Why is OBS Not Recording Audio? Troubleshooting the Issue

Are you experiencing issues with OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) not recording audio? You’re not alone. Many users have reported this problem, and it can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a critical recording or live stream. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why OBS is not recording audio and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the issue.

Table of Contents

Understanding OBS Audio Settings

Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how OBS handles audio settings. OBS allows you to configure multiple audio devices and settings, which can sometimes lead to conflicts and issues. Here are the key audio settings in OBS:

Audio Input Devices: OBS allows you to select multiple audio input devices, such as your microphone, webcam, or external audio interface.
Audio Output Devices: You can also select multiple audio output devices, such as your speakers, headphones, or external audio interface.
Audio Filters: OBS provides various audio filters, such as noise reduction, echo cancellation, and gain control, to enhance your audio quality.
Audio Settings: You can adjust the audio settings, such as the sample rate, bit depth, and audio codec, to optimize your audio quality.

Common Reasons Why OBS is Not Recording Audio

Now that we’ve covered the basics of OBS audio settings, let’s explore the common reasons why OBS is not recording audio:

Incorrect Audio Input Device: If you’ve selected the wrong audio input device, OBS may not record audio from the correct source.
Muted or Disabled Audio Device: If your audio device is muted or disabled, OBS will not record audio.
Conflicting Audio Settings: If you’ve configured conflicting audio settings, such as selecting multiple audio input devices with different sample rates, OBS may not record audio.
Outdated or Corrupted Audio Drivers: Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause issues with OBS audio recording.
Insufficient Permissions: If OBS doesn’t have the necessary permissions to access your audio devices, it may not record audio.

Troubleshooting Steps

Now that we’ve identified the common reasons why OBS is not recording audio, let’s go through the troubleshooting steps:

Check Your Audio Input Device: Ensure that you’ve selected the correct audio input device in OBS. Go to Settings > Audio and select the correct audio input device from the dropdown menu.
Check Your Audio Device Settings: Ensure that your audio device is not muted or disabled. Go to your computer’s Sound Settings and ensure that your audio device is enabled and not muted.
Check for Conflicting Audio Settings: Ensure that you haven’t configured conflicting audio settings. Go to Settings > Audio and check that you’ve selected only one audio input device with the correct sample rate and bit depth.
Update Your Audio Drivers: Ensure that your audio drivers are up-to-date. Go to your computer manufacturer’s website and download the latest audio drivers.
Run OBS as Administrator: Ensure that OBS has the necessary permissions to access your audio devices. Right-click on the OBS executable file and select Run as Administrator.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the above troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, you can try the following advanced troubleshooting steps:

Use the OBS Audio Troubleshooter: OBS provides an audio troubleshooter that can help you identify and resolve audio issues. Go to Settings > Audio and click on the Troubleshoot button.
Check Your Audio Filters: Ensure that your audio filters are not causing issues with your audio recording. Go to Settings > Audio and disable any audio filters that you’re not using.
Check Your Audio Settings in Your Operating System: Ensure that your audio settings in your operating system are not causing issues with OBS. Go to your computer’s Sound Settings and ensure that your audio settings are configured correctly.

Using External Audio Devices with OBS

If you’re using external audio devices with OBS, you may need to configure additional settings to get them working correctly. Here are some tips for using external audio devices with OBS:

Use a Dedicated Audio Interface: If you’re using a USB microphone or other external audio device, consider using a dedicated audio interface to connect it to your computer.
Configure Your Audio Device Settings: Ensure that your external audio device is configured correctly in OBS. Go to Settings > Audio and select the correct audio input device from the dropdown menu.
Use the Correct Audio Cables: Ensure that you’re using the correct audio cables to connect your external audio device to your computer.

