For many gamers and streamers, Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is the go-to platform for recording and streaming gameplay. However, one of the most frustrating issues that can arise is the inability to hear game audio while using OBS. This problem can be particularly vexing, especially when you’re in the middle of a critical gaming session or a live stream. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible reasons behind this issue and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve it.
Understanding OBS and Game Audio
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how OBS works and how it interacts with game audio. OBS is a powerful software that allows you to capture and stream video and audio from various sources, including games, webcams, and microphones. When it comes to game audio, OBS uses a feature called “game capture” to record the audio from your game. This feature is designed to capture the audio directly from the game, rather than relying on the computer’s default audio output.
Common Causes of Game Audio Issues in OBS
There are several reasons why you may not be able to hear your game audio on OBS. Some of the most common causes include:
Game audio settings not properly configured in OBS
Incorrect audio device selected in OBS
Conflict with other audio software or programs
Game audio not being captured correctly by OBS
Audio settings in the game itself not set up correctly
Checking Game Audio Settings in OBS
The first step in troubleshooting game audio issues in OBS is to check the game audio settings. To do this, follow these steps:
Open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu
Click on the “Audio” tab
Make sure that the “Game Audio” option is selected as the default audio device
Check that the “Game Audio” volume is turned up and not muted
It’s also essential to ensure that the correct audio device is selected in OBS. If you’re using a separate audio interface or sound card, make sure that it’s selected as the default audio device in OBS.
Troubleshooting Game Audio Issues in OBS
If you’ve checked the game audio settings in OBS and still can’t hear your game audio, it’s time to start troubleshooting. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:
Checking for Conflicts with Other Audio Software
One common cause of game audio issues in OBS is conflicts with other audio software or programs. If you’re running other audio programs, such as Skype or Discord, while using OBS, it may be causing the issue. Try closing any other audio programs and see if that resolves the issue.
Checking Audio Settings in the Game Itself
Another potential cause of game audio issues in OBS is incorrect audio settings in the game itself. Check the game’s audio settings to ensure that the audio is not muted or set to a low volume. You should also check that the game is set to use the correct audio device.
Using the “Stereo Mix” Feature
If you’re still having trouble getting game audio to work in OBS, you can try using the “Stereo Mix” feature. This feature allows you to capture the audio from your computer’s default audio output, rather than relying on the game capture feature in OBS. To use the “Stereo Mix” feature, follow these steps:
Open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu
Click on the “Audio” tab
Select “Stereo Mix” as the default audio device
Make sure that the “Stereo Mix” volume is turned up and not muted
Using the “Stereo Mix” feature can be a good workaround if you’re having trouble getting game audio to work in OBS. However, keep in mind that it may not provide the same level of quality as the game capture feature.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If you’ve tried the above steps and still can’t get game audio to work in OBS, it may be time to try some more advanced troubleshooting techniques. One approach is to use the Windows Audio Troubleshooter to identify and fix any issues with your computer’s audio settings. To access the Windows Audio Troubleshooter, follow these steps:
Go to the “Control Panel” on your computer
Click on “Troubleshooting”
Click on “Playing Audio”
Follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter
Another approach is to update your audio drivers to ensure that you have the latest version installed. Outdated audio drivers can cause a range of issues, including problems with game audio in OBS. To update your audio drivers, follow these steps:
Go to the “Device Manager” on your computer
Click on “Sound, Video and Game Controllers”
Right-click on your audio device and select “Update Driver”
Follow the prompts to update the driver
Using Third-Party Audio Software
If you’re still having trouble getting game audio to work in OBS, you may want to consider using third-party audio software. There are a range of programs available that can help you capture and stream game audio, including Virtual Audio Cable and Voicemeeter. These programs can provide more advanced audio features and settings, and may be able to help you resolve issues with game audio in OBS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, troubleshooting game audio issues in OBS can be a complex and frustrating process. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Remember to check your game audio settings in OBS, ensure that the correct audio device is selected, and try using the “Stereo Mix” feature if necessary. If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to try more advanced troubleshooting techniques, such as using the Windows Audio Troubleshooter or updating your audio drivers. With patience and persistence, you should be able to get your game audio working in OBS and enjoy a high-quality streaming experience.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Game audio settings not properly configured in OBS | Check game audio settings in OBS and ensure that the correct audio device is selected |
| Conflict with other audio software or programs | Close any other audio programs and try using the “Stereo Mix” feature |
By following these steps and trying out different solutions, you should be able to resolve any issues with game audio in OBS and enjoy a seamless streaming experience. Remember to always check for updates and ensure that your audio drivers are up to date to prevent any future issues. With the right approach and a little patience, you can overcome any obstacles and achieve high-quality game audio in OBS.
What are the common causes of game audio not being heard on OBS?
The most common causes of game audio not being heard on OBS include incorrect audio settings, outdated or corrupted audio drivers, and conflicts with other audio software. It’s also possible that the game audio is not being captured by OBS due to the game’s audio settings or the OBS audio capture settings. Additionally, using the wrong audio device or not selecting the correct audio device in OBS can also lead to game audio not being heard. To troubleshoot this issue, it’s essential to check the OBS audio settings, audio drivers, and game audio settings to identify the root cause of the problem.
