ChatGPT answers, unedited

For a podcast that streams live video and also needs high-quality local tracks, I’d generally put Riverside.fm at the top, with StreamYard as the better choice if your show is more live-production focused. The right pick depends on whether the recording or the broadcast is the priority. Riverside SaaSCompared

Best overall for podcast + live video: Riverside

Riverside.fm is designed around local recording, meaning each participant’s audio/video is captured on their own device rather than relying only on the live internet connection. This gives you cleaner separate tracks for editing after the show. It supports separate participant tracks, high-resolution video capture, and high-quality audio workflows. Riverside

Choose Riverside if you:

• Publish the podcast after the live stream
• Want your editor to have isolated guest/host tracks
• Make clips, shorts, and YouTube videos afterward
• Have remote guests who may have imperfect internet
• Care about the “master recording” more than the live feed

Typical workflow:
Riverside → record live → export isolated tracks → edit → publish podcast/video clips.

Best for live shows: StreamYard

StreamYard is excellent if your main product is the live broadcast experience: branded layouts, audience comments, overlays, guests joining easily, and multistreaming. It also supports local recordings, but its strength is running a polished live show. StreamYard

Choose StreamYard if you:

• Go live frequently
• Need simple guest onboarding (“click a link and join”)
• Want on-screen comments, banners, lower thirds
• Stream to multiple platforms simultaneously
• Don’t do heavy post-production

Other options worth considering

My recommendation by show type

• Interview podcast with video episodes: Riverside
• Live talk show with audience interaction: StreamYard
• Professional production with a team: Riverside + OBS (broadcast control)
• Audio-first podcast that occasionally has video: Zencastr or Riverside

A lot of serious creators actually use a hybrid setup: OBS for the live program feed + Riverside for the clean recording masters. That gives you a broadcast-quality stream and a separate edit-ready archive. SaaSCompared

If you tell me:

1. where you stream (YouTube, Twitch, LinkedIn, etc.),
2. number of guests,
3. whether guests are remote, and
4. what you edit in (Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci, Descript, etc.),

I can suggest a more exact setup.

For a podcast that streams live video and also needs high-quality local tracks, the best choice depends on whether your priority is live production or post-production quality.

Best overall fit: Riverside

Pick this if your recorded episode matters as much as (or more than) the live stream. Riverside

Why it fits a video podcast:

• Records each guest/host locally, so internet issues during the call are less likely to ruin the final files. Riverside
• Separate audio/video tracks make editing much easier. Riverside
• Supports high-resolution video recording (including 4K options) and high-quality audio workflows. Riverside
• Has live streaming features, so you can broadcast and keep a cleaner master recording. Riverside

Typical workflow:
Riverside → record clean ISO tracks → stream → edit the podcast → cut clips for YouTube/social.

Best if your show is primarily live: StreamYard

Pick this if the live broadcast experience is the main product. StreamYard

Strengths:

• Very easy guest experience (browser-based).
• Excellent live overlays, branding, comments, and multistreaming workflow.
• Good for shows that feel like a live TV program. StreamYard
• Offers local track recording features as well. StreamYard

Tradeoff:

• It is more live-production-focused, while Riverside is more recording-first. SaaSCompared

Other good options

My recommendation for your setup

Since you said “podcast that also streams live video” and specifically emphasized high-quality local tracks, I would lean:

1. Riverside — if the final podcast episode, YouTube upload, and clips are important. Riverside
2. StreamYard + a separate recorder (or Riverside) — if the live show production is the centerpiece. StreamYard
3. OBS + Riverside — if you want a more professional broadcast setup with full control.

A few details would change the recommendation:

• Are your guests remote or all in one studio?
• Do you stream to YouTube only, or also Twitch/Facebook/LinkedIn?
• How many hosts/guests are usually on screen?
• Do you need separate camera tracks as well as separate audio tracks?

For a podcast that streams live video and also needs high-quality local tracks, the best choice usually depends on whether your priority is the live show or the recorded episode.

Best overall for a video podcast: Riverside

Riverside is usually the strongest fit when the recording quality matters as much as (or more than) the live broadcast. It records each participant locally, giving you separate high-quality audio/video tracks instead of relying only on the compressed livestream feed. It supports high-resolution video and separate tracks designed for post-production. Riverside

Best for:

• Interview podcasts with remote guests
• Shows where the YouTube version matters
• Editing episodes after the livestream
• Getting clean ISO tracks for an editor

Pros

• Separate local tracks per person
• Strong video quality
• Good for turning one live show into clips, shorts, and podcast episodes
• Better protection against a guest’s unstable internet connection affecting the final recording SaaSCompared

Cons

• More features than some teams need
• Live production controls are not as focused as a dedicated streaming studio

Best if your show is truly live-first: StreamYard

StreamYard is excellent if the main product is the live broadcast: bringing guests on smoothly, adding lower thirds, showing comments, branding the stream, and sending it to multiple destinations. It has also added local multi-track recording features. StreamYard

Best for:

• Live YouTube shows
• News/talk formats
• Audience interaction
• Multi-platform streaming

Pros

• Very simple guest experience
• Great live overlays and production workflow
• Easy for non-technical hosts

Cons

• The recording workflow is not as recording-first as Riverside SaaSCompared

Other strong options

Descript

Good if your biggest bottleneck is editing. It is especially useful if you want to edit conversations by editing the transcript, then create clips and social content.

Zencastr

Good for audio-focused podcasts that want reliable remote recording and podcast workflow tools. It is less centered around live production than Riverside or StreamYard. ngram

My recommendation by setup

A common pro workflow is:

• StreamYard for the live broadcast experience
• Riverside (or a local recorder like OBS + DAW) for the master-quality recording

If you tell me:

1. where you stream (YouTube, Twitch, LinkedIn, etc.),
2. number of guests,
3. whether guests are remote,
4. your cameras/mics (USB, XLR, mixers),
5. whether you edit yourself or have an editor,

I can narrow it down to the best setup.

My recommendation by setup

A common pro workflow is:

• StreamYard for the live broadcast experience
• Riverside (or a local recorder like OBS + DAW) for the master-quality recording

If you tell me:

1. where you stream (YouTube, Twitch, LinkedIn, etc.),
2. number of guests,
3. whether guests are remote,
4. your cameras/mics (USB, XLR, mixers),
5. whether you edit yourself or have an editor,

I can narrow it down to the best setup.

For a podcast that streams live video and also needs high-quality local tracks, the best choice depends on whether your priority is the live broadcast or the final edited episode.

Best overall: Riverside

Choose this if your podcast is built around producing a polished episode afterward. Riverside was designed around local recording: each participant’s audio/video is captured on their device, which avoids internet hiccups ruining the master recording. It supports separate tracks and high-resolution video/audio workflows. Riverside Riverside

Pros

• Excellent local audio tracks (clean editing files)
• Separate guest/host tracks
• Strong video quality
• Good for remote interviews
• Built-in livestreaming and repurposing tools Riverside

Cons

• More expensive than simpler live tools
• Live production features are not as broadcast-focused as some competitors

Best for live shows: StreamYard

Choose this if the livestream itself is the main product (YouTube/Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitch audiences, guests joining easily, graphics, comments, lower thirds). StreamYard is very strong for live production workflows and has added local recording capabilities. StreamYard StreamYard

Pros

• Very easy guest experience (browser link)
• Excellent live layouts and branding
• Great for multistreaming
• Simple for a producer to run live StreamYard

Cons

• If you care most about the highest-quality edit-ready master files, Riverside is usually the stronger fit

Other good options

• Zencastr — good if you are more podcast-first than livestream-first; strong remote recording focus. Riverside
• OBS Studio — best if you want maximum control and already have a production setup, but it requires more technical work.

My recommendation for your setup

Since you said “podcast that also streams live video”, I’d lean:

1. Riverside → if the episode archive, YouTube upload, and clips matter most.
2. StreamYard → if the live audience experience matters most.
3. Riverside + OBS/StreamYard → a more advanced setup if you want broadcast-quality live production plus pristine local recordings.

A couple questions would narrow it down:

• Are your guests remote, or are everyone in the same studio?
• Do you stream to YouTube only, or multiple platforms?
• Do you edit episodes heavily afterward (multicam, clips, ads, shorts), or mostly publish the live recording?

If your priority is a live video podcast + high-quality local isolated tracks for editing afterward, I’d narrow it to OBS Studio vs. vMix, with Riverside worth considering if you have remote guests.

My pick: OBS Studio

OBS Studio is probably the best overall choice if you want maximum control without paying for the production software.