Common Issues with External Audio Devices

Here are some common issues that you may encounter when using external audio devices with OBS:

Audio Delay: If you’re experiencing audio delay when using an external audio device, try adjusting the Audio Sync Offset setting in OBS. Go to Settings > Audio and adjust the Audio Sync Offset setting to compensate for the delay.
Audio Distortion: If you’re experiencing audio distortion when using an external audio device, try adjusting the Gain setting in OBS. Go to Settings > Audio and adjust the Gain setting to optimize your audio quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OBS not recording audio can be a frustrating issue, but it’s often caused by simple configuration errors or outdated audio drivers. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to recording high-quality audio with OBS. Remember to always check your audio settings, update your audio drivers, and run OBS as administrator to ensure that you’re getting the best possible audio quality.

What are the common reasons for OBS not recording audio?

OBS not recording audio can be caused by various factors, including incorrect audio settings, outdated software, or issues with the audio drivers. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem to troubleshoot it effectively. Some common reasons for OBS not recording audio include muted or disabled audio devices, incorrect audio input settings, or conflicts with other audio applications.

To resolve the issue, start by checking the OBS audio settings and ensuring that the correct audio device is selected. Also, verify that the audio device is not muted or disabled in the system settings. If you’re using an external audio device, try disconnecting and reconnecting it to see if it resolves the issue.

How do I check the OBS audio settings?

To check the OBS audio settings, open the OBS software and navigate to the Settings panel. Click on the “Audio” tab and verify that the correct audio device is selected as the input device. Also, ensure that the audio bitrate and sample rate are set correctly. If you’re using a microphone, select the correct microphone as the input device.

Additionally, check the “Mute” and “Use custom audio device” options. Ensure that the “Mute” option is not enabled, and the “Use custom audio device” option is set to the correct audio device. If you’re still experiencing issues, try resetting the OBS audio settings to their default values.

What should I do if OBS is not detecting my audio device?

If OBS is not detecting your audio device, try restarting the OBS software and your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, ensure that the audio device is properly connected to your computer and that the device drivers are up-to-date.

You can also try reinstalling the audio device drivers or updating the OBS software to the latest version. If you’re using an external audio device, try connecting it to a different USB port or using a different audio cable. If none of these solutions work, try using a different audio device to see if the issue is specific to the device.

How do I update the OBS software to the latest version?

To update the OBS software to the latest version, open the OBS software and navigate to the “Help” menu. Click on “Check for Updates” and follow the prompts to download and install the latest version. Alternatively, you can download the latest version from the OBS website and install it manually.

Ensure that you download the correct version of OBS for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Also, be aware that updating OBS may reset some of your settings, so it’s a good idea to take note of your current settings before updating.

What should I do if OBS is still not recording audio after troubleshooting?

If OBS is still not recording audio after troubleshooting, try seeking help from the OBS community or online forums. You can also try contacting the OBS support team for further assistance. Provide as much detail as possible about your issue, including your system specifications, OBS version, and any error messages you’ve encountered.

Additionally, consider trying alternative screen recording software to see if the issue is specific to OBS. If you’re still experiencing issues, it may be worth considering upgrading your computer’s hardware or seeking professional help from a technical expert.

Can I record audio separately from the video in OBS?

Yes, OBS allows you to record audio separately from the video. To do this, navigate to the OBS Settings panel and click on the “Output” tab. Under the “Recording” section, select the “Separate audio file” option. This will allow you to record the audio as a separate file from the video.

When recording audio separately, ensure that you select the correct audio format and bitrate. You can also choose to record the audio in a different format, such as MP3 or AAC, depending on your needs. Keep in mind that recording audio separately may require additional post-production editing to sync the audio with the video.

How do I sync the audio with the video in OBS?

To sync the audio with the video in OBS, navigate to the OBS Settings panel and click on the “Output” tab. Under the “Recording” section, select the “Sync audio with video” option. This will ensure that the audio is synced with the video during recording.

Alternatively, you can use video editing software to sync the audio with the video during post-production. Most video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro, allows you to import the audio and video files separately and sync them manually. Ensure that you align the audio and video tracks correctly to achieve a seamless sync.