Are you experiencing issues with OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) not recording desktop audio? You’re not alone. Many users have reported this problem, and it can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to record or stream important content. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible reasons why OBS is not recording desktop audio and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the issue.
Understanding OBS Audio Settings
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how OBS handles audio settings. OBS allows you to capture audio from multiple sources, including your desktop, microphone, and external devices. To record desktop audio, you need to select the correct audio device and configure the settings accordingly.
Desktop Audio Settings in OBS
To access the desktop audio settings in OBS, follow these steps:
- Open OBS and navigate to the “Settings” panel.
- Click on the “Audio” tab.
- In the “Audio Settings” section, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Desktop Audio Device.”
- Select the correct audio device from the dropdown menu. This is usually the default audio device on your computer.
Common Audio Devices Used in OBS
Here are some common audio devices used in OBS:
- Default Device: This is the default audio device on your computer.
- Stereo Mix: This device captures audio from your desktop, including system sounds and music.
- Virtual Audio Cable: This device allows you to route audio from one application to another.
Troubleshooting OBS Desktop Audio Issues
Now that we’ve covered the basics of OBS audio settings, let’s move on to troubleshooting common desktop audio issues.
Issue 1: Incorrect Audio Device Selected
If you’ve selected the wrong audio device, OBS won’t record desktop audio. To resolve this issue:
- Go back to the “Audio Settings” section in OBS.
- Select the correct audio device from the dropdown menu.
- Test your audio by playing some music or a video on your desktop.
Issue 2: Audio Device Not Enabled
If the audio device is not enabled, OBS won’t be able to capture desktop audio. To enable the audio device:
- Go to your computer’s sound settings (usually found in the Control Panel or System Preferences).
- Locate the audio device you’re using in OBS.
- Make sure the device is enabled and set as the default device.
Issue 3: Audio Levels Too Low
If the audio levels are too low, OBS might not capture desktop audio. To adjust the audio levels:
- Go to the “Audio Settings” section in OBS.
- Adjust the “Desktop Audio” slider to increase the audio levels.
- Test your audio by playing some music or a video on your desktop.
Issue 4: Interference from Other Audio Devices
If you’re using multiple audio devices, they might interfere with each other, causing OBS to not record desktop audio. To resolve this issue:
- Disable any unnecessary audio devices.
- Set the correct audio device as the default device.
- Test your audio by playing some music or a video on your desktop.
Issue 5: OBS Not Running with Administrator Privileges
If OBS is not running with administrator privileges, it might not have access to the audio device, causing it to not record desktop audio. To run OBS with administrator privileges:
- Right-click on the OBS executable file.
- Select “Run as administrator.”
- Test your audio by playing some music or a video on your desktop.
Issue 6: Outdated OBS Version
If you’re using an outdated version of OBS, it might not be compatible with your audio device, causing it to not record desktop audio. To update OBS:
- Go to the OBS website and download the latest version.
- Install the latest version of OBS.
- Test your audio by playing some music or a video on your desktop.
Issue 7: Corrupted OBS Settings
If the OBS settings are corrupted, it might cause the software to not record desktop audio. To reset the OBS settings:
- Go to the OBS settings folder (usually found in the AppData folder).
- Delete the “obs-studio” folder.
- Restart OBS and reconfigure the settings.
Additional Tips for Recording Desktop Audio in OBS
Here are some additional tips for recording desktop audio in OBS:
- Use a high-quality audio device: Invest in a good quality audio device, such as a USB microphone or a sound card, to improve the audio quality.
- Adjust the audio levels: Adjust the audio levels in OBS to optimize the audio quality.
- Use a pop filter: Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds when speaking into the microphone.
- Record in a quiet environment: Record in a quiet environment to minimize background noise.
Conclusion
Recording desktop audio in OBS can be a bit tricky, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to select the correct audio device, enable the audio device, adjust the audio levels, and run OBS with administrator privileges. Additionally, keep your OBS version up to date, and reset the OBS settings if they become corrupted. By following these tips, you’ll be able to record high-quality desktop audio in OBS.
