Are you a gamer, podcaster, or content creator looking to record high-quality audio from Discord on your Mac? Look no further. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of recording Discord audio with OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) on Mac. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will help you achieve professional-grade audio recordings.
Why Record Discord Audio with OBS?
Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s explore why OBS is the go-to choice for recording Discord audio on Mac. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Free and Open-Source: OBS is completely free to download and use, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: OBS is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, ensuring seamless compatibility across different operating systems.
- High-Quality Audio: OBS allows you to record high-quality audio with low latency, making it perfect for podcasting, voiceovers, and live streaming.
- Customizable: OBS offers a wide range of customization options, enabling you to tailor your recording setup to suit your specific needs.
Setting Up OBS on Mac
Before you can start recording Discord audio, you need to set up OBS on your Mac. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Downloading and Installing OBS
- Visit the OBS website (https://obsproject.com/) and click on the “Download” button.
- Select the Mac version of OBS and click on the “Download” button.
- Once the download is complete, open the OBS installer and follow the prompts to install the software.
Configuring OBS Settings
- Launch OBS and click on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- In the Settings window, select the “Audio” tab.
- Under “Audio Settings,” select the “Core Audio” option as the audio input device.
- Set the “Sample Rate” to 44.1 kHz and the “Bitrate” to 128 kbps.
Recording Discord Audio with OBS
Now that you’ve set up OBS on your Mac, it’s time to start recording Discord audio. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Creating a New Scene
- In the OBS main window, click on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Select “Audio Input Capture” from the list of available sources.
- Name your new scene (e.g., “Discord Audio”).
Configuring Discord Audio Settings
- In the Discord app, click on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear).
- Select the “Voice & Video” tab.
- Under “Input Device,” select the “Core Audio” option.
- Set the “Input Volume” to 100%.
Recording Discord Audio
- In the OBS main window, click on the “Start Recording” button.
- Select the “Discord Audio” scene you created earlier.
- OBS will start recording the audio from Discord.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button.
Advanced Recording Techniques
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of recording Discord audio with OBS, it’s time to explore some advanced techniques to enhance your recordings.
Using a Virtual Audio Cable
A virtual audio cable allows you to route audio from one application to another. This is particularly useful when recording Discord audio, as it enables you to isolate the audio from other system sounds.
- Download and install a virtual audio cable software (e.g., Soundflower).
- In the OBS Settings window, select the virtual audio cable as the audio input device.
- In the Discord app, select the virtual audio cable as the output device.
Using a Pop Filter
A pop filter is a device that reduces plosive sounds (e.g., “p” and “t”) when speaking. This is particularly useful when recording voiceovers or podcasts.
- Purchase a pop filter or create your own DIY version.
- Place the pop filter in front of your microphone.
- Adjust the pop filter to optimize its performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Encountering issues while recording Discord audio with OBS? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Audio Delay or Latency
- Solution: Adjust the audio settings in OBS to reduce latency. You can also try using a virtual audio cable to reduce latency.
Audio Distortion or Clipping
- Solution: Adjust the audio levels in OBS to prevent distortion or clipping. You can also try using a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds.
No Audio Being Recorded
- Solution: Check that the audio input device is selected correctly in OBS. Also, ensure that the Discord app is set to use the correct output device.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should now be able to record high-quality Discord audio with OBS on your Mac. Whether you’re a gamer, podcaster, or content creator, this tutorial has provided you with the knowledge and skills to achieve professional-grade audio recordings.
What is OBS and how does it work with Discord?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It works with Discord by allowing users to capture and record audio from their Discord conversations, meetings, or live streams. OBS can connect to Discord through various audio sources, such as the Discord app or a web browser, and record the audio in high quality.
To use OBS with Discord, users need to set up the audio sources in OBS and configure the settings to capture the Discord audio. This can be done by selecting the Discord app or browser as the audio source in OBS and adjusting the settings to optimize the audio quality. Once set up, OBS can record the Discord audio in various formats, such as MP3 or WAV, and save it to the user’s computer.
What are the system requirements for recording Discord audio with OBS on Mac?
To record Discord audio with OBS on Mac, users need to have a Mac computer with macOS 10.13 or later, a 64-bit processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM. Additionally, users need to have OBS installed on their Mac, which can be downloaded from the OBS website. It’s also recommended to have a stable internet connection and a good quality microphone to ensure high-quality audio recording.
It’s also important to note that OBS may have specific requirements for recording Discord audio, such as the need for a specific audio driver or plugin. Users should check the OBS documentation and Discord requirements to ensure that their system meets the necessary requirements for recording Discord audio.
How do I set up OBS to record Discord audio on Mac?
To set up OBS to record Discord audio on Mac, users need to follow a few steps. First, they need to open OBS and create a new scene by clicking on the “+” button in the scenes panel. Then, they need to add an audio source by clicking on the “+” button in the sources panel and selecting the Discord app or browser as the audio source.
Next, users need to configure the audio settings in OBS to optimize the audio quality. This can be done by adjusting the audio bitrate, sample rate, and other settings in the OBS settings panel. Users can also test the audio by clicking on the “Start Recording” button and checking the audio levels in the OBS mixer panel.
Can I record Discord audio with OBS in the background?
Yes, users can record Discord audio with OBS in the background. OBS allows users to minimize the application and continue recording audio in the background. This means that users can record Discord audio while doing other tasks on their Mac, such as browsing the web or working on a document.
To record Discord audio in the background, users need to set up OBS to record the audio source and then minimize the application. OBS will continue to record the audio in the background, and users can stop the recording by clicking on the “Stop Recording” button in the OBS dock icon.
How do I troubleshoot common issues with recording Discord audio with OBS on Mac?
If users encounter issues with recording Discord audio with OBS on Mac, such as poor audio quality or dropped frames, they can try troubleshooting the issue by checking the OBS settings and audio sources. Users can also try updating OBS to the latest version or reinstalling the application.
Additionally, users can check the Discord settings to ensure that the audio is not muted or set to a low volume. They can also try using a different audio source or adjusting the audio settings in OBS to optimize the audio quality. If the issue persists, users can seek help from the OBS community or Discord support team.
Can I edit the recorded Discord audio with OBS?
No, OBS is primarily designed for recording and streaming video and audio, and it does not have built-in editing features. However, users can edit the recorded Discord audio using third-party audio editing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition.
To edit the recorded audio, users need to export the audio file from OBS and import it into the audio editing software. They can then use the software to trim, cut, and edit the audio as needed. Users can also add effects, such as noise reduction or equalization, to enhance the audio quality.
Is it legal to record Discord audio with OBS?
The legality of recording Discord audio with OBS depends on the specific circumstances and the laws of the user’s country or region. In general, it is recommended to obtain the consent of all parties involved in the Discord conversation before recording the audio.
Users should also check the Discord terms of service and community guidelines to ensure that they are not violating any rules or regulations. Additionally, users should be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding audio recording and ensure that they are complying with them. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and obtain consent before recording any audio.