Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is a popular, free, and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. While it’s primarily used for video content creation, OBS also offers the option to record just audio. This feature can be useful for podcasters, voiceover artists, and anyone who wants to capture high-quality audio without the need for video. In this article, we’ll explore how to record just audio on OBS, including the benefits, system requirements, and a step-by-step guide.
Benefits of Recording Just Audio on OBS
Recording just audio on OBS offers several benefits, including:
- High-quality audio: OBS allows you to record audio in various formats, including MP3, AAC, and FLAC, ensuring that your recordings sound professional and clear.
- Flexibility: By recording just audio, you can focus on the audio aspect of your content without worrying about video.
- Space-saving: Audio files take up less space than video files, making it easier to store and manage your recordings.
- Easy editing: OBS allows you to edit your audio recordings using its built-in audio mixer, making it easy to adjust levels, add effects, and more.
System Requirements for Recording Just Audio on OBS
Before you start recording just audio on OBS, make sure your system meets the following requirements:
- Operating System: OBS is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Processor: A dual-core processor or higher is recommended for smooth audio recording.
- RAM: At least 4 GB of RAM is recommended, but 8 GB or more is ideal.
- Audio Interface: A good quality audio interface is essential for recording high-quality audio. You can use a built-in audio interface or an external one.
- OBS Version: Make sure you’re running the latest version of OBS.
Setting Up OBS for Audio Recording
Before you start recording, you need to set up OBS for audio recording. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Download and Install OBS
If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from the official website. Follow the installation instructions to install OBS on your system.
Step 2: Launch OBS and Create a New Scene
Launch OBS and create a new scene by clicking on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen. Name your scene, for example, “Audio Recording.”
Step 3: Add an Audio Source
In the “Sources” panel, click on the “+” button and select “Audio Input Capture.” This will allow you to capture audio from your audio interface.
Step 4: Configure Your Audio Settings
In the “Settings” panel, click on the “Audio” tab and configure your audio settings. You can choose from various audio formats, including MP3, AAC, and FLAC. You can also adjust the bitrate, sample rate, and channels.
Step 5: Test Your Audio
Test your audio by clicking on the “Start Recording” button. OBS will start recording your audio, and you can test your audio levels and quality.
Recording Just Audio on OBS
Now that you’ve set up OBS for audio recording, it’s time to start recording. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Start Recording
Click on the “Start Recording” button to start recording your audio. OBS will start capturing audio from your audio interface.
Step 2: Monitor Your Audio Levels
Monitor your audio levels using the audio mixer in OBS. You can adjust the levels in real-time to ensure that your audio is not too loud or too quiet.
Step 3: Add Audio Effects (Optional)
If you want to add audio effects, such as noise reduction or compression, you can do so using the audio mixer in OBS.
Step 4: Stop Recording
When you’re finished recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button. OBS will stop capturing audio, and you can save your recording.
Exporting and Saving Your Audio Recording
Once you’ve finished recording, you can export and save your audio recording. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Go to the “File” Menu
Go to the “File” menu and select “Show Recordings.”
Step 2: Select Your Recording
Select the recording you want to export and save.
Step 3: Choose an Export Format
Choose an export format, such as MP3 or WAV.
Step 4: Save Your Recording
Save your recording to your desired location.
Tips and Tricks for Recording Just Audio on OBS
Here are some tips and tricks for recording just audio on OBS:
- Use a good quality audio interface: A good quality audio interface is essential for recording high-quality audio.
- Adjust your audio levels: Adjust your audio levels in real-time to ensure that your audio is not too loud or too quiet.
- Use noise reduction: Use noise reduction to remove background noise and hiss from your recordings.
- Experiment with audio effects: Experiment with audio effects, such as compression and EQ, to enhance your recordings.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues and solutions when recording just audio on OBS:
- Audio not recording: Check that your audio interface is selected as the default device in OBS.
- Audio levels too low: Adjust your audio levels in real-time to ensure that your audio is not too quiet.
- Background noise: Use noise reduction to remove background noise and hiss from your recordings.
