The Best OBS Setting for Recording 2023 【Complete Guide】

When it comes to recording high-quality content using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), finding the best settings can make a significant difference in the final output. Whether a seasoned professional or a beginner, this article will help you to find the best OBS settings for recording high-quality videos. 

So, let's dive in and learn about OBS high-quality recording settings in the following parts.

Part 1: Best OBS Setting for Recording

Below is a first look at what we shall discuss in the subsequent parts. You will have an easier understanding of the best recording format for OBS:

• Type: Standard
• Recording Path: Select the folder on your computer where you'd like to save the recording file
• Recording Format: MP4 or preferred compatible format
• Video Encoder: x264 or Hardware Encoder (e.g., NVENC or VCE)
• Rate Control: CBR
• Bitrate: 6000kpbs, high bitrate for better quality, balanced with file size and bandwidth
• Keyframe Interval: 2
• CPU Usage Preset: Fater
• Profile: High 
• Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080) 

• FPS (Frames Per Second): 60 FPS for smooth motion

In the following sections, we will provide a step-by-step detailed guide on configuring OBS's best settings for recording.

Part 2: Understand Each Parameter Before Setting

These parameters listed below play a significant role in tailoring the best settings for recording OBS and achieving the desired video and audio quality. Experiment with these settings and find the right balance so that content stands out and resonates with your audience. 

If you already know these parameters, please skip to Part 3 to learn how to set the best obs setting for recording.

1. Resolution

A higher resolution, such as 1080p (1920x1080) or 4K (3840x2160) creates a crisper and lifelike image for content with intricate visuals or text. However, higher resolutions demand more processing power and storage space, so consider the capabilities of your recording device and the intended viewing platform before selecting the resolution. 1080p is perfect for most streamingers.

Bonus: Best Camera for OBS Recording/Streaming

OBSBOT Tail Air is an AI-powered PTZ streaming camera designed to cater to a wide range of applications. This cutting-edge camera boasts exclusive software support, offering one-click streaming and customizable image settings during live streams. Equipped with accessories like the Smart Remote Controller, 360° Rotation Charging Base, USB-C to Ethernet Adapter, and ND Filters, the OBSBOT Tail Air truly shines in versatility and performance.

Key Features:

• Experience the power of AI Auto Tracking with the OBSBOT Tail Air as it swiftly tracks humans, pets, and objects at an impressive speed of 120° per second.
• 1080p/4K Ultra HD resolution, high quality and stunning visuals.
• The camera's intelligent AI algorithm divides captured video into real-time grids, seamlessly switching between different video signals on the air by selecting the desired grid, ensuring your audience's seamless and dynamic viewing experience.
• Enjoy enhanced dynamic gesture control, enabling smooth and precise adjustments.
• Offers seamless connectivity with NDI|HX3 support, delivering high-quality, low-latency live streaming video via Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
• With multiple connection options, including USB-C, micro HDMI, and PoE-supported Ethernet, integrating this camera into your live stream setup is effortless, quickly capturing breathtaking shots.

2. FPS (Frames Per Second)

A higher FPS, such as 60 FPS, ensures smoother and more fluid motion, making it essential for content that involves fast-paced action or precise movements, like gaming or sports recordings. In contrast, a lower FPS, such as 30 FPS, may suffice for standard videos, but it can result in choppier playback, especially for dynamic content. The choice of FPS should align with the nature of your content and the desired viewing experience.

3. Video Encoder

Software encoders like x264 offer a good trade-off between quality and compression and thus are suitable for various scenarios. On the other hand, hardware encoders, such as NVIDIA NVENC and AMD VCE, leverage your graphics card to offload the encoding process from your CPU for faster and more efficient encoding.

4. Bitrate

A higher obs recording bitrate leads to a higher quality video with less compression and better detail preservation. However, higher bitrates result in larger file sizes, which may be a problem for streaming with limited bandwidth or storage capacity. Lower bitrates are suitable for web streaming but may sacrifice some visual fidelity. Pick the right balance between quality and file size so your video looks great while being manageable for storage and streaming.

5. Video Format and Color

Common formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, and FLV. MP4 offers excellent compatibility and compression. On the other hand, formats like FLV might be better for specific platforms or older systems. The choice of video format influences how easily your video can be shared, edited, and played across various devices and software. 

