Best Guide to Capture Game Audio in OBS When Alt-Tabbing

Have you ever switched to another window when recording or streaming your game, only to find your sound cuts out? Many streamers and content creators face this problem. How to capture game audio when alt-tabbing in OBS? This guide will help you fix it. First, we'll explain why OBS loses your game audio. Then, we'll show you four simple methods to fix it for good. Ready to capture game audio, even when alt-tabbing? Let's get started.

OBS Capture Game Audio When Alt Tabbing

Part 1. Why does OBS Stop Recording Audio When Alt-Tabbing?

OBS may stop recording your game audio when you alt-tab for the following possible reasons:

  • • Windows Audio Ducking: It is a dynamic audio processing technique that adjusts audio levels between sources. It prioritizes certain sounds by lowering others. When you switch to another window, Audio Ducking lowers the sound of your game.
  • • In-Game Design: Many modern games are designed to pause or mute their audio when they're not in focus. Developers do this to save system resources when the game isn’t actively being played. If this happens, OBS may not capture the game's sound.
  • • OBS Settings: If your settings aren't correct, OBS might only capture audio from the active window. This can cause your recordings to be silent when you switch to another window.

Part 2. 4 Methods to Capture Game Audio When Alt-Tabbing in OBS

Method 1: Desktop Audio Capture

Capturing your desktop audio is the simplest and most universal method. However, desktop audio capture records all audio from your computer. It mixes all audio tracks together, and thus, unnecessary sounds may also be recorded. This makes it less flexible and inconvenient sometimes.

Pasos:

1. Abra Configuración.

2. Find Audio > Global Audio Devices > Desktop Audio, then select your device.

3. Click "Apply" to apply the setting on the bottom right.

Settings Desktop Audio

Method 2: Game Capture

For streamers whose primary goal is to capture their game's audio cleanly, the most intuitive method is to use the Game Capture feature to record audio from a specific game in OBS. Disabling desktop audio and capturing only the game audio helps remove unwanted system sounds. This creates a clean and professional soundtrack for your stream or recording.

However, Capture Audio is still in BETA. It may be unstable or incompatible, and it can even crash, so users should be cautious of potential risks.

Paso 1:
Disable the Desktop Capture in Settings: Find Audio > Global Audio Devices > Desktop Capture, and then set both Desktop Audio and Desktop Audio 2 to Disabled.
Settings Desktop Audio Disabled
Paso 2:
Add a Game Capture Source: In the "Sources" dock, click the "+" on the bottom left, and select Game Capture.
Sources Game Capture
Paso 3:
Enable Audio Capture: In the "Properties" window, check the box of "Capture Audio (BETA)", and click "OK".
Captura de audio
Paso 4:
Confirm in Audio Mixer: Now in your "Audio Mixer" dock, you will see a new entry corresponding to your Game Capture source.
Confirm In Audio Mixer

Method 3: Application Audio Capture

Application Audio Capture allows you to make OBS only record game audio. Sometimes, you might need to record audio from an application without including its video; this approach is effective for that purpose as well.

The main advantage of this method is that it lets you capture audio from a specific application, like your game, while excluding all other system sounds. This gives you great control and a clean audio mix.

Unlike Game Capture, this method only captures audio from the application. If you want to record both video and audio, you'll need to use other tools or features. Also, since the feature is still in BETA, it may be unstable, incompatible with some applications, or cause crashes.

Paso 1:
Disable the Desktop Capture in Settings: Find Audio > Global Audio Devices > Desktop Capture, and then set both Desktop Audio and Desktop Audio 2 to Disabled.
Paso 2:
Add an Application Audio Capture: In the "Sources" dock, click the "+" on the bottom left, and select Application Audio Capture (BETA)
Aplicación Captura de audio
Paso 3:
Select the Window: In the properties window that follows, choose the application to capture audio from. Remember that the app must be running to appear in the list.
Properties Window
Paso 4:
Select Window Match Priority: Also, in the properties window, selecting "Match title, otherwise find window of same type" is recommended for most applications. For apps with changing window titles, such as Spotify or Chrome, choose "Match title, otherwise find window of same executable" to ensure continuous capture regardless of the content.
Properties Window Match Priority

Methods 4: Change Audio Settings in Your Games

This method is simple and easy to use. You don't need to add new sources or adjust complex settings in OBS. You can minimize the game or switch to another window, like a browser or chat, without the game audio cutting out.

However, the biggest drawback is that not all games support this feature. Many games don't offer this option, making the method unusable.

Paso 1:
Open the Settings in the Game, and then find Audio Settings.
Paso 2:
Seek an option, such as "Enable audio in background" or "Keep playing sound when minimized," and activate it.

Part 3. OBS Alternative for Easier Game Recording: Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

If these methods can't fix your OBS game audio issues, you can turn to an OBS alternative: Aiseesoft Screen Recorder.

Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

Aiseesoft Screen Recorder allows you to record your entire screen, a selected window, webcam, game, or phone audio, and even take screenshots. Unlike OBS, it uses fewer system resources, so it works smoothly on most computers. And you can follow simpler steps to capture audio when alt-tabbing in Aiseesoft Screen Recorder. It also has a more straightforward setup, making it a great option for users who want an easy recording experience.

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Aiseesoft Screen Recorder offers a simpler and more intuitive alternative to OBS for game recording, especially when capturing game audio during alt-tabbing. With its easy setup and low system resource usage, users can start recording quickly. Whether you're a beginner or just seeking a hassle-free recording experience, it provides an efficient and reliable solution for smooth game capture without the complexities of OBS.

To capture game audio when alt-tabbing, there are 2 easy methods in Aiseesoft Screen Recorder:

Method 1: Game Recorder

For users struggling with OBS game audio, the Game Recorder in Aiseesoft Screen Recorder offers a much simpler, more intuitive setup. It allows for quick recording with minimal configuration.

Paso 1:
Select Game Recorder. Remember to run your game before it.
Grabador de juegos
Paso 2:
Click "Select the Game", and select your game window that you want to record.
Seleccione el juego
Paso 3:
Click "REC" to start your recording.
Rec

Method 2: Window Recorder

The Window Recorder function can capture the video and audio of the selected window, including your games. And it's much easier to use than OBS for normal people.

Paso 1:
Select Window Recorder. Also, remember to run your game before it.
Grabador de ventana
Paso 2:
In the window that appears, select the window you want to record.
Select The Window
Paso 3:
Adjust the zone of the window.
Recording Zone
Paso 4:
Click "REC" to start your recording.

Part 4. FAQs about OBS Game Audio Recording

How to capture game audio separately in OBS?

Both the Game Capture and Application Audio Capture can capture and restore the separate game audio track. The steps have been outlined above.

Does Game Capture on OBS capture audio?

Yes. Game Capture can record your game's video and audio simultaneously. And the game audio is separately restored as a track, so you can edit it without changing other audio settings.

Can I use OBS to record only audio?

No. OBS does not support only audio recording. As a screen recorder and broadcasting tool, it needs to record video along with audio to capture the audio output.

Conclusión

Capturing game audio during alt-tabbing can be challenging for streamers and content creators using OBS. However, with the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve the issue. If these solutions don't work for you or you find them too complex, Aiseesoft Screen Recorder offers a reliable, easier OBS alternative. It ensures you capture game audio effortlessly, even when alt-tabbing.

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Aiseesoft Screen Recorder es el mejor software de grabación de pantalla para capturar cualquier actividad como videos en línea, llamadas de cámara web, juegos en Windows/Mac.

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