Spotify is a popular music streaming platform that allows users to access millions of songs from various genres. While Spotify offers a convenient way to listen to music, some users may want to capture and record the music for offline listening or for other purposes. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to capture Spotify music on OBS, a popular streaming and recording software. Whether you are a content creator or simply want to save your favorite Spotify tracks, these methods will help you achieve it.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Capture Spotify Music on OBS
There are several reasons why you may want to capture Spotify music on OBS.
Firstly, if you are a content creator who produces videos or livestreams, capturing Spotify music on OBS allows you to enhance your content with high-quality soundtracks. OBS offers advanced audio recording capabilities, making it an excellent choice for capturing Spotify music during your streams or recordings.
Secondly, capturing Spotify music on OBS enables you to create personalized playlists or mixes of your favorite songs. By recording the tracks, you can then use them in other applications or devices, such as editing software or portable music players.
Lastly, capturing Spotify music on OBS allows you to enjoy your favorite songs offline. By recording the tracks, you can listen to them even without an internet connection, which is especially useful when traveling or in areas with poor network coverage.
Now let’s explore the different methods to capture Spotify music on OBS.
Method 1: Using Audio Output Capture
Capturing Spotify music on OBS using Audio Output Capture is one of the simplest methods. This method allows you to record the sound being played on your computer, including the audio from Spotify.
Before we begin, make sure you have OBS installed on your computer.
Here are the steps to capture Spotify music on OBS using Audio Output Capture:
Step 1: Open OBS and go to the "Sources" panel.
Step 2: Click the "+" icon and select "Audio Output Capture."
Step 3: Name the audio source and click "OK."
Step 4: In the "Audio Output" dropdown menu, select the audio device that plays Spotify music, such as your speakers or headphones.
Step 5: Click "OK" to add the audio source.
Pros:
1. Simple and straightforward method.
2. Captures all the audio playing on your computer.
3. No need for additional software or plugins.
Cons:
1. May capture unwanted background noises or notifications.
2. The captured audio quality may depend on your computer’s sound card.
Method 2: Using Virtual Audio Cable
Another method to capture Spotify music on OBS is by using Virtual Audio Cable. Virtual Audio Cable is a software that creates virtual audio devices on your computer, allowing you to route and capture audio.
Before we begin, download and install Virtual Audio Cable on your computer.
Here are the steps to capture Spotify music on OBS using Virtual Audio Cable:
Step 1: Open OBS and go to the "Sources" panel.
Step 2: Click the "+" icon and select "Audio Output Capture."
Step 3: Name the audio source and click "OK."
Step 4: In the "Audio Output" dropdown menu, select the Virtual Audio Cable device.
Step 5: Click "OK" to add the audio source.
Step 6: Open the Virtual Audio Cable control panel and configure the audio routing. Set the output to your desired audio device, such as your speakers or headphones.
Step 7: Play Spotify music and the audio will be captured by OBS through the Virtual Audio Cable.
Pros:
1. Provides more control over audio routing.
2. Allows you to capture audio from specific applications, such as Spotify.
Cons:
1. Requires additional software installation.
2. May require configuration and setup.
Method 3: Via Stereo Mix
If you are unable to use Virtual Audio Cable or simply prefer a different method, you can capture Spotify music on OBS via Stereo Mix. Stereo Mix is a feature in some sound cards that allows you to record what you hear from your computer’s speakers.
Here are the steps to capture Spotify music on OBS using Stereo Mix:
Step 1: Right-click on the speaker icon in the Windows taskbar and select "Open Sound settings."
Step 2: In the Sound settings window, go to the "Sound Control Panel" on the right side.
Step 3: In the Sound control panel, go to the "Recording" tab.
Step 4: Right-click on an empty space and make sure that "Show Disabled Devices" and "Show Disconnected Devices" are checked.
Step 5: Look for "Stereo Mix" in the list of recording devices. If it is disabled, right-click on it and select "Enable."
Step 6: Open OBS and go to the "Sources" panel.
Step 7: Click the "+" icon and select "Audio Output Capture."
Step 8: Name the audio source and click "OK."
