Are you a gamer, podcaster, or content creator looking to record high-quality audio from your Discord conversations? Look no further than OBS (Open Broadcasting Software), a free and powerful tool that can help you capture crystal-clear audio from your Discord chats. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to record Discord audio with OBS, covering everything from setting up your software to troubleshooting common issues.
Setting Up OBS for Discord Audio Recording
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording Discord audio with OBS, let’s make sure you have the necessary software installed on your computer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- OBS Studio (free download from the official OBS website)
- Discord (free download from the official Discord website)
- A computer with a stable internet connection and a decent processor
Once you have both OBS and Discord installed, let’s move on to setting up OBS for Discord audio recording.
Configuring OBS Settings
To start recording Discord audio with OBS, you’ll need to configure your OBS settings. Here’s how:
- Open OBS Studio and click on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- In the “Settings” window, click on the “Audio” tab.
- Under “Audio Settings,” select “Custom” as your audio input device.
- Click on the “Browse” button and navigate to the “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc” folder.
- Select the “hosts” file and click “Open.”
- In the “hosts” file, add the following line:
127.0.0.1 discord.com - Save the changes and close the “Settings” window.
What’s the Purpose of Editing the Hosts File?
You may be wondering why we need to edit the hosts file to record Discord audio with OBS. The reason is that Discord uses a proprietary audio codec that’s not compatible with OBS. By adding the 127.0.0.1 discord.com line to the hosts file, we’re essentially tricking Discord into thinking that it’s communicating with a local server, rather than a remote one. This allows OBS to capture the audio signal from Discord.
Setting Up Discord for Audio Recording
Now that we have OBS set up, let’s move on to configuring Discord for audio recording.
Configuring Discord Settings
To record Discord audio with OBS, you’ll need to configure your Discord settings. Here’s how:
- Open Discord and click on the “User Settings” button (represented by a gear icon) in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the “User Settings” window, click on the “Voice & Video” tab.
- Under “Voice Settings,” select “Custom” as your input device.
- Click on the “Browse” button and navigate to the “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc” folder.
- Select the “hosts” file and click “Open.”
- In the “hosts” file, add the following line:
127.0.0.1 discord.com - Save the changes and close the “User Settings” window.
What’s the Purpose of Configuring Discord Settings?
Configuring Discord settings is crucial for recording high-quality audio with OBS. By selecting “Custom” as your input device, you’re allowing Discord to use the audio signal from OBS, rather than the default audio device.
Recording Discord Audio with OBS
Now that we have both OBS and Discord set up, let’s move on to recording Discord audio with OBS.
Creating a New Scene in OBS
To record Discord audio with OBS, you’ll need to create a new scene. Here’s how:
- Open OBS Studio and click on the “Scenes” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Click on the “Plus” button to create a new scene.
- Name your scene (e.g., “Discord Audio”) and click “OK.”
Adding Audio Sources to Your Scene
To record Discord audio with OBS, you’ll need to add an audio source to your scene. Here’s how:
- In the “Scenes” window, click on the “Plus” button to add a new source.
- Select “Audio Input Capture” as your source type.
- Name your source (e.g., “Discord Audio”) and click “OK.”
- In the “Properties” window, select “Custom” as your audio input device.
- Click on the “Browse” button and navigate to the “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc” folder.
- Select the “hosts” file and click “Open.”
Starting the Recording
Now that we have our scene set up, let’s start the recording. Here’s how:
- Click on the “Start Recording” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- OBS will start recording your Discord audio.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While recording Discord audio with OBS is relatively straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them:
Issue 1: No Audio Signal
If you’re not getting any audio signal from Discord, check the following:
- Make sure you’ve configured your OBS settings correctly.
- Make sure you’ve configured your Discord settings correctly.
- Check that your audio input device is selected correctly in OBS.
Issue 2: Poor Audio Quality
If you’re experiencing poor audio quality, check the following:
- Make sure your internet connection is stable.
- Check that your audio input device is selected correctly in OBS.
- Adjust your audio settings in OBS to optimize the quality.
