Are you tired of dealing with unwanted Discord audio in your OBS recordings? Do you struggle to find the right settings to exclude Discord audio from your streams and videos? Look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of configuring OBS to exclude Discord audio from your recordings.
Understanding OBS and Discord Audio
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand how OBS and Discord interact with each other. OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) is a popular screen recording and streaming software that allows users to capture and mix audio from multiple sources. Discord, on the other hand, is a communication platform designed for gamers and communities.
When you’re using OBS to record or stream your gameplay, it’s common to have Discord running in the background to communicate with your teammates or friends. However, this can sometimes lead to unwanted Discord audio being recorded or streamed along with your gameplay. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to create a professional-looking video or stream.
Why Exclude Discord Audio?
There are several reasons why you might want to exclude Discord audio from your OBS recordings:
- Improved audio quality: By excluding Discord audio, you can focus on capturing high-quality audio from your gameplay, music, or other sources.
- Reduced background noise: Discord audio can sometimes introduce background noise or distractions that can detract from your recording or stream.
- Enhanced viewer experience: By excluding Discord audio, you can create a more immersive experience for your viewers, who won’t be distracted by unwanted audio.
Configuring OBS to Exclude Discord Audio
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of configuring OBS to exclude Discord audio.
Method 1: Using the “Exclude” Option in OBS
One of the easiest ways to exclude Discord audio from your OBS recordings is to use the “Exclude” option. Here’s how:
- Open OBS and navigate to the “Settings” panel.
- Click on the “Audio” tab.
- In the “Audio” settings, click on the “Exclude” button next to the “Discord” option.
- In the “Exclude” window, select the Discord audio device (e.g., “Discord Audio”) and click “OK.”
By doing this, you’re telling OBS to exclude any audio coming from the Discord audio device. This should prevent Discord audio from being recorded or streamed.
Method 2: Using the “Mute” Option in Discord
Another way to exclude Discord audio from your OBS recordings is to use the “Mute” option in Discord. Here’s how:
- Open Discord and navigate to the “User Settings” panel.
- Click on the “Voice & Video” tab.
- In the “Voice & Video” settings, click on the “Mute” button next to the “Output Device” option.
- Select the “Mute” option to mute the Discord audio output.
By muting the Discord audio output, you’re preventing any audio from being sent to OBS, which should exclude it from your recordings.
Method 3: Using a Virtual Audio Cable
If you’re using a virtual audio cable (VAC) to route audio between applications, you can use it to exclude Discord audio from your OBS recordings. Here’s how:
- Open your VAC software (e.g., VoiceMeeter, Virtual Audio Cable).
- Create a new virtual audio cable and set it as the default audio device in OBS.
- In the VAC software, route the Discord audio to a separate virtual audio cable that’s not being used by OBS.
By doing this, you’re routing the Discord audio to a separate virtual audio cable that’s not being captured by OBS, which should exclude it from your recordings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re still experiencing issues with Discord audio being recorded or streamed, here are some common troubleshooting steps to try:
- Check your OBS settings: Make sure that you’ve correctly configured OBS to exclude Discord audio using one of the methods above.
- Check your Discord settings: Make sure that you’ve correctly configured Discord to mute the audio output or route it to a separate virtual audio cable.
- Check your audio devices: Make sure that your audio devices are correctly configured and not conflicting with each other.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When configuring OBS to exclude Discord audio, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting to exclude Discord audio: Make sure that you’ve correctly configured OBS to exclude Discord audio using one of the methods above.
- Using the wrong audio device: Make sure that you’re using the correct audio device in OBS and Discord to avoid conflicts.
- Not muting Discord audio: Make sure that you’ve correctly muted the Discord audio output to prevent it from being recorded or streamed.
Conclusion
Excluding Discord audio from your OBS recordings can be a challenge, but with the right configuration and troubleshooting steps, you can achieve high-quality audio that’s free from distractions. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can streamline your recordings and create a more immersive experience for your viewers.
Remember to always check your OBS settings, Discord settings, and audio devices to ensure that you’re correctly configured to exclude Discord audio. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to create professional-looking videos and streams that showcase your gameplay and personality.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Method 1: Using the “Exclude” Option in OBS | Exclude Discord audio from OBS recordings using the “Exclude” option in the OBS settings. |
| Method 2: Using the “Mute” Option in Discord | Mute the Discord audio output to prevent it from being recorded or streamed. |
| Method 3: Using a Virtual Audio Cable | Route Discord audio to a separate virtual audio cable that’s not being used by OBS. |
By following these methods and troubleshooting steps, you’ll be able to exclude Discord audio from your OBS recordings and create high-quality content that showcases your gameplay and personality.
