Are you a Mac user looking to record your screen with high-quality audio? Look no further than OBS Studio, a free and open-source screen recording software that’s popular among gamers, YouTubers, and professionals alike. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to record screen audio on Mac using OBS.
Setting Up OBS Studio on Your Mac
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording screen audio, let’s get OBS Studio set up on your Mac. Here’s how:
Downloading and Installing OBS Studio
To download OBS Studio, head over to the official OBS website and click on the “Download” button. Select the Mac version and wait for the download to complete. Once the download is finished, open the installer package and follow the prompts to install OBS Studio on your Mac.
Configuring OBS Studio Settings
Once OBS Studio is installed, launch the application and you’ll be greeted with a setup wizard. Follow the prompts to configure your settings, including selecting your language, choosing your theme, and setting up your audio and video devices.
Setting Up Your Audio Devices
To record screen audio, you’ll need to set up your audio devices in OBS Studio. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS Studio window.
- In the “Settings” window, click on the “Audio” tab.
- Select your audio device from the dropdown menu. If you’re using a Mac, you can select “Built-in Audio” or “External Audio” depending on your setup.
- Adjust your audio settings as needed, including setting your sample rate, bitrate, and audio format.
Recording Screen Audio with OBS Studio
Now that you’ve set up OBS Studio, it’s time to start recording your screen audio. Here’s how:
Creating a New Scene
To record your screen audio, you’ll need to create a new scene in OBS Studio. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the OBS Studio window.
- Select “Display Capture” from the dropdown menu.
- Name your scene and select the display you want to capture.
Adding an Audio Source
To record your screen audio, you’ll need to add an audio source to your scene. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the OBS Studio window.
- Select “Audio Input Capture” from the dropdown menu.
- Select your audio device from the dropdown menu.
Starting Your Recording
Now that you’ve set up your scene and added an audio source, it’s time to start your recording. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Start Recording” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS Studio window.
- OBS Studio will start recording your screen audio.
- To stop your recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button.
Advanced Recording Techniques
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of recording screen audio with OBS Studio, it’s time to take your recordings to the next level. Here are some advanced recording techniques to try:
Using Multiple Audio Sources
To add more depth to your recordings, you can use multiple audio sources. For example, you can use a microphone to record your voice and a separate audio source to record your screen audio.
Using Audio Filters
OBS Studio comes with a range of audio filters that you can use to enhance your recordings. For example, you can use the “Noise Reduction” filter to remove background noise from your recordings.
Using Hotkeys
To make your recordings more efficient, you can use hotkeys to control your recordings. For example, you can use the “Start Recording” hotkey to start your recording without having to click on the “Start Recording” button.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with your recordings, don’t worry! Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
No Audio in Your Recordings
If you’re not getting any audio in your recordings, check that your audio device is selected in OBS Studio. Also, make sure that your audio levels are not muted.
Poor Audio Quality
If your audio quality is poor, try adjusting your audio settings in OBS Studio. You can also try using a different audio device or audio filter.
Conclusion
Recording screen audio on Mac with OBS Studio is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. By following this guide, you can create high-quality recordings that are perfect for gaming, YouTube, or professional use. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, OBS Studio has the features and flexibility you need to take your recordings to the next level.
What is OBS and why is it used for screen recording on Mac?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used for screen recording on Mac due to its flexibility, customization options, and high-quality output. OBS allows users to capture their screen, webcam, and audio, making it an ideal tool for creating tutorials, presentations, and other video content.
One of the key benefits of using OBS for screen recording on Mac is its ability to handle multiple audio sources simultaneously. This means that users can capture both their system audio and microphone audio, allowing for a more comprehensive and engaging video experience. Additionally, OBS offers a range of advanced features, such as chroma keying, audio mixing, and video filters, making it a powerful tool for content creators.
How do I download and install OBS on my Mac?
To download and install OBS on your Mac, simply visit the official OBS website and click on the “Download” button. Select the Mac version of the software and follow the prompts to download the installation file. Once the file has been downloaded, open it and follow the installation instructions to install OBS on your Mac.
During the installation process, you may be prompted to allow OBS to access certain features on your Mac, such as your camera and microphone. Make sure to grant these permissions to ensure that OBS functions properly. Once the installation is complete, you can launch OBS and begin setting up your screen recording configuration.
How do I set up OBS for screen recording on my Mac?
To set up OBS for screen recording on your Mac, start by launching the software and selecting the “Settings” option from the menu. In the Settings window, select the “Video” tab and choose your desired video settings, such as resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. Next, select the “Audio” tab and choose your desired audio settings, such as sample rate and bitrate.
In the “Sources” panel, click the “+” button to add a new source. Select “Display Capture” to capture your entire screen, or “Window Capture” to capture a specific window. You can also add additional sources, such as your webcam or microphone, to capture additional video and audio. Once you have added your sources, you can arrange them in the “Sources” panel to create your desired layout.
How do I record screen audio with OBS on my Mac?
To record screen audio with OBS on your Mac, start by selecting the “Settings” option from the menu and navigating to the “Audio” tab. In this tab, select the “Mic/Auxiliary Audio Device” option and choose your desired audio input device. Next, select the “Desktop Audio Device” option and choose your desired audio output device.
Once you have selected your audio devices, click the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your screen audio. OBS will capture both your system audio and microphone audio, allowing you to create a comprehensive and engaging video experience. You can also use the “Audio Mixer” panel to adjust the levels and balance of your audio sources in real-time.
How do I add a webcam to my screen recording in OBS?
To add a webcam to your screen recording in OBS, start by clicking the “+” button in the “Sources” panel. Select “Video Capture Device” and choose your webcam from the list of available devices. You can then adjust the settings for your webcam, such as resolution and frame rate, to achieve the desired quality.
Once you have added your webcam, you can arrange it in the “Sources” panel to create your desired layout. You can also use the “Audio Mixer” panel to adjust the levels and balance of your audio sources, including your webcam’s microphone. This allows you to create a professional-looking video with high-quality audio and video.
How do I edit my screen recording in OBS?
OBS does not have built-in video editing capabilities, but you can use other software to edit your screen recordings. Some popular video editing software for Mac includes iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro. These programs allow you to trim, cut, and arrange your video clips, as well as add transitions, effects, and color correction.
To edit your screen recording in one of these programs, start by exporting your video file from OBS. You can do this by selecting the “File” menu and choosing “Export”. Once you have exported your video file, you can import it into your chosen video editing software and begin editing. You can also use OBS to record additional video or audio clips to add to your edited video.
How do I share my screen recording on social media or YouTube?
To share your screen recording on social media or YouTube, start by exporting your video file from OBS. You can do this by selecting the “File” menu and choosing “Export”. Once you have exported your video file, you can upload it to your desired platform.
For YouTube, you can upload your video file directly to the YouTube website. For social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can upload your video file using the platform’s built-in video uploader. You can also use OBS to record a live stream and broadcast it directly to your social media or YouTube channel.