What are the common reasons for OBS not recording desktop audio?
OBS not recording desktop audio can be caused by various factors, including incorrect audio settings, outdated software, or conflicts with other applications. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the issue to apply the correct solution. In some cases, the problem might be related to the OBS settings, while in other cases, it might be related to the system or hardware configuration.
To troubleshoot the issue, you need to check the OBS settings, system settings, and hardware configuration. Start by checking the OBS settings, such as the audio input and output devices, and ensure that they are correctly configured. Then, check the system settings, such as the sound settings, and ensure that the desktop audio is not muted or set to a low volume. Finally, check the hardware configuration, such as the sound card and drivers, and ensure that they are up-to-date and functioning correctly.
How do I check if OBS is set to record desktop audio?
To check if OBS is set to record desktop audio, you need to access the OBS settings and check the audio input and output devices. In the OBS settings, go to the “Settings” panel and click on the “Audio” tab. In the “Audio” tab, check the “Desktop Audio” option and ensure that it is selected. If it’s not selected, select it and click “Apply” to save the changes.
Additionally, you need to check the audio input and output devices in the OBS settings. In the “Audio” tab, check the “Device” dropdown menu and ensure that the correct audio input and output devices are selected. If you’re using a separate sound card or audio interface, ensure that it’s selected as the default device. If you’re using the built-in sound card, ensure that it’s selected as the default device.
How do I update OBS to the latest version?
To update OBS to the latest version, you need to download and install the latest version from the official OBS website. Go to the OBS website and click on the “Download” button to download the latest version. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the installation prompts to install the latest version.
After installing the latest version, restart OBS and check if the desktop audio is being recorded correctly. If the issue persists, you may need to reset the OBS settings to their default values or seek further assistance from the OBS community or support team.
How do I reset OBS settings to their default values?
To reset OBS settings to their default values, you need to access the OBS settings and click on the “Reset” button. In the OBS settings, go to the “Settings” panel and click on the “General” tab. In the “General” tab, click on the “Reset” button to reset the OBS settings to their default values.
After resetting the OBS settings, restart OBS and check if the desktop audio is being recorded correctly. If the issue persists, you may need to seek further assistance from the OBS community or support team. Additionally, you can try resetting the OBS settings to their default values and then reconfiguring the audio settings to see if it resolves the issue.
How do I check if other applications are conflicting with OBS?
To check if other applications are conflicting with OBS, you need to close all other applications and background processes and then restart OBS. If the desktop audio is being recorded correctly after closing other applications, it’s likely that one of the applications was conflicting with OBS.
To identify the conflicting application, you can try closing each application one by one and restarting OBS to see if the desktop audio is being recorded correctly. If you identify the conflicting application, you can try closing it or uninstalling it to resolve the issue.
How do I check if my system settings are set to record desktop audio?
To check if your system settings are set to record desktop audio, you need to access the system sound settings and check the recording devices. In the system sound settings, go to the “Recording” tab and check if the desktop audio is selected as the default recording device. If it’s not selected, select it and click “Apply” to save the changes.
Additionally, you need to check the system sound settings to ensure that the desktop audio is not muted or set to a low volume. In the system sound settings, go to the “Playback” tab and check the volume levels for the desktop audio. If the volume is set to a low level or muted, adjust the volume levels to ensure that the desktop audio is being recorded correctly.
How do I check if my sound card drivers are up-to-date?
To check if your sound card drivers are up-to-date, you need to access the system device manager and check the sound card drivers. In the system device manager, go to the “Sound, video and game controllers” section and check the sound card drivers. If the drivers are outdated, you can update them by clicking on the “Update driver” button.
Additionally, you can check the sound card manufacturer’s website for updates and download the latest drivers. After updating the sound card drivers, restart your system and check if the desktop audio is being recorded correctly in OBS. If the issue persists, you may need to seek further assistance from the sound card manufacturer or the OBS community.