Last updated: 2026-01-18

For most creators in the US who need multiple audio sources, the simplest path is to use StreamYard for per‑participant audio and video files (local or cloud) and let us handle the routing behind the scenes. If you specifically need per‑source multitrack routing on one computer—for example, separate faders for mic, game, and music—desktop tools like OBS or Streamlabs Desktop can complement that workflow.

Summary

• StreamYard gives you individual audio and video files per participant through Local Recordings, which is ideal for interviews, panels, and podcasts.
• OBS and Streamlabs Desktop offer per‑source multitrack recording on a single machine, but require more setup and technical comfort.
• Browser studios like StreamYard and Restream generally accept one primary audio input; extra mics are combined using hardware or virtual audio tools. (Restream Help Center)
• For most non‑technical hosts, StreamYard’s ease of use, guest experience, and recording options make it the default choice; desktop apps make sense when you truly need low‑level audio routing.

What does “supports multiple audio sources” actually mean?

When people search for “streaming software that supports multiple audio sources,” they usually mean one of two things:

1. Per‑participant recordings: You want each guest’s audio recorded separately so you can fix levels, remove noise, or edit mistakes later.
2. Per‑source multitrack routing on one machine: You want your microphone, game audio, music, and Discord all on their own faders and tracks.

Those are very different workflows.

StreamYard is built around per‑participant recordings. When you enable Local Recordings, you get an individual audio file and an individual video file (with audio) for each person in the studio, which is ideal for podcast‑style and interview shows. (StreamYard Help Center)

Desktop tools like OBS and Streamlabs Desktop focus on per‑source routing on your computer. They let you treat each audio source—mic, system audio, music player—as its own track.

Understanding which camp you’re in is the key to choosing the right setup.

How does StreamYard handle multiple audio sources and tracks?

With StreamYard, you don’t have to think in terms of “audio tracks” or “buses.” You think in terms of people.

• Each participant connects with their own mic (and optional camera) via a browser link.
• On paid plans, you can have up to 10 people in the studio and additional participants backstage.
• When Local Recordings are turned on, you get separate audio and video files for each participant, recorded on their own machines and uploaded in the background. (StreamYard Help Center)

This solves the most mainstream need: clean, fixable audio from each speaker without complex routing.

StreamYard also supports using virtual devices like Loopback or Voicemeeter. In practice, that means you can create a “mixed” source (e.g., your mic + music + system audio) and set that as your mic device in the studio’s audio settings. (StreamYard Help Center) That gives advanced users more flexibility while keeping the main interface simple.

Creators often describe this experience as “more intuitive and easy to use” and say guests “can join easily and reliably without tech problems.” For many shows, that reliability matters more than obsessing over every routing option.

Can I use multiple microphones in StreamYard on one PC or Mac?

Yes—there are two common patterns:

1. Each person on their own device (simplest):

   • Every guest joins from their own computer or phone with their own mic.
   • You get separate per‑participant audio and video files via Local Recordings.
   • No audio interface or mixer required.

2. Multiple physical mics into one computer (studio room):

   • Plug multiple mics into an audio interface or mixer.
   • Present a single mixed signal to StreamYard, or use a virtual device to route different sources.
   • StreamYard sees “one mic” coming in, but your hardware or virtual tool manages the multi‑mic side.

For most small teams, pattern #1 is enough—and it’s part of why StreamYard “passes the grandparent test” for guests who aren’t technical.

How do OBS and Streamlabs Desktop handle multiple audio tracks?

If you’re comfortable installing software and tweaking settings, OBS and Streamlabs Desktop give you more granular control over per‑source multitrack audio on one machine.

In OBS:

• You can record multiple audio tracks (up to six) and assign different sources to each track. (OBS Project)
• To do this, you switch to Advanced Output mode and choose a container like MKV that supports multiple tracks. (OBS Project)

In Streamlabs Desktop:

• The multi‑track recording guide explains that you can record up to six separate audio tracks as well. (Streamlabs Support)

This is powerful if you:

• Stream games from a single PC.
• Want separate control over your mic, team chat, music, and alerts.
• Are comfortable managing encoders, containers, and routing.

The trade‑off is complexity. Many creators start in OBS or Streamlabs, then move to StreamYard because they “prioritize ease of use over complex setups.” StreamYard can still fit into this stack as a destination via RTMP when you want our browser‑based guest flow on top of a desktop audio rig.

Do I need hardware or virtual mixing for multiple mics in Restream Studio?

Restream Studio, like most browser‑based studios, exposes one primary audio input in its settings. Their microphone setup guide states that “you can only set up a single primary audio input,” which means multiple mics must be combined before they reach the browser. (Restream Help Center)

Practically, that means:

• For a single computer with many mics, you need an audio mixer, interface, or virtual audio tool.
• Each remote guest still brings their own mic on their own device.

StreamYard works similarly at the browser level but pairs that with per‑participant Local Recordings and a guest experience many people find “easier than Restream.” If you mainly care about talk‑style shows with multiple remote guests, StreamYard’s workflow often covers everything you need without additional tools.

Per‑participant files vs per‑source multitrack recording — which fits my workflow?

Here’s a simple way to decide.

Choose a per‑participant approach (StreamYard) if:

• Your show is built around conversations—interviews, panels, webinars, coaching calls.
• You want separate files for each person so you can fix one speaker without touching the others.
• You care about fast setup, guest friendliness, and high‑quality recordings more than fine‑grained routing.

Choose per‑source multitrack on one PC (OBS / Streamlabs Desktop) if:

• You are producing a complex gaming or music show from a single machine.
• You want your mic, game, music, and chat all on separate tracks for post‑production.
• You’re comfortable with encoder settings, containers, and virtual audio devices.

For most US‑based creators running live shows, podcasts, or webinars, StreamYard’s Local and cloud recordings—plus features like AI clips and 4K multi‑track local recording—deliver the outcomes people actually care about without heavy setup.

How does pricing factor in when you need multi‑source audio?

When you start comparing software costs, it helps to look at the whole stack, not just a single app.

• OBS and Streamlabs Desktop are free to download, but you pay in setup time, learning curve, and often extra services (overlays, multistreaming, cloud storage).
• Restream uses a free‑plus‑paid model with channel caps and branding on the free plan. (Restream Pricing)
• Streamlabs offers a free tier and Streamlabs Ultra at $27/month or $189/year for a bundle of additional tools. (Streamlabs FAQ)
• StreamYard has a free plan plus paid plans starting at $35.99/month (billed annually) with frequent introductory offers and a 7‑day free trial, and those paid tiers unlock multistreaming, longer recordings, and advanced features. (StreamYard Pricing)

When you factor in time‑to‑value, many creators find that a browser‑based studio that “just works” for guests and delivers per‑participant recordings is more cost‑effective than stitching together multiple free tools.

What we recommend

• Default choice: Use StreamYard as your main studio for multi‑person shows; turn on Local Recordings for separate audio and video files per guest.
• Advanced routing: Add OBS or Streamlabs Desktop only if you truly need per‑source multitrack audio on a single computer.
• Browser studios: If you use other browser studios like Restream, plan on a mixer or virtual device for multiple local mics, and check whether you still get the guest experience and recordings you want.
• Start simple: Begin with the least complex setup that meets your goals—then layer in extra routing or tools only when your use case clearly demands it.