Recording Game Audio Only with OBS: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a gamer looking to record your gameplay with high-quality audio? Or perhaps you’re a content creator seeking to capture the perfect sound effects for your videos? Whatever your needs, OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) is an excellent tool for recording game audio only. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to record game audio only with OBS, covering the basics, advanced settings, and troubleshooting tips.

Setting Up OBS for Game Audio Recording

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording game audio only, let’s cover the basics of setting up OBS. If you’re new to OBS, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Downloading and Installing OBS

To start, you’ll need to download and install OBS from the official website. OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so make sure to select the correct version for your operating system. Once you’ve downloaded the installer, follow the prompts to install OBS on your computer.

Configuring OBS Settings

After installing OBS, launch the application and navigate to the Settings panel. Here, you’ll find a range of options to customize your OBS experience. For game audio recording, we’ll focus on the following settings:

  • Audio Settings: In the Audio Settings panel, select the correct audio device for your computer. This is usually the default device, but you may need to select a specific device if you’re using a separate audio interface.
  • Sample Rate: Set the sample rate to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, depending on your desired audio quality.
  • Bitrate: Set the bitrate to 128 kbps or higher, depending on your desired audio quality.

Recording Game Audio Only with OBS

Now that we’ve covered the basics of setting up OBS, let’s move on to recording game audio only.

Adding a Game Capture Source

To record game audio only, you’ll need to add a Game Capture source to your OBS scene. To do this:

  1. Click the “+” button in the Sources panel to add a new source.
  2. Select “Game Capture” from the list of available sources.
  3. Choose the game you want to record from the list of available games.
  4. Click “OK” to add the Game Capture source to your scene.

Configuring Game Capture Settings

Once you’ve added the Game Capture source, you’ll need to configure the settings to record game audio only. To do this:

  1. Click on the Game Capture source in the Sources panel.
  2. In the Properties panel, select the “Capture Audio Only” option.
  3. Set the audio device to the correct device for your computer.
  4. Set the sample rate and bitrate to your desired settings.

Recording Game Audio Only

With your Game Capture source configured, you’re ready to start recording game audio only. To do this:

  1. Click the “Start Recording” button in the Controls panel.
  2. OBS will begin recording your game audio only.
  3. To stop recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.

Advanced Settings for Game Audio Recording

While the basic settings will get you started with recording game audio only, there are some advanced settings you can use to fine-tune your recordings.

Using a Separate Audio Track

One advanced setting you can use is to record your game audio on a separate audio track. This allows you to edit and mix your audio separately from your video. To do this:

  1. Click on the Game Capture source in the Sources panel.
  2. In the Properties panel, select the “Use custom audio device” option.
  3. Select the audio device you want to use for your separate audio track.

Using a Noise Gate

Another advanced setting you can use is to apply a noise gate to your game audio. This helps to reduce background noise and hum. To do this:

  1. Click on the Game Capture source in the Sources panel.
  2. In the Properties panel, select the “Noise Gate” option.
  3. Adjust the noise gate settings to your desired levels.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While recording game audio only with OBS is relatively straightforward, there are some common issues you may encounter. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these issues:

No Audio Being Recorded

If you’re not getting any audio recorded, check the following:

  • Make sure the correct audio device is selected in the Audio Settings panel.
  • Make sure the Game Capture source is configured to capture audio only.
  • Make sure the sample rate and bitrate are set to your desired settings.

Audio Distortion or Crackling

If you’re experiencing audio distortion or crackling, check the following:

  • Make sure the audio device is not overloaded or clipping.
  • Make sure the sample rate and bitrate are set to your desired settings.
  • Try using a separate audio track or noise gate to reduce background noise.

Conclusion

Recording game audio only with OBS is a straightforward process that requires some basic setup and configuration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can capture high-quality game audio for your videos or live streams. Remember to experiment with advanced settings and troubleshooting tips to fine-tune your recordings and resolve any common issues. Happy recording!

Setting Recommended Value Description
Audio Device Default Device Select the correct audio device for your computer.
Sample Rate 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz Set the sample rate to your desired audio quality.
Bitrate 128 kbps or higher Set the bitrate to your desired audio quality.

By following these recommended settings and using the advanced settings and troubleshooting tips outlined in this article, you can achieve high-quality game audio recordings with OBS.

What is OBS and how does it help in recording game audio only?

OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used by gamers and content creators to capture high-quality video and audio from their games. OBS provides a range of features and settings that allow users to customize their recording experience, including the ability to record game audio only.

By using OBS to record game audio only, users can create high-quality audio files that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating podcasts, YouTube videos, or live streams. OBS also allows users to separate the audio from the video, making it easier to edit and mix the audio in post-production.

What are the system requirements for recording game audio only with OBS?

To record game audio only with OBS, users will need a computer with a relatively modern operating system, such as Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra. They will also need a decent processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. Additionally, users will need a stable internet connection and a compatible audio interface or sound card.

It’s also important to note that the system requirements may vary depending on the specific game being recorded and the desired quality of the audio. For example, recording high-quality audio at 96kHz or 192kHz may require more powerful hardware than recording at lower quality settings.

How do I set up OBS to record game audio only?

To set up OBS to record game audio only, users will need to follow a few simple steps. First, they will need to download and install OBS on their computer. Next, they will need to launch OBS and create a new scene by clicking on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen. Then, they will need to add an audio source to the scene by clicking on the “+” button in the sources panel.

Once the audio source is added, users can select the specific audio device they want to use, such as their computer’s built-in microphone or an external audio interface. They can also adjust the audio settings, such as the sample rate and bitrate, to achieve the desired quality.

Can I record game audio only with OBS on a Mac?

Yes, OBS is available for Mac and can be used to record game audio only on macOS. The process of setting up OBS on a Mac is similar to the process on a PC, with a few minor differences. Mac users will need to download and install OBS from the official website, then launch the software and create a new scene.

Once the scene is created, Mac users can add an audio source and select the specific audio device they want to use. They can also adjust the audio settings to achieve the desired quality. However, it’s worth noting that some Mac users may experience issues with OBS not detecting their audio device, in which case they may need to try a different audio interface or sound card.

How do I separate the audio from the video in OBS?

To separate the audio from the video in OBS, users can use the “Advanced Audio Properties” feature. This feature allows users to specify a separate audio file for each audio source, making it easy to separate the audio from the video.

To access the Advanced Audio Properties feature, users will need to click on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS screen, then select “Advanced” from the dropdown menu. From there, they can select the specific audio source they want to separate and specify a separate audio file.

Can I record game audio only with OBS in the background?

Yes, OBS allows users to record game audio only in the background, even when the OBS window is minimized or closed. This feature is useful for users who want to record audio while playing games or working on other tasks.

To enable background recording, users will need to click on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS screen, then select “General” from the dropdown menu. From there, they can check the box next to “Run OBS in the background” to enable background recording.

How do I troubleshoot common issues with recording game audio only in OBS?

If users experience issues with recording game audio only in OBS, such as audio not being detected or recorded, there are several troubleshooting steps they can take. First, they should check that their audio device is properly connected and configured in OBS.

If the issue persists, users can try restarting OBS or their computer, or checking for updates to their audio drivers or OBS software. They can also try adjusting the audio settings in OBS, such as the sample rate or bitrate, to see if that resolves the issue.

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