obs not picking up desktop audio

3 min read 03-10-2024

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a popular choice for live streaming and screen recording. However, users often encounter issues where OBS fails to pick up desktop audio, leading to silent streams or recordings. This article aims to address the common questions related to this problem, provide solutions, and share additional insights that can enhance your streaming experience.

Common Issues with OBS Desktop Audio

1. Why is OBS not picking up desktop audio?

There could be several reasons why OBS is not capturing desktop audio. Here are a few common ones:

Incorrect Audio Source: The audio source might not be correctly selected in the OBS settings.
Audio Mixer Settings: The audio mixer settings might be muted or set too low.
Device Conflicts: Conflicts with other applications or audio devices can prevent OBS from capturing audio.
Settings Misconfiguration: Your audio settings in both Windows and OBS could be incorrectly configured.

2. How do I check my OBS audio settings?

To ensure OBS is set up correctly to capture audio:

Open OBS and go to Settings.
Click on the Audio tab.
Under the Global Audio Devices section, make sure your Desktop Audio Device is set to the correct output device (like your headphones or speakers).
You can also select 'Default' to let Windows handle the audio output.

3. What if the audio source is correct, but OBS still doesn't pick it up?

If you've verified that the audio source is set correctly, try these additional steps:

Check Windows Sound Settings: Right-click the sound icon in your system tray, select Sounds, and then check the Playback tab to ensure the correct output device is set as default.
Test Audio: Play music or a video to confirm that sound is coming through the correct device.
Check OBS Audio Mixer: Make sure the Desktop Audio track in OBS is not muted or turned down.
Update OBS: Ensure that you are running the latest version of OBS, as updates often contain fixes for known issues.

4. Could other applications affect OBS's ability to capture audio?

Yes! Other applications that use audio resources can sometimes interfere with OBS. For instance:

Applications like Discord or Skype may monopolize the audio device.
Closing other applications that might be using the audio device can resolve conflicts.

5. How can I use an audio output capture device as an alternative?

If you're still having trouble capturing desktop audio directly, you can add an Audio Output Capture source:

In OBS, click the + icon in the Sources panel.
Select Audio Output Capture.
Choose Create New and name it.
In the properties, select the correct audio device you want OBS to capture.

6. Are there any advanced troubleshooting methods?

If the issue persists, consider these advanced troubleshooting steps:

Reset OBS settings: Sometimes starting fresh can resolve complex configuration issues.
Reinstall OBS: Uninstalling and then reinstalling OBS can sometimes fix stubborn problems.
Audio Troubleshooter: Use the built-in Windows audio troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Playing Audio.

Practical Example

Let’s illustrate this with a practical example:

Imagine you are preparing for a live stream of your favorite video game. You have set everything up, but during a test recording, you notice that there is no sound from the game.

You check OBS settings and find that the Desktop Audio Device is set to ‘Default’, and the audio mixer is unmuted but shows no activity.
You then check the Windows sound settings and realize your headphones were set as default, but you’re streaming through speakers. You change the default device to your speakers.
After restarting OBS, your desktop audio is now functioning correctly, and your stream includes the game sounds.

Conclusion

Having OBS not pick up desktop audio can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue. By checking settings, ensuring no device conflicts, and utilizing audio capture methods, you can ensure that your streams are not only visually engaging but also sonically rich.

For those seeking more advanced solutions or personalized advice, consider joining communities such as the OBS Forums or checking out guides from reputable sources for continual learning.

Feel free to leave comments or questions if you're still experiencing issues, and let’s make your streaming experience as smooth as possible!