It can stream and record simultaneously, and its Advanced Output mode lets you record up to six separate audio tracks. You can, for example, have:

• Track 1: full program mix
• Track 2: Host mic
• Track 3: Co-host mic
• Track 4: Guest/remote audio
• Track 5: music
• Track 6: other sources

OBS specifically recommends using separate tracks for post-production and recording to MKV, which can then be remuxed to MP4. OBS Studio OBS Studio

obsproject.com

If you're running a more professional production: vMix

vMix is the stronger choice if this is becoming a proper multi-camera broadcast operation.

Its big advantage is ISO recording: with vMix 4K/PRO, MultiCorder can record individual camera inputs independently while you're producing the live show. That means you can edit each camera later rather than being stuck with the switched program feed. vMix vMix

It also has sophisticated audio routing, ASIO support, multiple audio mixes, NDI/SRT, remote guests, and simultaneous streaming/recording. vMix vMix

The catch: vMix is Windows-only. vMix

If remote guests are a major part of the podcast

I'd look at Riverside. Its approach is different: it's particularly good at getting separate, locally recorded participant tracks, which can be valuable when you want a clean podcast edit even if someone's internet connection isn't perfect.

But I wouldn't make Riverside my primary choice if your show has elaborate live switching, graphics, multiple cameras, etc. It's more recording-studio-oriented than OBS/vMix. Riverside

What I'd build for your use case

If you're on Mac:
OBS + good audio interface/DAW routing + local multitrack recording

If you're on Windows and doing serious multicam:
vMix 4K/PRO + ASIO audio interface + ISO recording

If you have lots of remote guests:
OBS/vMix for the broadcast + Riverside for isolated guest recordings

The important distinction is that "high-quality local tracks" and "high-quality stream" are two different jobs. You generally want your local recording to be substantially higher quality than the compressed livestream, rather than recording the livestream itself.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, number of people/mics, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend a specific setup and audio-track routing.

For a video podcast where high-quality local recordings matter, I’d pick Riverside. It records each participant locally, with separate audio/video tracks, while simultaneously livestreaming. It supports up to 4K video and 48 kHz audio. Riverside Riverside

• Riverside: Best for podcasts/remote guests and easy post-production.
• OBS Studio: Best if you want maximum control; it can record up to six separate audio tracks while streaming. OBS Studio
• StreamYard: Easier than OBS and supports local separate recordings, including 4K on supported plans. StreamYard
• vMix: Best for a more traditional, complex broadcast studio on Windows.

My recommendation: Riverside for podcast-first production; OBS if you're technically comfortable and want the most control.

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while also doing a live video stream, I’d narrow it to three:

• Riverside — best for podcasting/remote guests. It records audio and video locally on each participant’s device, with separate tracks and up to 4K video / uncompressed 48 kHz WAV audio. That means a guest’s internet hiccup during the livestream doesn't necessarily ruin the master recording. Riverside Riverside
• OBS Studio — best free/flexible option. You can stream and simultaneously record locally, with up to six separate audio tracks. You can, for example, keep your mic, guest audio, music, and other sources on separate tracks for editing afterward. OBS Studio OBS Studio
• vMix — best for a more professional multi-camera production. It can stream and record simultaneously, and its 4K/PRO versions offer ISO recording of individual camera inputs through MultiCorder. vMix vMix

What I'd choose for a podcast

If you're doing one or two hosts + remote guests, I'd pick Riverside. Its local, per-participant recording architecture is particularly well suited to podcasts, where you want a clean isolated microphone track rather than a recording of whatever happened to make it through the livestream connection. Riverside

If you're doing multiple physical cameras, graphics, screen sharing, live switching, and a more broadcast-style show, I'd use OBS or vMix. For a Windows production machine, vMix is probably the strongest choice if you're willing to pay for the higher-end features.

A particularly good hybrid setup is Riverside for the clean podcast recording + OBS/vMix for the actual live production. That gives you a polished livestream and pristine local tracks for the podcast edit.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of hosts/guests, cameras, microphones/interface, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

For a video podcast that streams live but also needs high-quality local recordings, I’d pick OBS Studio for most setups.

My ranking

• 🥇 OBS Studio — best overall

• Free and very flexible.
• Can stream and record simultaneously using different encoders/settings.
• Most importantly for a podcast, you can record multiple isolated audio tracks—for example, host mic, guest mic, music, and system/remote-call audio separately for editing afterward. OBS Project OBS Project
• You can record locally at substantially higher quality than your livestream bitrate.
• Best choice if you're comfortable configuring your own scenes, audio routing, and hardware.
• 🥈 vMix — best for a professional multi-camera production

• Particularly strong if you're on Windows and have several cameras, guests, graphics, or a more broadcast-style workflow.
• Its 4K/PRO versions support ISO recording, meaning you can record individual camera feeds in addition to the program output. vMix vMix
• Excellent if you're turning the live show into a heavily edited podcast/video afterward.
• More expensive and considerably more complex than OBS.
• 🥉 StreamYard — best for simplicity/remote guests

• Very convenient for podcast-style shows with remote guests.
• Its appeal is having the streaming, guest studio, and separate participant recordings in one workflow, rather than building the production yourself. StreamYard
• I wouldn't choose it over OBS/vMix if maximum local recording quality and control are your priority.

What I'd do for your podcast

If you have a reasonably powerful computer, I'd use OBS Studio with separate local recordings:

Live stream: compressed/optimized for YouTube/Twitch/etc.
Local master: high-quality recording
Audio: separate tracks for each microphone + other sources
Container: MKV, then remux to MP4 when needed; OBS specifically recommends MKV for multitrack recording. OBS Project

That gives you a relatively modest live-stream bitrate while retaining a much better source for your YouTube upload, podcast video, Shorts/Reels, and audio extraction.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, number of people/mics, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can give you an exact OBS/vMix setup—including recording codec, resolution, bitrate, audio tracks, and hardware encoder settings.

If your priority is live video + high-quality local recordings with separate audio tracks for editing, I’d pick OBS Studio for most podcast setups.

My ranking

1. OBS Studio — best overall

• Free and highly customizable.
• Can stream and record simultaneously.
• Supports up to 6 separate audio tracks in Advanced Output mode, so you can record, for example, host mic, guest mic, music, and remote-call audio separately. OBS Studio OBS Studio
• You can send a normal mixed track to the livestream while keeping isolated tracks in the local recording. OBS Studio
• Excellent choice if you're doing post-production in DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, Final Cut, etc.
• Riverside — best if you have remote guests

• Designed around podcast recording rather than traditional broadcast production.
• Records locally at high quality, including 48 kHz uncompressed WAV audio, and keeps participants' audio/video separate. Riverside
• Also supports live streaming and has built-in editing/repurposing tools. Riverside
• Much easier than building a complicated OBS setup for remote interviews.
• vMix — best for a professional multi-camera show

• Very powerful for broadcast-style productions.
• Supports simultaneous streaming, recording, multiple audio buses, and professional hardware/NDI/SRT workflows. vMix vMix
• I'd choose it if your podcast is becoming more like a small TV production with multiple cameras, graphics, remote feeds, etc.

What I'd use for your podcast

OBS + a good multichannel audio interface would probably give you the best combination of quality, flexibility, and cost.

A good architecture is:

Microphones → audio interface → OBS →

• Livestream: one polished stereo mix
• Local recording: isolated tracks for each mic/source
• Video recording: high-quality local master

That way, if your co-host's mic is 3 dB too loud during the live show, you can fix it in the recorded podcast without affecting the original livestream.

OBS officially recommends Advanced Output mode for simultaneous streaming and multi-track recording, and recommends MKV for multi-track recordings because it is safer against corrupted files; you can remux to MP4 afterward. OBS Studio

If you tell me your setup (Mac/Windows, number of microphones, cameras, whether guests join remotely, and where you stream—YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact software + audio routing + recording settings I'd use.

For a podcast that streams live video but also needs high-quality local tracks for editing afterward, I’d usually rank them like this:

1. Riverside — best overall for video podcasts

Best choice if your edited episode matters as much as the live show. Riverside

Strengths:

• Records each participant locally, so internet hiccups don’t ruin the master files. Riverside
• Separate audio/video tracks per person.
• High-quality audio capture (including 48 kHz workflows) and high-resolution video options. Riverside
• Good for turning a live episode into YouTube videos, clips, shorts, and audio episodes.

Tradeoff:

• Its live-production features are good, but it is primarily a recording-first platform rather than a full broadcast control room. Riverside Reviews

My pick for: interview podcasts, video-first shows, guests joining remotely, shows where the archive quality matters.

