How to Duplicate OBS Sources with Different Filters

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to use third-party “Source Mirror” or “Source Clone” plugins in OBS Studio to duplicate a video or audio source and apply different filters to each copy. By default, duplicating a source in OBS using “Add Existing” copies the filters as well, meaning any change to one affects all instances. By using a mirror plugin, you can create independent duplicates of your webcams, capture cards, or game captures, allowing you to apply unique color correction, cropping, or effects to different scenes.

Step 1: Install a Source Mirror Plugin

To duplicate sources with independent filters, you need to install a third-party plugin. The most popular and reliable option for this is OBS Source Clone (developed by Exeldro), which acts as a source mirror.

  1. Go to the official OBS Resources forum and search for the OBS Source Clone plugin.
  2. Download the installer compatible with your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  3. Close OBS Studio, run the installer, and then reopen OBS Studio.

Step 2: Set Up Your Original Source

Create your primary source as you normally would.

  1. Go to the Sources dock in OBS.
  2. Click the + (plus) icon and add your source (e.g., Video Capture Device for your webcam).
  3. Position and configure this source in your desired scene. This will be the “parent” source that you mirror.

Step 3: Create the Source Mirror (Clone)

Now, you will create the duplicated version that can hold different filters.

  1. Go to the scene where you want the duplicated source to appear.
  2. Click the + icon in the Sources dock.
  3. Select Source Clone (or the equivalent name of your installed mirror plugin) from the list.
  4. Name the new source (e.g., “Webcam - Black and White Mirror”) and click OK.
  5. In the properties window that appears, locate the Clone Source dropdown menu.
  6. Select your original parent source from the dropdown.
  7. Click OK. You will now see an exact visual duplicate of your original source on your screen.

Step 4: Apply Different Filters to the Mirror Source

Because the mirrored source behaves as a separate entity in the OBS rendering pipeline, you can apply filters to it without affecting the original.

  1. Right-click the newly created Source Clone in your Sources list.
  2. Select Filters.
  3. Click the + icon under the Effect Filters or Audio/Video Filters section.
  4. Add your desired filter (such as Color Correction, Chroma Key, or Crop/Pad).
  5. Adjust the filter settings and close the window.

Your original source will remain in its default state, while the cloned source will display the newly applied filters. You can repeat this process to create as many unique mirrors of a single source as your system hardware can handle.