Are you a gamer looking to record your gameplay with high-quality audio? Or perhaps you’re a streamer who wants to ensure that your audience can hear every detail of your game’s sound effects and music? Whatever your reason, OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) is an excellent tool for recording game audio. In this article, we’ll show you how to make OBS record game audio only, so you can focus on capturing the best possible sound for your recordings.
Understanding OBS and Its Audio Settings
Before we dive into the steps for recording game audio only, it’s essential to understand how OBS works and its various audio settings. OBS is a free and open-source software that allows you to record and stream video and audio content. It’s widely used by gamers, streamers, and content creators due to its flexibility and customization options.
OBS has several audio settings that you can adjust to suit your recording needs. These settings include:
- Audio Input: This setting allows you to select the audio input device you want to use for recording. You can choose from a variety of devices, such as your computer’s built-in microphone, a USB microphone, or a virtual audio cable.
- Audio Output: This setting allows you to select the audio output device you want to use for playback. You can choose from a variety of devices, such as your computer’s built-in speakers, a USB speaker, or a virtual audio cable.
- Audio Filters: This setting allows you to apply filters to your audio input, such as noise reduction, echo cancellation, and gain control.
Configuring OBS for Game Audio Recording
To record game audio only, you’ll need to configure OBS to capture the audio from your game. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Set up your audio input: Go to the OBS settings by clicking on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS window. In the settings window, click on the “Audio” tab and select your audio input device from the dropdown menu. If you’re using a USB microphone, make sure it’s selected as the default device.
- Step 2: Select the correct audio output: In the same audio settings window, select the correct audio output device. If you’re using a virtual audio cable, make sure it’s selected as the default device.
- Step 3: Configure the audio filters: In the audio settings window, click on the “Filters” button and select the “Noise Reduction” filter. This will help reduce any background noise or hiss in your recording.
Using a Virtual Audio Cable for Game Audio Recording
A virtual audio cable is a software-based audio device that allows you to route audio signals between different applications. It’s a useful tool for recording game audio, as it allows you to capture the audio from your game without any background noise or interference.
To use a virtual audio cable for game audio recording, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Download and install a virtual audio cable software: There are several virtual audio cable software available, such as Virtual Audio Cable, VoiceMeeter, and Stereo Mix. Download and install one of these software on your computer.
- Step 2: Configure the virtual audio cable: Once you’ve installed the virtual audio cable software, configure it to route the audio from your game to OBS. This will typically involve selecting the virtual audio cable as the default audio output device in your game’s audio settings.
- Step 3: Select the virtual audio cable in OBS: In the OBS audio settings window, select the virtual audio cable as the default audio input device.
Recording Game Audio Only with OBS
Now that you’ve configured OBS for game audio recording, it’s time to start recording. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Start the recording: Click on the “Start Recording” button in the OBS window to begin the recording.
- Step 2: Play your game: Start playing your game as you normally would. The audio from your game will be captured by OBS and recorded to a file.
- Step 3: Stop the recording: When you’re finished recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button in the OBS window to stop the recording.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with recording game audio only, here are some common problems and solutions:
- Issue: No audio is being recorded: Make sure that the audio input device is selected correctly in the OBS audio settings window. Also, check that the virtual audio cable is configured correctly and selected as the default audio output device in your game’s audio settings.
- Issue: Background noise or hiss is present in the recording: Try applying a noise reduction filter to the audio input in the OBS audio settings window. You can also try using a different virtual audio cable software or adjusting the gain control on your audio input device.
Optimizing Your Recording Settings for Better Audio Quality
To get the best possible audio quality from your recordings, it’s essential to optimize your recording settings. Here are some tips:
- Use a high-quality audio input device: Invest in a good-quality USB microphone or audio interface to capture high-quality audio.
- Adjust the gain control: Adjust the gain control on your audio input device to optimize the audio levels for your recording.
- Use a noise reduction filter: Apply a noise reduction filter to the audio input in the OBS audio settings window to reduce background noise and hiss.