Conclusion
Recording just audio on OBS is a straightforward process that offers several benefits, including high-quality audio, flexibility, and space-saving. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up OBS for audio recording and start capturing high-quality audio. Remember to use a good quality audio interface, adjust your audio levels, and experiment with audio effects to enhance your recordings.
What is OBS and why is it used for recording audio?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used by gamers, YouTubers, and podcasters due to its flexibility and customization options. OBS allows users to capture and mix audio from multiple sources, making it an ideal choice for recording high-quality audio.
OBS is particularly useful for recording audio because it offers advanced features such as noise suppression, gain control, and audio filters. These features enable users to produce professional-sounding audio with minimal equipment. Additionally, OBS is compatible with a wide range of audio devices, including microphones, headphones, and sound cards.
How do I set up OBS for recording just audio?
To set up OBS for recording just audio, start by downloading and installing the software from the official OBS website. Once installed, launch OBS and select the “Settings” option from the menu. In the Settings window, navigate to the “Output” tab and select the “File” option as the output mode. Then, choose the desired audio format, such as MP3 or WAV, and set the file path where you want to save the recorded audio.
Next, navigate to the “Sources” panel and add an audio source, such as a microphone or audio input capture. You can also add multiple audio sources and mix them together using the “Mixer” panel. Finally, click the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your audio. You can monitor the audio levels and adjust the settings as needed to ensure high-quality recording.
What are the best audio settings for recording in OBS?
The best audio settings for recording in OBS depend on your specific needs and equipment. However, here are some general guidelines: set the sample rate to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, and the bitrate to 128 kbps or 256 kbps. You can also experiment with different audio codecs, such as AAC or Opus, to find the one that works best for you.
In addition to these settings, make sure to adjust the gain levels for your audio sources to optimal levels. You can do this by monitoring the audio levels in the “Mixer” panel and adjusting the gain sliders accordingly. It’s also a good idea to use noise suppression and other audio filters to reduce background noise and improve the overall quality of your recording.
Can I record audio from multiple sources in OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously. To do this, simply add multiple audio sources to the “Sources” panel, such as a microphone and an audio input capture. You can then mix these sources together using the “Mixer” panel, adjusting the levels and panning as needed.
When recording from multiple sources, make sure to adjust the gain levels and audio settings for each source individually to ensure optimal quality. You can also use the “Advanced Audio Properties” window to fine-tune the audio settings for each source. This allows you to customize the audio settings for each source, such as the sample rate and bitrate.
How do I reduce background noise when recording audio in OBS?
To reduce background noise when recording audio in OBS, you can use the built-in noise suppression feature. To access this feature, navigate to the “Filters” panel and add a “Noise Suppression” filter to your audio source. You can then adjust the noise suppression settings to optimal levels, such as the threshold and reduction levels.
In addition to noise suppression, you can also use other audio filters, such as a high-pass filter or a low-pass filter, to reduce background noise. These filters can help to remove unwanted frequencies and improve the overall quality of your recording. You can also experiment with different microphone techniques, such as using a pop filter or recording in a quiet room, to reduce background noise.
Can I record audio in OBS without recording video?
Yes, OBS allows you to record audio without recording video. To do this, simply select the “Audio Only” option in the “Output” tab of the Settings window. This will allow you to record audio without capturing any video.
When recording audio only, you can still use all of the advanced audio features in OBS, such as noise suppression and audio filters. You can also monitor the audio levels and adjust the settings as needed to ensure high-quality recording. Additionally, you can use the “Mixer” panel to mix multiple audio sources together and adjust the levels and panning as needed.
How do I export my recorded audio from OBS?
To export your recorded audio from OBS, navigate to the “File” menu and select the “Show Recordings” option. This will open a window displaying all of your recorded files, including audio files. You can then select the audio file you want to export and choose the desired format, such as MP3 or WAV.
Once you’ve selected the format, you can choose the destination folder where you want to save the exported file. OBS will then export the audio file in the selected format, ready for use in your desired application. You can also use the “Edit” menu to trim or split the audio file, or use the “Share” menu to upload the file to a cloud storage service or social media platform.