Many OBS users find this software very powerful in recording videos for screens and webcams. However, people have difficulty using OBS to capture audio just for voice acting or other audio recording purposes. And they, like you, are wondering, "Can OBS record audio only?"
This article is about to help you solve this problem. Please keep reading for detailed information and tutorials.
Can OBS Record Audio Only?
Shortly, no. OBS isn't designed for recording audio files individually. OBS (Opening Broadcasting Software) is a free and open-source app specialized for video recording and live streaming.
OBS can only record and output video formats, e.g., FLV and MP4. The audio track will be covered in the recorded video. And this indicates that OBS might not be the best choice to record audio only.
But if you feel anxious about the challenge you meet, calm down, this isn’t impossible with the help of some tools. If you want to make it easier, use a video and audio recorder like iTop Screen Recorder instead.
This free audio recorder allows users to record only audio in just 1 click and output audio files in AAC/MP3.
Now, please move on to learn how to record audio only on OBS.
How to Record Audio Only on OBS?
Since OBS provides in-depth and thoughtful settings for users, though you cannot directly make OBS studio record audio only, but it is possible to record audio and video separately.
Therefore, users can record the video first and then convert it into an audio file. If you wonder how to make OBS record game audio only, this tutorial is helpful for you.
Phase 1. Record Audio and Video on OBS First
Firstly, use OBS to add audio recording sources as you like. The recorded file will be output as a video.
Step 1. Start OBS > under Sources, click the + button > choose Audio Input Capture from the drop-down list > choose devices for the audio input or set it as Default.
Step 2. Or, if you are to add multiple audio input sources, you can go to Settings under Controls > Audio > adjust each device or disable them. Thus you can also separately record desktop/microphone/game audio, and make OBS record only game audio if you like. Also, it is a good option if you want to know how to clip on PC to record gameplay.
Step 3. OBS also allows you to flexibly tune each audio input source. For example, mute mic/desktop/other audio, you can record audio from speaker/microphone only.
Step 4. Before recording, change the recording format to a format that can easily convert to an audio file under Output settings; for example, choose MP4. Then just start recording your wanted audio.
Phase 2. Use Converter to Achieve OBS Studio Record Audio Only H3
With the recorded video ready, you can move on to convert it into an audio file like MP3, WAV, etc.
Step 1. Use an online file converter or convert apps. You could explore your choices on reliable sites or app stores.
Step 2. Add your recorded MP4 file to the converter > choose the target format as MP3 or other audio formats you like > wait for the converted file.
Through this process, you can solve your problem about “how to record audio only on OBS”. However, is it the best and easiest way?
The Best Alternative for OBS Record Audio Only
Apparently, OBS is not the best option when you want to record audio only. It is devoted to video recording and streaming and does not give thoughtful support or care to capture audio only.
Luckily, you could turn to a professional audio/screen recorder for Windows as it offers special care and advanced settings to help you only record audio.
Though this app is an advanced and efficient screen recorder, it never lets you down in audio recording.
♦ Record Audio & Video in 1 Click Free
With the help of its simple and easy user interface, all users including green hands can easily operate it without any challenges; moreover, almost all features are free to use, if you require a professional and advanced app, you could also upgrade it to pro to enjoy Schedule Recording, customized watermark, etc.
♦ Record Mic/Desktop/Speaker Audio Both & Separately
This app allows you to record speaker sound from your PC, also, you can record your voice as well from the microphone; what’s more, this voice changer recorder provides 10+ funny voice effects: Minions, Robot, Toys, etc.
♦ Ensure High-Quality Audio Recording
As the best voice recorder for Windows, it provides a Noise Reduction feature to help reduce the background noise or echo from your audio; Besides, its video recording also brings you 1080p HD quality in Webcam/Screen/Game recording.
♦ Not Only Audio But Also Screen, Webcam & Game
Apart from efficient audio recording, it also supports you to record a part of your screen/webcam/game windows, covering all your needs for video recording.
♦ One-Stop Advanced Video & Audio Editor
After recording, you can use the easy audio/video editor to trim/cut/decorate your audio and video to get a better result.
In a nutshell, iTop Screen Recorder will be your first and last choice to record audio only. Now move on to the easy process of using this screen recorder for Windows 10/11/8/7 to record audio only.
How to Record Audio Only Using iTop Screen Recorder?
Follow the easy steps to record audio instead of making OBS record audio only.
Step 1. Download iTop Screen Recorder on your devices.
Step 2. Start the app > navigate to Only Audio panel > enable Speaker/Mic according to your needs. You could also enable Voice Changer to change your voice.
Step 3. Choose the device to record your sound or voice; the Noise Reduction is activated by default > click REC to start recording.
With this HD screen recorder, you don’t need to worry about the video and audio quality and won’t be bothered by struggling with how to only record audio OBS.
The Bottom Line
This post elaborates on the process of making OBS record audio only; with the OBS inbuilt settings and a file converter, you can achieve this goal.
However, since OBS is more powerful in other fields than recording audio only, it would be better to turn to a professional and easier tool like iTop Screen Recorder. Thus, you don’t need to worry about in OBS how to record game audio only.
What’s more, it helps record audio for you to enjoy or collect offline; e.g., you can use it to record and listen to SoundCloud offline. Don’t hesitate to download iTop Screen Recorder to capture your audio easily!