Are you a gamer, podcaster, or content creator looking to capture high-quality computer audio with OBS (Open Broadcasting Software)? Look no further. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to record computer audio with OBS, covering the basics, advanced settings, and troubleshooting tips.
Getting Started with OBS
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording computer audio, let’s cover the basics of OBS. OBS is a free, open-source software that allows you to capture and record video and audio from your computer. It’s widely used by gamers, streamers, and content creators due to its flexibility, customization options, and high-quality output.
To get started with OBS, follow these steps:
- Download and install OBS from the official website (https://obsproject.com/).
- Launch OBS and select the language and theme of your choice.
- Create a new scene by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Add a source to your scene by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen. For recording computer audio, you’ll want to select “Audio Input Capture” or “Audio Output Capture” as your source.
Understanding Audio Sources in OBS
In OBS, there are two types of audio sources: Audio Input Capture and Audio Output Capture.
- Audio Input Capture: This source captures audio from your computer’s input devices, such as your microphone or webcam.
- Audio Output Capture: This source captures audio from your computer’s output devices, such as your speakers or headphones.
For recording computer audio, you’ll want to use the Audio Output Capture source. This will allow you to capture the audio that’s being played on your computer, such as game audio, music, or video soundtracks.
Configuring Audio Output Capture
To configure Audio Output Capture in OBS, follow these steps:
- Select “Audio Output Capture” as your source.
- Choose the audio device you want to capture from the “Device” dropdown menu. This is usually your computer’s default audio device.
- Select the audio format you want to capture from the “Format” dropdown menu. This is usually set to “PCM” (Pulse Code Modulation).
- Set the sample rate and bit depth to your desired settings. A higher sample rate and bit depth will result in higher-quality audio, but will also increase the file size.
Recording Computer Audio with OBS
Now that you’ve configured your audio source, it’s time to start recording. Here’s how:
- Click the “Start Recording” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Choose the recording format you want to use from the “Recording Format” dropdown menu. This is usually set to “FLV” (Flash Video) or “MP4” (MPEG-4).
- Set the recording quality to your desired settings. A higher quality setting will result in a larger file size, but will also provide better video and audio quality.
- Choose the recording location and file name for your recording.
- Click “Start Recording” to begin recording your computer audio.
Advanced Recording Settings
OBS provides a range of advanced recording settings that allow you to customize your recording experience. Here are a few options you may want to consider:
- Recording Path: This allows you to specify the location where your recordings will be saved.
- File Name: This allows you to specify the file name and format for your recordings.
- Recording Format: This allows you to choose the format for your recordings, such as FLV or MP4.
- Video Bitrate: This allows you to set the bitrate for your video recordings. A higher bitrate will result in a larger file size, but will also provide better video quality.
- Audio Bitrate: This allows you to set the bitrate for your audio recordings. A higher bitrate will result in a larger file size, but will also provide better audio quality.
Using Audio Filters in OBS
OBS provides a range of audio filters that allow you to customize your audio recordings. Here are a few options you may want to consider:
- Gain: This allows you to adjust the volume of your audio recordings.
- Noise Suppression: This allows you to reduce background noise in your audio recordings.
- Noise Gate: This allows you to set a threshold for your audio recordings, so that only audio above a certain level is recorded.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are a few common issues you may encounter when recording computer audio with OBS, along with some troubleshooting tips:
- No Audio: If you’re not getting any audio in your recordings, check that your audio source is set to “Audio Output Capture” and that your audio device is selected correctly.
- Low Audio Quality: If your audio quality is low, try increasing the sample rate and bit depth of your audio source. You can also try using a higher-quality audio device.
- Audio Delay: If you’re experiencing audio delay in your recordings, try adjusting the audio sync settings in OBS. You can also try using a lower-latency audio device.