2. StreamYard — best if the live broadcast is the priority

StreamYardStrengths:

• Excellent live workflow: overlays, branding, comments, guest management, and multistreaming. Riverside Reviews
• Very easy for guests to join.
• Great for YouTube/Facebook/LinkedIn-style live shows.

Tradeoff:

• Historically more broadcast-focused than recording-focused; if your main goal is getting the cleanest possible tracks for heavy post-production, Riverside tends to be the stronger fit. SaaSCompared

My pick for: live audience interaction, webinars, news-style shows, branded broadcasts.

3. Zencastr — best audio-first option

ngramStrengths:

• Strong local recording workflow.
• Good separate-track podcast production.
• More focused on podcast publishing workflows. ngram

Tradeoff:

• Less of a live TV-style production environment compared with StreamYard. ngram

My pick for: audio podcasts with occasional video.

What I would run for your setup

If your show is:

• Live on YouTube + edited podcast afterward:

→ Riverside as the main studio.

• Live show with lots of audience interaction and graphics:

→ StreamYard for the broadcast + a separate local recorder (or Riverside running in parallel if budget allows).

• Professional studio with in-person hosts:

→ Consider using your own audio interface + DAW (like Reaper or Pro Tools) for the master audio, and use the streaming platform mainly for video.

A few questions would change the recommendation:

1. Are your hosts/guests remote, in the same studio, or both?
2. Do you stream mainly to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, or multiple platforms?
3. How many people are usually on camera at once?

For a podcast that also streams live video, the “best” tool depends on whether your priority is the live broadcast or the post-production master recording. For high-quality local tracks, I’d rank them like this:

1. Riverside — best for premium podcast recordings

Best choice if your edited podcast is the main product. SaaSCompared Riverside

Strengths

• Records each guest locally on their own device (so internet hiccups affect the stream less than the recording). Riverside
• Separate audio/video tracks per participant.
• Strong video quality options (including 4K on supported plans). Riverside Reviews
• Good for editing interviews, fixing cross-talk, and creating clips. Riverside

Weaknesses

• Live production features are not as mature as dedicated streaming-first tools.
• If you run many long episodes, check recording-hour limits on your plan. StreamYard

Ideal workflow:
Riverside → edit → publish podcast + clips.

2. StreamYard — best if the live show is the priority

Best choice if you are running a polished live broadcast first and turning it into a podcast afterward. StreamYard StreamYard

Strengths

• Excellent live production workflow: - overlays
• comments on screen
• guests joining via browser
• multistreaming
• Very easy for guests who are not technical.
• Supports local recordings and separate tracks. StreamYard

Weaknesses

• Its core strength is live broadcasting rather than deep post-production.
• If your podcast edit quality is the highest priority, Riverside generally has the edge. SaaSCompared

Ideal workflow:
StreamYard → live YouTube/Facebook/etc. → download tracks → edit.

3. OBS Studio + local audio recording — best for advanced setups

Best if you have a producer or a technical workflow.

Pair OBS for streaming with:

• Reaper
• Adobe Audition
• Pro Tools

Pros:

• Maximum control.
• Great for multi-camera studios.
• No dependency on a browser platform.

Cons:

• More setup complexity.
• Remote guests require additional tools.

My recommendation for your use case

Since you said “podcast that also streams live video” and specifically emphasized high-quality local tracks, I’d choose:

1. Riverside if the episode replay, YouTube upload, and audio podcast are the valuable assets.
2. StreamYard if your live audience experience (comments, graphics, multistreaming) is the main event.
3. OBS + a DAW if you operate like a small broadcast studio.

A lot of serious shows actually use a hybrid approach:

• StreamYard for the live broadcast
• Riverside (or a DAW recorder) as the clean ISO-track recorder

This gives you a great live experience and a better edit master. SaaSCompared

If you tell me:

• number of hosts/guests,
• where you stream (YouTube, Twitch, LinkedIn, etc.),
• whether guests are remote,
• and whether you edit in Premiere/Final Cut/DaVinci/Descript,

I can suggest a specific production stack.

For a video podcast that streams live but also needs high-quality local tracks for editing afterward, I’d rank them:

1. Riverside — best if recording quality is the priority. It records participants locally, giving you separate audio/video tracks that are much less dependent on internet quality, while still allowing you to stream live. It’s particularly strong for remote guests. StreamYard Help Center Riverside
2. OBS Studio — best for maximum control and value. It can stream and record simultaneously, and you can assign microphones/sources to separate audio tracks. It’s free, but takes more setup. OBS Studio Riverside
3. vMix — best for a professional multi-camera studio. If you're on Windows and have several cameras, capture cards, mixers, etc., vMix is extremely powerful. Its 4K/PRO versions can ISO-record individual cameras, while giving you sophisticated audio routing. vMix vMix
4. StreamYard — best for simplicity. It's excellent for live podcast production and guest management, and its local recording creates individual audio/video files per participant. StreamYard StreamYard Help Center

What I'd choose for your podcast

If by “local tracks” you mean “I want each host/guest's clean mic and camera recorded locally, independently of the live stream”, I'd lean Riverside.

If you mean “I have my own cameras, microphones, audio interface and a studio PC, and I want individual sources/tracks plus maximum control over the live production”, I'd choose OBS or vMix.

My ideal setup for a serious podcast:
vMix/OBS → live broadcast + local master recording, with each microphone also captured independently. That gives you a clean multitrack edit even if something goes wrong with the live stream.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, number of people, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and audio-track configuration.

If high-quality local tracks are the priority while you’re simultaneously streaming live, I’d narrow it to three:

1. Riverside — best for a podcast-first workflow. It records audio/video locally on each participant’s device, giving you separate tracks and up to 4K video/48 kHz audio, while also supporting live streaming. That’s particularly good if you have remote guests and want clean files for editing afterward. Riverside Riverside

riverside.fm

2. OBS Studio — best if you want maximum control. It’s free and can stream and record simultaneously, with up to six separately configurable audio tracks. You can, for example, keep each microphone on its own track while producing a mixed track for the live stream. OBS Studio OBS Studio

obsproject.com

3. vMix — best for a more professional multi-camera production. If you're running several cameras, capture cards, graphics, remote feeds, etc., vMix is considerably more production-oriented. Its 4K/PRO editions support ISO recording of individual camera inputs while simultaneously producing the live program. vMix vMix

vmix.com

What I'd pick for your podcast

Riverside if your show is primarily a podcast that happens to be live.

OBS if it's primarily a live production that also needs a high-quality recording.

vMix if you're building something closer to a small broadcast studio with multiple cameras and serious production control.

One important distinction: if by "local tracks" you mean each microphone and each camera saved independently, rather than just a high-quality recording of the finished program, that changes my recommendation somewhat.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras/mics, where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), and whether guests join remotely, I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

If your priority is high-quality local/isolated tracks while you’re also live, I’d rank them:

1. Riverside — best for podcast-first workflows. It records each participant locally, with separate audio/video tracks, while also letting you livestream. That means your master podcast files aren’t dependent on the quality of the live stream connection. Riverside Riverside
2. OBS Studio — best for maximum control and lowest cost. It can record separate audio sources onto multiple tracks, while giving you extensive control over cameras, scenes, encoding, and routing. OBS Studio Riverside
3. StreamYard — best for an easy live-production workflow. It's particularly good if you want guests to join easily, polished overlays/comments, and multistreaming, while newer plans also support local multitrack recording. StreamYard StreamYard
4. vMix — best for a serious Windows production setup. I'd consider it if you're running multiple cameras, hardware inputs, replays, or a more traditional broadcast-style control room. StreamYard

What I'd choose for your podcast

If you have remote guests: Riverside would be my first choice. The important distinction is that the recording is captured locally at each participant rather than simply recording the compressed livestream. That gives your editor clean, isolated tracks for each speaker. Riverside

If everyone is in your studio: I'd lean toward OBS Studio + a proper audio interface/mixer. You can route each mic separately and record multiple audio tracks while OBS handles the live video production. OBS officially supports assigning different sources to separate recording tracks. OBS Studio

If you want the simplest “open studio → go live → everything recorded” experience: StreamYard is probably the easiest.

If you tell me (1) Mac or Windows, (2) number of hosts/guests, (3) where you stream—YouTube/Twitch/etc., and (4) whether you need each microphone as a separate track, I can recommend the exact setup I'd use for your podcast.