Conclusion
Recording Discord audio with OBS is a powerful way to capture high-quality audio from your Discord conversations. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up OBS and Discord to record crystal-clear audio from your chats. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and adjust your settings to optimize the quality of your recordings. Happy recording!
| Software | Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Latest version | https://obsproject.com/ |
| Discord | Latest version | https://discord.com/ |
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can unlock the power of Discord audio recording with OBS. Whether you’re a gamer, podcaster, or content creator, this guide will help you capture high-quality audio from your Discord conversations.
What is OBS and how does it relate to Discord audio recording?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used by gamers, content creators, and professionals to capture and stream high-quality video and audio content. When it comes to Discord audio recording, OBS can be used to capture and record audio from Discord voice channels, allowing users to save and share their conversations, meetings, or gameplay sessions.
By using OBS to record Discord audio, users can take advantage of the software’s advanced features, such as customizable settings, high-quality audio capture, and support for multiple audio sources. This makes OBS a popular choice among Discord users who want to record and share their audio content with others.
What are the system requirements for using OBS with Discord audio recording?
To use OBS with Discord audio recording, you’ll need a computer with a compatible operating system, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. Your computer should also have a decent processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and a compatible sound card. Additionally, you’ll need to have Discord installed on your computer and have a stable internet connection.
In terms of specific system requirements, OBS recommends a computer with a quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. However, the software can still run on lower-end hardware, and you can adjust the settings to optimize performance. It’s also worth noting that OBS is a relatively lightweight software, so it shouldn’t put too much strain on your computer’s resources.
How do I set up OBS to record Discord audio?
To set up OBS to record Discord audio, you’ll need to follow a few steps. First, you’ll need to download and install OBS on your computer. Once installed, launch the software and create a new scene by clicking on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen. Next, add a new audio source by clicking on the “+” button in the sources panel and selecting “Audio Input Capture”.
In the audio input capture settings, select the Discord audio source from the dropdown menu. You may need to select the specific audio device or input that corresponds to your Discord audio. Once you’ve selected the correct audio source, you can adjust the settings to optimize the audio quality and volume. Finally, click on the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your Discord audio.
Can I record multiple audio sources at once with OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to record multiple audio sources at once. This is useful if you want to record both your own audio and the audio of other users in a Discord voice channel. To record multiple audio sources, simply add multiple audio input capture sources to your scene and select the corresponding audio devices or inputs.
When recording multiple audio sources, you can adjust the settings for each source individually to optimize the audio quality and volume. You can also use OBS’s built-in audio mixer to balance the levels and adjust the audio settings in real-time. This allows you to create a professional-sounding recording with multiple audio sources.
How do I export and share my recorded Discord audio with OBS?
Once you’ve finished recording your Discord audio with OBS, you can export the file in a variety of formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC. To export the file, click on the “Stop Recording” button and then select the “File” menu. From there, select “Show Recordings” and then choose the file you want to export.
You can share your recorded Discord audio file by uploading it to a cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, or by sharing it directly with others via email or messaging apps. You can also import the file into video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro, to edit and enhance the audio.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on recording Discord audio with OBS?
While OBS is a powerful tool for recording Discord audio, there are some limitations and restrictions to be aware of. For example, Discord’s terms of service prohibit recording or sharing audio without the consent of all parties involved. Additionally, some Discord servers may have specific rules or restrictions on recording or sharing audio.
It’s also worth noting that OBS may not be able to record audio from certain Discord features, such as video calls or screen sharing. Additionally, the quality of the recorded audio may vary depending on the quality of your internet connection and the settings you use in OBS.
Can I use OBS to record Discord audio on a Mac or Linux computer?
Yes, OBS is available for Mac and Linux computers, and you can use it to record Discord audio on these platforms. The process of setting up and using OBS on a Mac or Linux computer is similar to the process on a Windows computer. Simply download and install OBS, create a new scene, add an audio input capture source, and select the Discord audio source.
However, you may need to use different settings or workarounds to get OBS to work properly on a Mac or Linux computer. For example, you may need to use a different audio driver or adjust the settings to optimize the audio quality. Additionally, some features or plugins may not be available on Mac or Linux versions of OBS.