Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is a popular, free, and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. While it’s primarily used for video content creation, OBS can also be used to record high-quality audio. In this article, we’ll explore the process of recording only audio with OBS, covering the benefits, requirements, and step-by-step instructions.
Benefits of Recording Only Audio with OBS
Recording only audio with OBS offers several benefits, including:
- High-quality audio: OBS allows you to record audio in various formats, including MP3, AAC, and FLAC, ensuring high-quality sound.
- Flexibility: OBS is a versatile software that can be used for various audio recording applications, such as podcasting, voiceovers, and music recording.
- Cost-effective: OBS is free and open-source, making it an excellent alternative to expensive audio recording software.
- Easy to use: OBS has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and use, even for those without extensive audio recording experience.
System Requirements for Recording Only Audio with OBS
Before you start recording only audio with OBS, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- Operating System: OBS is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
- Processor: A dual-core processor or higher is recommended for smooth audio recording.
- RAM: A minimum of 4 GB RAM is required, but 8 GB or more is recommended for optimal performance.
- Audio Interface: A good quality audio interface is necessary for recording high-quality audio. You can use a built-in audio interface or an external one, such as a USB microphone or an audio mixer.
Choosing the Right Audio Interface
When choosing an audio interface, consider the following factors:
- Audio quality: Look for an audio interface that can record high-quality audio, with a resolution of at least 44.1 kHz and 16-bit.
- Connectivity: Ensure the audio interface has the right connectivity options, such as USB, XLR, or TRS.
- Compatibility: Check if the audio interface is compatible with your operating system and OBS.
Setting Up OBS for Audio Recording
To set up OBS for audio recording, follow these steps:
- Download and install OBS: If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from the official website.
- Launch OBS: Launch OBS and select the “Settings” option from the menu.
- Select the audio device: In the “Settings” window, select the “Audio” tab and choose the audio device you want to use from the “Device” dropdown menu.
- Set the audio format: Select the audio format you want to record in, such as MP3 or FLAC.
- Set the audio quality: Adjust the audio quality settings, such as the bitrate and sample rate, to your desired level.
Configuring the Audio Settings
To configure the audio settings in OBS, follow these steps:
- Access the audio settings: In the “Settings” window, select the “Audio” tab.
- Adjust the gain: Adjust the gain level to optimize the audio signal.
- Enable or disable audio filters: Enable or disable audio filters, such as noise reduction or echo cancellation, as needed.
- Set the audio monitoring: Set the audio monitoring options, such as listening to the audio output or monitoring the audio input.
Recording Only Audio with OBS
To record only audio with OBS, follow these steps:
- Create a new scene: In the OBS main window, create a new scene by clicking the “+” button.
- Add an audio source: Add an audio source to the scene, such as a microphone or an audio file.
- Start the recording: Click the “Start Recording” button to begin recording the audio.
- Stop the recording: Click the “Stop Recording” button to stop the recording.
Using the Audio Mixer
The audio mixer in OBS allows you to adjust the audio levels and add audio effects in real-time. To access the audio mixer, follow these steps:
- Access the audio mixer: In the OBS main window, click the “Mixer” button.
- Adjust the audio levels: Adjust the audio levels for each audio source.
- Add audio effects: Add audio effects, such as reverb or delay, to the audio signal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When recording only audio with OBS, you may encounter some common issues, such as:
- Audio distortion: Audio distortion can occur due to incorrect gain levels or audio settings.
- Audio delay: Audio delay can occur due to incorrect audio settings or hardware issues.
- Audio loss: Audio loss can occur due to incorrect audio settings or hardware issues.
Resolving Audio Distortion
To resolve audio distortion, follow these steps:
- Adjust the gain levels: Adjust the gain levels to optimize the audio signal.
- Check the audio settings: Check the audio settings, such as the bitrate and sample rate, to ensure they are set correctly.
- Use an audio limiter: Use an audio limiter to prevent the audio signal from exceeding the maximum level.