If your priority is a live video podcast + high-quality local recordings you can edit later, I’d narrow it to three:

• Best overall for podcasting: Riverside. It records locally on each participant’s device, giving you separate audio/video tracks and up to 4K video with uncompressed 48 kHz audio. That’s particularly valuable if you have remote guests. Riverside Riverside
• Best free/flexible option: OBS Studio. You can stream and record simultaneously and assign microphones, guests, music, etc. to separate audio tracks. It gives you considerably more control over codecs, bitrates, routing, and hardware, but requires more setup. OBS Studio OBS Studio
• Best for a more broadcast-style studio: vMix. Its MultiCorder can ISO-record individual camera inputs while you're streaming, but ISO recording requires the 4K or PRO editions and a sufficiently powerful PC. vMix vMix

What I'd choose for your podcast

Riverside if you regularly have remote guests and want the easiest path to pristine, independently editable tracks.

OBS if everyone is in the same studio and you want maximum control without paying for the streaming software. Its multitrack recording is excellent for a podcast—for example, you can record Track 1 as the complete mix, then Tracks 2–4 as isolated microphones. OBS Studio

vMix if you're running a multi-camera production with a dedicated Windows production machine and want true broadcast-style ISO recording.

One important distinction: "local recording" and "ISO recording" aren't quite the same thing. For podcast editing, you generally want each microphone/participant recorded independently—not merely a high-quality recording of the final livestream.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras/mics, whether guests join remotely, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

If your priority is high-quality local recordings with separate audio tracks while simultaneously live-streaming, I’d rank them:

1. OBS Studio — best overall value

• Free and very flexible.
• Can stream and record simultaneously using different encoders/settings.
• Supports up to 6 separate audio tracks, so you can record, for example, host mic, guest mic, music, calls, and the stream mix separately. OBS Studio OBS Studio
• Excellent choice if you're comfortable configuring scenes and audio routing.
• vMix — best for a professional video podcast

• Particularly strong if you have multiple cameras, remote guests, graphics, and a more TV-style production.
• Can stream and record simultaneously, and its 4K/Pro editions can ISO-record individual camera sources for editing later. vMix vMix
• Has a professional audio mixer, multiple buses, ASIO support, and extensive audio routing. vMix
• This is my pick if you're building a serious production rather than just needing a streamer.
• Streamlabs — easiest if you want simplicity

• Streamlabs Desktop supports separate audio tracks for streaming vs. recording. Streamlabs
• Its Talk Studio product is especially interesting for podcasts because local recording creates separate raw audio/video tracks per participant, which can be very useful with remote guests. Streamlabs

My recommendation

For a video podcast, I'd choose OBS Studio if you want maximum quality/control without paying for production software. I'd choose vMix if you're running multiple cameras and guests and want a professional broadcast workflow.

The key setup I'd recommend is:

Live stream: compressed program mix
Local recording: high-quality video + isolated audio tracks

• Track 1: full program mix
• Track 2: host mic
• Track 3: guest mic
• Track 4: remote-call audio
• Track 5: music/SFX
• Track 6: backup/other audio

That way, your live audience gets a polished mix while your editor gets clean, independently adjustable tracks afterward. OBS explicitly supports this workflow. OBS Studio

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, number of local/remote guests, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

For a video podcast that streams live and needs high-quality local tracks, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize broadcasting live or getting the cleanest edit-ready recordings.

Best overall for podcast recording quality: Riverside

Pick this if your final episode quality matters most.

Why it fits:

• Records each guest locally on their own device, so internet problems are less likely to ruin the master recording.
• Strong multitrack workflow: separate audio/video files per participant.
• Designed specifically around podcasts and interviews.
• Supports high-resolution video and high-quality audio capture. SaaSCompared Riverside

Best workflow:

• Record on Riverside → edit in Premiere/Final Cut/Descript → publish clips.

Weakness:

• It is more “record-first” than “live production-first.” If you run a complex live show with lots of scenes, graphics, and real-time switching, another tool may fit better. SaaSCompared

Best for live shows with guests: StreamYard

Pick this if you want the easiest live podcast production.

Strengths:

• Very simple guest joining (browser link).
• Built for livestreaming to platforms like YouTube and other destinations.
• Offers local recordings with separate participant tracks, which helps with editing afterward. StreamYard Help Center

Best workflow:

• Go live on StreamYard → download local tracks → edit highlights/episodes.

Weakness:

• It is more broadcast-focused than a dedicated recording studio. SaaSCompared

Best for maximum control: OBS Studio

Pick this if you are essentially producing a TV show.

Advantages:

• Free.
• Unlimited customization: - multiple cameras
• custom graphics
• transitions
• audio routing
• advanced scenes
• Can record locally while streaming. Riverside

Weakness:

• You have to build the workflow yourself.
• Remote guest recording usually requires extra tools. Riverside

My recommendation for a serious podcast

• Interview podcast / remote guests / want the best masters: Riverside
• Live audience interaction / weekly livestream / easy production: StreamYard
• Multi-camera studio show with a producer: OBS + a dedicated remote-recording tool

A lot of professional creators use a hybrid setup:

• OBS for the live show graphics and switching
• Riverside (or another local recorder) for isolated high-quality guest tracks

If you tell me:

1. how many hosts/guests you usually have,
2. where you stream (YouTube, Twitch, LinkedIn, etc.), and
3. whether you edit full episodes or mostly publish clips,

I can recommend a specific setup.

For a podcast that is also live video, I’d prioritize separate local audio tracks over the streaming platform’s recording. That gives you much better control in post-production.

My picks

• Best overall: obsproject.com — My default recommendation if you want maximum control without paying for the software. OBS can stream and record simultaneously, and its Advanced Output mode supports up to 6 separate audio tracks. You can put each mic/guest/music source on its own track while keeping a mixed track for the live stream. OBS Studio OBS Studio
• Best for a Mac podcast workflow: Ecamm Live — Particularly attractive if you're on Mac and want a polished, podcast-oriented workflow. Ecamm specifically supports isolated audio tracks, so guests, effects, and microphones can be saved separately. Ecamm
• Best for a serious multi-camera production: vmix.com — Excellent if your podcast is becoming more like a small broadcast: multiple cameras, remote guests, graphics, switching, etc. Its higher-tier versions can ISO-record individual camera inputs through MultiCorder. vMix vMix
• StreamYard — Worth considering if ease of use and remote guests matter more than having a highly configurable production setup. It supports multitrack local recording, but I'd still lean toward OBS/Ecamm for a podcast where post-production quality is a major priority. StreamYard

What I'd do for your setup

If you're recording, say, two hosts + remote guest + music/FX, I'd configure:

Track 1: full mix → what goes to the livestream
Track 2: Host 1 mic
Track 3: Host 2 mic
Track 4: Guest mic
Track 5: music/FX
Track 6: backup/other audio

Then record locally at a higher quality than your livestream. OBS explicitly supports this workflow, including using a different recording encoder from the stream encoder. OBS Studio

If you tell me whether you're on Mac or Windows, how many hosts/guests you have, and whether guests join remotely, I can recommend the exact software + audio routing setup I'd use.

If your priority is high-quality local recordings while simultaneously streaming live, I’d narrow it to three choices:

My pick: OBS Studio

obsproject.com is probably the best overall production tool for a podcast like yours.

• Records locally while streaming, so your master recording isn't dependent on the stream bitrate.
• Supports up to 6 separate audio tracks, letting you keep host mics, guest mics, music, Zoom/remote audio, etc. isolated for editing. OBS Studio OBS Studio
• Gives you extensive control over codecs, bitrate, resolution, audio routing, scenes, cameras and capture devices.
• Free and available on Windows, Mac and Linux. OBS Studio
• You can use a high-quality recording encoder separately from the streaming encoder. OBS Studio

For a serious podcast, I'd choose OBS if you're comfortable with a little setup.

Best if you have remote guests: Riverside

riverside.fm is arguably better if your podcast frequently has remote guests.

It records each participant locally, including separate audio/video tracks, with up to 4K video and uncompressed 48 kHz WAV audio. The recordings progressively upload while you're recording, which also provides some protection against a connection problem. Riverside

The big advantage is that your guest's recording isn't simply the compressed audio/video that traveled through the internet to you.

Best for a professional broadcast setup: vMix

vmix.com is the one I'd consider if your podcast is becoming a proper multi-camera production.

Its 4K and PRO editions support ISO recording, meaning you can record individual camera sources separately rather than just the final program mix. vMix It also handles streaming, recording, switching, graphics, NDI, SRT, audio mixing and other broadcast-oriented workflows. vMix

What I'd build for your podcast

If it's you + local microphones + cameras + live streaming + editing afterward, I'd go:

OBS → local multitrack recording → live stream

For example:

• Track 1: final mixed audio
• Track 2: Host mic
• Track 3: Co-host/guest mic
• Track 4: remote guest
• Track 5: music/SFX
• Track 6: system/other audio

That gives you a clean, editable master rather than trying to recover good audio from the livestream afterward.

