How to Separate Discord Audio from Desktop Audio in OBS: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of content creation, especially for streamers and YouTubers, managing audio sources is crucial. One common challenge is separating Discord audio from desktop audio in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). This guide will walk you through various methods to achieve this, ensuring your streams and recordings are of the highest quality.

Why Separate Discord Audio from Desktop Audio?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand why you might want to separate Discord audio from your desktop audio in OBS. Here are a few reasons:

1. Audio Control: Separating audio sources allows you to control the volume of each independently. This is particularly useful when you want to emphasize game sounds over Discord chat or vice versa.
2. Editing Flexibility: If you’re recording content for later editing, having separate audio tracks makes it easier to adjust levels, remove background noise, or cut out unwanted sections.
3. Professionalism: Clear and well-balanced audio is a hallmark of professional content. Separating audio sources helps you achieve this.

Methods to Separate Discord Audio from Desktop Audio in OBS

Method 1: Using Virtual Audio Cables

Virtual Audio Cables (VAC) are software solutions that create virtual audio devices on your computer. These devices can route audio from one application to another, allowing you to separate Discord audio from desktop audio.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download and Install Virtual Audio Cable: There are several VAC solutions available, such as VB-Cable or Voicemeeter. Download and install one that suits your needs.
2. Configure Discord to Use the Virtual Cable:
   • Open Discord and go to User Settings > Voice & Video.
   • Under Output Device, select the virtual audio cable you installed.
3. Set Up OBS:
   • Open OBS and go to Settings > Audio.
   • Under Desktop Audio, select your default audio device.
   • Add a new audio source by clicking the + button under Sources and selecting Audio Input Capture.
   • Choose the virtual audio cable as the input device.
4. Test and Adjust: Play some audio in Discord and check if it’s being captured separately in OBS. Adjust the volume levels as needed.

Method 2: Using OBS Plugins

OBS has a variety of plugins that can help you manage audio sources more effectively. One such plugin is the Audio Monitor plugin, which allows you to route audio to different channels.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Install the Audio Monitor Plugin:
   • Download the plugin from the OBS forums or GitHub.
   • Place the plugin files in the OBS plugins folder.
2. Configure OBS:
   • Open OBS and go to Tools > Audio Monitor.
   • Set up the plugin to route Discord audio to a separate channel.
3. Add Discord as a Separate Audio Source:
   • In OBS, add a new audio source by clicking the + button under Sources and selecting Audio Input Capture.
   • Choose Discord as the input device.
4. Test and Adjust: Ensure that Discord audio is being captured separately and adjust the volume levels as needed.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

There are several third-party software solutions that can help you separate Discord audio from desktop audio. One popular option is VoiceMeeter Banana, a virtual audio mixer that allows you to route audio from different applications to different outputs.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download and Install VoiceMeeter Banana:
   • Download the software from the official website and install it.
2. Configure VoiceMeeter:
   • Open VoiceMeeter Banana and set up your hardware inputs and outputs.
   • Route Discord audio to a separate virtual output.
3. Set Up OBS:
   • Open OBS and go to Settings > Audio.
   • Under Desktop Audio, select your default audio device.
   • Add a new audio source by clicking the + button under Sources and selecting Audio Input Capture.
   • Choose the virtual output from VoiceMeeter as the input device.
4. Test and Adjust: Play some audio in Discord and check if it’s being captured separately in OBS. Adjust the volume levels as needed.

Method 4: Using OBS Studio’s Advanced Audio Properties

OBS Studio has an Advanced Audio Properties panel that allows you to fine-tune your audio settings, including routing different audio sources to different tracks.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Advanced Audio Properties:
   • In OBS, right-click on any audio source and select Advanced Audio Properties.
2. Route Discord Audio to a Separate Track:
   • In the Advanced Audio Properties panel, assign Discord audio to a different track than your desktop audio.
3. Set Up OBS Recording Settings:
   • Go to Settings > Output > Recording.
   • Under Audio Tracks, enable the track you assigned Discord audio to.
4. Test and Adjust: Record a short clip and check if Discord audio is on a separate track. Adjust the volume levels as needed.

Tips for Optimal Audio Quality

1. Use High-Quality Microphones: Ensure that your microphone and your Discord participants’ microphones are of good quality to avoid background noise and distortion.
2. Monitor Audio Levels: Keep an eye on your audio levels in OBS to avoid clipping or distortion.
3. Use Noise Suppression: OBS has built-in noise suppression filters that can help reduce background noise.
4. Regularly Test Your Setup: Before going live or recording, always test your audio setup to ensure everything is working as expected.

Conclusion

Separating Discord audio from desktop audio in OBS can significantly enhance the quality of your streams and recordings. Whether you choose to use virtual audio cables, OBS plugins, third-party software, or OBS’s advanced audio properties, the key is to find a method that works best for your setup. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to achieve professional-level audio separation in no time.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I separate Discord audio from desktop audio without using third-party software? A: Yes, you can use OBS’s Advanced Audio Properties to route Discord audio to a separate track without needing third-party software.

Q: Will using virtual audio cables affect my computer’s performance? A: Virtual audio cables generally have a minimal impact on performance, but it depends on your system’s specifications and the complexity of your audio routing.

Q: Can I separate audio from other applications using these methods? A: Absolutely! These methods can be applied to separate audio from any application, not just Discord.

Q: Is it possible to separate audio in real-time during a live stream? A: Yes, with the right setup, you can separate and control audio sources in real-time during a live stream.

Q: What should I do if I experience audio latency issues? A: Audio latency can be caused by various factors, including system performance and audio buffer settings. Try reducing the buffer size in your audio settings or closing other resource-intensive applications.