Step 9: In the "Audio Output" dropdown menu, select "Stereo Mix" as the audio device.
Step 10: Click "OK" to add the audio source.
Pros:
1. Available on some sound cards without the need for additional software or plugins.
2. Easy to set up and use.
Cons:
1. May not be available on all sound cards.
2. Quality may be affected by the sound card.
Method 4: Using Virtual Audio Routing Software
If the previous methods don’t work for you or you require more advanced audio routing options, using virtual audio routing software can be an alternative. Virtual audio routing software allows you to create customized audio configurations, including capturing Spotify music on OBS.
Before we begin, download and install a virtual audio routing software such as Voicemeeter or VB-Audio.
Here are the steps to capture Spotify music on OBS using virtual audio routing software:
Step 1: Install the virtual audio routing software and set it up according to your requirements.
Step 2: In OBS, go to the "Sources" panel.
Step 3: Click the "+" icon and select "Audio Output Capture."
Step 4: Name the audio source and click "OK."
Step 5: In the "Audio Output" dropdown menu, select the virtual audio device created by the routing software.
Step 6: Click "OK" to add the audio source.
Step 7: Configure the virtual audio routing software to route the audio from Spotify to OBS.
Pros:
1. Provides advanced audio routing options.
2. Can be customized to meet specific requirements.
Cons:
1. Requires additional software installation and setup.
2. May have a learning curve for beginners.
What to Do If You Can’t Capture Spotify Music on OBS
If you encounter difficulties capturing Spotify music on OBS using the methods mentioned above, here are some possible solutions:
1. Update OBS and audio drivers: Make sure you are using the latest version of OBS and that your audio drivers are up to date. Outdated software or drivers may cause compatibility issues.
2. Check audio settings: Verify that the audio settings in OBS are configured correctly. Ensure that the correct audio devices are selected and that the volume levels are set appropriately.
3. Use alternative recording software: If OBS is not capturing Spotify music as expected, try using alternative recording software such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. These programs offer dedicated audio recording features that may better suit your needs.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your Spotify music capturing experience on OBS:
1. Set up hotkeys: Utilize OBS hotkeys to start and stop music capturing more conveniently during your streams or recordings. This allows you to capture specific parts of songs or seamlessly transition between different tracks.
2. Use noise gate filters: Apply noise gate filters in OBS to minimize unwanted background noise during your recordings. This will help improve the overall audio quality and provide a more professional sound.
3. Check copyright restrictions: Before capturing and using Spotify music in your content, make sure to familiarize yourself with copyright restrictions. Some songs or artists may have specific usage rights that need to be respected to avoid any legal issues.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I capture Spotify music on OBS with the free version?
A: Yes, you can capture Spotify music on OBS using the free version. The methods described in this blog post do not require any additional costs or premium versions of OBS.
Q2: Can I capture Spotify music on OBS without capturing system sounds?
A: Yes, you can capture only the audio from Spotify by using the specific settings in OBS. By selecting the appropriate audio source or device, you can choose to capture only the audio output from Spotify and exclude other system sounds.
Q3: What audio format does OBS capture?
A: OBS can capture audio in various formats, including WAV, MP3, and AAC. The captured audio format can be configured in the OBS settings under the "Output" tab.
Q4: Can I capture Spotify music from my mobile device using OBS?
A: No, OBS is primarily designed for capturing content from computers. To capture Spotify music from your mobile device, you can use other screen recording apps or dedicated software that supports mobile platforms.
Q5: Is it legal to record and capture Spotify music?
A: The legality of recording and capturing Spotify music depends on the usage and copyright restrictions. While personal use, such as creating offline playlists, is generally allowed, using the captured music for commercial purposes or redistribution may infringe on copyright laws. It is important to adhere to the terms and conditions set by Spotify and the respective artists or copyright holders.
Final Thoughts
Capturing Spotify music on OBS opens up a world of possibilities for content creators and music enthusiasts. Through the methods described in this blog post, you can elevate your streams, create personalized playlists, and enjoy your favorite songs offline. Remember to respect copyright restrictions and use the captured music responsibly. With OBS and the right techniques, you can make the most out of your Spotify music capturing experience.