How to Record Desktop Audio with OBS on Windows?

Note that this open-source software doesn’t support recording audio only. You’ll end up with an MKV/MP4/MOV video file and need an extra step to extract the audio track from the recorded file.

Follow the steps below to see how to get OBS to record desktop audio on Windows.

Step 1. Get OBS here. A pop-up window named Auto-configuration wizard will appear during installation.

Step 2. For recording purposes only, you just need to tick off “Optimize just for recording, I will not be streaming”. Then it will optimize the settings automatically to make them suitable for recording. This feature does save non-tech-savvy users from the daunting customizable configurations.

Step 3. Once installed, launch OBS. To get a high-quality recording, you can continue to tweak the settings before recording. Click on Settings at the bottom-right of the window. Then go to the Audio part.

Step 4. Here you can set the desired sample rate and audio channels. Also, you can change the audio device input manually.

Step 5. Save the changes and back to the main interface. Then hit the plus icon in the Sources pane at the bottom. Choose to record the sound from the entire desktop or a certain application.

You’ll need to add a video source as well since OBS doesn’t support recording audio only currently. For example, choose Game capture to record game audio.

Step 6. Once all settings are done, hit the Start Recording button in the Controls pane.

Step 7. Click on the Stop Recording button to finish recording the desktop audio.

As I mentioned before, OBS allows you to pre-configure recording settings to get a smooth output. But it lacks a dedicated audio recording function and doesn’t have any editing options for post-production. Therefore, to separate the audio track from the resulting video file, you have to use a third-party editor for OBS. For those who prefer to record desktop audio in a faster and easier way, OBS might let them down.

Don't worry. In the following part, we’ll share with you a functional recording program that not only features an audio-only recording mode but also includes a suite of editing tools. Read on to learn more details.

WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is an all-in-one screen recorder and video editor. Unlike OBS, this watermark-free recording tool has no learning curve at all for those new to video recording and editing.

From software tutorials and online meetings to streaming music and gaming clips, you can record anything on your computer screen. It also allows you to record a specific area of the screen or the entire screen. What’s more, you’re provided with multiple formats options for audio recording when capturing desktop audio. The built-in editor allows you to trim, cut, merge, and compress your recordings. More editing features for video are also available.

Download this functional tool here and follow the guide to learn how to record desktop audio with OBS alternative:

That's all about how to record desktop audio with OBS. We also offer an easier way to do audio recording. BTW, the recommended WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro can do more than recording. This is a comprehensive toolkit that contains a range of powerful tools including Converter, Recoder, Downloader, GIF Maker, and more.