Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is a popular, free, and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It’s widely used by gamers, YouTubers, and podcasters due to its flexibility and customization options. One of the common questions asked by OBS users is whether it’s possible to record audio only on OBS. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide a step-by-step guide on how to record audio only on OBS.
Why Record Audio Only on OBS?
Before we dive into the process of recording audio only on OBS, let’s discuss why you might want to do so. There are several scenarios where recording audio only is necessary or preferred:
- Podcasting: If you’re a podcaster, you might want to record audio only for your episodes. OBS allows you to record high-quality audio, which is essential for podcasting.
- Voiceovers: If you’re creating voiceovers for videos or animations, you might want to record audio only. OBS provides a clean and noise-free audio recording environment.
- Audio commentary: If you’re creating audio commentary for videos or live streams, you might want to record audio only. OBS allows you to record high-quality audio commentary.
Can You Record Audio Only on OBS?
The answer to this question is yes, you can record audio only on OBS. OBS provides an option to record audio only, which is useful for podcasters, voiceover artists, and audio commentators. To record audio only on OBS, you’ll need to configure the software settings accordingly.
Configuring OBS for Audio-Only Recording
To configure OBS for audio-only recording, follow these steps:
- Open OBS and create a new scene by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Name your scene and click “OK.”
- In the “Sources” panel, click the “+” button and select “Audio Input Capture.”
- Select your audio input device from the list of available devices.
- In the “Settings” panel, click on the “Output” tab.
- In the “Output Mode” dropdown menu, select “Advanced.”
- In the “Recording” section, select “Audio Only” from the “Recording Format” dropdown menu.
- Choose your desired audio format, such as MP3 or WAV.
- Set your desired audio quality settings, such as bitrate and sample rate.
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
Recording Audio Only on OBS
Once you’ve configured OBS for audio-only recording, you can start recording your audio. To do so, follow these steps:
- Make sure your audio input device is selected and configured correctly.
- Click the “Start Recording” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- OBS will start recording your audio only.
- To stop recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.
Tips and Tricks for Recording Audio Only on OBS
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best out of recording audio only on OBS:
- Use a high-quality audio input device: Invest in a good quality audio input device, such as a USB microphone or an audio interface.
- Configure your audio settings correctly: Make sure your audio settings are configured correctly, including your audio format, bitrate, and sample rate.
- Use a pop filter: Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds and improve your audio quality.
- Record in a quiet environment: Record in a quiet environment to minimize background noise and improve your audio quality.
Common Issues with Recording Audio Only on OBS
Here are some common issues you might encounter when recording audio only on OBS:
- Audio delay: You might experience audio delay when recording audio only on OBS. To fix this, try adjusting your audio settings or using a different audio input device.
- Audio distortion: You might experience audio distortion when recording audio only on OBS. To fix this, try adjusting your audio settings or using a different audio input device.
- Audio dropouts: You might experience audio dropouts when recording audio only on OBS. To fix this, try adjusting your audio settings or using a different audio input device.
Conclusion
Recording audio only on OBS is a straightforward process that requires some configuration and setup. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can record high-quality audio only on OBS. Remember to use a high-quality audio input device, configure your audio settings correctly, and record in a quiet environment to get the best out of recording audio only on OBS.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for more information on recording audio only on OBS, here are some additional resources:
- OBS documentation: The official OBS documentation provides detailed information on how to configure OBS for audio-only recording.
- OBS forums: The OBS forums are a great place to ask questions and get help from other OBS users.
- YouTube tutorials: There are many YouTube tutorials available that provide step-by-step instructions on how to record audio only on OBS.
By following the steps outlined in this article and using the additional resources provided, you can record high-quality audio only on OBS and take your podcasting, voiceover, or audio commentary to the next level.
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 audiobooks. Its ability to handle multiple audio sources and apply effects in real-time makes it a powerful tool for audio production. Additionally, OBS is compatible with a wide range of audio formats and can export recordings in various file types, including MP3, WAV, and AAC.
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 creating a new scene and adding an audio source, such as a microphone or audio interface. You can then adjust the audio settings to optimize the quality of your recording.
Once you have set up your audio source, you can configure the recording settings to specify the file format, bitrate, and sample rate. You can also apply effects, such as noise reduction and compression, to enhance the quality of your recording. Additionally, you can set up OBS to automatically start and stop recording at specified times or when a certain condition is met.
What are the different types of audio sources in OBS?
OBS supports a variety of audio sources, including microphones, audio interfaces, and virtual audio cables. You can also capture audio from external devices, such as CD players or turntables, using a USB audio interface. Additionally, OBS allows you to capture audio from software applications, such as web browsers or media players.
When selecting an audio source, it’s essential to consider the quality and compatibility of the device. For example, a high-quality microphone will produce better sound than a built-in laptop microphone. You should also ensure that the audio source is properly configured and connected to your computer before starting the recording.
How do I record audio from multiple sources in OBS?
To record audio from multiple sources in OBS, you need to create a new scene and add multiple audio sources. You can then adjust the levels and settings for each source to optimize the quality of your recording. OBS allows you to mix and match different audio sources, such as microphones and audio interfaces, to create a unique sound.
When recording from multiple sources, it’s essential to consider the synchronization and latency of each source. You can use OBS’s built-in synchronization tools to ensure that all sources are in sync and that there is minimal latency. Additionally, you can apply effects, such as noise reduction and compression, to each source to enhance the overall quality of your recording.
Can I record audio-only content in OBS without a video source?
Yes, you can record audio-only content in OBS without a video source. To do this, you need to create a new scene and add an audio source, such as a microphone or audio interface. You can then configure the recording settings to specify the file format, bitrate, and sample rate.
When recording audio-only content, you can focus on optimizing the audio quality without worrying about video settings. You can apply effects, such as noise reduction and compression, to enhance the quality of your recording. Additionally, you can use OBS’s built-in audio monitoring tools to ensure that your recording sounds great.
How do I export and edit my recorded audio in OBS?
To export your recorded audio in OBS, you need to go to the “File” menu and select “Export”. You can then choose the file format, bitrate, and sample rate for your exported file. OBS supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC.
Once you have exported your recorded audio, you can edit it using a digital audio workstation (DAW) or audio editing software. You can trim, cut, and arrange your audio clips to create a polished final product. Additionally, you can apply effects, such as reverb and EQ, to enhance the sound quality of your recording.
What are some common issues when recording audio-only content in OBS?
Some common issues when recording audio-only content in OBS include audio latency, distortion, and noise. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor audio source quality, incorrect settings, and software conflicts.
To troubleshoot these issues, you can try adjusting the audio settings, updating your drivers, and using noise reduction and compression effects. You can also try recording in a different environment or using a different audio source to see if the issue persists. Additionally, you can seek help from the OBS community or online forums to resolve any issues you may encounter.