Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) has become a household name among content creators, gamers, and live streamers. Its versatility and user-friendly interface have made it a go-to choice for recording and streaming high-quality video and audio content. However, a common question that arises among OBS users is whether the software can record only audio. In this article, we will delve into the world of OBS and explore its audio recording capabilities.
Understanding OBS and Its Audio Recording Features
OBS is a free and open-source software that allows users to record and stream video and audio content. It supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. One of the key features of OBS is its ability to record high-quality audio, which is essential for creating engaging content.
By default, OBS is set to record both video and audio. However, users can customize the settings to record only audio if needed. This feature is particularly useful for podcasters, voiceover artists, and musicians who want to record high-quality audio without the need for video.
How to Record Only Audio in OBS
Recording only audio in OBS is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Open OBS and create a new scene by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the “Sources” panel, click the “+” button and select “Audio Input Capture.”
- Choose your audio input device from the list of available options.
- In the “Settings” panel, go to the “Output” tab and select “Audio Only” from the “Recording Format” dropdown menu.
- Choose your desired audio format, such as MP3 or WAV.
- Set your audio bitrate and sample rate according to your needs.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your audio.
Customizing Audio Settings in OBS
OBS allows users to customize their audio settings to achieve the best possible quality. Here are some tips to help you optimize your audio settings:
- Use a high-quality audio input device, such as a USB microphone or an audio interface.
- Adjust your audio levels to ensure that your recording is not too loud or too quiet.
- Use noise reduction and gain filters to minimize background noise and optimize your audio signal.
- Experiment with different audio formats and bitrates to find the best balance between quality and file size.
Benefits of Recording Only Audio in OBS
Recording only audio in OBS has several benefits, including:
- Smaller file sizes: Audio files are generally smaller than video files, making them easier to store and transfer.
- Faster recording and editing: Recording only audio can speed up your workflow, as you don’t have to worry about video rendering and editing.
- Improved audio quality: By focusing solely on audio, you can optimize your settings to achieve the best possible audio quality.
Common Use Cases for Recording Only Audio in OBS
Recording only audio in OBS has several practical applications, including:
- Podcasting: OBS is a popular choice among podcasters, who use the software to record high-quality audio episodes.
- Voiceover work: Voiceover artists use OBS to record audio narrations for videos, animations, and other multimedia projects.
- Music production: Musicians use OBS to record high-quality audio tracks, which can be edited and mixed in music production software.
Alternatives to OBS for Recording Only Audio
While OBS is a powerful tool for recording only audio, there are alternative software options available. Some popular alternatives include:
- Audacity: A free and open-source audio editing software that allows users to record and edit audio files.
- Adobe Audition: A professional audio editing software that offers advanced features and tools for recording and editing audio.
- GarageBand: A free digital audio workstation (DAW) for macOS users that allows users to record and edit audio files.
Comparison of OBS and Alternative Software
Here’s a comparison of OBS and alternative software for recording only audio:
| Software | Audio Quality | Ease of Use | Cost |
| — | — | — | — |
| OBS | High | Easy | Free |
| Audacity | High | Easy | Free |
| Adobe Audition | Professional | Advanced | Paid |
| GarageBand | High | Easy | Free (for macOS users) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, OBS is a powerful tool for recording only audio, offering high-quality audio recording capabilities and customizable settings. While there are alternative software options available, OBS remains a popular choice among content creators and audio professionals. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can unlock the full potential of OBS and start recording high-quality audio today.
Whether you’re a podcaster, voiceover artist, or musician, OBS is an excellent choice for recording only audio. Its user-friendly interface, customizable settings, and high-quality audio recording capabilities make it an ideal tool for anyone looking to create professional-sounding audio content.
Can OBS Record Only Audio?
OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) is a popular recording and streaming software that can capture both video and audio. However, it is also possible to use OBS to record only audio. This can be useful for podcasters, voiceover artists, and anyone who needs to capture high-quality audio without the need for video.
To record only audio in OBS, you will need to configure the software settings to disable video capture. This can be done by selecting the “Settings” option from the main menu and then navigating to the “Output” tab. From here, you can select the “Audio Only” option and choose the desired audio format and quality settings.
How Do I Configure OBS to Record Only Audio?
Configuring OBS to record only audio is a straightforward process. To start, open the OBS software and select the “Settings” option from the main menu. From here, navigate to the “Output” tab and select the “Audio Only” option. You will then be prompted to choose the desired audio format and quality settings.
Once you have selected the audio format and quality settings, you can configure the audio input settings. This can be done by navigating to the “Input” tab and selecting the desired audio input device. You can also adjust the audio levels and apply any necessary filters or effects.
What Are the Benefits of Using OBS to Record Only Audio?
Using OBS to record only audio offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is the high-quality audio that OBS is capable of capturing. OBS supports a wide range of audio formats and quality settings, making it ideal for podcasters, voiceover artists, and anyone who needs to capture professional-grade audio.
Another benefit of using OBS to record only audio is the flexibility and customization options that the software offers. OBS allows users to configure the audio settings to suit their specific needs, including the ability to adjust audio levels, apply filters and effects, and select from a range of audio formats.
Can I Use OBS to Record Audio from Multiple Sources?
Yes, OBS can be used to record audio from multiple sources. This can be useful for podcasters, voiceover artists, and anyone who needs to capture audio from multiple microphones or audio devices. To record audio from multiple sources in OBS, you will need to configure the software settings to allow for multiple audio inputs.
To configure OBS to record audio from multiple sources, navigate to the “Input” tab and select the “Add Input” option. From here, you can select the desired audio input devices and configure the audio settings for each device. OBS allows users to mix and match different audio inputs, making it easy to capture high-quality audio from multiple sources.
How Do I Export My Audio Recordings from OBS?
Exporting audio recordings from OBS is a straightforward process. To start, navigate to the “File” menu and select the “Show Recordings” option. From here, you can select the desired audio recording and choose the export format and quality settings.
Once you have selected the export format and quality settings, OBS will export the audio recording to the desired location. OBS supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC. You can also choose to export the audio recording in a compressed or uncompressed format, depending on your specific needs.
Can I Use OBS to Record Audio on a Mac?
Yes, OBS can be used to record audio on a Mac. OBS is a cross-platform software that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. To use OBS to record audio on a Mac, simply download and install the software from the official OBS website.
Once you have installed OBS on your Mac, you can configure the software settings to record only audio. This can be done by selecting the “Settings” option from the main menu and then navigating to the “Output” tab. From here, you can select the “Audio Only” option and choose the desired audio format and quality settings.
Is OBS Free to Use for Audio Recording?
Yes, OBS is free to use for audio recording. OBS is an open-source software that is completely free to download and use. There are no subscription fees, licensing fees, or any other costs associated with using OBS to record audio.
As a free and open-source software, OBS is constantly being updated and improved by a community of developers. This means that OBS is always getting better, with new features and improvements being added all the time. Whether you’re a podcaster, voiceover artist, or simply someone who needs to capture high-quality audio, OBS is a great choice.