How to Record Audio Only on OBS [2025 Guide]

Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is a free open-source screen recorder designed for streaming and recording gameplay and other apps. However, users may find it tricky to OBS record audio only. Fret not; let's follow this stepwise guide and learn how to record desktop audio with OBS in MP3, including system, application, and microphone sounds.

OBS Record Audio from Desktop Windows 10/11 PC

Most OBS users know how to record live streams from YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. However, they may be unfamiliar with OBS recording audio on desktop PCs.

In fact, OBS can record system sound and microphone voice together or separately in an audio file only. It helps capture computer audio in a wide range of formats, including MP3, WAV, VOC, VVC, and more, catering for editing and sharing.

🚩Check how to record desktop audio with OBS on Windows PC:

Step 1. Download, install, and launch the OBS Windows version.

• Go to the OBS official website to download it on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
• Run the auto-configuration wizard and follow the steps to complete the setup on your Windows.
• Select "Optimize just for recording…" to record desktop audio.

Step 2. Set up audio output devices.

• On the bottom-right corner, go to "Settings" > "Audio".
• Under "Global Audio Devices", choose "Desktop Audio" (internal audio) and "Mic/Auxiliary Audio" (mic sound) if needed.
• Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.

Step 3. Adjust an audio-only output format.

• Go to "Settings" > "Output".
• Switch the "Output Mode" from "Simple" to "Advanced".
• Select the "Recording" tab.
• Under "FFmpeg Settings", select an audio format from the "Container Format". Here, we take "mp3" as an example.
• Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.

Step 4. Start recording audio on OBS.

• Click "Start Recording" > "Yes" to confirm the popup. (Here, we need to capture the audio on OBS, so we will not add a video source). The session will begin instantly.
• Now, play the audio you want to capture and speak to the mic if needed.

Step 5. Stop recording when done.

• Click "Stop Recording" if you want to end the task.

Step 6. Access the recording audio in File Explorer.

• The OBS recording file (.mp3) will be saved in "C:\Users\admin\Videos" by default. You can preview the audio file here.
• To change the recording path in OBS, go to "File" > "Settings" > "Output" > "Recording".

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How to Record Audio on OBS on Mac

OBS is also an excellent Mac screen recorder. However, unlike Windows, Mac has disabled the internal audio recording for Mac devices, so you must use a third-party plugin like iShowU Audio Capture to solve your query.

Check these quick steps on how to record desktop audio with OBS on Mac devices.

Step 1. Install OBS Studio and iShowU Audio Capture and launch them on your macOS. Tap the Audio MIDI Setup and click the + symbol at the bottom left.

Step 2. Choose your main devices as the Create Multi-Output Device and iShowU Audio Capture.

Step 3. Visit the System Preferences and click the Sound Preference. Once the screen opens up, click Multi-Output Device.

Step 4. Lastly, open OBS Studio, click Settings, and navigate to the audio section. Keep the Desktop Audio as disabled and choose the Mic/Auxiliary Audio as iShowU Audio Capture. Once you finish it, start recording your desktop audio on Mac.

👉If you still have doubts, you can watch the tutorial video below:

• 00:31-01:54 Method 1. Record with QuickTime Player
• 01:54-03:16 Method 2. Record with EaseUS RecExperts

 

If you find this complicated, you can download EaseUS RecExperts for free to record internal audio on Mac.

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Best Alternative to OBS Record System Audio

OBS Studio is undoubtedly one of the finest screen recorders for Mac and Windows users. However, because of its inevitable limitations, it might not be the best tool to settle for screen and audio recording. For example, you may encounter issues like OBS not recording audio.

You can consider an OBS alternative like the EaseUS RecExperts for an enriching recording experience.

• Easy to use: record system, applications, and microphone with few clicks, suitable for both beginners and professionals
• Multiple audio formats: MP3, WMV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, and more, accessible for audio editing and sharing
• High-quality audio recording: lossless play track, noise cancellation, and microphone boost
• Versatile recording features: record audio only, record screen with sound, record webcam overlay, etc.
• Preview and edit: play, preview, compress, and edit the audio file instantly after recording

Download it for free for hands-on experience with its features and functions and enhance your screen and recording experience.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts and choose "Audio" (looks like a speaker) from the left side of the interface. Select the sound source by clicking on the speaker sign (the system sound) or the mic sign (the microphone). Or, you can record them both at the same time.

Step 2. Hit "REC" button to start recording audio. To finish it, you just click on the red square icon to stop the recording.

Step 3. After that, the recording list window will pop up automatically. You can listen to or edit the recording with built-in tools.

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The Bottom Line

OBS Studio is a good software for OBS record audio. Here we have sailed you through your issues on how to record desktop audio with OBS for Windows and Mac PCs. Unfortunately, OBS lacks some additional benefits like recording selected regions or scheduling your recordings beforehand.

So we recommend you use EaseUS RecExperts, as it is a beginner-friendly tool that provides professional expertise in seconds. Instead, with EaseUs, you can easily record desktop audio, save it in multiple formats and engage in a delightful screen recording experience. So try it for free today!

OBS Capture Computer Audio FAQs

We have covered the deeper details of how to record desktop audio with OBS on Windows and Mac PCs. However, if any of your queries remain unanswered, you must immediately check these popular questions.

1. Why does OBS not record desktop audio?

OBS is a screen recorder program designed for recording video files with a microphone and desktop audio. You cannot record only desktop audio and save it as an MP3 file.

However, if an issue persists in recording the desktop audio, then you must check the Audio Device Settings. Open Settings > Click Sounds > Select your device and set the speakers as the preferred choice. Save the changes and restart the program to resolve your issue.

2. How do I record internal audio with OBS?

Here are some quick steps to record internal audio with OBS:

• Install OBS and add a new Scene in the Scene section
• Tap the + icon in the Source section
• Select the Audio Output Capture to record desktop sound
• Adjust audio levels from the Audio Mixer box
• Click Properties to select a specific input for audio recording
• Hit the Start Recording button in the Controls section

3. How do I isolate desktop audio in OBS?

To isolate desktop audio in OBS, you must:

• Open the OBS Settings and scroll to audio.
• Under the Global Audio Devices, set Desktop Audio as disabled and the Mic/Auxiliary Audio (first) to your own Mic device
• Set the second Mic/Auxiliary Audio device as disabled

4. Does OBS record mic and desktop audio separately?

Yes. OBS lets you record mic and desktop audio separately. You must look in the Audio Mixer pane of your sound sources and select the little cog. Then visit the Advanced Audio Properties; you can set the left and right balance for any audio source and checkmark the mono box.