If you tell me (1) Mac or Windows, (2) how many people/mics, (3) cameras, and (4) where you stream—YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc., I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings (including 48 kHz audio, codec, bitrate, and separate-track routing) for your podcast.

Best for a professional broadcast setup: vMix

vmix.com is the one I'd consider if your podcast is becoming a proper multi-camera production.

Its 4K and PRO editions support ISO recording, meaning you can record individual camera sources separately rather than just the final program mix. vmix.com It also handles streaming, recording, switching, graphics, NDI, SRT, audio mixing and other broadcast-oriented workflows. doc.vmix.com

What I'd build for your podcast

If it's you + local microphones + cameras + live streaming + editing afterward, I'd go:

OBS → local multitrack recording → live stream

For example:

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while also going live, I’d pick Riverside for a podcast.

My recommendation: Riverside

Riverside is particularly well suited to your use case because it records each participant locally on their own device, rather than relying on the livestream recording. You get separate, high-quality audio/video tracks afterward, while simultaneously streaming in up to 1080p. Riverside Help Center Riverside

That means your workflow can be:

Local microphones/cameras → Riverside local recording → separate master tracks
** ↘ live stream → YouTube/Facebook/etc.**

For audio, Riverside can produce uncompressed 48 kHz WAV tracks, which is exactly the sort of source material you want for podcast post-production. Riverside Help Center Riverside

When I'd choose OBS instead

OBS Studio is better if you're primarily a broadcast/production operation and want maximum control over scenes, routing, encoders, plugins, and audio.

OBS can record up to six separate audio tracks and lets you use a different encoder for your recording versus your stream. OBS Studio OBS Studio

So I'd rank them:

• Riverside — 🥇 Best for a video podcast where pristine isolated guest/host tracks are the priority.
• OBS Studio — 🥈 Best for maximum live-production control and customization.
• Streamlabs — Good if you want a simpler OBS-style streaming workflow, but I'd favor Riverside for podcast recording.

For your specific description, I'd use Riverside as the recording/guest platform and let it handle the live stream. You get the clean local masters without having to reconstruct your podcast from the compressed livestream afterward. Riverside explicitly supports streaming and local recording simultaneously. Riverside

If you tell me how many hosts/guests you have, whether everyone is remote or in-studio, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup—including mic/interface routing and recording settings.

For audio, Riverside can produce uncompressed 48 kHz WAV tracks, which is exactly the sort of source material you want for podcast post-production. support.riverside.com Riverside

When I'd choose OBS instead

OBS Studio is better if you're primarily a broadcast/production operation and want maximum control over scenes, routing, encoders, plugins, and audio.

OBS can record up to six separate audio tracks and lets you use a different encoder for your recording versus your stream.

So I'd rank them:

For a podcast that also streams live video, I’d narrow it to three:

My pick: OBS Studio

If you’re comfortable with a little setup, OBS Studio is probably the best overall choice. It can stream and record simultaneously, and you can route your mic, guest audio, music, and other sources to separate recording tracks. OBS specifically supports up to six audio tracks, while keeping a conventional mixed track for the livestream. OBS Studio OBS Studio

obsproject.com

For a podcast, I'd configure it roughly like:

• Track 1: complete podcast mix — what your livestream hears
• Track 2: Host mic
• Track 3: Guest/remote guest
• Track 4: Music / jingles
• Track 5: system/desktop audio
• Track 6: backup/other source

That gives your editor clean individual sources after the show instead of being stuck with the livestream mix.

When I'd choose Riverside instead

If your priority is podcasting rather than elaborate live production, Riverside is arguably easier. It records locally and provides separate audio/video tracks for participants, with recordings up to 4K. Riverside Riverside

riverside.com

It's particularly attractive if you regularly have remote guests and want their isolated tracks without building an elaborate OBS audio-routing setup.

When I'd choose vMix

If you're doing a more broadcast-style show—multiple cameras, graphics, remote feeds, switching, etc.—I'd look seriously at vMix. Its 4K and Pro editions support ISO recording of individual camera inputs through MultiCorder, in addition to recording and streaming the program output. vMix vMix

vmix.com

Bottom line:
OBS = best overall for most podcast streamers.
Riverside = best if isolated podcast tracks and remote guests are the priority.
vMix = best if you're building a serious multi-camera broadcast.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, and whether your guests are remote, I can recommend the exact setup (including recording format, audio tracks, and bitrate) I'd use for your podcast.

For a podcast that also goes live on video, I’d prioritize local/ISO recording over simply having a good livestream encoder. You want the live broadcast to be reliable and a clean, editable master afterward.

My picks

1. Riverside — best overall for a podcast

• Records participants locally, so your master tracks aren't dependent on the quality of the live internet connection.
• Separate audio/video tracks make post-production much easier.
• Supports up to 4K recording and live streaming/multistreaming.
• Particularly strong if you regularly have remote guests. Riverside Riverside
• Best choice if: the podcast/recording quality is more important than having a highly complex live production.
• OBS Studio — best free/flexible option

• Excellent if you're producing the show from one studio machine.
• You can route microphones and other audio sources to separate recording tracks, while maintaining a normal mixed track for the livestream. OBS Studio
• Free, open source, and available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Restream Help Center
• Best choice if: you want maximum control over cameras, graphics, audio routing, scenes, and recording without a subscription.
• Ecamm Live — best polished Mac option

• Particularly nice for a Mac-based podcast studio.
• Its isolated-audio functionality can save individual microphones, guests, and sound effects as separate tracks. Ecamm
• Easier to operate than OBS for many podcast-style productions.
• Best choice if: you're on Mac and want a professional-looking live show without building a complicated OBS setup.
• vMix — best for a serious Windows production

• I'd consider this if you're running several cameras, capture cards, graphics, replay, NDI, etc.
• It's closer to a broadcast control room than a podcasting app, though it has a steeper learning curve. Riverside

What I'd choose for your use case

Remote/interview podcast: Riverside
In-studio podcast with multiple mics/cameras: OBS Studio or Ecamm
Large, highly produced broadcast: vMix

One important distinction: “separate tracks” and “local recording” are not the same thing. For a podcast, I'd ideally want each host/guest's microphone recorded locally and separately, plus a full program mix. That gives you the ability to fix one person's level, EQ, noise, or mistake without damaging everyone else's audio.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of hosts/guests, cameras, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and audio-track routing I'd use.

If your priority is a live video podcast + high-quality isolated local recordings, I’d narrow it to three:

1. Riverside — best for podcast-quality recordings.

It records participants locally and gives you separate high-quality audio/video tracks, while also letting you stream live. This is my pick if the recording is the master copy you’ll edit and publish later. The Podcast Consultant SaaSCompared

2. Ecamm Live — best if you're on Mac and produce the show yourself.

Its isolated-track recording is specifically designed for podcasts: guests, microphones, and sound effects can be saved as separate audio tracks while you stream. Ecamm

3. OBS Studio — best for maximum control and lowest cost.

OBS can stream and record simultaneously and supports up to six separate audio tracks, with independent encoder settings for the stream and recording. It's excellent, but takes more setup. OBS Studio OBS Studio

What I'd choose for your podcast

Riverside if you have remote guests and want the best-quality individual camera/mic files with minimal technical work.

Ecamm if you're a Mac-based studio with local cameras, microphones, mixers, and a more produced live show.

OBS if you have a powerful production computer and want to control every aspect of the broadcast yourself.

One important distinction: "local tracks" can mean two different things. Riverside/StreamYard can give you an isolated recording from each participant's device, whereas OBS/Ecamm primarily give you isolated sources being captured by your production computer. For a multi-person podcast, that distinction matters a lot. StreamYard also now offers 4K local multitrack recordings and 48 kHz WAV audio, making it a strong middle ground if you prioritize ease of live production. StreamYard

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of hosts/guests, cameras, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup—including which tool should be the live encoder vs. the local recorder.

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while simultaneously live-streaming video, I’d shortlist these:

1. Riverside — best for a podcast-first workflow. It records locally on each participant’s device, supports separate audio/video tracks, 48 kHz uncompressed WAV audio, and up to 4K video. You can stream at the same time, so your local master recording isn't dependent on the livestream connection. Riverside Riverside

riverside.fm

2. OBS Studio — best if you want maximum control and low cost. It's free, can stream and record simultaneously, and lets you assign different sources to up to six separate recording audio tracks. You can also use a separate recording encoder from the stream encoder. OBS Studio OBS Studio

obsproject.com

3. vMix — best for a more serious broadcast setup on Windows. It supports simultaneous streaming/recording, 4K recording, multichannel audio, ASIO, VST3 processing, and MultiCorder for recording multiple inputs independently. vMix

vmix.com

What I'd choose for your podcast

If you're recording 2–4 hosts/guests with individual microphones, I'd lean Riverside. Its local, isolated recordings make post-production much easier, particularly when guests are remote.

