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 basics, settings, and troubleshooting tips.
Why Record Audio with OBS?
Before we dive into the process, let’s discuss why you might want to record audio with OBS. Here are a few reasons:
- High-quality audio: OBS allows you to record audio in various formats, including WAV, MP3, and AAC, ensuring high-quality sound.
- Flexibility: OBS is a versatile software that can be used for various applications, such as podcasting, voiceovers, and music recording.
- Free and open-source: OBS is completely free to use, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
Setting Up OBS for Audio Recording
To record audio with OBS, you’ll need to set up the software correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Download and Install OBS
If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from the official website. Follow the installation instructions to get the software up and running.
Step 2: Configure Your Audio Settings
Once you’ve installed OBS, launch the software and navigate to the Settings menu. Click on the Audio tab and select your desired audio device from the Mic/Auxiliary Audio Device dropdown menu.
| Audio Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Default | Uses the default audio device set in your operating system. |
| Microphone | Uses the built-in microphone or an external microphone connected to your computer. |
| Auxiliary Audio Device | Uses an external audio device, such as a USB microphone or audio interface. |
Step 3: Set Up Your Audio Settings
In the Audio tab, you’ll also find various settings to customize your audio recording experience. Here are a few key settings to consider:
- Sample Rate: Set the sample rate to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz for high-quality audio.
- Bitrate: Set the bitrate to 128 kbps or higher for high-quality audio.
- Audio Format: Choose your desired audio format, such as WAV, MP3, or AAC.
Recording Audio with OBS
Now that you’ve set up OBS for audio recording, it’s time to start recording. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create a New Scene
In the OBS main window, click the + button in the Scenes panel to create a new scene. Name your scene, such as “Audio Recording.”
Step 2: Add an Audio Source
In the Sources panel, click the + button and select Audio Input Capture. Choose your desired audio device from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Start Recording
Click the Start Recording button in the OBS main window to begin recording your audio. You can also use the Hotkeys feature to start and stop recording with a keyboard shortcut.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while recording audio with OBS, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Audio Not Recording
If your audio is not recording, check the following:
- Audio Device: Ensure that your audio device is selected correctly in the Audio tab.
- Volume Levels: Check that your volume levels are not muted or too low.
- Audio Source: Ensure that your audio source is added correctly in the Sources panel.
Audio Quality Issues
If you’re experiencing audio quality issues, try the following:
- Sample Rate: Increase the sample rate to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.
- Bitrate: Increase the bitrate to 128 kbps or higher.
- Audio Format: Try a different audio format, such as WAV or AAC.
Conclusion
Recording audio with OBS is a straightforward process that requires minimal setup. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create high-quality audio recordings using OBS. Whether you’re a podcaster, voiceover artist, or musician, OBS is an excellent choice for your audio recording needs.
What is OBS and how 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, podcasters, and other content creators to record and stream high-quality audio and video. OBS allows users to capture audio from various sources, including microphones, webcams, and computer audio, and mix them together to create a professional-sounding recording.
One of the key benefits of using OBS for recording audio is its flexibility and customization options. Users can adjust settings such as gain levels, EQ, and compression to fine-tune their audio and achieve the desired sound. Additionally, OBS supports a wide range of audio formats and can export recordings in various file types, making it easy to share and edit recordings.
What are the system requirements for recording audio with OBS?
To record audio with OBS, you’ll need a computer with a relatively modern operating system, such as Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra. You’ll also need a decent processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and a compatible audio interface or sound card. Additionally, you’ll need a microphone or other audio source, such as a webcam or computer audio.
In terms of specific hardware requirements, OBS can run on a variety of systems, but a dedicated graphics card and a multi-core processor can help improve performance and reduce lag. It’s also worth noting that OBS is available for Linux, but the system requirements may vary depending on the distribution.
How do I set up OBS for recording audio?
To set up OBS for recording audio, start by downloading and installing the software from the official OBS website. Once installed, launch OBS and select the “Settings” option from the menu. In the Settings window, navigate to the “Audio” tab and select your audio device from the dropdown menu. You can also adjust settings such as gain levels and sample rate from this tab.
Next, create a new scene in OBS by clicking the “+” button in the Scenes panel. Name your scene and add an audio source, such as a microphone or computer audio, by clicking the “+” button in the Sources panel. You can then adjust the audio settings and levels for your source in the Audio Mixer panel.
What are the best audio settings for recording with OBS?
The best audio settings for recording with OBS will depend on your specific needs and equipment. However, here are some general guidelines to get you started. For the sample rate, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz are good starting points, while 16-bit or 24-bit are suitable for most recordings. You can also adjust the gain levels and EQ settings to fine-tune your audio and achieve the desired sound.
In terms of specific settings, it’s a good idea to start with a flat EQ and adjust from there. You can also use the built-in compressor and limiter to control the dynamic range of your audio and prevent clipping. Additionally, consider using a noise reduction filter to minimize background noise and hiss.
How do I record audio from multiple sources with OBS?
To record audio from multiple sources with OBS, start by creating a new scene and adding multiple audio sources, such as a microphone and computer audio. You can then adjust the levels and settings for each source in the Audio Mixer panel. To mix the audio sources together, click the “Mix/Aux” button in the Audio Mixer panel and select the “Mix” option.
You can also use the “Aux” option to create a separate audio mix for each source, which can be useful for creating separate audio tracks or exporting individual audio files. Additionally, consider using the “Gain Staging” feature to optimize the gain levels for each source and achieve a balanced mix.
How do I export and edit my recorded audio in OBS?
To export your recorded audio in OBS, navigate to the “Settings” window and select the “Output” tab. From here, you can choose the file format, sample rate, and bit depth for your exported audio. You can also select the “Export” option to export your recording as a separate audio file.
Once exported, you can edit your recorded audio using a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. You can also use OBS’s built-in audio editing features, such as the “Audio Filters” panel, to make basic edits and adjustments to your recording.
What are some common issues with recording audio in OBS?
Some common issues with recording audio in OBS include audio lag, distortion, and background noise. To troubleshoot these issues, start by checking your audio settings and adjusting the gain levels and sample rate as needed. You can also try using a different audio interface or sound card, or adjusting the buffer size and latency settings.
Additionally, consider using noise reduction filters or EQ settings to minimize background noise and hiss. If you’re experiencing audio lag or delay, try adjusting the “Sync Offset” setting in the Audio Mixer panel or using a separate audio interface with a lower latency.