Isolate the Action: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Record Only Game Audio in OBS

Are you tired of background noise and unwanted sounds ruining your gaming recordings? Do you want to focus solely on the game audio and eliminate distractions? Look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of recording only game audio in OBS (Open Broadcasting Software), a popular streaming and recording software.

Understanding OBS Audio Settings

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording game audio, it’s essential to understand the basics of OBS audio settings. OBS allows you to customize your audio settings to suit your recording needs. You can access the audio settings by clicking on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS interface.

Audio Input Devices

In the audio settings, you’ll find a list of available audio input devices. These devices can include your computer’s built-in microphone, external microphones, and even virtual audio cables. To record game audio, you’ll need to select the correct audio input device.

Default Audio Device

The default audio device is usually set to your computer’s built-in microphone or the default audio device selected in your operating system’s sound settings. However, this device may not be the best option for recording game audio.

Virtual Audio Cables

Virtual audio cables are software-based audio devices that allow you to route audio signals between applications. These cables can be useful for recording game audio, as they enable you to isolate the game audio from other system sounds.

Recording Game Audio in OBS

Now that we’ve covered the basics of OBS audio settings, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of recording game audio.

Step 1: Set Up Your Audio Input Device

To record game audio, you’ll need to select the correct audio input device. If you’re using a virtual audio cable, select it as your audio input device. If you’re using a physical audio device, such as a sound card or an external audio interface, select it as your audio input device.

Using a Virtual Audio Cable

If you’re using a virtual audio cable, you’ll need to install the software and configure it to work with OBS. Here’s how:

  • Download and install a virtual audio cable software, such as Virtual Audio Cable or VoiceMeeter.
  • Configure the virtual audio cable to work with OBS by selecting it as your audio input device.
  • In the OBS audio settings, select the virtual audio cable as your audio input device.

Using a Physical Audio Device

If you’re using a physical audio device, such as a sound card or an external audio interface, you’ll need to select it as your audio input device. Here’s how:

  • Connect your physical audio device to your computer.
  • In the OBS audio settings, select the physical audio device as your audio input device.

Step 2: Configure Your Game Audio Settings

Once you’ve set up your audio input device, you’ll need to configure your game audio settings. This will vary depending on the game you’re playing, but here are some general steps:

  • Open your game and go to the audio settings.
  • Look for an option to select the audio output device. Select the virtual audio cable or physical audio device you set up earlier.
  • Adjust the audio settings to your liking, such as volume levels and audio quality.

Step 3: Start Recording in OBS

Now that you’ve set up your audio input device and configured your game audio settings, you’re ready to start recording in OBS. Here’s how:

  • Open OBS and select the “Start Recording” button.
  • Choose the recording format and quality you prefer.
  • Start your game and begin recording.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with recording game audio in OBS, here are some common problems and solutions:

No Audio Being Recorded

If no audio is being recorded, check the following:

  • Make sure the correct audio input device is selected in OBS.
  • Ensure that the virtual audio cable or physical audio device is properly configured.
  • Check the game audio settings to ensure that the correct audio output device is selected.

Background Noise or Distractions

If you’re experiencing background noise or distractions, try the following:

  • Use a noise-reducing software or plugin to minimize background noise.
  • Adjust the audio settings in your game to reduce distractions.
  • Use a pop filter or windscreen to reduce plosive sounds and wind noise.

Conclusion

Recording game audio in OBS can be a bit tricky, but with the right settings and configuration, you can achieve high-quality recordings with minimal background noise and distractions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to isolate the game audio and focus on the action. Happy recording.

What is OBS and why is it used for recording game 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 and content creators to record and stream their gameplay, as well as other types of content. OBS is popular due to its flexibility, customization options, and high-quality video and audio output.

OBS is particularly useful for recording game audio because it allows users to isolate and capture only the audio from their game, without including any background noise or other sounds from their computer. This is especially useful for content creators who want to create high-quality gameplay videos or live streams, and for gamers who want to record their gameplay without any distractions.

What are the system requirements for using OBS to record game audio?

To use OBS to record game audio, you will need a computer with a relatively modern operating system, such as Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra or later. You will also need a decent graphics card, as well as a processor that can handle the demands of video recording and encoding. Additionally, you will need a microphone or other audio input device to capture your game audio.

In terms of specific system requirements, OBS recommends a computer with at least a quad-core processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 2 GB of video memory. You will also need a stable internet connection if you plan to live stream your gameplay. It’s worth noting that the specific system requirements may vary depending on the type of content you are recording and the quality settings you choose.

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

To set up OBS to record only game audio, you will need to configure the software to capture only the audio from your game, and not any other sounds from your computer. This can be done by selecting the correct audio input device in the OBS settings, and by configuring the software to use the correct audio filters.

To do this, open the OBS settings and navigate to the “Audio” section. From here, select the audio input device that corresponds to your game audio, such as the audio output from your graphics card or sound card. You can then configure the audio filters to remove any background noise or other unwanted sounds from your recording.

What are some common issues that can occur when recording game audio with OBS?

One common issue that can occur when recording game audio with OBS is audio lag or delay. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a slow computer, a low-quality audio input device, or incorrect settings in the OBS software. Another common issue is audio distortion or static, which can be caused by a faulty audio input device or incorrect settings in the OBS software.

To troubleshoot these issues, try adjusting the audio settings in the OBS software, such as the audio bitrate or sample rate. You can also try using a different audio input device, or adjusting the settings on your computer to prioritize the audio recording. If the issue persists, you may need to seek further assistance from the OBS community or a technical support specialist.

Can I use OBS to record game audio on a Mac?

Yes, OBS is available for Mac and can be used to record game audio on a macOS computer. The process for setting up OBS to record game audio on a Mac is similar to the process on a Windows computer, and involves configuring the software to capture only the audio from your game.

To use OBS on a Mac, simply download and install the software from the OBS website, and then follow the same steps as you would on a Windows computer to configure the software and start recording. Keep in mind that the system requirements for OBS on a Mac may be slightly different than on a Windows computer, so be sure to check the OBS website for specific requirements.

How do I export my recorded game audio from OBS?

To export your recorded game audio from OBS, you can use the software’s built-in export feature. This allows you to save your recorded audio as a file, which can then be imported into a video editing software or other application.

To export your recorded game audio, open the OBS software and navigate to the “Files” section. From here, select the recording you want to export, and then choose the export format and settings. You can export your audio in a variety of formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC. You can also choose to export your audio with or without video, depending on your needs.

Can I use OBS to live stream my game audio?

Yes, OBS can be used to live stream your game audio, in addition to recording it. To do this, you will need to configure the software to stream your audio to a live streaming platform, such as Twitch or YouTube Live.

To set up OBS for live streaming, open the software and navigate to the “Settings” section. From here, select the “Stream” tab and enter the details for your live streaming platform, including the stream key and server URL. You can then configure the software to stream your audio, along with any video or other content you want to include. Keep in mind that live streaming requires a stable internet connection and a powerful computer, so be sure to check the system requirements before getting started.

Leave a Comment