To resolve the issue, start by checking the OBS audio settings to ensure that the correct audio device is selected and that the game audio is being captured. Next, check the game’s audio settings to ensure that the audio is not muted or set to a low volume. Also, update the audio drivers to the latest version and restart the computer to ensure that the changes take effect. If the issue persists, try using a different audio device or adjusting the OBS audio capture settings to see if it resolves the problem. By systematically checking and adjusting these settings, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the game audio not to be heard on OBS.
How do I check my OBS audio settings to ensure game audio is being captured?
To check your OBS audio settings, start by opening the OBS settings panel and navigating to the “Audio” section. In this section, you’ll see a list of available audio devices, including the default device, microphone, and any other audio devices connected to your computer. Ensure that the correct audio device is selected, such as the one connected to your speakers or headphones. Also, check the “Audio Capture” settings to ensure that the game audio is being captured. You can do this by selecting the “Game Capture” or “Window Capture” option, depending on how you’re capturing your game footage.
In the “Audio Capture” settings, you’ll also see options to select the audio device, set the audio bitrate, and adjust the audio gain. Ensure that the audio device is set to the correct device and that the bitrate is set to a suitable value for your stream or recording. Additionally, adjust the audio gain to optimize the audio levels for your game audio. If you’re still having trouble, try resetting the OBS audio settings to their default values or seeking help from the OBS community or support resources. By carefully checking and adjusting your OBS audio settings, you should be able to ensure that your game audio is being captured and heard on OBS.
What role do audio drivers play in game audio not being heard on OBS?
Audio drivers play a crucial role in ensuring that game audio is heard on OBS. Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause a range of issues, including game audio not being heard, audio distortion, or audio lag. When audio drivers are outdated or corrupted, they may not be able to properly communicate with the game or OBS, resulting in audio issues. To resolve this issue, it’s essential to update the audio drivers to the latest version. You can do this by visiting the manufacturer’s website, downloading the latest drivers, and following the installation instructions.
Updating audio drivers can resolve a range of audio issues, including game audio not being heard on OBS. After updating the drivers, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect. If you’re still experiencing issues, try rolling back the drivers to a previous version or seeking help from the manufacturer’s support resources. Additionally, consider using a driver update tool to automatically scan for and update outdated drivers. By keeping your audio drivers up to date, you can help ensure that your game audio is heard on OBS and that you’re getting the best possible audio quality.
Can conflicts with other audio software cause game audio not to be heard on OBS?
Yes, conflicts with other audio software can cause game audio not to be heard on OBS. When multiple audio software programs are running simultaneously, they can conflict with each other, causing audio issues. For example, if you’re running a voice chat program or a music streaming service while using OBS, it can interfere with the game audio and prevent it from being heard. To resolve this issue, try closing any unnecessary audio software programs or adjusting their settings to prevent conflicts.
To minimize conflicts with other audio software, try using a dedicated audio device for OBS, such as a USB microphone or audio interface. This can help prevent conflicts with other audio software programs and ensure that the game audio is being captured correctly. Additionally, consider using a virtual audio cable or audio routing software to manage multiple audio devices and prevent conflicts. By taking steps to minimize conflicts with other audio software, you can help ensure that your game audio is heard on OBS and that you’re getting the best possible audio quality.
How do I select the correct audio device in OBS to hear game audio?
To select the correct audio device in OBS, start by opening the OBS settings panel and navigating to the “Audio” section. In this section, you’ll see a list of available audio devices, including the default device, microphone, and any other audio devices connected to your computer. Click on the “Device” dropdown menu and select the audio device that you want to use, such as the one connected to your speakers or headphones. Ensure that the selected device is the one that is receiving the game audio.
If you’re still having trouble selecting the correct audio device, try using the “Default” device or the “Desktop Audio” device. The “Default” device will use the default audio device set in your computer’s audio settings, while the “Desktop Audio” device will capture all audio playing on your computer, including game audio. Additionally, consider using a dedicated audio device for OBS, such as a USB microphone or audio interface, to help prevent conflicts with other audio software programs. By selecting the correct audio device in OBS, you should be able to hear your game audio and get the best possible audio quality.
What are some additional troubleshooting steps I can take to resolve game audio issues on OBS?
If you’re still experiencing game audio issues on OBS, there are several additional troubleshooting steps you can take. First, try restarting OBS and your computer to ensure that any changes you’ve made take effect. Next, check the OBS logs for any error messages that may indicate the cause of the issue. You can also try resetting the OBS audio settings to their default values or seeking help from the OBS community or support resources. Additionally, consider updating your computer’s audio drivers or using a different audio device to see if it resolves the issue.
Another troubleshooting step you can take is to use a different game capture method, such as “Game Capture” or “Window Capture”, to see if it resolves the issue. You can also try adjusting the OBS audio capture settings, such as the bitrate or audio gain, to optimize the audio levels for your game audio. If you’re still having trouble, consider seeking help from a professional or using a different streaming or recording software. By taking a systematic and thorough approach to troubleshooting, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the game audio not to be heard on OBS.