If everyone is in the same studio and you're already running a proper audio interface/mixer, I'd lean OBS + your DAW/recorder. OBS can handle the video stream while you preserve high-quality isolated audio locally. OBS specifically recommends MKV for multitrack recording and allows you to keep a mixed stream track plus isolated tracks for editing. OBS Studio OBS Studio

One important distinction: don't judge the recording quality by the livestream bitrate. Your livestream might use compressed 160–320 kbps audio, while your local recording can be 48 kHz WAV/PCM quality. That's the approach I'd use if you want a polished podcast master plus clips from the video stream.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of hosts/mics, your audio interface/mixer, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

For a podcast that streams live video and needs high-quality local tracks, I’d narrow it to Riverside, OBS Studio, and vMix:

My pick: Riverside

If your priority is getting pristine podcast recordings while simultaneously going live, I'd choose Riverside.

It records locally rather than relying on the livestream connection, supports separate audio/video tracks for participants, and can capture up to 48 kHz uncompressed audio and 4K video on supported plans. That makes it particularly attractive if you want to edit the podcast afterward. riverside.comwww.vmix.comwww.vmix.com

The important distinction is that the live stream itself doesn't have to be your master recording. Riverside can preserve a higher-quality local recording while you send a compressed live feed to YouTube/Facebook/etc. riverside.com

If you want maximum control: OBS

OBS Studio is probably the best value. It's free, extremely customizable, and can record multiple audio tracks separately—for example:

• Track 1: finished stereo mix
• Track 2: host mic
• Track 3: co-host mic
• Track 4: guest mic
• Track 5: music
• Track 6: sound effects

OBS officially supports assigning individual audio sources to different recording tracks. obsproject.com

I'd pick OBS if you already have a good audio interface/mixer and don't mind configuring the system yourself.

If you're doing a serious multi-camera production: vMix

If this is more like a professional live TV/podcast production—multiple cameras, NDI, replay, graphics, remote feeds, etc.—then vMix is the strongest option.

Its MultiCorder can independently record camera inputs, while its audio system provides multiple independent buses/mixes. www.vmix.com It can also create a separate uncompressed WAV recording alongside the video recording. www.vmix.com

My recommendation for your specific use case:

Riverside → easiest + best podcast recording workflow
OBS → best free/flexible solution
vMix → best professional broadcast solution

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of hosts/guests, number of cameras, what microphones/interface you're using, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and recording-track configuration I'd use.

For a live video podcast where you also want high-quality local tracks, I’d narrow it to three:

My pick: StreamYard

streamyard.com is probably the best fit if your priority is live streaming + good isolated recordings without a complicated production rig.

• Records separate local tracks for participants rather than relying solely on the compressed livestream.
• Supports high-quality local audio/video, including 48 kHz audio and high-resolution video.
• Makes guest participation very easy—guests can join through a browser.
• Handles multistreaming and live-production features in the same workflow.
• Much less technical than OBS. StreamYard StreamYard

If recording quality/control is the absolute priority: Riverside

riverside.fm is the one I'd consider if your podcast is primarily a recording that happens to be live.

Its local-recording approach is particularly good for getting separate, high-quality participant tracks for post-production, and it supports 4K video. Riverside The Podcast Consultant

The tradeoff is that it's more recording-centric than a traditional live-production system.

If you want maximum production control: OBS Studio

obsproject.com is the power-user choice. It's free and can stream and record simultaneously, with up to six separate audio tracks. You can, for example, have:

• Track 1 — full mix for the livestream
• Track 2 — Host mic
• Track 3 — Co-host mic
• Track 4 — Guest
• Track 5 — music
• Track 6 — system/remote audio

OBS officially documents this multitrack workflow. OBS Studio OBS Studio

The downside is that OBS doesn't solve remote-guest recording by itself. You'd typically pair it with something like VDO.Ninja, a remote-recording service, or dedicated audio interfaces/routing.

What I'd choose for your podcast

One important distinction: "local tracks" can mean two different things. If you mean each person's microphone is recorded locally on their own computer (ideal for remote guests), I'd favor StreamYard or Riverside. If you mean you have everyone physically in your studio and want each microphone/interface channel recorded separately, I'd favor OBS or vMix paired with a proper audio interface/DAW workflow. vMix, for example, can route different audio buses independently to its recording and streaming outputs. vmix.com

If you tell me how many hosts/guests you have, whether they're remote or in-studio, Mac/Windows, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup—including how I'd route the individual audio tracks.

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while also going live, I’d narrow it to Riverside vs. OBS Studio, with Riverside being my pick for most video-podcast workflows.

My recommendation

1. Riverside — best for podcast-first production

Riverside is designed around local recording: participants' audio/video are captured locally and you can get separate tracks for post-production, while still being able to livestream. That makes it particularly attractive if the finished podcast matters as much as the live broadcast. Riverside Riverside

Choose Riverside if:

• You have remote guests.
• You want each person's clean, separate audio/video track.
• You want 4K recording capability.
• You don't want to spend much time configuring a production system.
• You edit the podcast after the live show.

2. OBS Studio — best for maximum control

obsproject.com is the better choice if you're technically comfortable and want your computer to be the production studio. It's free/open-source and can stream and record simultaneously, with up to six separate audio tracks and independent recording/stream encoders. OBS Studio OBS Studio

For example, you could record:

• Track 1 — complete mix for immediate playback
• Track 2 — host mic
• Track 3 — co-host mic
• Track 4 — remote guest
• Track 5 — music
• Track 6 — sound effects/other sources

That gives you tremendous flexibility in post.

3. vMix — best for a serious Windows production

If this is becoming more like a broadcast studio than a podcast, vmix.com is worth considering. It has sophisticated live switching, multiple outputs, recording, NDI/SRT, and MultiCorder for simultaneously recording individual inputs. vMix

The downside is complexity and Windows-only operation.

What I'd use for your situation

One important distinction: "local tracks" can mean two different things. If you mean each remote guest gets a pristine isolated recording on their own computer, I'd strongly favor Riverside. If you mean you have multiple microphones/cameras/audio sources physically connected to your studio computer and want every source recorded independently, I'd favor OBS or vMix.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, how many hosts/guests, what microphones/cameras/interface you use, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and recording-track layout.

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while simultaneously livestreaming a podcast, I’d narrow it to these:

My recommendation

If you're primarily a podcast that happens to livestream: choose Riverside. It records locally rather than relying on the livestream feed, giving you much better source material for editing afterward, including separate audio/video tracks. Current Riverside materials describe local recording up to 4K and separate tracks. riverside.com

If you're running a more traditional studio/control-room production: choose vMix. Its MultiCorder can ISO-record individual camera inputs, while its audio system supports multiple independent buses/mixes. That's considerably more powerful if you have several cameras, microphones, guests, graphics, etc. www.vmix.com

If you want free: OBS Studio is surprisingly capable. You can assign different audio sources to separate recording tracks (for example, host mic, guest mic, music, and remote-call audio) and keep them independently editable later. obsproject.com

One important distinction: "multitrack audio" and "ISO video" aren't the same thing. If you want each microphone isolated for editing, Riverside/OBS/Ecamm can be excellent. If you want each camera recorded independently so you can completely re-edit the video later, vMix becomes much more compelling.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras/mics, where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), and whether guests join remotely, I can recommend the exact setup—including recording format, audio routing, and bitrate.

For a podcast that is also a live video show, I’d rank them like this:

1. Riverside — best for podcast-first production
   • Records locally rather than relying on the stream quality.
   • Separate audio/video tracks for participants.
   • Up to 4K video and uncompressed 48 kHz WAV audio.
   • Particularly good if you have remote guests and want clean individual tracks for editing afterward. riverside.com
   • My pick if your priority is the quality of the podcast recording.

2. vMix — best for a professional live studio
   • Excellent if you're doing a more elaborate live production with multiple cameras, capture cards, graphics, guests, etc.
   • Its MultiCorder can ISO-record individual camera inputs, and vMix supports multiple independent audio mixes. www.vmix.com
   • The catch: it's Windows-focused and considerably more production-oriented.

3. OBS Studio — best free option
   • Free and extremely flexible.
   • Can stream while recording locally and supports up to six separate audio tracks, so you can give your editor isolated mic/guest/music/etc. tracks. obsproject.com
   • It takes more configuration to get a polished podcast workflow.

