Does Elgato Capture Audio? Explained

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Trying to record your gameplay, stream content, or just make YouTube videos? You might have heard of Elgato. It’s a big name in the world of capture cards and streaming gear. But many people ask this question: Does Elgato capture audio?

TL;DR – Yes, Elgato Does Capture Audio (But…)

Yes, Elgato capture cards can record both video and audio. You can capture game audio, chat audio, and even a microphone input. But some setup may be required! Depending on your device and setup, it might not grab audio automatically. Keep reading to learn how it all works.

What Is Elgato?

Before we dive into the audio side of things, let’s quickly look at what Elgato actually is.

  • Elgato is a brand that makes capture cards, lights, microphones, and stream decks.
  • Their capture cards help you record or live stream from devices like gaming consoles and PCs.
  • People love them because they’re easy to use and produce high-quality results.
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Types of Elgato Capture Cards

Different Elgato models offer different features. Here are the main ones you might see:

  • Elgato HD60 X – Great for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PCs.
  • Elgato 4K60 S+ – Records in 4K with HDR. High-end but powerful.
  • Elgato HD60 S – Popular budget-friendly option for HD recording.
  • Elgato Cam Link – Designed to turn DSLR cameras into webcams. (It doesn’t capture game audio though!)

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s answer the big question:

Does Elgato Capture Audio?

Yes, it does! But here’s what you need to know…

1. Elgato Capture Cards Can Capture Game Audio

When you connect your game console or PC to an Elgato capture card, it can pull in the video AND the sound.

This means you’ll get the full game experience — music, sound effects, voice lines, everything.

2. It Can Capture Microphone Audio Too

If you want to include your voice (like during commentary or streaming), you can add a mic input.

The Elgato software lets you add your mic as an extra audio track. Or, use software like OBS to do the same!

3. You Might Need to Adjust Settings

Sometimes Elgato won’t record your audio right out of the box. Don’t panic! It just needs a little help.

You may need to:

  • Check sound settings on your console (like making sure audio is sent through HDMI).
  • Change your audio input/output in your PC settings.
  • Select the right audio device in Elgato’s software or OBS.

Here’s a Simple Audio Setup Guide

For Console Gamers (like Xbox or PS5):

  1. Connect your console to the Elgato capture card using HDMI.
  2. Connect the Elgato to your PC via USB.
  3. Make sure all audio is set to output through HDMI in your console’s sound settings.
  4. Open Elgato Game Capture software or OBS.
  5. Check your audio meters — you should see the audio moving!

For PC Users:

  1. Set your PC’s sound settings to use your Elgato device as both input and output (if needed).
  2. Be sure your mic is selected in the streaming software.
  3. You might need to mix system and mic audio using a tool like VoiceMeeter.

What If Audio Still Doesn’t Work?

If you’re still not getting any sound, here are some things to double-check:

  • Is the HDMI cable fully plugged in? Loose cables are sneaky troublemakers.
  • Is your Elgato software updated? Older versions might have bugs.
  • Are you using OBS? You’ll need to pick the correct audio source in the settings.
  • Still no luck? Try restarting everything. Yes, seriously.

What About Party Chat Audio?

This one’s a bit tricky. If you’re on an Xbox or PlayStation and want to record your friends’ voices too, you may need extra steps.

On Xbox:

  • You may need a Chat Link cable if using a headset plugged into your controller.
  • Or use a stereo headset adapter to allow audio mixing.

On PlayStation:

  • Use the Elgato Chat Link cable to combine game and chat audio into one signal.
  • Go to Sound Settings and set audio output to “TV or AV Amplifier.”

It’s not hard, but it’s not plug-and-play either. Once you’ve done it once, it’s easy next time.

Mic Monitoring and Audio Sync

Ever hear an echo or feel like your voice is slightly out of sync?

That happens due to mic monitoring or audio delay.

  • You may need to add a slight delay to your webcam or audio track in OBS.
  • Elgato’s capture software lets you adjust audio sync easily.

Small tweaks can fix everything, so don’t panic if things feel a bit off at first.

Conclusion: Yes, Elgato Captures Audio — With a Few Notes!

So to wrap it up:

  • Yes! Elgato capture cards do capture audio.
  • They can record game audio, voice, and even party chats.
  • Some setup is required, especially for party chat audio.
  • Once set up, they deliver crisp, clean sound for your content!

If you’re aiming to create pro-level content or just want to share a funny moment from your game, Elgato’s audio capabilities have you covered. Just take a few minutes to check your settings, and you’ll be good to go.

Happy streaming!