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 flexibility to record only audio. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to record only audio in OBS, along with some tips and tricks to enhance your audio recording experience.
Why Record Only Audio in OBS?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording only audio in OBS, let’s discuss the reasons why you might want to do so. Here are a few scenarios:
- Podcasting: If you’re a podcaster, you might want to record only audio for your episodes. OBS allows you to record high-quality audio, which is essential for podcasting.
- Voiceovers: If you’re creating voiceovers for videos, animations, or presentations, recording only audio in OBS can be a convenient option.
- Music recording: OBS can also be used to record music, either solo or with a band. Recording only audio allows you to focus on the music without the distraction of video.
- Audio commentary: If you’re creating audio commentary for videos, sports events, or live streams, recording only audio in OBS can be a great option.
Method 1: Using the “Audio Only” Output Mode
OBS offers an “Audio Only” output mode that allows you to record only audio. Here’s how to use it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open OBS and go to Settings (gear icon) > Output.
- In the Output Mode dropdown menu, select Audio Only.
- Choose your desired audio format (e.g., MP3, WAV, or AAC).
- Set your audio bitrate and sample rate according to your needs.
- Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.
Recording Audio Only
Once you’ve set up the “Audio Only” output mode, you can start recording audio only in OBS. To do so:
- Go to the Sources panel and add an Audio Input Capture source (e.g., your microphone or audio interface).
- Configure your audio settings as desired (e.g., gain, noise suppression, or EQ).
- Click the Start Recording button (or press the hotkey) to begin recording audio only.
Method 2: Using a Virtual Audio Cable
Another method to record only audio in OBS is by using a virtual audio cable. A virtual audio cable is a software-based audio interface that allows you to route audio signals between applications. Here’s how to use a virtual audio cable to record only audio in OBS:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download and install a virtual audio cable software (e.g., Virtual Audio Cable or VoiceMeeter).
- Open OBS and go to Settings (gear icon) > Audio.
- In the Audio Input Device dropdown menu, select the virtual audio cable as your input device.
- Configure your audio settings as desired (e.g., gain, noise suppression, or EQ).
- Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.
Recording Audio Only
Once you’ve set up the virtual audio cable, you can start recording audio only in OBS. To do so:
- Go to the Sources panel and add an Audio Input Capture source (e.g., your microphone or audio interface).
- Configure your audio settings as desired (e.g., gain, noise suppression, or EQ).
- Click the Start Recording button (or press the hotkey) to begin recording audio only.
Method 3: Using a Separate Audio Recorder
If you prefer to use a separate audio recorder, you can do so while still using OBS for video recording or live streaming. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open your preferred audio recorder software (e.g., Audacity or Adobe Audition).
- Configure your audio settings as desired (e.g., gain, noise suppression, or EQ).
- Start recording audio in your audio recorder software.
- Meanwhile, open OBS and start recording video or live streaming as usual.
Synchronizing Audio and Video
To synchronize your audio and video recordings, you’ll need to use a third-party video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve). Here’s how:
- Import your audio and video recordings into your video editing software.
- Synchronize the audio and video tracks by aligning the audio waveform with the video timeline.
- Export your synchronized audio and video as a single file.
Tips and Tricks for Recording Only Audio in OBS
Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your audio recording experience in OBS:
- Use a high-quality microphone: Invest in a good-quality microphone to ensure clear and crisp audio recordings.
- Configure your audio settings: Experiment with different audio settings (e.g., gain, noise suppression, or EQ) to find the optimal configuration for your recording environment.
- Use a pop filter: A pop filter can help reduce plosive sounds (e.g., “p” and “t”) and prevent distortion in your audio recordings.
- Record in a quiet environment: Find a quiet room or use noise-reducing materials (e.g., acoustic panels) to minimize background noise.
- Monitor your audio levels: Keep an eye on your audio levels to ensure they’re not too loud or too soft.
Conclusion
Recording only audio in OBS is a straightforward process that can be achieved using various methods. Whether you’re a podcaster, voiceover artist, musician, or audio commentator, OBS offers the flexibility and quality you need to produce high-quality audio recordings. By following the methods and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating professional-sounding audio recordings with OBS.
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 only audio?
To set up OBS for recording only audio, start by opening the software and creating a new scene. Then, click on the “+” button in the sources panel and select “Audio Input Capture.” Choose the audio device you want to use, such as a microphone or sound card, and adjust the settings as needed. You can also add additional audio sources, such as a music track or sound effects, by repeating the process.
Once you have set up your audio sources, go to the settings panel and select the “Output” tab. Choose the file format and quality settings for your recorded audio, and specify the location where you want to save the file. You can also set up OBS to automatically start recording when you launch the software, or to record continuously until you stop it.
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 to get you started. For the sample rate, choose 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, which are standard rates for CD-quality audio. For the bitrate, choose a high setting such as 128 kbps or 256 kbps to ensure good sound quality.
In terms of audio format, MP3 is a popular choice because it is widely compatible and compresses well. However, you may also want to consider using a lossless format such as WAV or FLAC, which preserves the original audio quality. Additionally, make sure to adjust the gain levels for your audio sources to optimize the sound quality and prevent distortion.
How do I reduce background noise when recording audio in OBS?
To reduce background noise when recording audio in OBS, start by using a high-quality microphone that is designed to reject ambient noise. You can also use noise-reducing accessories such as a pop filter or windscreen to minimize plosive sounds and wind noise. In OBS, go to the settings panel and select the “Audio” tab, where you can adjust the noise suppression settings.
OBS offers a built-in noise suppression filter that can help reduce background noise. You can adjust the filter settings to optimize the noise reduction for your specific environment. Additionally, you can use third-party plugins or software to further enhance the noise reduction capabilities of OBS.
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 your scene, such as a microphone and a music track. You can then adjust the levels and settings for each source independently to create a balanced mix.
When recording from multiple sources, make sure to adjust the gain levels and noise suppression settings for each source to optimize the sound quality. You can also use the “Audio Mixer” panel in OBS to adjust the levels and panning for each source in real-time.
How do I export my recorded audio from OBS?
To export your recorded audio from OBS, go to the “File” menu and select “Show Recordings.” This will open a folder containing all of your recorded files. You can then copy or move the files to a different location, or import them into a video editing software or audio editing software.
OBS also allows you to export your recorded audio directly to a video file, such as an MP4 or MOV file. To do this, go to the settings panel and select the “Output” tab, where you can choose the file format and quality settings for your exported video.
What are some common issues when recording audio in OBS?
Some common issues when recording audio in OBS include distorted or low-quality sound, background noise, and synchronization problems with video. To troubleshoot these issues, start by checking your audio settings and adjusting the gain levels and noise suppression settings as needed.
You can also try updating your audio drivers or using a different audio device to resolve issues with sound quality. Additionally, make sure to test your audio setup before recording to ensure that everything is working properly.