In this guide
Download and basics
Source Record is an OBS plugin. You get it from the official resources page. The basics of scenes and sources are in the OBS guide.
1. Why record a source separately?
Source Record adds a recording of a selected OBS source through a filter. That way you can get a clean camera recording without chat, alerts, or other overlays next to the finished stream.
| Livestream | Source Record recording | |
|---|---|---|
| Content | finished scene with overlays, chat, and alerts | only the chosen source, for example the camera |
| Purpose | reach viewers live | clips, shorts, screenshots, archive, comparing faults |
| Risk | visible to everyone | can show more without protective overlays |
2. IRL uses
- cut high-quality clips, shorts, and reels after the stream
- take screenshots without chat and overlay
- compare the camera and program signal when something goes wrong
- archive individual angles separately
For comparing faults, the IRL troubleshooting guide helps too.
3. Installation and filter
- Download a compatible version from the official OBS resource.
- Close OBS, install the plugin, and restart OBS.
- Add the Source Record filter to the source you want.
- Set the recording format, encoder, target folder, and start behavior.
- Make a short test recording and check the file fully for picture and audio.
Which options the filter has depends on your version. Look in the filter dialog.
4. Performance and storage
An extra recording needs write speed, storage space, and, depending on the settings, another encoder. Write recordings to a suitable drive, keep an eye on free space, and do not use an untested maximum setting.
| Checkpoint | Why |
|---|---|
| Short test recording with picture and audio | Only the finished file shows whether everything arrives |
| Set the target folder and drive | Recording and the operating system should not slow each other down |
| Watch free storage | A full drive must not put the stream at risk |
| Delete raw files on a schedule | Keep them only as long as needed |
5. Privacy and publishing
A clean single recording can show more than the public stream, because protective overlays, blurring, or notices are missing. Check faces, license plates, location details, and private areas of the picture again before publishing. Set retention periods and delete raw files you do not need.
How to handle location and privacy on the road is covered in IRL safety.
6. Common questions about Source Record
What is the difference between Source Record and the normal OBS recording?
The normal OBS recording saves the finished program picture, so everything you see in the stream. Source Record attaches a filter to a single source and saves only that one in addition, for example the camera picture without chat, alerts, and overlays.
Does the extra recording run alongside the livestream?
Yes, it is meant as an additional recording next to the stream. Your computer and drive work harder for it, and depending on the settings so does another encoder. Test with your real scene beforehand to see whether the livestream stays stable.
How much storage do I need?
That depends on format, encoder, resolution, and quality. Record briefly and extrapolate how big the file gets per hour. Plan in some reserve. A full drive must not put the livestream at risk.
Can I record several sources separately?
The filter attaches to each source. So you can archive individual angles separately. Every extra recording costs performance and storage, though. Test the combination you actually want to use.
Can I just publish the clean recording?
Not without checking it. Without overlays, blurring, or notices, the raw file may show more than the public stream. Look at faces, license plates, and location details before you publish anything. Delete raw files you no longer need.
Setup service & consulting
If you want to build the plugin into your OBS and IRL workflow, you can reach out in the IRL4YOU Discord.