4. Ecamm — best Mac option for live production
   • Particularly attractive if you're on Mac.
   • Can automatically record streams locally and record individual audio and video tracks. support.ecamm.com

What I'd choose

If your setup is something like 2–4 microphones + cameras + occasional remote guests + YouTube/Twitch live, I'd go:

Riverside → podcast-quality recording + live streaming
vMix → serious broadcast/studio production
OBS → maximum flexibility for $0

One important distinction: "local recording" and "stream recording" aren't the same thing. You want each microphone/guest captured locally at full quality, while a separate mixed/encoded feed goes out to YouTube/Twitch. That way a bad internet connection doesn't ruin your master podcast.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of hosts/mics, number of cameras, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup—including which software should handle the audio and how I'd configure the isolated tracks.

If your priority is a live video podcast + high-quality local recordings with isolated audio tracks, I’d rank the options:

My recommendation: Riverside + OBS

For a podcast like yours, I'd seriously consider using Riverside for the recording layer and OBS for the live-production layer.

Riverside records audio/video locally and can provide separate tracks, which is particularly valuable for podcasts where you want to remix each host/guest independently after the show. It supports recordings up to 4K. riverside.com

OBS Studio is the better choice if you want your local master recording to contain separately controllable tracks—for example:

• Track 1: complete program mix
• Track 2: Host 1 mic
• Track 3: Host 2 mic
• Track 4: Guest mic
• Track 5: music/SFX
• Track 6: remote audio

OBS officially supports up to six audio tracks and lets you stream while recording with different recording settings/encoders. obsproject.com

If you're on Windows and have several cameras, I'd instead look hard at vMix. Its MultiCorder feature can ISO-record individual camera inputs while you're simultaneously producing and streaming the show; it's available in the 4K/Pro tiers. www.vmix.com

The key distinction

If by "local tracks" you mean "I want a pristine recording of each microphone/guest locally so I can edit the podcast later", Riverside is probably the easiest answer.

If you mean "I want complete control over every camera, audio bus, graphic, recording and stream from one production computer", vMix/OBS wins.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, number of hosts/guests, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup—including how I'd route the isolated audio tracks.

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while simultaneously streaming live video, I’d narrow it to three:

🥇 My pick: Riverside

For a podcast that also happens to be a live video show, Riverside is probably the easiest fit. It records participants locally rather than relying solely on the livestream connection, supports separate tracks, and can capture up to 4K video and uncompressed 48 kHz WAV audio. riverside.com

That means you can have:

• Host mic → isolated track
• Guest mic → isolated track
• Each camera → separate video
• A live-program feed → streaming
• Clean files for editing afterward

The big advantage is that the livestream can have internet hiccups without necessarily ruining the local recording.

Riverside

🥈 OBS if you want control

OBS Studio is fantastic if you're comfortable building your own production setup. It can assign different audio sources to separate recording tracks—for example, your mic on one track, guest/interface on another, music on another, and the complete mix on another. obsproject.com

It's free and extremely flexible, but it isn't as turnkey for remote podcast guests as Riverside.

OBS Studio

🥇 For a full broadcast studio: vMix

If you're running multiple cameras, capture cards, graphics, remote feeds, and a proper audio workflow, I'd seriously consider vMix. Its MultiCorder feature can record individual camera/capture inputs as separate files while you simultaneously produce the live program. download.vmix.com

It also provides multiple independent audio buses, which is useful for creating different mixes for the stream, recording, headphones, guests, etc. doc.vmix.com

vMix

For your specific use case, I'd choose Riverside if you have remote guests; OBS if everyone is local and you want maximum flexibility; vMix if you're building a professional multi-camera studio.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of hosts/guests, cameras, and what platform you stream to (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup—including how I'd route the isolated audio tracks.

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while simultaneously livestreaming a podcast, I’d narrow it to three:

🥇 My pick: Riverside

For a podcast that records and streams at the same time, Riverside is probably the easiest way to get what you want. It records participants locally, giving you separate audio/video tracks rather than relying entirely on the livestream's compressed feed. It supports recordings up to 4K and separate tracks. riverside.com

That's particularly valuable if you have, say:

• Host mic
• Co-host mic
• Remote guest
• Multiple cameras
• Separate video files
• A live program feed

You can stream live while retaining much higher-quality material for editing afterward.

🥈 OBS if you want maximum control

OBS Studio is my choice if you're willing to configure things yourself. It's free and lets you put individual audio sources onto separate recording tracks. riverside.comobsproject.comwww.vmix.com

For example, you could record:

• Track 1 — full podcast mix
• Track 2 — Host
• Track 3 — Co-host
• Track 4 — Guest
• Track 5 — music
• Track 6 — sound effects

That gives your editor tremendous flexibility.

🥇 for a full broadcast studio: vMix

If you're running multiple physical cameras, capture cards, graphics, replay, complicated switching, etc., I'd seriously consider vMix. Its MultiCorder feature can ISO-record individual camera inputs while simultaneously producing the live program. ISO recording is available in the 4K and PRO editions. www.vmix.com

It also has a proper audio mixer with independent inputs and support for multichannel ASIO devices, so it's particularly well suited to a hardware-heavy podcast studio. www.vmix.com

Bottom line:

• Podcast-first + remote guests → Riverside
• DIY/custom + inexpensive → OBS
• Professional multi-camera broadcast → vMix

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras/mics, where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc.), and whether guests join remotely, I can recommend the exact setup—including how I'd route the audio so you get pristine isolated tracks and a polished live mix.

For a podcast that streams live video and also needs high-quality local tracks, I’d narrow it down to three options:

riverside.comstreamyard.com

My recommendation for your use case

Pick Riverside if:

• Your podcast is interview-based or guest-heavy
• You want the cleanest possible edit files afterward
• You care about separate tracks for every speaker
• You want video episodes that can become YouTube content

Riverside’s main advantage is that it records participants locally instead of relying only on the live internet feed, which helps preserve quality when a guest has connection issues. thepodcastconsultant.com

Pick StreamYard if:

• The live broadcast itself is the centerpiece
• You frequently bring guests on quickly
• You stream to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
• You want a producer-friendly interface

StreamYard is built more around “run a live show easily,” while still offering local recordings and separate tracks. streamyard.com

Pick OBS + a local recorder if:

• You have a dedicated studio computer
• You use multiple cameras, overlays, soundboards, or scenes
• You have someone producing the show live

OBS gives you the most control, but it requires more technical setup than browser-based podcast studios. riverside.com

A pro-level setup I’d use

For a serious podcast:

• Live production: OBS or StreamYard
• Remote guest recording: Riverside
• Audio backup: record each host locally in a DAW (Reaper, Logic, Pro Tools, etc.)
• Editing: Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Descript, or similar

That gives you a live broadcast feed plus isolated, high-quality files for the final episode.

If you tell me:

1. how many hosts/guests you usually have,
2. where you stream (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, etc.), and
3. whether everyone is remote or in the same studio,

I can recommend a specific workflow.

If your priority is high-quality local recordings with separate tracks while simultaneously live-streaming, I’d narrow it to OBS Studio vs. vMix, with the best choice depending on how serious your production is.

My pick: OBS Studio for most podcasts

OBS Studio is the best value if you want:

• Live streaming + local recording simultaneously
• Separate audio tracks for each mic/guest/system source
• High-quality local recording independent of your stream bitrate
• Windows, Mac, or Linux
• No licensing cost

OBS supports multiple audio tracks specifically for post-production, so you can, for example, keep Host Mic, Guest Mic, Music, and Stream Mix separate rather than baking everything into one stereo track. obsproject.comwww.vmix.com

For local recording, I'd use a quality-oriented encoder setting rather than your stream's CBR settings. That lets the local master be substantially better than what viewers receive.

If you're running a serious multi-camera show: vMix

vMix is the stronger choice if your podcast has several cameras, capture cards, NDI sources, remote guests, graphics, and a more traditional broadcast workflow.

Its MultiCorder can record raw video/audio from individual camera and capture inputs into separate files while the program is simultaneously streamed and recorded. www.vmix.comwww.vmix.com

That's a major advantage for editing a podcast afterward: instead of having one finished camera feed, you can have something like:

Camera 1.mov
Camera 2.mov
Camera 3.mov
Host audio
Guest audio
Program mix

vMix also supports multiple independent audio mixes and ASIO devices, which is particularly useful for a studio podcast setup. www.vmix.com

The catch: MultiCorder is in vMix's higher-tier editions and has substantially higher hardware/storage requirements. www.vmix.comwww.vmix.com

What I'd choose

One important distinction: “separate audio tracks” and “ISO recording” aren't quite the same thing. OBS is excellent at putting multiple audio tracks into a recording; vMix goes further with MultiCorder by creating separate files for individual video/capture sources. obsproject.comwww.vmix.com

For a typical video podcast, I'd start with OBS Studio and configure it so the stream uses a compressed broadcast mix while the local recording gets high-quality video plus isolated audio tracks. If you're doing a multi-camera studio production and want every camera preserved independently, vMix is the better investment.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, number of mics, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact recording/streaming setup and settings.

