How to Configure OBS Studio for FLAC Audio

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure OBS Studio to record high-fidelity audio using the lossless FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format. You will learn how to access the advanced output settings, select the correct recording container, choose your preferred FLAC bit depth, and optimize your sample rate to ensure your local recordings capture pristine, studio-quality sound.

Step 1: Open OBS Studio Settings

Launch OBS Studio on your computer. In the bottom-right corner of the interface, click on Settings, or navigate to File in the top menu bar and select Settings.

Step 2: Switch to Advanced Output Mode

To access lossless audio codecs like FLAC, you must enable the advanced output options: 1. In the Settings window, click on the Output tab in the left sidebar. 2. At the top of the Output menu, locate the Output Mode dropdown menu. 3. Change the setting from Simple to Advanced.

Step 3: Configure the Recording Settings

Once in Advanced mode, configure your recording container and audio encoder: 1. Click on the Recording tab at the top of the Output settings page. 2. Set your Recording Format to a container that supports FLAC, such as Matroska (.mkv) or Fragmented MP4 (.mp4). Note: Matroska is highly recommended because it prevents file corruption if OBS or your system crashes during recording. 3. Locate the Audio Encoder option. 4. Click the dropdown and select either FLAC (16-bit) or FLAC (24-bit). 16-bit represents standard CD-quality audio, while 24-bit offers a higher dynamic range suitable for professional studio editing.

Step 4: Adjust the Audio Sample Rate

To prevent resampling issues and ensure your hardware matches your recording output: 1. Click on the Audio tab in the left sidebar of the Settings window. 2. Under the General section, locate the Sample Rate dropdown. 3. Select 48 kHz (the standard for video production) or 44.1 kHz (the standard for music). Ensure this setting matches the sample rate configured in your operating system’s sound control panel for your microphone and playback devices.

Step 5: Save and Test Your Settings

Click Apply and then OK at the bottom of the Settings window to save your changes. Run a short test recording, then play it back in a compatible media player (such as VLC) or import it into a video editor to verify that your audio is successfully recording in lossless FLAC format.