Open Broadcasting Software, commonly known as OBS, is a popular free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. While it’s primarily used for video content creation, many users wonder if they can use OBS to record audio only. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of OBS and explore its audio recording capabilities.
Understanding OBS and Its Audio Recording Features
OBS is a powerful software that allows users to capture and mix video and audio in real-time. It’s widely used by gamers, YouTubers, and live streamers to create high-quality content. While its primary focus is on video, OBS also offers robust audio recording features that make it an excellent choice for podcasters, voiceover artists, and musicians.
Audio Sources in OBS
OBS allows users to add multiple audio sources, including:
- Microphone: Capture audio from your computer’s built-in microphone or an external microphone.
- Auxiliary: Record audio from an external device, such as a mixer or a musical instrument.
- Browser: Capture audio from a web browser, such as a YouTube video or a podcast.
- Media File: Play and record audio from a media file, such as an MP3 or WAV file.
Configuring Audio Settings in OBS
To record audio only in OBS, you’ll need to configure the audio settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open OBS and create a new scene.
- Click on the “+” button in the sources panel and select “Audio Input Capture.”
- Choose your audio source, such as a microphone or auxiliary device.
- Adjust the audio settings, such as gain and volume, to your liking.
- Click on the “Settings” button and select “Output.”
- In the output settings, select “Audio Only” as the recording format.
- Choose your desired audio codec, such as MP3 or WAV.
Benefits of Using OBS for Audio Recording
While there are many audio recording software options available, OBS offers several benefits that make it an attractive choice:
- Free and Open-Source: OBS is completely free to use, with no hidden costs or subscription fees.
- High-Quality Audio: OBS can record high-quality audio, up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- Multi-Track Recording: OBS allows you to record multiple audio tracks simultaneously, making it ideal for podcasters and musicians.
- Easy to Use: OBS has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to configure and use, even for beginners.
Common Use Cases for OBS Audio Recording
OBS is a versatile software that can be used for a variety of audio recording applications, including:
- Podcasting: Record high-quality podcast episodes with multiple guests and tracks.
- Voiceovers: Record voiceovers for videos, animations, and video games.
- Music Production: Record and mix music tracks, using OBS as a digital audio workstation (DAW).
- Audiobooks: Record audiobooks, using OBS to capture high-quality audio.
Comparison with Other Audio Recording Software
While OBS is an excellent choice for audio recording, there are other software options available. Here’s a comparison with some popular audio recording software:
| Software | Price | Audio Quality | Multi-Track Recording |
| — | — | — | — |
| OBS | Free | Up to 24-bit/192kHz | Yes |
| Audacity | Free | Up to 32-bit/384kHz | Yes |
| Adobe Audition | $20.99/month | Up to 32-bit/384kHz | Yes |
| GarageBand | $0 (for Mac users) | Up to 24-bit/192kHz | Yes |
Limitations of Using OBS for Audio Recording
While OBS is a powerful software, it does have some limitations when it comes to audio recording:
- No Built-in Effects: OBS doesn’t have built-in audio effects, such as reverb or compression.
- No MIDI Support: OBS doesn’t support MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files.
- No Batch Processing: OBS doesn’t allow batch processing, making it less suitable for large-scale audio production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, OBS is a powerful software that can be used to record high-quality audio, making it an excellent choice for podcasters, voiceover artists, and musicians. While it has some limitations, its benefits, such as being free and open-source, make it an attractive option for many users. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can use OBS to record audio only and unlock its full potential.
Final Tips and Tricks
- Use a High-Quality Microphone: Invest in a good-quality microphone to capture the best possible audio.
- Adjust Your Audio Settings: Experiment with different audio settings to find the perfect balance for your recording.
- Use a Pop Filter: Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds and improve audio quality.
By following these tips and using OBS to record audio only, you can create high-quality audio content that will engage and impress your audience.
Can I Use OBS to Record Audio Only?
Yes, OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) can be used to record audio only. OBS is a powerful and versatile software that allows users to capture and record both video and audio from various sources. While it is commonly used for video recording and live streaming, it can also be used to record high-quality audio only.
To record audio only in OBS, you need to configure the software settings to disable video capture and focus on audio recording. This can be done by selecting the “Audio” option in the settings menu and choosing the desired audio source, such as a microphone or audio interface. You can also adjust the audio settings to optimize the recording quality.
What Are the Benefits of Using OBS for Audio Recording?
Using OBS for audio recording offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is its ability to record high-quality audio with low latency and minimal distortion. OBS also allows users to customize their audio settings, such as selecting the audio codec, bitrate, and sample rate, to achieve the desired sound quality.
Another benefit of using OBS for audio recording is its flexibility and compatibility with various audio sources. OBS can capture audio from multiple sources, including microphones, audio interfaces, and even video game audio. This makes it an ideal solution for podcasters, voiceover artists, and musicians who need to record high-quality audio.
How Do I Configure OBS for Audio-Only Recording?
To configure OBS for audio-only recording, you need to follow a few steps. First, open OBS and select the “Settings” option from the menu. In the settings menu, select the “Audio” tab and choose the desired audio source, such as a microphone or audio interface. Next, select the “Output” tab and choose the desired audio output format, such as MP3 or WAV.
Once you have configured the audio settings, you need to disable video capture. To do this, select the “Video” tab in the settings menu and uncheck the “Enable Video” option. This will allow OBS to focus on audio recording only. Finally, you can start recording by clicking the “Start Recording” button in the main OBS window.
Can I Use OBS to Record Audio from Multiple Sources?
Yes, OBS allows users to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously. This feature is useful for podcasters, voiceover artists, and musicians who need to record audio from multiple microphones or instruments. To record audio from multiple sources, you need to configure the audio settings in OBS to allow multiple audio inputs.
To do this, select the “Audio” tab in the settings menu and click on the “Add” button to add a new audio source. You can then select the desired audio source, such as a microphone or audio interface, and adjust the audio settings as needed. OBS will allow you to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously, and you can even adjust the audio levels and settings for each source individually.
How Do I Export My Audio Recordings from OBS?
Exporting audio recordings from OBS is a straightforward process. Once you have finished recording, you can export your audio file by selecting the “File” menu and choosing the “Export” option. OBS allows you to export audio files in various formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC.
When exporting your audio file, you can choose the desired file format, bitrate, and sample rate. You can also choose to export the audio file to a specific location on your computer or to an external hard drive. OBS also allows you to export multiple audio files at once, making it easy to manage and organize your recordings.
Can I Use OBS to Record Audio for Podcasting?
Yes, OBS is a popular choice among podcasters for recording high-quality audio. OBS allows users to record audio from multiple sources, including microphones and audio interfaces, and offers advanced audio settings to optimize the recording quality.
OBS also allows podcasters to record audio in a variety of formats, including MP3 and WAV, and can even export audio files directly to popular podcast hosting platforms. Additionally, OBS offers features such as noise reduction and gain control, making it easy to achieve professional-sounding audio recordings.
Is OBS Free to Use for Audio Recording?
Yes, OBS is completely free to use for audio recording. OBS is an open-source software, which means that it is free to download and use for personal or commercial purposes. OBS does not have any limitations or restrictions on its free version, and users can access all of its features and settings without paying a fee.
OBS is also free from any watermark or branding, making it an ideal solution for professionals and hobbyists alike. Additionally, OBS has a large community of users and developers who contribute to its development and provide support, ensuring that the software remains up-to-date and feature-rich.