Are you a gamer looking to create high-quality recordings of your gameplay, but struggling with background noise and unwanted audio? You’re not alone. Many gamers and streamers use OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) to record and stream their gameplay, but often find themselves dealing with unnecessary audio inputs. In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of making OBS only record game audio, and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.
Understanding OBS Audio Settings
Before we dive into the process of isolating game audio, it’s essential to understand how OBS handles audio inputs. OBS allows you to add multiple audio sources, including your microphone, game audio, and any other external audio devices. By default, OBS will record all audio sources simultaneously, which can lead to a messy and distracting recording.
To access OBS audio settings, follow these steps:
- Open OBS and navigate to the “Settings” panel
- Click on the “Audio” tab
- Here, you’ll see a list of available audio devices, including your microphone, game audio, and any other external audio devices
Audio Input Options
OBS provides several audio input options, including:
- Mic/Aux: This input captures audio from your microphone or any other external audio device connected to your computer’s audio input jack.
- Desktop Audio: This input captures audio from your computer’s desktop, including game audio, music, and any other sounds played through your computer’s speakers.
- Game Capture: This input captures audio from your game, but may also include other system sounds and background noise.
Isolating Game Audio in OBS
Now that we’ve covered the basics of OBS audio settings, let’s explore how to isolate game audio. There are a few methods to achieve this, and we’ll cover each one in detail.
Method 1: Using the “Game Capture” Audio Input
The first method involves using the “Game Capture” audio input in OBS. This input is specifically designed to capture audio from your game, but it may also include other system sounds and background noise. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Open OBS and navigate to the “Settings” panel
- Click on the “Audio” tab
- Select the “Game Capture” audio input from the list of available devices
- Make sure the “Use custom audio device” option is unchecked
This method is straightforward, but it may not provide the best results, especially if you’re dealing with background noise or system sounds.
Method 2: Using the “Desktop Audio” Input with Audio Filters
The second method involves using the “Desktop Audio” input in OBS, combined with audio filters to isolate game audio. This method provides more control over the audio input and can help reduce background noise and system sounds. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Open OBS and navigate to the “Settings” panel
- Click on the “Audio” tab
- Select the “Desktop Audio” input from the list of available devices
- Make sure the “Use custom audio device” option is unchecked
- Click on the “Filters” button next to the “Desktop Audio” input
- Add a new filter by clicking the “+” button
- Select the “Noise Suppression” filter and adjust the settings to your liking
- Add another filter by clicking the “+” button
- Select the “Noise Gate” filter and adjust the settings to your liking
This method requires more setup and tweaking, but it can provide better results than the first method.
Method 3: Using a Virtual Audio Cable
The third method involves using a virtual audio cable to isolate game audio. A virtual audio cable is a software-based audio device that can capture and redirect audio signals. To use this method, you’ll need to download and install a virtual audio cable software, such as Virtual Audio Cable or VoiceMeeter.
Once you’ve installed the virtual audio cable software, follow these steps:
- Open OBS and navigate to the “Settings” panel
- Click on the “Audio” tab
- Select the virtual audio cable as the audio input device
- Make sure the “Use custom audio device” option is unchecked
- Configure the virtual audio cable software to capture game audio only
This method requires more setup and configuration, but it can provide the best results, especially if you’re dealing with complex audio setups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making OBS only record game audio is possible, but it requires some setup and tweaking. By understanding OBS audio settings and using the right methods, you can isolate game audio and create high-quality recordings. Whether you’re a gamer, streamer, or content creator, this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to take your recordings to the next level.
Remember, the key to achieving high-quality recordings is to experiment and find the right combination of audio inputs and filters that work best for your specific setup. Don’t be afraid to try different methods and adjust settings until you get the desired results.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create professional-sounding recordings that showcase your gaming skills and entertain your audience. Happy recording!
Can OBS only record game audio?
OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) is a popular recording and streaming software that allows users to capture and mix audio from various sources. While OBS is primarily designed to record and stream video, it can also be configured to only record game audio. This can be useful for content creators who want to focus on the audio aspect of their gameplay or for those who want to create audio-only recordings.
To record only game audio in OBS, users can select the “Audio” option in the “Settings” menu and choose the desired audio source, such as the game’s audio output or a microphone. Users can also adjust the audio settings to optimize the quality of the recording. Additionally, OBS allows users to add filters and effects to the audio, such as noise reduction or echo cancellation, to enhance the overall quality of the recording.
How do I set up OBS to record only game audio?
To set up OBS to record only game audio, users need to follow a few steps. First, they need to open OBS and select the “Settings” menu. From there, they need to navigate to the “Audio” section and select the desired audio source, such as the game’s audio output or a microphone. Users can also adjust the audio settings, such as the sample rate and bitrate, to optimize the quality of the recording.
Once the audio settings are configured, users can select the “Start Recording” button to begin recording the game audio. OBS will then capture the audio from the selected source and save it to a file. Users can also monitor the audio levels and adjust the settings as needed to ensure the best possible quality. Additionally, OBS allows users to add multiple audio sources and mix them together, allowing for more complex audio recordings.
What are the benefits of recording only game audio?
Recording only game audio can be beneficial for content creators who want to focus on the audio aspect of their gameplay. By isolating the game audio, users can create high-quality recordings that are free from background noise and other distractions. This can be particularly useful for creating audio-only content, such as podcasts or audio guides.
Additionally, recording only game audio can also help to reduce the file size of the recording, making it easier to store and share. This can be particularly useful for users who need to record long gameplay sessions or who want to create a large library of audio recordings. Overall, recording only game audio can be a useful feature for content creators who want to focus on the audio aspect of their gameplay.
Can I record game audio and video separately in OBS?
Yes, OBS allows users to record game audio and video separately. This can be useful for content creators who want to create separate audio and video files, or who want to edit the audio and video separately. To record game audio and video separately in OBS, users can select the “Settings” menu and navigate to the “Output” section.
From there, users can select the “Recording” tab and choose the “Separate audio and video” option. This will allow OBS to record the game audio and video as separate files, which can then be edited and mixed together separately. This feature can be particularly useful for content creators who want to create complex video and audio productions.
How do I add filters and effects to my game audio recordings in OBS?
OBS allows users to add filters and effects to their game audio recordings, such as noise reduction or echo cancellation. To add filters and effects, users can select the “Settings” menu and navigate to the “Audio” section. From there, they can select the “Filters” tab and choose from a range of filters and effects.
Users can also adjust the settings for each filter and effect to optimize the quality of the recording. For example, they can adjust the noise reduction level or the echo cancellation delay to get the best possible sound. Additionally, OBS allows users to add multiple filters and effects and mix them together, allowing for more complex audio recordings.
Can I use OBS to record game audio on multiple platforms?
Yes, OBS can be used to record game audio on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. OBS is a cross-platform software that can be installed on a range of devices, making it a versatile tool for content creators. To record game audio on multiple platforms, users can simply install OBS on their device and follow the same steps as outlined above.
OBS also supports a range of audio formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC, making it easy to share and edit recordings across different platforms. Additionally, OBS allows users to stream their recordings live, making it a popular choice for content creators who want to share their gameplay with a live audience.
Are there any limitations to recording only game audio in OBS?
While OBS is a powerful tool for recording game audio, there are some limitations to recording only game audio. For example, OBS may not be able to capture audio from certain games or applications that use proprietary audio formats. Additionally, OBS may not be able to record audio from games that use surround sound or other advanced audio features.
However, OBS is constantly being updated and improved, and many of these limitations are being addressed in new versions of the software. Additionally, OBS has a large community of users and developers who create plugins and scripts to extend the software’s functionality, making it a versatile tool for content creators.