Separate Game Audio and Voice Recording in OBS: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a gamer looking to enhance your streaming experience by recording game audio and voice separately in OBS? Look no further. In this article, we will delve into the world of audio recording in OBS, exploring the benefits of separate game audio and voice recording, and providing a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.

Table of Contents

Why Record Game Audio and Voice Separately in OBS?

Recording game audio and voice separately in OBS offers several benefits for gamers and streamers. Here are a few reasons why you should consider separate audio recording:

Improved Audio Quality: By recording game audio and voice separately, you can adjust the levels and settings for each audio source individually, resulting in improved overall audio quality.
Enhanced Post-Production: Separate audio recording allows for easier editing and post-production, as you can adjust the levels and settings for each audio source independently.
Increased Flexibility: With separate game audio and voice recording, you can easily remove or replace the game audio or voiceover, giving you more flexibility when editing your recordings.

Setting Up OBS for Separate Game Audio and Voice Recording

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s take a look at the equipment and software you’ll need to get started:

OBS Studio: You’ll need to have OBS Studio installed on your computer. You can download it from the official OBS website.
Audio Interface: An audio interface is necessary for connecting your microphone and other audio devices to your computer. Popular options include the Blue Yeti and the Focusrite Scarlett series.
Microphone: You’ll need a good quality microphone for recording your voice. Popular options include the Blue Yeti and the HyperX QuadCast Gaming Microphone.
Headphones: Good quality headphones are essential for monitoring your audio and catching any mistakes or issues during recording.

Configuring OBS Settings

Now that we have our equipment and software, let’s configure OBS for separate game audio and voice recording. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open OBS Studio: Launch OBS Studio on your computer.
Create a New Scene: Create a new scene in OBS by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Add a Game Capture: Add a game capture to your scene by clicking the “+” button and selecting “Game Capture.”
Add an Audio Input: Add an audio input to your scene by clicking the “+” button and selecting “Audio Input Capture.”
Select Your Audio Device: Select your audio device from the dropdown menu. This should be your audio interface or microphone.
Set Up Your Audio Settings: Set up your audio settings by clicking the “Settings” button and selecting the “Audio” tab. Here, you can adjust the levels and settings for your audio input.

Recording Game Audio Separately

To record game audio separately in OBS, you’ll need to use the “Game Capture” feature. Here’s how:

Add a Game Capture: Add a game capture to your scene by clicking the “+” button and selecting “Game Capture.”
Select Your Game: Select the game you want to record from the dropdown menu.
Set Up Your Game Capture Settings: Set up your game capture settings by clicking the “Settings” button and selecting the “Game Capture” tab. Here, you can adjust the settings for your game capture, including the resolution, frame rate, and audio settings.

Recording Voice Separately

To record voice separately in OBS, you’ll need to use the “Audio Input Capture” feature. Here’s how:

Add an Audio Input: Add an audio input to your scene by clicking the “+” button and selecting “Audio Input Capture.”
Select Your Audio Device: Select your audio device from the dropdown menu. This should be your microphone or audio interface.
Set Up Your Audio Settings: Set up your audio settings by clicking the “Settings” button and selecting the “Audio” tab. Here, you can adjust the levels and settings for your audio input.

Advanced Audio Settings in OBS

OBS offers a range of advanced audio settings that can help you improve the quality of your recordings. Here are a few settings you might want to experiment with:

Noise Suppression: Noise suppression can help reduce background noise and hiss in your recordings. To enable noise suppression, click the “Settings” button and select the “Audio” tab. Then, check the box next to “Noise Suppression.”
Noise Gate: A noise gate can help reduce background noise and hiss in your recordings. To enable the noise gate, click the “Settings” button and select the “Audio” tab. Then, check the box next to “Noise Gate.”
Compressor: A compressor can help even out the levels in your recordings, reducing the dynamic range. To enable the compressor, click the “Settings” button and select the “Audio” tab. Then, check the box next to “Compressor.”

Using VST Plugins in OBS

OBS supports VST plugins, which can be used to enhance the quality of your recordings. Here’s how to use VST plugins in OBS:

Download a VST Plugin: Download a VST plugin from a reputable website. Popular options include the OTT compressor and the Voxengo OldSkoolVerb reverb.
Install the VST Plugin: Install the VST plugin on your computer. The installation process will vary depending on the plugin you choose.
Add the VST Plugin to OBS: Add the VST plugin to OBS by clicking the “Settings” button and selecting the “Audio” tab. Then, click the “VST Plugins” button and select the plugin you installed.

