Best OBS Settings for Recording Videos [Video & Audio]

David Wilson
David Wilson Originally published Jun 14, 22, updated Apr 18, 24

Best OBS Alternative - DemoCreator

★ Pretty easy to record, live stream, edit, and output video or audio in high quality.
★ An ideal tool for gamers, YouTubers, educators, businesses, or anyone who desires to grow their audience via video creation.
democreator 

People often ask me what the best OBS settings are for recording videos. I guess that is what you’re here for too. So let’s get straight into this.

The settings below are my recommendations, but OBS recording settings vary from one person to the next, depending on the computer you are using and the speed of your internet. Therefore, you have to play around with some of the adjustments until you find the most suitable one.

In this article
  1. Configuration Suggestions for OBS Audio Recording
  2. Best Video Settings for OBS Recording
  3. Advanced OBS Settings for Better Use
    1. Step-by-step Guide on How to Record Screen with DemoCreator

Suggested OBS Settings for Video Recording and Streaming

When setting up OBS recording settings, go into "Settings" > "Output" and update Output Mode to "Advanced."

From there, go into the recording tab. It will bring up a list of options. First of all, make sure "type" is set to standard and select a recording path. This is the location where you want to store your screen captures. You do this by creating a new folder on your computer in the usual way. Then all you have to do is select browse and choose the appropriate link.

Update the recording to MP4 and set audio track to 1.

If you've got a better graphics card than the x264 in OBS settings, select the graphics card you want.

Select rate control to CBR and set the bitrate to 40000. If you have low-end specs, you will need to downscale the bitrate to 15000-25000. If your computer can handle it, you can upscale bitrate.

obs record
OBS Record Settings

The last OBS settings to change in this screen are in the Two-Pass Encoding. Set GPU to 0 and B-frames set to 2.

Best Audio Settings for OBS Recording

The first audio setting to change is in the Output menu. Go to the Audio tab and set the audio rate to 320 in track one. If you are using more than one track, boost the scale to 320 also. This is typically the best sound, but you may need to adjust settings that work best with your computer.

obs audio
OBS Audio Settings

Then go into the Audio menu from the list on the left. Set the sample rate to the same rate as your microphone.

If you’re using a second desktop device, select it from the relevant field, otherwise, keep the setting at disabled.

set up OBS Studio audio levels for streaming
OBS Audio Settings

Then select the microphone you want to record with. Leave all the other settings as they are.

Best Video Settings for OBS Recording

Then go into the video tab from the menu bar on your left

If you’re recording in 1080p leave the base resolution as it is. If the quality of the recording is not good, downscale the resolution to 1280 x 720. Set the output resolution field to the same setting.

If the quality of your video is poor downscale the resolution appropriately. Again, you may need to try several settings until you find the best resolution.

Set the downscale filter to 32 samples.

set video settings on OBS
OBS Video Settings for Recording

YouTube can handle 60 FPS, but leaving OBS recording settings at 30 FPS is okay too. Click "Apply" to save your settings on the video screen.

Advanced OBS Settings for Better Use

The last to do when setting up OBS is in the "Advanced" menu.

Leave the process priority at above normal and renderer on Direct3D 11

Code format should be set to NV12, YUV color space to 709, and YUV color range to FULL. This will give you the best color rendering.

obs advanced settings
OBS Advanced Settings

Click OK to save the changes and start recording.

Best OBS Alternative – Wondershare DemoCreator

Although OBS is one of the best free video editing suites available right now, it does have its faults. The biggest problem with OBS is the software is difficult for beginners to use – hence why I get so many people asking me about the best OBS settings for recording.

If you keep running into problems with OBS, try a different video recorder. The best alternative is DemoCreator Screen Recorder. It’s far easier to use than setting up OBS. Plus, you can enhance video quality with great ease!

DemoCreator Screen Recording Tutorial Video
Free Download
Free Download

One of the best features of DemoCreator is the program, which enables you to record from 2 devices simultaneously – your screen and your webcam. If you are hosting a chat show, tutorial, or recording gameplay, you can show viewers your screen and appear in the corner of your screen at the same time. What’s more, it allows you to record at up to 120 fps, which is perfect for recording fast-paced games.

How To Record Screen with DemoCreator Screen Recorder

01of 04Get Started

After launching DemoCreator, click the "Start a Record Project" or "Record Screen" option from the start panel, then you will have the record setting interface.

OBS not working
Launch DemoCreator
02of 04Record Setting Recommendations

Customize the settings to full-screen capture or set a custom size later and choose the source of audio and camera recording.

record settings
DemoCreator Record Settings
03of 04Record What You Need

To start recording, go into the recording screen and click the red circle button "REC" to proceed.

record settings
Start Recording
04of 04Edit and Export the Recorded Video

Once the recording completes, the video will be opened in the editor, you can make the editing as you want.

Further more, DemoCreator has the SFX store for users to easily add effects on the recorded videos, you can apply transitions, filters and VFX to your recorded videos by drag-and-drop.

record settings
Complete the Recorded Video

Free Download
Free Download

Sometimes, you need to add some transitions, filters, or overlays to the recorded videos. You can choose to do some basic video editing, such as splitting, cutting, and rotating in DemoCreator. With DemoCreator, you can be more creative with its built-in audios and video effects. Just download the free trial version now and have a try today.

David Wilson
David Wilson Apr 18, 24
Share article: