Are you a content creator, gamer, or educator looking to record high-quality desktop 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 desktop audio with OBS, covering the basics, advanced settings, and troubleshooting tips.
Getting Started with OBS
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording desktop audio, let’s cover the basics of OBS. OBS is a free, open-source software that allows you to record and stream video and audio content. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
To get started with OBS, follow these steps:
- Download and install OBS from the official website.
- Launch OBS and create a new scene by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Add a new source by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen. For desktop audio recording, you’ll want to select “Audio Input Capture” as your source.
Configuring Audio Settings in OBS
Now that you have OBS set up, it’s time to configure your audio settings. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- In the “Settings” window, click on the “Audio” tab.
- Under “Global Audio Settings,” select your desired audio format, sample rate, and bitrate.
- Under “Audio Monitoring,” select your desired audio monitoring device.
Understanding Audio Formats and Sample Rates
When it comes to recording desktop audio, it’s essential to understand the different audio formats and sample rates available. Here’s a brief overview:
- Audio formats: OBS supports a range of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, and FLAC. For desktop audio recording, MP3 is a popular choice due to its high compression ratio and compatibility with most media players.
- Sample rates: The sample rate determines the quality of your audio recording. Common sample rates include 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz. For desktop audio recording, a sample rate of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz is sufficient.
Recording Desktop Audio with OBS
Now that you have your audio settings configured, it’s time to start recording desktop audio with OBS. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Start Recording” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select your desired recording format and location.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin recording.
Using the Audio Mixer in OBS
The audio mixer in OBS allows you to adjust the levels of your audio sources in real-time. To access the audio mixer, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Mixer” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the “Mixer” window, you’ll see a list of your audio sources, including your desktop audio source.
- Use the sliders to adjust the levels of your audio sources.
Using the Gain Filter in OBS
The gain filter in OBS allows you to boost or reduce the gain of your audio sources. To access the gain filter, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Filters” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the “Filters” window, select the “Gain” filter.
- Use the slider to adjust the gain of your audio source.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Desktop Audio Recording in OBS
Despite its ease of use, OBS can sometimes be finicky when it comes to recording desktop audio. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- No audio is being recorded: Check that your audio source is selected and that the levels are not muted.
- Audio is distorted or clipping: Check that the levels are not too high and that the gain filter is not set too high.
- Audio is not syncing with video: Check that the audio and video sources are synced correctly in the OBS settings.
Using External Audio Equipment with OBS
If you’re looking to take your desktop audio recording to the next level, consider using external audio equipment with OBS. Here are some options:
- USB microphones: USB microphones, such as the Blue Yeti or Rode NT-USB, offer high-quality audio and plug-and-play connectivity with OBS.
- Audio interfaces: Audio interfaces, such as the Focusrite Scarlett or PreSonus AudioBox, offer high-quality audio and multiple input options for connecting external audio equipment.
Configuring External Audio Equipment in OBS
To configure external audio equipment in OBS, follow these steps:
- Connect your external audio equipment to your computer via USB or audio interface.
- In the OBS settings, select the external audio equipment as your audio source.
- Adjust the levels and gain filter as needed to optimize the audio quality.
Conclusion
Recording desktop audio with OBS is a straightforward process that requires some basic configuration and troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to record high-quality desktop audio with OBS and take your content creation to the next level. Whether you’re a gamer, educator, or content creator, OBS is an essential tool for recording and streaming video and audio content.
| Audio Format | Sample Rate | Bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | 44.1 kHz | 128 kbps |
| AAC | 48 kHz | 256 kbps |
| FLAC | 96 kHz | 512 kbps |
Note: The table above provides a summary of common audio formats, sample rates, and bitrates used in desktop audio recording with OBS.
What is OBS and how does it relate to desktop audio recording?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. While it’s primarily used for video, OBS also has robust features for desktop audio recording, making it a popular choice among podcasters, YouTubers, and musicians. With OBS, you can capture high-quality audio from your desktop, microphone, or other external devices.
OBS’s audio recording capabilities are highly customizable, allowing you to adjust settings such as sample rate, bitrate, and format to suit your specific needs. Additionally, OBS supports multiple audio tracks, making it easy to record and mix multiple audio sources simultaneously. Whether you’re recording a podcast, voiceover, or music, OBS provides a reliable and flexible solution for capturing high-quality desktop audio.
What are the system requirements for running OBS on my computer?
To run OBS on your computer, you’ll need a relatively modern operating system, such as Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra (or later). Your computer should also have a multi-core processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. While OBS can run on lower-end hardware, these minimum requirements will ensure a smooth and stable recording experience.
In terms of specific hardware, OBS supports a wide range of audio interfaces, microphones, and webcams. If you’re planning to use an external audio device, make sure it’s compatible with your computer’s operating system and has the necessary drivers installed. Additionally, ensure that your computer’s sound settings are configured correctly to avoid any audio conflicts or issues.
How do I set up OBS for desktop audio recording?
To set up OBS for desktop audio recording, start by downloading and installing the software from the official OBS website. Once installed, launch OBS and create a new scene by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen. From here, you can add audio sources, such as your desktop audio or microphone, by clicking the “+” button in the “Sources” panel.
Next, configure your audio settings by clicking the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the screen. In the “Settings” window, navigate to the “Audio” tab and select your desired audio device, sample rate, and bitrate. You can also adjust other settings, such as gain levels and noise suppression, to optimize your audio quality. Finally, click “Start Recording” to begin capturing your desktop audio.
How do I record multiple audio tracks in OBS?
To record multiple audio tracks in OBS, you’ll need to create separate audio sources for each track. To do this, click the “+” button in the “Sources” panel and select “Audio Input Capture” or “Audio Output Capture,” depending on your desired audio source. Repeat this process for each additional audio track you want to record.
Once you’ve created multiple audio sources, you can adjust their settings individually by clicking the “Settings” button next to each source. In the “Settings” window, you can adjust settings such as gain levels, noise suppression, and EQ to optimize each audio track. When you’re ready to record, click “Start Recording” to capture all of your audio tracks simultaneously.
Can I use OBS to record audio from my microphone and desktop simultaneously?
Yes, OBS allows you to record audio from your microphone and desktop simultaneously. To do this, create two separate audio sources: one for your microphone and one for your desktop audio. You can then adjust the settings for each source individually to optimize your audio quality.
When recording both microphone and desktop audio, you can use OBS’s built-in mixing features to balance the levels and create a professional-sounding mix. You can also use OBS’s noise suppression and gain control features to reduce background noise and optimize your audio levels.
How do I export and edit my recorded audio in OBS?
To export your recorded audio in OBS, click the “Stop Recording” button and then navigate to the “Files” panel. From here, you can select your recorded audio file and choose an export format, such as WAV or MP3. You can also choose to export your audio file with or without video, depending on your needs.
Once you’ve exported your audio file, you can edit it using your preferred audio editing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. OBS also supports integration with popular video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro, making it easy to import and edit your recorded audio in your preferred video editing workflow.
What are some common issues I may encounter when recording desktop audio with OBS?
Some common issues you may encounter when recording desktop audio with OBS include audio lag, distortion, or dropped frames. These issues can often be resolved by adjusting your audio settings, such as sample rate or bitrate, or by updating your audio drivers.
Another common issue is audio conflicts or feedback, which can occur when using multiple audio devices or sources. To resolve this issue, try adjusting your audio settings or using a different audio device. Additionally, ensure that your computer’s sound settings are configured correctly to avoid any audio conflicts or issues.