Conclusion

Recording game audio and voice separately in OBS can enhance the quality of your recordings and give you more flexibility when editing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up OBS for separate game audio and voice recording, and start improving the quality of your recordings today.

Remember to experiment with different audio settings and VST plugins to find the best sound for your recordings. Happy recording.

What is the purpose of separating game audio and voice recording in OBS?

Separating game audio and voice recording in OBS allows for more control over the audio levels and quality in your recordings and streams. By isolating the game audio from your voice, you can adjust the levels independently, ensuring that your voice is clear and audible while the game audio is not overpowering. This is particularly useful for gamers who want to provide commentary or interact with their audience while playing.

Separating the audio sources also enables you to edit and enhance the audio in post-production more easily. For example, you can apply noise reduction or compression to your voice track without affecting the game audio. This level of control is essential for creating high-quality content, whether you’re a professional streamer or a casual gamer.

What are the benefits of using separate audio tracks in OBS?

Using separate audio tracks in OBS offers several benefits, including improved audio quality, increased flexibility, and easier editing. By separating the game audio and voice recording, you can optimize the audio levels and settings for each source, resulting in a better overall audio experience. Additionally, separate audio tracks allow you to create a more immersive experience for your audience, with clear and distinct audio sources.

Separate audio tracks also enable you to create different audio mixes for different platforms or applications. For example, you can create a mix with more emphasis on the game audio for a YouTube video, while creating a mix with more emphasis on your voice for a podcast or live stream. This flexibility is essential for content creators who need to adapt their audio to different formats and audiences.

How do I set up separate audio tracks in OBS?

To set up separate audio tracks in OBS, you’ll need to configure the audio settings in the OBS software. First, go to the Settings menu and select the Audio tab. From there, you can configure the audio devices and settings for each track. You’ll need to select the correct audio devices for your game audio and voice recording, and adjust the levels and settings accordingly.

Once you’ve configured the audio settings, you can create separate audio tracks in the OBS mixer. To do this, click on the “+” button in the mixer and select “Audio Track.” You can then name the track and assign it to the corresponding audio device. Repeat this process for each audio source you want to separate, such as game audio and voice recording.

What are the best practices for recording game audio and voice separately in OBS?

To get the best results when recording game audio and voice separately in OBS, it’s essential to follow some best practices. First, make sure you’re using high-quality audio equipment, such as a good microphone and headphones. This will help ensure that your audio is clear and distortion-free.

Next, adjust the audio levels carefully to ensure that your voice is clear and audible, while the game audio is not overpowering. You can use the OBS audio meters to monitor the levels and adjust them accordingly. It’s also a good idea to use noise reduction and compression to optimize the audio quality. Finally, make sure to test your audio setup before recording or streaming to ensure that everything is working correctly.

Can I use separate audio tracks for other audio sources, such as music or sound effects?

Yes, you can use separate audio tracks for other audio sources, such as music or sound effects. In fact, OBS allows you to create multiple audio tracks for different sources, giving you complete control over the audio in your recordings and streams. This is particularly useful for content creators who want to add music or sound effects to their videos or live streams.

To add additional audio tracks, simply follow the same process as before: go to the Settings menu, select the Audio tab, and configure the audio devices and settings for each track. You can then create separate audio tracks in the OBS mixer and assign them to the corresponding audio devices. This will give you complete control over the audio levels and settings for each source.

How do I export separate audio tracks from OBS?

To export separate audio tracks from OBS, you’ll need to use the OBS export settings. When exporting your video or audio file, select the option to export separate audio tracks. This will allow you to export each audio track as a separate file, giving you complete control over the audio in post-production.

When exporting separate audio tracks, you can choose the file format and settings for each track. For example, you can export your voice track as a WAV file, while exporting the game audio as an MP3 file. This flexibility is essential for content creators who need to work with different audio formats and applications.

What are the common issues with separate audio tracks in OBS, and how do I troubleshoot them?

One common issue with separate audio tracks in OBS is audio sync problems, where the audio tracks become out of sync with the video. To troubleshoot this issue, check the OBS audio settings and ensure that the audio tracks are properly configured. You can also try adjusting the audio delay settings to sync the audio tracks with the video.

Another common issue is audio level problems, where one audio track is too loud or too quiet. To troubleshoot this issue, check the OBS audio meters and adjust the levels accordingly. You can also try using noise reduction and compression to optimize the audio levels. If you’re still experiencing issues, try restarting OBS or seeking help from the OBS community or support resources.