Conclusion
Recording game audio only with OBS is a straightforward process that requires some basic configuration and setup. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can capture high-quality audio from your game and create professional-sounding recordings. Remember to optimize your recording settings for better audio quality and troubleshoot any common issues that may arise. Happy recording!
What is OBS and how is it used for recording game 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 to record and stream their gameplay, including audio. OBS allows users to capture and mix audio from multiple sources, such as microphones, game audio, and music, and record it in high quality.
OBS is particularly useful for recording game audio because it allows users to customize their audio settings and adjust the levels of different audio sources in real-time. This means that users can ensure that their voice is loud and clear, while also capturing the game audio and other sounds in the background. Additionally, OBS supports a wide range of audio formats and can record audio in high-quality formats such as WAV and MP3.
What equipment do I need to record game audio with OBS?
To record game audio with OBS, you will need a few pieces of equipment. First, you will need a computer with a decent processor, RAM, and storage. You will also need a microphone to capture your voice, such as a USB microphone or a headset with a built-in microphone. Additionally, you will need a pair of headphones or speakers to listen to the game audio and your own voice.
You may also need a capture card if you want to record gameplay from a console or other external device. A capture card allows you to connect your console or other device to your computer and capture the video and audio signals. Some popular capture cards include the Elgato HD60 and the AVerMedia Extremecap U3.
How do I set up OBS for recording game audio?
To set up OBS for recording game audio, you will need to download and install the software on your computer. Once installed, you can launch OBS and create a new scene. In the scene settings, you can select the audio sources you want to capture, such as your microphone and the game audio. You can also adjust the audio levels and settings to your liking.
Next, you will need to configure the video settings to capture the gameplay. You can select the video capture device, such as a capture card or a webcam, and adjust the video settings to your liking. Finally, you can start recording by clicking the “Start Recording” button. OBS will capture the audio and video signals and save them to a file on your computer.
How do I adjust the audio levels in OBS?
To adjust the audio levels in OBS, you can use the audio mixer. The audio mixer allows you to adjust the levels of different audio sources, such as your microphone and the game audio. You can also use the audio mixer to add filters and effects to your audio, such as noise reduction and echo cancellation.
To access the audio mixer, you can click on the “Mixer” button in the OBS interface. From there, you can adjust the levels of each audio source by clicking on the corresponding slider. You can also use the “Advanced” settings to adjust more detailed audio settings, such as the gain and EQ.
Can I record game audio in high quality with OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to record game audio in high quality. OBS supports a wide range of audio formats, including WAV and MP3, and can record audio at high bitrates and sample rates. This means that you can capture high-quality audio that is suitable for streaming, YouTube videos, and other applications.
To record game audio in high quality with OBS, you can adjust the audio settings to use a high bitrate and sample rate. You can also use a high-quality microphone to capture your voice, and adjust the audio levels to ensure that your voice is loud and clear. Additionally, you can use the audio mixer to add filters and effects to your audio, such as noise reduction and echo cancellation.
How do I troubleshoot common audio issues in OBS?
If you encounter common audio issues in OBS, such as low volume or distorted audio, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, you can check the audio settings to ensure that the correct audio sources are selected and the levels are adjusted correctly. You can also check the audio mixer to ensure that the levels are not too high or too low.
If the issue persists, you can try restarting OBS or your computer. You can also try updating your audio drivers or using a different audio device. Additionally, you can check the OBS forums or online documentation for troubleshooting guides and solutions to common audio issues.
Can I use OBS to record game audio on a Mac or Linux computer?
Yes, OBS is available for Mac and Linux computers, in addition to Windows. The software is free and open-source, and can be downloaded from the OBS website. The Mac and Linux versions of OBS have the same features and functionality as the Windows version, including the ability to record game audio.
To use OBS on a Mac or Linux computer, you can follow the same steps as on a Windows computer. You can download and install the software, create a new scene, and configure the audio and video settings to your liking. You can also use the audio mixer to adjust the audio levels and add filters and effects to your audio.