How to Record Discord Calls: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Pros

Discord has become an indispensable communication platform for gamers, communities, and remote teams alike. Whether you’re looking to capture a hilarious gaming session, document important team discussions, or preserve precious memories with friends, recording Discord calls can be incredibly useful. However, Discord itself doesn’t offer a built-in recording feature. This means you’ll need to rely on third-party applications and tools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to record Discord calls, offering step-by-step instructions and tips for both beginners and more advanced users.

Why Record Discord Calls?

Before diving into the ‘how-to,’ let’s explore why you might want to record your Discord calls:

• Content Creation: For streamers and content creators, recording Discord calls allows them to create engaging videos, podcasts, and highlights reels.
• Documentation: For teams working remotely, recording important meetings and discussions ensures that key decisions, deadlines, and action items are accurately captured and can be reviewed later.
• Memory Preservation: Recording casual conversations with friends and loved ones provides a way to look back on fun moments and shared experiences.
• Analysis and Review: For training purposes or after-action reviews, recorded calls can be a valuable resource to identify areas for improvement or gain insights.
• Evidence and Record Keeping: In some cases, recording a call can serve as evidence or provide a record of interactions, although ethical and legal considerations must always be taken into account.

Methods for Recording Discord Calls

There are several ways to record Discord calls, each with its pros and cons. Here are the most common methods:

1. Using Desktop Recording Software: This is a versatile approach that can capture both audio and video from your screen, including Discord calls.
2. Using Dedicated Discord Recording Bots: These bots join your voice channel and record the audio, providing a convenient solution directly within Discord.
3. Using Virtual Audio Cables and Software: This method offers granular control over audio routing but requires a more technical setup.
4. Mobile Screen Recording (Limited): While not as feature-rich, mobile screen recording can capture basic Discord audio and screen content.

Method 1: Using Desktop Recording Software

Desktop recording software is a popular choice due to its flexibility and ability to capture various sources. Here are some recommended options and instructions:

Recommended Software

• OBS Studio (Free & Open Source): A powerful and versatile option favored by streamers and content creators. It can record video, audio, and multiple sources simultaneously.
• Nvidia ShadowPlay (Free, Nvidia GPU Required): Excellent for capturing gameplay and Discord calls with minimal impact on performance, if you have an Nvidia graphics card.
• ShareX (Free & Open Source): A lightweight option that can capture screens, regions, and scrolling windows, making it suitable for simple Discord call recordings.
• Bandicam (Paid): A user-friendly option that offers various recording modes, with a free version available with limitations.
• Fraps (Paid): An older but still functional recording software, focusing mainly on gaming.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Using OBS Studio)

OBS Studio is an excellent free and open-source choice for recording Discord calls. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download and Install OBS Studio: Visit the official OBS Studio website (obsproject.com) and download the installer for your operating system. Follow the installation instructions.
2. Launch OBS Studio: Once installed, open the application. You’ll be presented with a blank scene.
3. Add a Source for Discord Call: In the ‘Sources’ panel (usually in the bottom-left), click the ‘+’ button and select ‘Window Capture’ if you just want to capture Discord’s window, or ‘Display Capture’ if you want to capture the whole screen.
• Window Capture:
  • Select `Window Capture` in the source selection menu.
  • Name it something like `Discord Window`.
  • In the window property drop-down menu, make sure you select the Discord Application from the available windows.
  • Click Ok
• Display Capture:
  • Select `Display Capture` in the source selection menu.
  • Name it something like `Main Screen`.
  • You may need to choose which monitor you want to capture.
  • Click Ok.
4. Add Audio Sources:
   • In the ‘Sources’ panel, click the ‘+’ button and select ‘Audio Input Capture’.
   • Name it something like ‘Mic Input’. Select your microphone from the ‘Device’ drop-down. Click Ok.
   • Click the ‘+’ button again in the ‘Sources’ panel and select ‘Audio Output Capture’.
   • Name it something like ‘Desktop Audio’. Select the default output device your computer is using to play sound. This will usually be `Default` but may vary depending on your computer. Click Ok.
5. Configure OBS Audio Settings
   • In the ‘Mixer’ panel, make sure that the audio device volume sliders are at an appropriate level. It is generally good practice to make sure that the output audio does not peak at the maximum volume. You can lower your microphone and desktop audio until it does not clip (or reach the very maximum levels of volume).
6. Configure Recording Settings: Go to ‘File’ > ‘Settings’ > ‘Output’. In the ‘Recording’ section, choose a recording path, recording format (MP4 is generally recommended), and other relevant settings. Consider the bitrate, video quality, etc.
7. Start Recording: Once everything is set up, click the ‘Start Recording’ button in the main OBS window.
8. Start your Discord call: Start your Discord call.
9. Stop Recording: When you want to end recording, click ‘Stop Recording’.
10. Locate and Review the Recording: The recorded file will be saved in the specified output directory.