Conclusion
Recording computer audio with OBS is a straightforward process that requires minimal setup and configuration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to capture high-quality computer audio with ease. Whether you’re a gamer, podcaster, or content creator, OBS provides a range of features and settings that allow you to customize your recording experience and produce high-quality audio and video content.
| Software | Version | Operating System |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | 27.2.4 | Windows 10, macOS, Linux |
By mastering the art of recording computer audio with OBS, you’ll be able to take your content creation to the next level and produce high-quality audio and video content that engages and inspires your audience.
What is OBS and how does it work?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It works by allowing users to capture and mix video and audio from multiple sources, such as webcams, microphones, and screen captures. OBS is widely used for recording computer audio, as well as for live streaming on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific needs. With OBS, users can record high-quality audio and video, and also add effects, transitions, and other elements to their recordings. OBS is also highly compatible with a wide range of hardware and software, making it a popular choice for content creators and streamers.
What are the system requirements for running OBS?
To run OBS, users will need a computer with a relatively modern processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. OBS is compatible with Windows 10 and later, macOS 10.13 and later, and Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Debian. Users will also need a stable internet connection if they plan to live stream with OBS.
In terms of specific hardware requirements, OBS can run on a wide range of computers, from budget-friendly laptops to high-end gaming PCs. However, for optimal performance, users may want to consider investing in a computer with a more powerful processor, additional RAM, and a high-end graphics card. This will allow for smoother recording and streaming, as well as the ability to handle more complex audio and video effects.
How do I set up OBS for recording computer audio?
To set up OBS for recording computer audio, users will need to download and install the software, and then configure the settings to capture audio from their computer. This typically involves selecting the correct audio input device, such as the computer’s built-in microphone or an external audio interface. Users will also need to adjust the audio settings to optimize the quality of the recording.
Once the audio settings are configured, users can start recording by clicking the “Start Recording” button in OBS. The software will then capture the audio from the selected input device and save it to a file on the user’s computer. Users can also customize the recording settings, such as the file format, bitrate, and sample rate, to suit their specific needs.
Can I use OBS to record audio from multiple sources?
Yes, OBS allows users to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously. This can be useful for a variety of applications, such as recording a podcast with multiple guests, or capturing audio from multiple instruments in a music recording. To record audio from multiple sources, users will need to configure the audio settings in OBS to capture audio from each source, and then mix the audio together in the software.
OBS also allows users to adjust the levels and settings for each audio source individually, allowing for precise control over the final mix. Additionally, users can use OBS’s built-in effects and processing tools to enhance the audio quality and add effects such as reverb and compression.
How do I add effects and processing to my audio recordings in OBS?
OBS allows users to add a wide range of effects and processing to their audio recordings, including filters, equalizers, and compressors. To add effects, users can click on the “Filters” button in the OBS audio settings, and then select from a list of available effects. Users can also adjust the settings for each effect to customize the sound.
In addition to built-in effects, OBS also supports third-party plugins, which can be installed to add additional functionality to the software. Users can also use OBS’s built-in scripting language to create custom effects and processing chains. This allows for a high degree of customization and flexibility, making OBS a powerful tool for audio recording and processing.
Can I use OBS to live stream audio?
Yes, OBS can be used to live stream audio, in addition to recording it. To live stream audio with OBS, users will need to set up a streaming account with a platform such as YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook, and then configure the OBS settings to stream the audio to that platform. OBS supports a wide range of streaming protocols, including RTMP, SRT, and HLS.
Once the streaming settings are configured, users can start the stream by clicking the “Start Streaming” button in OBS. The software will then capture the audio from the selected input device and stream it to the designated platform in real-time. Users can also customize the streaming settings, such as the bitrate and resolution, to optimize the quality of the stream.
How do I troubleshoot common issues with OBS?
If users encounter issues with OBS, such as audio dropouts or poor video quality, there are several troubleshooting steps they can take. First, users should check the OBS settings to ensure that the correct audio and video devices are selected, and that the settings are configured correctly. Users can also check the OBS logs for error messages, which can provide clues about the source of the problem.
Additionally, users can try updating the OBS software to the latest version, as well as updating the drivers for their audio and video hardware. Users can also seek help from the OBS community, which provides a wealth of resources and support for troubleshooting common issues.