Mute Specific OBS Audio Tracks Using Global Hotkeys

Controlling individual audio outputs in OBS Studio is crucial for maintaining a professional broadcast or recording. This guide explains how to assign global hotkeys to mute and unmute specific secondary audio sources and tracks in OBS Studio. Because OBS binds hotkeys to individual audio sources rather than the 1–6 track matrix directly, you will learn how to configure your secondary sources, route them to specific tracks, and set up global hotkeys that work even when OBS is minimized.

Step 1: Set Up and Isolate Your Secondary Audio Source

Before assigning hotkeys, ensure the secondary audio you want to control (such as music, Discord, or game audio) is added as an independent source.

  1. Open OBS Studio.
  2. In the Sources dock, click the + (plus) icon.
  3. Select Application Audio Capture (BETA) or Audio Output Capture to bring in your secondary audio.
  4. Name the source clearly (e.g., “Spotify Music” or “Discord”).
  5. Select the correct device or application in the properties window and click OK.

Step 2: Route the Source to a Secondary Track

To ensure this audio source only outputs to your desired secondary track (such as Track 2 for Twitch VODs or Track 3 for clean recordings):

  1. Right-click anywhere inside the Audio Mixer dock.
  2. Select Advanced Audio Properties.
  3. Locate your secondary audio source in the list.
  4. On the far right under Tracks, check the box for the specific track you want this audio routed to (e.g., Track 2) and uncheck the tracks where you do not want it to appear.

Step 3: Assign Global Hotkeys to Mute the Source

Now that the source is isolated and routed to its track, you can assign the hotkeys. Muting this source will automatically mute its input on its assigned secondary audio track.

  1. Go to File > Settings in the top menu.
  2. Click on the Hotkeys tab in the left sidebar.
  3. Use the Filter search bar at the top to search for the name of your secondary audio source (e.g., “Spotify Music”).
  4. Scroll down to find your source. You will see options for Mute and Unmute.
  5. Click on the input field next to Mute and press the key combination you want to use (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + F11).
  6. Click on the input field next to Unmute and assign a key combination (you can use the same key to toggle, or different keys for dedicated control).
  7. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 4: Ensure the Hotkeys Work Globally

OBS Studio hotkeys are global by default, meaning they function while you are in-game or using another application. If your hotkeys do not register while you are playing a game: