Route Audio Tracks to Output Channels in Kdenlive

This guide explains how to route specific audio tracks to different output channels using Kdenlive’s audio tools. You will learn how to configure your project for multi-channel audio, assign individual tracks to target output channels using the Audio Map effect, and set up your project for a successful multi-channel export.

Step 1: Configure Multi-Channel Project Settings

By default, Kdenlive projects are set to stereo (2 channels). To route audio to multiple distinct outputs, you must first enable multi-channel audio in your project settings.

  1. Go to the top menu and select Project > Project Settings.
  2. Click on the Tracks or Audio tab (depending on your Kdenlive version).
  3. Change the Channels count from 2 to your desired number of output channels (for example, 4 channels for dual-stereo stems or 6 channels for 5.1 surround sound).
  4. Click OK to apply the changes.

Step 2: Open the Audio Mixer

To monitor your levels and routing, ensure the Audio Mixer interface is visible.

  1. Go to View in the top menu.
  2. Check the box next to Audio Mixer.
  3. The Audio Mixer panel will appear, displaying individual strips for each timeline track and a Master channel reflecting your newly configured output channels.

Step 3: Route Tracks Using the Audio Map Effect

The most precise way to route specific timeline tracks to designated master output channels in Kdenlive is by using the Audio Map effect.

  1. Open the Effects tab and search for Audio Map.
  2. Drag and drop the Audio Map effect onto the header of the audio track you want to route (applying it to the track header ensures all clips on that track are affected).
  3. In the Effect/Composition Stack panel, you will see a routing grid.
  4. Map the input channels of your track to the desired master output channels. For example, to route “Track 1” exclusively to output channels 3 and 4, uncheck the connections to channels 1 and 2, and check the boxes for destination channels 3 and 4.

Step 4: Adjust Panning for Stereo Routing

If you are working within a standard stereo setup and simply want to route tracks to the Left (Channel 1) or Right (Channel 2) outputs:

  1. Locate the track strip in the Audio Mixer.
  2. Use the Pan slider (the horizontal slider at the top of the track volume fader) to steer the audio.
  3. Slide it fully to the left to route the track to Channel 1, or fully to the right to route it to Channel 2.

Step 5: Render the Multi-Channel Audio

To ensure your routed audio channels remain separate in your final video file, you must configure the render settings.

  1. Click the Render button (or press Ctrl + Enter).
  2. Choose a file format that supports multi-channel audio (such as MP4, MKV, or MOV).
  3. Go to the Audio tab in the render window.
  4. Ensure the audio channels option matches the number of channels you configured in your project settings.
  5. Click Render to File.