You can choose between "Partial" (16-235) or "Full" (0-255) color range for your video. The full-color range captures a broader spectrum of colors with more vibrant and accurate visuals. A partial color range is helpful in broadcast and streaming for compatibility with various devices and platforms.

6. Audio Settings and Noise Suppression

Audio settings in OBS control the quality and format of the audio captured during your recordings or live streams. Adjust parameters such as sample rate (e.g., 44.1 kHz), audio channels (e.g., stereo or mono), and audio bitrate (e.g., 128 kbps) to ensure your audio sounds clear and professional.

Enable audio noise suppression to improve the audio quality of your content, particularly in environments with ambient noise for more precise and professional-sounding audio.

Additional Parameters Include:

1. Keyframe Interval

The GOP (Group of Pictures) size determines how often a full frame gets transmitted in the video stream. Smaller intervals (lower values) result in more frequent keyframes, providing better seeking accuracy and video quality, but they also increase file sizes. Larger intervals (higher values) reduce file size but can negatively impact seeking accuracy, especially when fast-forwarding or rewinding in videos.

2. Scene Buffering Time

Scene buffering time ensures smooth transitions during your recordings or live streams. Adjusting the scene buffering time prevents abrupt changes and provides your audience with a more seamless viewing experience.

3. Video Filters and Overlays

OBS offers various video filters, such as color correction, chroma key (green screen), and image masking. These filters provide creative control over the visual appearance of your content, allowing you to achieve specific visual effects and improvements. The video overlays and sources, such as images, text, webcams, or browser windows, help to create engaging and professional-looking visuals that add depth and information to your recordings or live streams.

4. Hotkeys and Advanced Output Settings

You can assign hotkeys to start/stop recording, switch scenes, mute/unmute audio, and more. Efficiently using hotkeys can streamline your workflow and ensure a seamless recording experience. OBS provides advanced output settings, like CPU usage presets, profile levels, and buffer size. Adjusting these parameters optimizes performance and video quality based on your system's capabilities and the demands of your content.

Part 3: How to Set the Best OBS Settings for Recording

Now it is time for a step-by-step guide to configuring the best OBS settings for recording 1080p 60fps. Let us look at the output, video, audio, and advanced settings one by one.

1. Output Settings

• Visit "File" at the top left corner of OBS and select "Settings." Then in the Settings window, navigate to the "Output" tab.
• Select "Advanced" from the Output Mode drop-down menu and choose the desired recording format in the Recording Format section. MP4 is the most common choice.
• Set the Recording Path to specify where you want to save recorded videos. 
• Select X64 as the Video Encoder, and Bitrate set to at least 6000kpbs for 1080p resolution.
• Set the Keyframe Interval to a value between 2 and 4 for most scenarios. Lower values may improve video quality but increase file size.

• Change to the Audio setting, and make changes to the Audio Bitrate based on your requirements. Higher bitrates (e.g., 128 kbps) offer better audio quality but result in larger file sizes.

2. Video Settings

• Navigate to the "Video" tab within the Settings window and set your Base (Canvas) Resolution to match your monitor's native resolution or the desired recording resolution.
• Adjust the Output (Scaled) Resolution based on your target platform and audience. Use 1080p (1920x1080) for high-quality recordings if your hardware supports it.
• Set the Common FPS Values to match the desired frames per second for your recording. Generally, 60 FPS provides smooth and fluid motion, while 30 FPS is sufficient for standard videos.
• Choose the desired Downscale Filter. Bicubic or Lanczos offer better downscaling quality but require more processing power.

3. Audio Settings

Press the "Audio" tab in the Settings window.

• Set the desired Sample Rate (e.g., 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) for your audio recordings.
• Select the appropriate Channels setting. Stereo is recommended for most recordings, while Mono is suitable if you need smaller file sizes.

Finally, after configuring the desired OBS Studio best recording settings, click "Apply" to save your changes and "OK" to close the Settings window.

With these optimized, high-quality OBS recording settings, you can start recording high-quality videos that meet your needs. Always balance video quality, file size, and system performance to ensure a seamless and professional recording experience. Happy recording!

Conclusion

Thus, that was all the information we could gather about the best recording format OBS. We shared a detailed table summarizing the settings you need for optimal recording and live streaming at the start of the article. Besides, we explained each parameter for OBS setting and their importance for high-quality OBS recording settings.