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 can also be used to record high-quality audio. In this article, we’ll explore the process of recording audio only with OBS, covering the benefits, requirements, and step-by-step instructions.
Benefits of Recording Audio Only with OBS
Recording audio only with OBS offers several benefits, including:
- High-quality audio: OBS allows you to record audio in various formats, including MP3, AAC, and FLAC, ensuring high-quality sound.
- Flexibility: OBS is a versatile software that can be used for various audio recording applications, such as podcasting, voiceovers, and music recording.
- Free and open-source: OBS is completely free to use, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
- Cross-platform compatibility: OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to users across different platforms.
System Requirements for Recording Audio Only with OBS
Before you start recording audio only with OBS, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or Linux (Ubuntu 18.04 or later)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB or more
- Audio Interface: A compatible audio interface or a built-in sound card
- OBS Version: OBS Studio 27.0 or later
Setting Up OBS for Audio-Only Recording
To record audio only with OBS, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install OBS
If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from the official website. Follow the installation instructions to complete the setup process.
Step 2: Configure OBS Settings
Launch OBS and navigate to the Settings panel by clicking on the Settings button in the bottom-right corner of the screen. In the Settings panel:
- General: Set the Language and Theme to your preferences.
- Stream: Set the Stream Type to File and select the desired File Path.
- Output: Set the Recording Format to MP3 or your preferred audio format.
- Audio: Set the Sample Rate to 44.1 kHz or your preferred sample rate.
Step 3: Select the Audio Input
In the Settings panel, navigate to the Audio section and select the desired Audio Input. You can choose from the following options:
- Default: Uses the default audio input device.
- Microphone: Uses the built-in microphone or an external microphone.
- Line In: Uses the line-in input on your audio interface.
Step 4: Configure the Audio Settings
In the Audio section, configure the following settings:
- Gain: Adjust the gain to optimize the audio signal.
- Noise Suppression: Enable noise suppression to reduce background noise.
- Dynamics: Enable dynamics to adjust the audio levels.
Recording Audio Only with OBS
Once you’ve set up OBS, follow these steps to record audio only:
Step 1: Create a New Scene
In the Scenes panel, click the + button to create a new scene. Name the scene, for example, “Audio Only.”
Step 2: Add an Audio Source
In the Sources panel, click the + button to add a new source. Select Audio Input Capture and choose the desired audio input device.
Step 3: Start Recording
Click the Start Recording button to begin recording audio. OBS will start recording audio only, without capturing any video.
Step 4: Stop Recording
Click the Stop Recording button to stop the recording process. OBS will save the recorded audio file to the specified file path.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while recording audio only with OBS, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:
- Audio Input Not Detected: Ensure the audio input device is properly connected and selected in the Audio settings.
- Low Audio Quality: Adjust the gain and noise suppression settings to optimize the audio signal.
- Recording Not Starting: Ensure the Start Recording button is clicked and the recording path is set correctly.
Conclusion
Recording audio only with OBS is a straightforward process that requires minimal setup and configuration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create high-quality audio recordings using OBS. Whether you’re a podcaster, voiceover artist, or musician, OBS is an excellent tool for recording audio only.
What is OBS and how 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, podcasters, and other content creators to capture high-quality video and audio. OBS can be used to record audio only, making it a popular choice for podcasters, voiceover artists, and musicians.
To record audio only with OBS, you need to configure the software to capture audio from your microphone or other audio sources. You can do this by selecting the audio input device in the OBS settings and adjusting the audio levels to optimize the sound quality. OBS also allows you to add filters and effects to your audio recordings, giving you more control over the final output.
What are the system requirements for recording audio with OBS?
To record audio with OBS, you need a computer with a compatible operating system, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. Your computer should also have a sound card or audio interface to capture high-quality audio. Additionally, you need a microphone or other audio source to record audio.
In terms of specific system requirements, OBS recommends a computer with at least 4 GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, and a 64-bit operating system. You also need to have the latest version of OBS installed on your computer, as well as any necessary audio drivers or software.
How do I set up OBS for audio-only recording?
To set up OBS for audio-only recording, you need to create a new scene and add an audio source. You can do this by clicking on the “+” button in the sources panel and selecting “Audio Input Capture.” Then, select your microphone or other audio source from the list of available devices.
Once you have added the audio source, you need to configure the audio settings to optimize the sound quality. You can do this by adjusting the audio levels, selecting the correct audio format, and adding filters or effects to your audio recordings. You can also customize the OBS interface to suit your needs, such as hiding the video preview or adjusting the layout of the controls.
Can I record audio from multiple sources with OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously. You can add multiple audio sources to a single scene, such as a microphone and a music player, and OBS will capture both audio streams. This feature is useful for podcasters, voiceover artists, and musicians who need to record audio from multiple sources.
To record audio from multiple sources, you need to add each source to the OBS scene separately. You can do this by clicking on the “+” button in the sources panel and selecting the type of audio source you want to add. Then, configure the audio settings for each source to optimize the sound quality.
How do I export my audio recordings from OBS?
To export your audio recordings from OBS, you need to go to the “File” menu and select “Export.” Then, choose the format you want to export your audio in, such as MP3 or WAV. You can also customize the export settings, such as the bitrate and sample rate, to optimize the sound quality.
Once you have exported your audio recordings, you can import them into audio editing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition, to edit and enhance the sound. You can also upload your audio recordings to online platforms, such as podcast hosting sites or music streaming services.
Can I use OBS to live stream audio only?
Yes, OBS allows you to live stream audio only to online platforms, such as YouTube Live or Twitch. To do this, you need to set up a new stream in OBS and select the audio-only option. Then, configure the stream settings to optimize the sound quality and connect to the online platform.
When live streaming audio only with OBS, you can use the software’s built-in audio filters and effects to enhance the sound in real-time. You can also use OBS to monitor the audio levels and adjust the settings as needed to ensure high-quality sound.
Is OBS free to use for recording audio?
Yes, OBS is completely free to use for recording audio. The software is open-source, which means that it is developed and maintained by a community of volunteers. OBS is free to download and use, and there are no limitations on the number of recordings you can make or the length of your recordings.
However, OBS does offer a donation option for users who want to support the development of the software. Donating to OBS helps to fund the development of new features and improvements to the software, which benefits all users.