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Record gameplay video with audio stimultaneously.

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How to Set Up OBS for Game Audio Capture with No Effort

Nola Jones
Feb 11, 2026 / Updated by Nola Jones to Record Audio

Game audio capture on OBS Studio has always been a popular feature. If you want to record gameplay, game audio should never be left behind, as it plays a significant role in creating an immersive gaming experience, from background music to real-time sound effects and in-game dialogue. While it seems to be easy, many players may find that their recordings have no game audio included. But don't worry; this guide explains how to capture game audio using OBS and explores reliable alternatives.

Detailed Steps to Capture Game Audio Using OBS Studio

Before recording game audio, OBS Studio needs to be configured correctly. Otherwise, you may still find game audio not working on your recordings. You can follow the proper steps below to ensure that background music, sound effects, and in-game voices are recorded without lag or sync issues during gameplay recording.

Step 1.Launch OBS and click the "Add" button under the "Sources" tab. Click the "Audio Output Capture" button.

Step 2.Click the "Add Existing" button and then the "Desktop Audio" button. Click the "OK" button.

Add Audio Source OBS

Step 3.Now, you can click the "File" button and open the "Settings" tab to adjust your audio settings. Click the "Audio" button and then the "Desktop Audio to Default" button to capture game audio only within your OBS.

Step 4.After customizing all the recording settings as you want, click the "OK" button to save the changes.

Adjust Audio Settings OBS

Step 5.To start recording game audio using OBS Studio, click the "Start Recording" button under the "Controls" tab.

Step 6.If you want to check the recorded content, click the "Show Recordings" button under the "File" tab.

Check Recorded Audio OBS

The Best Alternative to OBS Studio for Game Audio Capture

While OBS Studio is powerful, it may feel complex for users who only need to record game audio. Its complicated interface and settings will make beginners feel completely confused. If you want to record game audio in OBS Studio's quality but in a simple way, you can rely on AnyRec Screen Recorder. It allows you to record system audio directly, ensuring that in-game music and sound effects are captured clearly.

Record Gameplay Anyrec

AnyRec Screen Recorder also delivers stable performance with minimal CPU usage, which helps avoid audio drops during gameplay. This feature makes sure that even a low-end PC can run and record gameplay with game audio smoothly. For users who want a straightforward and reliable way to capture game audio, AnyRec provides an efficient alternative to OBS.

AnyRec Screen Recorder
AnyRec Screen Recorder

Record the audio content according to the original quality of the game.

Edit the game audio recorded before saving it on your device.

Support simultaneous recording of gameplay along with game audio.

Export the recorded game audio in the format you need.

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Step 1.Launch AnyRec Screen Recorder and click the "Screen Recorder" button to click the "Game Recorder" button.

Audio Recorder Anyrec

Step 2.Click the "Select the game" button to select the game you want to record.

Select Game Anyrec

Step 3.To capture game audio during gameplay, click the "System Sound" button. Click the "Record" button to start.

Record Game Audio Anyrec

Other Options for Game Audio Capture Apart from OBS

Actually, there are other tools available for capturing game audio, like OBS Studio. For different scenarios and requirements, this section provides you with several reliable game audio recording tools, allowing you to record game audio at the professional level of OBS Studio.

1. Audacity

As an open-source professional audio recording and editing software, Audacity can easily assist you in recording game audio like OBS. You don't need to worry about its recording performance, as it can be said to be the most trusted audio recording software over the years. At the same time, it also allows you to edit the recorded game audio. It is undoubtedly an excellent choice for those who focus on recording game audio. The only problem is that it does not support gameplay, that is, video recording.

Capture Game Audio Audacity
Pros
Totally open-source and free
Allow basic audio editing
Check the audio wave of the game audio
Cons
Not specially designed for game recording
No built-in video capture
The interface may feel dated for new users

2. Bandicam

Bandicam is a lightweight screen recorder for Windows that supports high-quality audio capture alongside gameplay. It can also work as a game screen recorder with game sounds and microphone input together or separately. Bandicam is optimized for performance but focuses on simplicity over advanced production features.

Capture Game Audio Bamdicam
Pros
Simple setup and capture workflow
Capture game audio like OBS with low CPU usage
Separate audio track options
Cons
Paid license required for full features
Watermark on the free version
Limited advanced editing tools

3. NVIDIA ShadowPlay (NVIDIA Share)

Perhaps beyond your imagination is that NVIDIA is not only proficient in the production of graphics cards and the design of accompanying software, but also NVIDIA ShadowPlay is a professional software that it has explicitly launched for game recording needs. As long as you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you will find that it is entirely free to use. Whether it's gameplay recording or game audio recording with OBS Studio, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that NVIDIA ShadowPlay can offer excellent results.

Capture Game Audio Nvidia
Pros
Minimal performance overhead
Easy in-game recording controls
Integrated with GeForce Experience
Cons
Only for NVIDIA hardware
No abundant customization for game recording
You can hardly find options for editing

4. XSplit Broadcaster

XSplit Broadcaster is a streaming and recording suite that supports dedicated audio mix control. It integrates game audio, microphone layers, and filters for customized results. So, it can definitely be a reliable alternative to OBS Studio for game audio recording. While aimed at livestreamers, XSplit works well for local audio capture when combined with recording profiles.

Capture Game Audio Xsplit
Pros
Mix your game audio as you want
Select various scenarios for recording
Integrated plugins and extensions
Cons
Subscription required for full features
Can be resource-intensive
Learning curve for beginners

5. VoiceMeeter Banana

VoiceMeeter Banana is a virtual audio mixer that allows users to route, mix, and record game audio with high flexibility. With this tool, you will find record game audio in OBS Studio's quality and manage it, which can be such an easy job. Combined with professional recording tools, it provides granular control over individual sound sources, making it a good choice for game audio recording.

Capture Game Audio VB
Pros
Highly customizable audio routing
Supports multiple audio sources
Works with streaming/recording software
Cons
Complex initial setup
Not a standalone recorder
Steep learning curve for new users

Conclusion

Capturing game audio in OBS Studio can be a simple task only if you know the proper methods. While it can be hard for new beginners, there are also many recording tools you can use for game recording. With a range of alternative tools available, users can choose solutions that better match their hardware, workflow, and recording goals. If you want to record game audio and have the same or even more powerful functions as OBS Studio, then you can choose AnyRec Screen Recorder to start your game recording immediately.

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