Tips for Using Desktop Recording Software

• Test Before You Record: Always do a short test recording to ensure that your audio and video settings are correct before capturing important content.
• Manage Background Processes: Close any unnecessary applications that might interfere with your recording or impact performance.
• Use a Good Microphone: A good quality microphone will significantly improve the audio clarity of your recordings.
• Adjust Audio Levels: Ensure that your microphone and Discord audio levels are properly balanced to avoid audio clipping and ensure clear and audible sound in the final recording.
• Optimize Recording Settings: Experiment with different video and audio bitrates to find the optimal balance between file size and quality for your needs.

Method 2: Using Discord Recording Bots

Discord recording bots are a convenient way to record voice calls directly within Discord without needing external software. These bots typically join your voice channel, record the audio, and then provide you with a download link. However, they usually do not capture video.

Recommended Discord Recording Bots

• Craig: A popular bot known for its reliability and ease of use. It supports multi-track recording, which is beneficial for editing.
• Hydra: Another widely used bot offering recording capabilities, music playback, and other features.
• Red Bot: A versatile bot that can be extended with plugins, including audio recording functionality.
• Aethex: A specialized audio recording bot focused on delivering high-quality recordings.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Using Craig Bot)

Craig Bot is a good option for a straightforward and reliable audio recording bot. Here’s how to use it:

1. Invite Craig Bot to your Discord Server: Go to the official Craig bot website or the bot’s Discord bot page and click the ‘Invite’ button. Authorize the bot to join your Discord server.
2. Join a Voice Channel: Join the Discord voice channel you wish to record.
3. Start Recording: Type the command .craig :join in any text channel on the server. Craig will join the voice channel.
4. Start your Call: Begin your Discord voice call as usual.
5. Stop Recording: When you want to end the recording, type the command .craig :stop in any text channel on the server. Craig will leave the voice channel and stop recording.
6. Download the Recording: Craig will send you a direct message with links to download the recorded audio files in multiple formats, including MP3 and FLAC.

Tips for Using Discord Recording Bots

• Check Bot Permissions: Make sure the bot has sufficient permissions to join voice channels and send messages in your server.
• Be Mindful of Privacy: Inform everyone in the voice channel that you are recording the call. This is both ethical and potentially required by law in some regions.
• Multi-Track vs. Single-Track: Some bots, like Craig, offer multi-track recording, which is preferable if you plan to edit each participant’s audio separately.
• Choose a Reliable Bot: Pick a bot that has a proven track record and is regularly updated to avoid potential compatibility issues or unexpected downtime.
• Read Bot Documentation: Each bot may have its own command syntax, features, and specific instructions, so review the bot’s documentation thoroughly.

Method 3: Using Virtual Audio Cables and Software

Virtual audio cables and software allow you to route audio from one application to another. This method offers more control over audio routing but requires a more advanced technical setup. It involves using software like VB-Audio Virtual Cable or Voicemeeter Banana to route audio from Discord to a recording application.

Recommended Software

• VB-Audio Virtual Cable (Free/Paid): A simple yet effective way to create virtual audio input and output devices.
• Voicemeeter Banana (Free/Paid): A more advanced audio mixer and virtual audio cable utility.
• Audacity (Free & Open Source): An excellent audio recording and editing software that works well with virtual audio cables.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Using VB-Audio Virtual Cable and Audacity)