For a live video podcast where the recording quality matters, I’d narrow it to Riverside, OBS Studio, or vMix:

My pick: Riverside

If your priority is getting pristine podcast recordings while simultaneously going live, Riverside is probably the easiest choice. It records locally on the participants' devices, supports separate audio/video tracks, and can record up to 4K with uncompressed 48 kHz WAV audio. riverside.com

That's especially valuable if you have remote guests: each person's recording isn't dependent on the quality of the live stream connection.

Best free option: OBS Studio

If everyone is physically in your studio and you want maximum control, I'd use OBS. It can record up to six separate audio tracks, so you can have, for example:

• Track 1: full mix for immediate playback
• Track 2: Host mic
• Track 3: Co-host mic
• Track 4: Guest mic
• Track 5: music/production audio
• Track 6: remote-call audio

OBS specifically supports recording while streaming and lets you assign individual sources to separate tracks. obsproject.comdownload.vmix.com

Best professional option: vMix

If you're running a multi-camera, broadcast-style podcast, vMix is the more powerful choice. It supports multiple independent audio buses and, in its 4K/PRO editions, ISO recording of individual camera sources through MultiCorder. download.vmix.com

So my recommendation:

• 🎙️ Remote podcast + easiest workflow → Riverside
• 🖥️ Studio podcast + free/flexible → OBS Studio
• 🎥 Serious multi-camera production → vMix

One important distinction: if by "local tracks" you mean separate, uncompressed microphone recordings for editing afterward, rather than simply a high-quality recording of the livestream, I'd design the setup around that specifically. Riverside is strongest for remote guests; OBS/vMix are stronger for a controlled local studio.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras/mics, and whether guests join remotely, I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

If your priority is live video + high-quality local recordings with isolated tracks for editing later, I’d narrow it to three:

My recommendation

If you're on Mac → Ecamm Live.
It specifically supports isolated audio recording, so each guest/mic/sound effect can be saved separately while you're simultaneously streaming. www.ecamm.com

If you're on Windows and have multiple cameras → vMix.
Its 4K/PRO editions can ISO-record individual camera inputs while producing the live program, which is fantastic if you want to turn one podcast recording into multiple edits/reels afterward. www.ecamm.comwww.vmix.com

If you want the most flexibility for $0 → OBS Studio.
OBS can record multiple audio tracks separately while streaming, with up to six tracks in Advanced Output mode. You can, for example, have the live mix on Track 1 and individual host/guest/music sources on Tracks 2–6. obsproject.com

For a podcast, I'd set it up like this

Live stream:
Mic 1 + Mic 2 + guest audio + music → live mix → YouTube/Twitch/etc.

Local master recording:

• Track 1: complete mix
• Track 2: Host mic
• Track 3: Co-host mic
• Track 4: Remote guest
• Track 5: music/SFX
• Track 6: computer/other audio

That gives you a ready-to-watch recording and clean isolated tracks for Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut, etc.

One important distinction: if by "local tracks" you mean isolated video feeds as well as audio—e.g. each of your 3 cameras gets its own full-quality recording—I'd choose vMix over OBS. vMix's MultiCorder is specifically designed for that ISO workflow. www.vmix.com

If you tell me Mac or Windows, number of cameras, number of microphones/remote guests, and where you stream (YouTube/Twitch/etc.), I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

For a podcast that also goes live, the “best” tool depends on whether you prioritize broadcasting live or getting the cleanest edit-ready recordings. For high-quality local tracks, I’d rank them like this:

thepodcastconsultant.com

My recommendation for a live video podcast:

Use StreamYard + a good local audio workflow if your show is mostly:

• interviews with remote guests
• YouTube/Facebook/LinkedIn live streams
• multiple hosts
• quick turnaround after recording

StreamYard’s local recording feature creates separate participant audio/video files, which helps avoid quality loss from internet problems during a live broadcast. support.streamyard.com

If your priority is “Netflix-style” post-production:

Choose Riverside. It is built around recording each participant locally, so you can edit with cleaner audio and video tracks afterward. thepodcastconsultant.com

If you want the most control:

Choose OBS Studio:

• best scene switching
• custom overlays
• audio routing
• local recording
• multiple cameras

The tradeoff is that it takes more setup and technical maintenance. riverside.com

A common pro workflow is:

• OBS/Ecamm → live production (switching cameras, graphics, overlays)
• Riverside → isolated guest recordings
• DAW (Logic, Adobe Audition, Reaper, etc.) → final audio mix

If you tell me:

1. how many hosts/guests you usually have,
2. where you stream (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, etc.),
3. Mac or Windows, and
4. whether you edit full episodes or mostly post clips,

I can recommend a specific setup.

If your priority is high-quality local tracks while you’re simultaneously live streaming, I’d narrow it to three:

My pick for your podcast: Riverside

If the recording itself is the most important asset, Riverside is probably the strongest fit. It records participants locally rather than relying on the quality of the livestream connection, and provides separate tracks for post-production. It supports up to 4K video and uncompressed 48 kHz audio. vimeo.com

The workflow I'd use is:

Riverside → local isolated tracks → live stream → edit the local masters afterward

That gives you a polished livestream while preserving clean audio/video for the actual podcast.

If you're primarily a live show: StreamYard

If you care more about running the live broadcast—graphics, guests, comments, multistreaming, etc.—I'd choose StreamYard. Its local recording feature creates individual audio/video files for each participant while you're live, so an internet hiccup doesn't necessarily ruin your master recording. support.streamyard.com

If you want a serious production setup: OBS or vMix

OBS Studio is fantastic if you're comfortable configuring it yourself. Importantly, you can assign microphones and other audio sources to separate recording tracks, giving your editor isolated audio without requiring a separate recorder. obsproject.com

vMix is the step up if you're doing a multi-camera production. Its 4K/PRO editions can ISO-record individual camera inputs, which is extremely useful for editing the show later. doc.vmix.com

Bottom line:

• 🎙️ Best podcast recording: Riverside
• 🔴 Best live podcast workflow: StreamYard
• 🆓 Best free/control-heavy option: OBS
• 🎬 Best professional multi-camera setup: vMix

If you tell me how many hosts/guests you have, what cameras/mics you use, and whether you're streaming to YouTube/Twitch/Facebook/etc., I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.

For a live video podcast where you want high-quality local recordings you can edit later, I’d narrow it to three:

🥇 My recommendation: Riverside

For a podcast specifically, Riverside is probably the easiest fit. It records participants locally rather than relying entirely on the livestream connection, and supports separate audio/video tracks, with local recordings up to 4K depending on plan/setup. riverside.com

That's particularly useful if you have remote guests: a bad internet connection during the live broadcast doesn't necessarily ruin the high-quality recording you edit afterward.

Riverside

🥈 OBS Studio if you want control

If everyone is in your studio and you're comfortable configuring things, I'd actually choose OBS Studio.

OBS can stream and record simultaneously, and its Advanced Output mode lets you put different microphones/sources onto separate recording tracks—e.g.:

• Track 1: complete podcast mix
• Track 2: Host mic
• Track 3: Guest mic
• Track 4: music
• Track 5: Discord/remote audio

OBS supports up to six audio tracks, and recommends MKV for multitrack recording, which you can remux afterward. obsproject.com

OBS Studio

🏆 vMix if you're building a real production

If you're running multiple cameras, HDMI/SDI capture, graphics, remote callers, replay, etc., I'd seriously consider vMix—particularly on Windows.

Its MultiCorder can ISO-record individual cameras, so you can have the live switched program and clean recordings of each camera for editing afterward. www.vmix.com

vMix

For your use case, I'd choose:

Riverside → podcast-first, remote guests, easiest workflow
OBS → best free/flexible solution
vMix → professional multi-camera studio

One important distinction: if by “local tracks” you mean separate, uncompressed/high-quality audio from every microphone, rather than simply recording the livestream locally, I'd lean Riverside or OBS + a proper multichannel audio interface. That setup gives you much more flexibility in post.

If you tell me Mac vs. Windows, number of cameras/mics, and whether guests join remotely, I can recommend the exact setup and recording settings.