What is OBS and why is it recording Discord audio?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a popular recording and streaming software used by many content creators. It allows users to capture and mix audio and video from multiple sources, including webcams, microphones, and screen captures. However, OBS may sometimes record Discord audio, which can be unwanted in certain situations.
To prevent OBS from recording Discord audio, you need to adjust the settings in OBS and Discord. This can be done by selecting the correct audio input and output devices, and by using the “exclusive mode” feature in OBS. By doing so, you can isolate the audio sources and prevent OBS from picking up unwanted audio from Discord.
How do I stop OBS from recording Discord audio in Windows?
To stop OBS from recording Discord audio in Windows, you need to access the OBS settings and adjust the audio input and output devices. First, open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu. Then, click on the “Audio” tab and select the correct audio input device, such as your microphone or webcam. Next, go to the “Advanced” tab and select the “Exclusive Mode” checkbox. This will allow OBS to use the selected audio device exclusively, preventing it from picking up audio from other sources, including Discord.
Additionally, you can also adjust the Discord settings to prevent it from outputting audio to the default device. To do this, open Discord and go to the “User Settings” menu. Then, click on the “Voice & Video” tab and select the “Output Device” dropdown menu. Choose a different output device, such as a virtual audio cable or a separate audio output device. This will prevent Discord audio from being recorded by OBS.
How do I stop OBS from recording Discord audio in macOS?
To stop OBS from recording Discord audio in macOS, you need to access the OBS settings and adjust the audio input and output devices. First, open OBS and go to the “Preferences” menu. Then, click on the “Audio” tab and select the correct audio input device, such as your microphone or webcam. Next, go to the “Advanced” tab and select the “Exclusive Mode” checkbox. This will allow OBS to use the selected audio device exclusively, preventing it from picking up audio from other sources, including Discord.
Additionally, you can also adjust the Discord settings to prevent it from outputting audio to the default device. To do this, open Discord and go to the “User Settings” menu. Then, click on the “Voice & Video” tab and select the “Output Device” dropdown menu. Choose a different output device, such as a virtual audio cable or a separate audio output device. This will prevent Discord audio from being recorded by OBS.
What is the “exclusive mode” feature in OBS and how does it help?
The “exclusive mode” feature in OBS allows the software to use a selected audio device exclusively, preventing it from picking up audio from other sources. When this feature is enabled, OBS will only use the selected audio device for recording and streaming, and will ignore all other audio devices. This feature is useful for preventing OBS from recording unwanted audio, such as Discord audio, and for improving the overall audio quality.
To enable the “exclusive mode” feature in OBS, go to the “Settings” menu and click on the “Audio” tab. Then, select the correct audio input device and go to the “Advanced” tab. Check the “Exclusive Mode” checkbox to enable the feature. Note that this feature may not work with all audio devices, so you may need to experiment with different devices to find one that works.
Can I use a virtual audio cable to prevent OBS from recording Discord audio?
Yes, you can use a virtual audio cable to prevent OBS from recording Discord audio. A virtual audio cable is a software-based audio device that allows you to route audio signals between different applications. By using a virtual audio cable, you can route the Discord audio to a separate audio output device, preventing it from being recorded by OBS.
To use a virtual audio cable, you need to install a virtual audio cable software, such as VoiceMeeter or Virtual Audio Cable. Then, open Discord and set the output device to the virtual audio cable. Next, open OBS and set the audio input device to a different device, such as your microphone or webcam. This will prevent OBS from recording the Discord audio.
Will disabling Discord audio in OBS affect my stream quality?
Disabling Discord audio in OBS may affect your stream quality, depending on your specific setup and requirements. If you are using Discord for voice chat or other audio purposes, disabling the audio in OBS may prevent your viewers from hearing the audio. However, if you are only using Discord for text chat or other non-audio purposes, disabling the audio in OBS may not affect your stream quality.
To minimize the impact on your stream quality, you can use a separate audio input device for your voice chat or other audio purposes. For example, you can use a separate microphone or audio interface for your voice chat, and set the audio input device in OBS to use this device. This will allow you to continue using Discord for voice chat while preventing OBS from recording the audio.
Can I use OBS to record Discord audio intentionally?
Yes, you can use OBS to record Discord audio intentionally. To do this, you need to select the correct audio input device in OBS and adjust the settings to allow OBS to record the Discord audio. First, open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu. Then, click on the “Audio” tab and select the correct audio input device, such as the default device or a virtual audio cable. Next, go to the “Advanced” tab and uncheck the “Exclusive Mode” checkbox. This will allow OBS to record audio from all sources, including Discord.
Additionally, you can also adjust the Discord settings to output audio to the default device. To do this, open Discord and go to the “User Settings” menu. Then, click on the “Voice & Video” tab and select the “Output Device” dropdown menu. Choose the default device or a virtual audio cable as the output device. This will allow OBS to record the Discord audio.