1. Download and Install VB-Audio Virtual Cable: Visit the official VB-Audio website and download and install the Virtual Audio Cable.
2. Set Discord Output to Virtual Cable Input: Go to Discord’s user settings (bottom left corner, the settings cog icon) and navigate to ‘Voice & Video’. In the ‘Output Device’ drop-down menu, select ‘CABLE Input’.
3. Set Audacity Input to Virtual Cable Output: Open Audacity. Go to `Edit` > `Preferences`. In the ‘Audio Settings’ section, under `Recording`, set the recording device to ‘CABLE Output (VB-Audio Virtual Cable)’.
4. Set Audacity Recording Settings: You may need to configure Audacity’s recording settings, such as mono or stereo recording options. In most cases stereo will be preferable. Ensure you have selected a suitable audio sampling rate, as well.
5. Start Recording in Audacity: Click the record button in Audacity. Audacity will now record only the audio that is passed through your virtual audio cable.
6. Start Your Discord Call: Begin your Discord call as normal. Audacity should now record your call audio.
7. Stop Recording: When you want to stop recording, click the stop button in Audacity.
8. Export the Audio: Export the recorded audio in your desired format. Audacity supports a variety of formats such as mp3, flac, wav, etc.

Tips for Using Virtual Audio Cables and Software

• Understand Audio Routing: Take the time to understand how the audio is being routed between your applications.
• Configure Audio Levels: Ensure that the audio levels for both Discord and your recording software are properly configured to avoid clipping and ensure clear sound.
• Test Thoroughly: Perform test recordings and adjust settings before capturing essential content.
• Use an Audio Monitoring Source: When using audio routing, it may be helpful to enable a secondary monitor on a different device. This may help ensure the audio levels are what you expect.

Method 4: Mobile Screen Recording (Limited)

Mobile screen recording features on iOS and Android devices allow you to capture a video of your screen activity, including Discord calls. However, these methods may be limited in terms of audio quality and customization.

Step-by-Step Instructions (iOS)

1. Enable Screen Recording: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Control Center’ and add ‘Screen Recording’ to your included controls.
2. Start Screen Recording: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older devices) to open Control Center. Tap the ‘Screen Recording’ icon. A countdown will start, indicating that recording has begun.
3. Start your Call: Join your voice channel on the discord mobile application.
4. Stop Screen Recording: Tap the red status bar at the top of your screen and tap the ‘Stop’ button.
5. Find the Recording: Your recording will be saved to the Photos app.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Android)

Android’s implementation of screen recording may vary based on the device manufacturer.

1. Access Screen Recording: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to access the quick settings menu. Look for the ‘Screen Record’ option. If it isn’t there, you may need to edit the quick settings by pressing the pencil/edit icon.
2. Choose audio option: If prompted to select an audio option, you can choose record device audio (this will record discord sounds), or choose record microphone audio (this will record your microphone, which will likely not be optimal for capturing other users’ audio).
3. Start Screen Recording: Click the ‘Screen record’ option in the quick settings menu, and start the recording.
4. Start your Call: Start or join your call.
5. Stop Screen Recording: Stop recording by clicking the stop button in the notification dropdown or at the status bar.
6. Find the Recording: Your recording will be saved to your phone’s media gallery.

Tips for Mobile Screen Recording

• Audio Quality Limitations: Remember that audio recorded using the mobile screen recording feature is often lower quality compared to desktop recordings.
• Use Headphones: Using headphones can minimize echo and feedback during your call recording.
• Battery and Storage: Be aware that screen recording can drain your battery and take up considerable storage space, especially for long recordings.
• Test Before Recording: Always test a short screen recording before you make an important recording.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Recording Discord calls should be done responsibly and ethically. Here are some key considerations:

• Informed Consent: Always inform everyone in the Discord call that you are recording. This transparency builds trust and respects their privacy.
• Local and National Laws: Be aware of the recording laws in your jurisdiction. Some locations require the consent of all parties involved in a conversation before you can record it.
• Data Privacy: Ensure that your recordings are stored securely and not misused. Think carefully about who has access to these recordings.
• Purpose of Recording: Use recordings only for their intended purpose. Avoid using recordings in ways that could violate privacy or harm others.
• Respectful Use: Treat recorded conversations with the same respect and consideration you would in real-life interactions.

Conclusion

Recording Discord calls can be a useful tool for content creators, remote teams, and friends looking to capture shared moments. Whether you choose to use desktop recording software, a dedicated Discord bot, virtual audio cables, or mobile screen recording, it’s crucial to understand the available tools, follow best practices, and adhere to ethical considerations. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to record your Discord calls effectively and responsibly. Remember to always prioritize communication and respect the privacy of those involved in your recordings.