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 steps to record audio only on OBS, along with some tips and tricks to help you get the best possible audio quality.
Why Record Audio Only on OBS?
There are several reasons why you might want to record audio only on OBS. Here are a few:
- Podcasting: If you’re a podcaster, you might want to record high-quality audio for your episodes. OBS can help you achieve professional-grade audio without the need for expensive equipment.
- Voiceovers: If you’re creating voiceovers for videos, animations, or other multimedia content, OBS can help you record high-quality audio that’s free from background noise and other distractions.
- Music recording: If you’re a musician, you can use OBS to record high-quality audio for your music tracks. OBS supports a wide range of audio formats, including WAV, MP3, and AAC.
Setting Up OBS for Audio Recording
Before you start recording audio on OBS, you’ll need to set up the software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Installing OBS
If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from the official website. OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Configuring OBS Settings
Once you’ve installed OBS, launch the software and follow these steps:
- Select the Audio Settings: In the OBS settings panel, click on the “Settings” button and select the “Audio” tab.
- Choose the Audio Device: Select the audio device you want to use for recording. This could be your computer’s built-in microphone, a USB microphone, or an external audio interface.
- Set the Audio Format: Choose the audio format you want to use for recording. OBS supports a wide range of audio formats, including WAV, MP3, and AAC.
- Set the Sample Rate: Set the sample rate for your audio recording. A higher sample rate will result in higher quality audio, but it will also increase the file size.
Choosing the Right Audio Device
Choosing the right audio device is crucial for high-quality audio recording. Here are a few options to consider:
- Built-in Microphone: If you’re using a laptop, you can use the built-in microphone for recording. However, the quality may not be as good as a dedicated microphone.
- USB Microphone: A USB microphone is a great option for recording high-quality audio. Popular options include the Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB, and Audio-Technica AT2020USB+.
- External Audio Interface: If you’re using a digital audio workstation (DAW) or a professional audio setup, you may want to use an external audio interface. This will give you more control over your audio settings and allow you to connect multiple microphones or instruments.
Recording Audio on OBS
Once you’ve set up OBS and chosen the right audio device, you’re ready to start recording. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Starting the Recording
- Create a New Scene: In the OBS main window, click on the “+” button to create a new scene. Name the scene “Audio Recording” or something similar.
- Add an Audio Source: In the scene, click on the “+” button to add a new source. Select “Audio Input Capture” and choose the audio device you configured earlier.
- Start the Recording: Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the recording. OBS will start recording audio from the selected device.
Monitoring the Recording
While the recording is in progress, you can monitor the audio levels and adjust the settings as needed. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Audio Levels: Make sure the audio levels are not too high or too low. Aim for an average level of around -20 dB.
- Noise Reduction: If you’re recording in a noisy environment, you may want to enable noise reduction. OBS has a built-in noise reduction filter that can help reduce background noise.
Recording Audio to a File
By default, OBS will record audio to a file on your computer. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- File Format: OBS will record audio in the format you selected in the settings panel. Make sure you choose a format that’s compatible with your intended use.
- File Location: OBS will save the recorded audio file to the location you specified in the settings panel. Make sure you choose a location that’s easy to find and access.
Editing and Post-Production
Once you’ve recorded your audio, you may want to edit and enhance it. Here are a few options to consider:
- Audacity: Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s a great option for editing and enhancing your audio recordings.
- Adobe Audition: Adobe Audition is a professional audio editor that’s part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. It’s a great option for advanced audio editing and post-production.
Adding Effects and Filters
If you want to add effects and filters to your audio recording, you can use a digital audio workstation (DAW) like Audacity or Adobe Audition. Here are a few effects and filters you might want to consider:
- Noise Reduction: If you recorded your audio in a noisy environment, you may want to apply noise reduction to remove background noise.
- Equalization: Equalization can help you adjust the tone and frequency response of your audio recording.
- Compression: Compression can help you even out the audio levels and prevent loud peaks.
Conclusion
Recording audio only on OBS is a great way to create high-quality audio content without the need for expensive equipment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up OBS for audio recording, choose the right audio device, and record high-quality audio. Whether you’re a podcaster, voiceover artist, or musician, OBS is a great option for recording audio.
What is OBS and why is it used for 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 podcasters due to its flexibility and customization options. OBS allows users to capture and mix audio from multiple sources, making it an ideal choice for recording high-quality audio.
OBS is particularly useful for recording audio-only content, such as podcasts, voiceovers, and music. Its ability to handle multiple audio sources and apply effects in real-time makes it a popular choice among content creators. Additionally, OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to users across different platforms.
How do I set up OBS for recording audio only?
To set up OBS for recording audio only, you need to configure the software to capture audio from your desired source. This can be done by selecting the audio input device in the OBS settings. You can choose from a variety of audio sources, such as your computer’s built-in microphone, an external microphone, or a virtual audio cable.
Once you have selected your audio source, you can adjust the audio settings to optimize the quality of your recording. This includes setting the sample rate, bitrate, and audio format. You can also apply effects, such as noise reduction and compression, to enhance the quality of your audio. Additionally, you can configure OBS to record audio in a specific format, such as MP3 or WAV.
What are the system requirements for recording audio on OBS?
The system requirements for recording audio on OBS are relatively modest. You will need a computer with a multi-core processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). You will also need a compatible audio input device, such as a microphone or audio interface.
In terms of software requirements, you will need to have OBS installed on your computer. You can download the software from the official OBS website. Additionally, you may need to install additional software or plugins to enhance the functionality of OBS. For example, you may need to install a virtual audio cable to capture audio from a specific source.
How do I record audio from multiple sources on OBS?
To record audio from multiple sources on OBS, you need to configure the software to capture audio from each source. This can be done by adding multiple audio sources to the OBS scene. You can add audio sources, such as microphones, audio interfaces, or virtual audio cables, to the scene and adjust their settings to optimize the quality of your recording.
Once you have added multiple audio sources to the scene, you can adjust their levels and apply effects to each source individually. This allows you to customize the audio mix to your liking. Additionally, you can use the OBS mixer to adjust the levels and panning of each audio source in real-time.
Can I record audio in different formats on OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to record audio in different formats. You can choose from a variety of audio formats, such as MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of format will depend on your specific needs.
For example, MP3 is a compressed format that is suitable for web-based applications, while WAV is an uncompressed format that is suitable for professional audio applications. AAC is a compressed format that is suitable for streaming applications, while FLAC is a lossless format that is suitable for archiving audio files.
How do I troubleshoot common audio issues on OBS?
To troubleshoot common audio issues on OBS, you need to identify the source of the problem. This can be done by checking the OBS logs and adjusting the audio settings. Common audio issues on OBS include low volume, distortion, and echo.
To resolve these issues, you can try adjusting the audio levels, applying effects, or changing the audio format. You can also try updating your audio drivers or reinstalling OBS. Additionally, you can seek help from the OBS community or online forums if you are unable to resolve the issue on your own.
Can I use OBS to record audio for live streaming?
Yes, OBS can be used to record audio for live streaming. In fact, OBS is widely used by live streamers due to its flexibility and customization options. You can use OBS to capture and mix audio from multiple sources, apply effects in real-time, and stream high-quality audio to your audience.
To use OBS for live streaming, you need to configure the software to stream audio to your desired platform. This can be done by selecting the streaming platform in the OBS settings and adjusting the audio settings to optimize the quality of your stream. You can also use OBS to record audio locally while streaming, allowing you to create a backup of your stream.