Record ProRes in OBS Studio with Custom FFmpeg

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure OBS Studio to record high-quality video using the Apple ProRes codec via the custom FFmpeg output option. You will learn how to navigate the advanced output settings, select the correct container, and apply the specific encoder settings required for a successful ProRes recording.

Step 1: Access the Advanced Output Settings

To begin, open OBS Studio and navigate to the settings menu: 1. Click on Settings in the bottom-right corner of the OBS interface (or go to File > Settings). 2. In the left sidebar, click on Output. 3. At the top of the Output settings page, change the Output Mode dropdown from Simple to Advanced.

Step 2: Configure the Recording Tab

Once you are in Advanced mode, you need to change the recording type to allow custom FFmpeg configurations: 1. Click on the Recording tab. 2. Change the Type dropdown to Custom Output (FFmpeg). 3. In the Container Format field, type or select mov. Apple ProRes is natively and most reliably supported inside the QuickTime (.mov) container.

Step 3: Select the Video and Audio Encoders

Next, configure the encoders to target the ProRes codec and uncompressed audio: 1. Locate the Video Encoder dropdown and select prores_ks (this is the recommended, high-quality FFmpeg ProRes encoder) or prores. 2. Locate the Audio Encoder dropdown and select pcm_s16le or pcm_s24le. ProRes video is typically paired with uncompressed PCM audio for professional editing workflows.

Step 4: Define ProRes Quality Settings

To control the quality of your ProRes recording, you must pass specific arguments to the encoder: 1. Find the Video Encoder Settings (if any) text box. 2. Enter profile=X (replace X with a number from 0 to 4 depending on your desired quality level): * profile=0: ProRes Proxy (Lowest bandwidth) * profile=1: ProRes LT * profile=2: ProRes Standard * profile=3: ProRes HQ (Recommended for high-quality mastering) * profile=4: ProRes 4444 (Supports alpha channels/transparency) 3. For example, to record in ProRes 422 HQ, type profile=3 into the settings box.

Step 5: Save and Test

  1. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.
  2. Perform a short test recording to ensure your system can handle the high write-speed demands of the ProRes codec.