Are you a content creator, gamer, or educator looking to record high-quality desktop audio on your Mac using OBS (Open Broadcasting Software)? Look no further. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to record desktop audio with OBS on Mac, covering the basics, advanced settings, and troubleshooting tips.
Getting Started with OBS on Mac
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording desktop audio, let’s cover the basics of setting up OBS on your Mac.
Downloading and Installing OBS
To get started, you’ll need to download and install OBS on your Mac. Here’s how:
- Go to the OBS website (https://obsproject.com/) and click on the “Download” button.
- Select the Mac version of OBS and click on the “Download” button again.
- Once the download is complete, open the installer package and follow the prompts to install OBS on your Mac.
Setting Up OBS for the First Time
When you launch OBS for the first time, you’ll be greeted with a setup wizard that will guide you through the process of setting up your audio and video devices. Here’s what you need to do:
- Select your language and click on the “Next” button.
- Choose your audio device (e.g., built-in microphone or external audio interface) and click on the “Next” button.
- Select your video device (e.g., built-in camera or external webcam) and click on the “Next” button.
- Choose your desired resolution and frame rate, and click on the “Next” button.
- Finally, click on the “Finish” button to complete the setup process.
Recording Desktop Audio with OBS on Mac
Now that you’ve set up OBS on your Mac, it’s time to learn how to record desktop audio. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Configuring Audio Settings
To record desktop audio, you’ll need to configure your audio settings in OBS. Here’s how:
- Go to the “Settings” menu and select “Audio” from the dropdown menu.
- In the “Audio Settings” window, select “Core Audio” as your audio device.
- Make sure that the “Desktop Audio” option is selected, and adjust the volume levels to your liking.
Adding a Desktop Audio Source
To record desktop audio, you’ll need to add a desktop audio source to your OBS scene. Here’s how:
- Go to the “Sources” panel and click on the “+” button.
- Select “Audio Output Capture” from the list of available sources.
- Name your audio source (e.g., “Desktop Audio”) and click on the “OK” button.
Recording Desktop Audio
Now that you’ve configured your audio settings and added a desktop audio source, you’re ready to start recording. Here’s how:
- Go to the “Start Recording” button and click on it to begin recording.
- OBS will start recording your desktop audio, and you can monitor the audio levels in the “Audio Mixer” panel.
- To stop recording, simply click on the “Stop Recording” button.
Advanced Audio Settings in OBS
While the basic audio settings in OBS are sufficient for most users, there are some advanced settings that you can use to fine-tune your audio quality. Here are a few examples:
Audio Filters
OBS allows you to apply audio filters to your desktop audio source, which can help to improve the quality of your recordings. Here are a few examples of audio filters that you can use:
- Noise Suppression: This filter helps to reduce background noise in your recordings.
- Noise Gate: This filter helps to eliminate loud noises in your recordings.
- Equalization: This filter allows you to adjust the tone of your recordings.
Audio Compression
OBS also allows you to apply audio compression to your desktop audio source, which can help to even out the volume levels in your recordings. Here’s how to use audio compression in OBS:
- Go to the “Audio Settings” window and select the “Compression” tab.
- Adjust the compression settings to your liking, and click on the “OK” button.
Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues in OBS
While OBS is a powerful tool for recording desktop audio, there are some common audio issues that you may encounter. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these issues:
No Audio Being Recorded
If you’re not getting any audio in your recordings, here are a few things to check:
- Make sure that your audio device is selected in the “Audio Settings” window.
- Check that the “Desktop Audio” option is selected, and adjust the volume levels to your liking.
- Try restarting OBS and see if that resolves the issue.
Audio Delay or Sync Issues
If you’re experiencing audio delay or sync issues in your recordings, here are a few things to check:
- Make sure that your audio device is set to the correct sample rate and bit depth.
- Check that the “Audio Sync” option is enabled in the “Audio Settings” window.
- Try adjusting the audio delay settings in the “Audio Settings” window.
Conclusion
Recording desktop audio with OBS on Mac is a straightforward process that requires some basic setup and configuration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to record high-quality desktop audio with ease. Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, or educator, OBS is a powerful tool that can help you to achieve your goals.
What is OBS and how does it work for desktop audio recording on Mac?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used for capturing and mixing audio and video in real-time. OBS works by allowing users to select the audio sources they want to record, such as the system audio, microphone, or external audio devices. It then captures and mixes the audio signals, allowing users to adjust levels, add effects, and more.
For desktop audio recording on Mac, OBS provides a user-friendly interface for selecting and configuring audio sources. Users can choose to record system audio, which includes all sounds coming from the computer, or select a specific audio device, such as a USB microphone. OBS also allows users to adjust audio settings, such as sample rate and bitrate, to ensure high-quality recordings.
What are the system requirements for running OBS on Mac?
To run OBS on Mac, users need to have a computer that meets certain system requirements. The minimum requirements include a Mac with macOS 10.13 or later, a 64-bit processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to have a Mac with a more recent operating system, a faster processor, and more RAM.
Additionally, users need to ensure that their Mac has a compatible audio interface or sound card. OBS supports a wide range of audio devices, including built-in Mac audio and external USB devices. Users can check the OBS website for a list of compatible devices and system requirements.
How do I set up OBS for desktop audio recording on Mac?
To set up OBS for desktop audio recording on Mac, users need to download and install the software from the OBS website. Once installed, users can launch OBS and select the “Settings” option from the menu. In the settings window, users can select the audio device they want to use, such as the built-in Mac audio or an external USB microphone.
Users can also configure other settings, such as the sample rate, bitrate, and audio format. Additionally, users can set up hotkeys to start and stop recording, and adjust other preferences to customize their recording experience. Once the settings are configured, users can start recording by clicking the “Start Recording” button.
Can I record multiple audio sources simultaneously with OBS on Mac?
Yes, OBS allows users to record multiple audio sources simultaneously on Mac. Users can select multiple audio devices, such as the system audio and a USB microphone, and OBS will capture and mix the audio signals in real-time. This feature is useful for recording podcasts, interviews, or other types of audio content that require multiple audio sources.
To record multiple audio sources, users need to select the “Audio Mixer” option in the OBS settings window. From there, users can add multiple audio devices and adjust the levels and settings for each device. Users can also use the “Audio Filters” option to add effects, such as noise reduction or equalization, to individual audio sources.
How do I add audio effects and filters to my recordings with OBS on Mac?
OBS provides a range of audio effects and filters that users can add to their recordings on Mac. To access the audio effects and filters, users need to select the “Audio Mixer” option in the OBS settings window. From there, users can add effects, such as noise reduction, equalization, or compression, to individual audio sources.
Users can also use the “Audio Filters” option to add more advanced effects, such as reverb or delay. Additionally, users can use third-party plugins to add more effects and filters to their recordings. OBS supports a wide range of plugins, including VST and AU plugins.
Can I record audio in lossless formats with OBS on Mac?
Yes, OBS allows users to record audio in lossless formats on Mac. Users can select the “FLAC” or “WAV” format in the OBS settings window to record audio in a lossless format. Lossless formats preserve the original audio quality, making them ideal for professional audio applications.
To record in a lossless format, users need to select the “Settings” option in OBS and navigate to the “Output” tab. From there, users can select the “FLAC” or “WAV” format and adjust other settings, such as the sample rate and bitrate. Users can also use the “Audio Mixer” option to adjust the levels and settings for individual audio sources.
How do I export and share my audio recordings made with OBS on Mac?
Once users have finished recording with OBS on Mac, they can export and share their audio files in a variety of formats. OBS allows users to export audio files in formats such as MP3, WAV, and FLAC. Users can also use third-party software to convert their audio files to other formats.
To export an audio file, users need to select the “File” option in OBS and navigate to the “Export” option. From there, users can select the format and settings for their exported file. Users can also use the “Share” option to upload their audio files to online platforms, such as YouTube or SoundCloud.