Conclusion
Recording only audio with OBS is a straightforward process that requires some basic setup and configuration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can record high-quality audio using OBS. Remember to choose the right audio interface, set up the audio settings correctly, and troubleshoot any common issues that may arise. With OBS, you can create high-quality audio content for various applications, such as podcasting, voiceovers, and music recording.
| Audio Format | Bitrate | Sample Rate |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | 128 kbps | 44.1 kHz |
| AAC | 256 kbps | 48 kHz |
| FLAC | Lossless | 96 kHz |
Note: The table above shows some common audio formats, bitrates, and sample rates used for audio recording.
What is OBS and how does it help in recording audio?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used by gamers, YouTubers, and other content creators to record and stream high-quality video and audio content. OBS helps in recording audio by providing a range of features and settings that allow users to customize their audio recordings.
With OBS, users can select their preferred audio input device, adjust the audio levels, and apply filters to enhance the audio quality. OBS also supports multiple audio tracks, allowing users to record and mix multiple audio sources simultaneously. This makes it an ideal tool for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and other types of audio content.
How do I set up OBS for audio-only recording?
To set up OBS for audio-only recording, users need to configure the software settings and select the correct audio input device. First, users need to download and install OBS on their computer. Once installed, users can launch OBS and select the “Settings” option from the menu. In the settings window, users can select the “Audio” tab and choose their preferred audio input device from the dropdown menu.
Users can also adjust the audio settings, such as the sample rate and bitrate, to optimize the audio quality. Additionally, users can select the “Output” tab and choose the “File” option to record the audio to a file. Users can also select the file format, such as MP3 or WAV, and set the file path and name.
What are the different audio input options available in OBS?
OBS provides several audio input options, including microphone, line-in, and virtual audio devices. Users can select the microphone option to record audio from their computer’s built-in microphone or an external microphone. The line-in option allows users to record audio from an external audio device, such as a mixer or a musical instrument.
Users can also select virtual audio devices, such as a virtual audio cable or a software synthesizer, to record audio from other applications or software instruments. Additionally, OBS supports multiple audio input devices, allowing users to record and mix multiple audio sources simultaneously.
How do I adjust the audio levels in OBS?
To adjust the audio levels in OBS, users can use the audio mixer panel. The audio mixer panel displays the audio levels for each audio input device, and users can adjust the levels by clicking and dragging the sliders. Users can also use the “Gain” control to boost or attenuate the audio signal.
Additionally, OBS provides a range of audio filters, such as noise reduction and compression, that can be used to enhance the audio quality. Users can access these filters by clicking on the “Filters” button in the audio mixer panel. By adjusting the audio levels and applying filters, users can optimize the audio quality and achieve professional-sounding recordings.
Can I record multiple audio tracks simultaneously with OBS?
Yes, OBS allows users to record multiple audio tracks simultaneously. This feature is useful for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and other types of audio content that require multiple audio sources. To record multiple audio tracks, users need to select the “Advanced” option in the OBS settings and enable the “Multi-track” option.
Once enabled, users can select multiple audio input devices and record them to separate audio tracks. OBS also provides a range of features for mixing and editing multiple audio tracks, including volume control, panning, and audio filters. By recording multiple audio tracks simultaneously, users can create complex audio productions with ease.
How do I export and edit my recorded audio files?
To export and edit recorded audio files, users can use a range of audio editing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. OBS allows users to export recorded audio files in a range of formats, including MP3, WAV, and FLAC. Users can select the file format and set the file path and name in the OBS settings.
Once exported, users can import the audio files into their preferred audio editing software and edit them using a range of tools and features. Users can trim and cut the audio, adjust the levels, and apply effects such as reverb and delay. By editing their recorded audio files, users can refine their audio productions and achieve professional-sounding results.
What are some common issues with recording audio in OBS?
Some common issues with recording audio in OBS include audio distortion, low volume, and synchronization problems. Audio distortion can occur when the audio levels are too high, causing the signal to clip. To resolve this issue, users can adjust the audio levels and apply compression filters.
Low volume can occur when the audio input device is not selected correctly or the audio levels are too low. To resolve this issue, users can select the correct audio input device and adjust the audio levels. Synchronization problems can occur when the audio and video tracks are not synchronized correctly. To resolve this issue, users can adjust the synchronization settings in OBS and ensure that the audio and video tracks are aligned correctly.