How to Add Discord Audio to OBS (Without the Echo)

Putting Discord on its own audio source in OBS means you can turn your friends down without turning your game down, or leave the call out of a recording entirely. OBS has a built-in way to do this on Windows, and it works for most people, but Discord is one of the apps that sometimes needs a workaround. Here's the main method, then the fixes.

What you need

• OBS Studio version 28 or later.
• Windows 10 version 2004 or later, or Windows 11, for Application Audio Capture.
• The Discord desktop app, rather than Discord in a browser tab, which is harder to separate.

How to add Discord audio to OBS with Application Audio Capture

1. Open Discord and join the call or voice channel, so it's running and making sound.
2. In OBS, click the + under the Sources dock.
3. Choose Application Audio Capture (BETA).
4. Name it something clear, like Discord, and click OK.
5. In the Window drop-down, choose the Discord window.
6. Set Window Match Priority to match by executable name, so OBS keeps capturing when the Discord window title changes as you switch channels.
7. Click OK. A Discord bar appears in the Audio Mixer.

Stop the echo: turn off Desktop Audio

This is the step people skip. OBS's own guide says that if you use Application Audio Capture sources, you should disable the global Desktop Audio source, because Desktop Audio already includes Discord. Leave both on and Discord comes through twice, slightly out of step, which sounds like an echo.

1. Open Settings, then Audio.
2. Set Desktop Audio to Disabled.
3. Add Application Audio Capture sources for anything else you want heard, such as your game or music.

Which audio source to use

Source	What it captures	Good for
Desktop Audio	Everything your computer plays	Simple setups where one volume is fine
Application Audio Capture	One app, such as Discord	Separate volume control per app
Window or Game Capture with audio	The video and sound of one window	Capturing a game with its own sound

If Discord doesn't appear or makes no sound

• Discord isn't playing anything yet. Join a call first, then pick it from the list.
• Try a Window Capture of Discord with Capture Audio (BETA) ticked. Users on the OBS forum report this working when Application Audio Capture picked up nothing. OBS added audio for Window and Game Capture in version 30.1.
• Use a virtual audio cable. OBS's guide says some apps output sound in a way Application Audio Capture can't grab. Install a virtual cable, set Discord's output to it in the Windows Volume Mixer or in Discord's voice settings, then add that cable as an audio input in OBS.
• Use the desktop app instead of a browser tab, so Discord's sound is separate from everything else in the browser.

Adding Discord audio on a Mac

Application Audio Capture is a Windows feature. On a Mac, users on the OBS forum report Discord vanishing from audio lists after changes to how Discord handles sound. The workarounds they use are a macOS Screen Capture source set to capture one application's audio, or a virtual audio device that Discord outputs to and OBS records from. Update both OBS and Discord first, because these behaviours change between versions.

Put Discord on its own recording track

Once Discord has its own source, you can record it on a separate track. In the Audio Mixer, click the cog icon, choose Advanced Audio Properties, and tick a different track number for Discord than for your game. Set your recording to multiple tracks in Settings, Output. You can then cut or lower the call in your video editor without touching the game sound, which helps when someone talks over a key moment.

Before you stream with Discord audio

Check that everyone in the call knows they're being streamed or recorded. It's good manners, and many communities have rules about it. Do a short test recording too, and listen back for echo, levels and whether your own voice is coming through twice, once from your mic and once from Discord. If you're hearing yourself, check Discord isn't set to play your own mic back.

If Discord itself is giving you trouble, my guides to Discord when you can't hear others and a Discord mic that's not working cover the most common fixes.

My verdict

On Windows, Application Audio Capture is the right way to add Discord to OBS: pick the Discord window, match by executable, and disable Desktop Audio so there's no echo. If it captures silence, a Window Capture with audio or a virtual cable gets you there. On a Mac, expect to need a workaround. Either way, put Discord on its own track so you can fix the mix later. For more streaming setups, see my list of live streaming software.

Frequently asked questions

Can OBS capture only Discord audio?

Yes, on Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11, with an Application Audio Capture source.

Why do I hear an echo of Discord in OBS?

Desktop Audio is also capturing Discord. Disable Desktop Audio in Settings, Audio.

Why isn't Discord in the Application Audio Capture list?

Discord may not be making sound yet. Join a call and check again, or try a Window Capture with audio.

Does Application Audio Capture work on a Mac?

No, it's for Windows. Mac users rely on Screen Capture audio or a virtual audio device.

How do I record Discord on a separate track in OBS?

Use Advanced Audio Properties to give Discord its own track, and record with multiple tracks.

Which OBS version do I need?

OBS Studio 28 or later for Application Audio Capture, and 30.1 or later for audio in Window Capture.