtasia’s automatic multitrack timeline provides the cleanest experience. Regardless of the tool you choose, be sure to verify the tracks in DaVinci Resolve after recording; this will confirm that the setup – designed to keep the microphone and system audio tracks separate – is functioning correctly.