How to Record Discord Call

How to Record Discord Calls

📊 Recording Methods Comparison

🤖 Method 1: Craig Bot (Recommended)

Why Craig Bot is Best

• Records each participant on separate audio tracks
• High quality, lossless recording
• Automatic cloud upload and processing
• Multiple download formats available
• No software installation required

Setting Up Craig Bot

1. Invite Craig to Server:
   • Visit craig.chat website
   • Click "Invite Craig" button
   • Select your Discord server
   • Grant necessary permissions
2. Basic Commands:
   • :craig:, join - Start recording
   • :craig:, leave - Stop recording
   • :craig:, prefix ! - Change command prefix
   • :craig:, help - View all commands
3. Recording Process:
   • Type command in text channel while in voice
   • Craig joins voice channel and starts recording
   • Continue your call normally
   • Use leave command when finished
   • Receive download link via DM

Craig Bot Features

• Multi-track Recording: Each person on separate audio track
• Auto-recovery: Automatically rejoins if disconnected
• Format Options: FLAC, MP3, AAC, OPUS
• Mixing Options: Combined or separate tracks
• Privacy: Recordings auto-delete after 7 days (free tier)

🎥 Method 2: OBS Studio

OBS Setup for Discord Recording

1. Download and Install OBS:
   • Visit obsproject.com
   • Download latest version
   • Install with default settings
2. Configure Audio Sources:
   • Add "Audio Output Capture" (desktop audio)
   • Add "Audio Input Capture" (microphone)
   • Set appropriate audio devices
   • Adjust volume levels
3. Recording Settings:
   • Go to Settings → Output
   • Set Recording Format to MP4
   • Choose audio bitrate (128-320 kbps)
   • Select output folder
4. Start Recording:
   • Click "Start Recording" in OBS
   • Join Discord voice call
   • Monitor audio levels during call
   • Stop recording when finished

Advanced OBS Configuration

• Separate Audio Tracks:
  • Enable multiple audio tracks in settings
  • Assign desktop audio to Track 1
  • Assign microphone to Track 2
  • Edit separately in post-production
• Audio Filters:
  • Add noise suppression filter
  • Apply gain filter for volume control
  • Use compressor for consistent levels
  • Add noise gate to reduce background noise

🎧 Method 3: Audacity Recording

Audacity Setup

1. Install Audacity:
   • Download from audacityteam.org
   • Install with recommended settings
   • Download LAME encoder for MP3 export
2. Configure Recording Device:
   • Set recording device to "Stereo Mix" or "What U Hear"
   • Enable stereo mix in Windows sound settings if needed
   • Alternative: Use VB-Audio Virtual Cable
3. Recording Process:
   • Click red record button in Audacity
   • Start Discord call immediately
   • Monitor recording levels
   • Stop when call ends
   • Export as MP3 or WAV

Audacity Recording Tips

• Sample Rate: Use 44.1 kHz for CD quality
• Bit Depth: 16-bit for most purposes, 24-bit for professional
• File Format: WAV for quality, MP3 for smaller size
• Backup: Save project file (.aup3) for later editing

🎮 Method 4: Windows Game Bar

Game Bar Recording

1. Enable Game Bar:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings
   • Go to Gaming → Game Bar
   • Enable "Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast"
2. Start Recording:
   • Press Windows + G to open Game Bar
   • Click record button or Windows + Alt + R
   • Recording captures all system audio
   • Stop with Windows + Alt + R again
3. Access Recordings:
   • Files saved to Videos/Captures folder
   • MP4 format with video and audio
   • Extract audio using video editing software

💻 Method 5: Third-Party Software

Popular Recording Software

• Bandicam:
  • Professional screen and audio recording
  • High-quality output with minimal performance impact
  • Paid software with free trial
• XSplit VCam:
  • Virtual camera with recording capabilities
  • Good for streaming and recording simultaneously
  • Subscription-based pricing
• Camtasia:
  • Screen recording with built-in editing
  • Professional features for post-production
  • Higher cost but comprehensive solution

⚙️ Audio Quality Settings

🚫 Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Discord Audio Recorded

• Check Audio Settings:
  • Verify correct audio output device selected
  • Enable "Stereo Mix" or "What U Hear" in Windows
  • Install virtual audio cable if needed
  • Test recording setup before important calls
• Discord Settings:
  • Check Discord audio input/output devices
  • Ensure voice activity detection is working
  • Disable Echo Cancellation temporarily

Poor Audio Quality

• Improve Recording Quality:
  • Increase sample rate and bit rate
  • Use uncompressed formats during recording
  • Record in quiet environment
  • Use push-to-talk to reduce background noise
• Post-Processing:
  • Apply noise reduction in Audacity
  • Normalize audio levels
  • Remove echo and reverb
  • Compress dynamic range if needed

📁 File Management and Storage

File Organization

• Naming Convention:
  • Include date and time in filename
  • Add participant names or topic
  • Use consistent format: "YYYY-MM-DD_Discord_Call_Topic"
• Backup Strategy:
  • Save to multiple locations (local + cloud)
  • Keep original uncompressed files
  • Create edited versions separately
  • Set automatic deletion dates for privacy

Storage Considerations

• File Sizes:
  • 1 hour MP3 (128 kbps): ~60 MB
  • 1 hour WAV (44.1 kHz): ~600 MB
  • 1 hour FLAC: ~200-300 MB
• Compression:
  • Use MP3 for long-term storage
  • Keep WAV/FLAC for professional needs
  • Consider cloud storage for large files

⚖️ Legal and Ethical Guidelines

Best Practices

• Consent Management:
  • Announce recording at start of call
  • Ask for verbal confirmation
  • Allow participants to leave if uncomfortable
  • Document consent when required
• Data Protection:
  • Secure storage of recordings
  • Limit access to authorized personnel
  • Delete recordings when no longer needed
  • Follow GDPR/privacy regulations

🎬 Post-Processing and Editing

Basic Audio Editing

• Audacity Editing:
  • Remove silence and dead air
  • Normalize volume levels
  • Apply noise reduction filter
  • Export in desired format
• Advanced Editing:
  • Separate speakers using pan controls
  • Create chapters/markers for long recordings
  • Add intro/outro music if appropriate
  • Generate transcripts using speech-to-text