Elgato Capture records video and screen content, but audio capture depends on which Elgato device you own and how you configure it
Elgato Capture is the software that comes with Elgato's hardware devices — mainly the HD60 S+ and 4K60 S+ capture cards. The software itself does not capture audio on its own. Instead, it records whatever audio signal reaches the capture card through the HDMI input or USB connection. If audio is coming into the device, Elgato Capture will record it. If nothing is plugged in, there is nothing to record.
This matters because it means you need to understand your signal chain: where your audio is coming from, whether it's actually reaching the capture card, and whether the capture card is set to listen to it. A common mistake is assuming the software will magically pick up your microphone or game audio when neither is physically connected to the device.
Key Takeaways
- Elgato Capture records audio only if an audio signal reaches the capture card through HDMI, USB, or a connected audio input — the software itself has no microphone.
- For console gaming, audio comes through the HDMI cable from your console to the capture card, and Elgato Capture will record it automatically if the input is active.
- For PC streaming or recording, you must route audio to the capture card separately, either through HDMI passthrough, a USB audio device, or by mixing audio in OBS or similar software before sending it to the card.
- Elgato's Control Center software lets you choose which audio input the capture card listens to, and you can mute or adjust levels there before recording starts.
- If you want to record both game audio and your own microphone, you need to mix them together outside of Elgato Capture — the software records one audio stream, not multiple sources at once.
How audio actually reaches Elgato Capture
The Elgato HD60 S+ and 4K60 S+ are capture cards, not recording devices. They sit between your console (or PC) and your monitor or TV. Video and audio travel through the HDMI cable into the card, and the card sends that signal onward to your display while also feeding it to your computer over USB.
When you plug an HDMI cable from your PlayStation, Xbox, or PC into the capture card, both video and audio travel down that same cable. Elgato Capture sees whatever audio is embedded in that HDMI signal and records it. You do not need to do anything special — if sound is coming out of your console or game, it will be in the recording.
The catch: if your audio is coming from somewhere else — your microphone, a separate audio interface, a Discord call on your PC — that audio is not in the HDMI signal, so Elgato Capture will not see it unless you route it to the capture card separately.
Setting up audio input in Elgato Control Center
Elgato Control Center is the companion software that manages your capture card's settings. When you open it, you can choose which audio input the card should listen to. For most console setups, the default is "HDMI Input" — the audio embedded in the HDMI signal from your console.
If you want to add a microphone or a separate audio source, you have two options. First, you can select a different input in Control Center — for example, "USB Audio Device" if you have a USB microphone plugged into your computer. Second, you can use software like OBS Studio to mix multiple audio sources and send the mixed output to the capture card.
The important thing to know: Elgato Capture records whatever one audio input you have selected in Control Center. It does not mix multiple sources on its own. If you want game audio and your voice in the same recording, you have to combine them before they reach the capture card.
Recording game audio and microphone at the same time
This is where most people get stuck. Your game audio comes through HDMI. Your microphone is plugged into your computer. Elgato Capture can only record one audio input at a time, so you cannot just select both.
The solution is to use OBS Studio or similar software to mix the two sources, then send that mixed output to the capture card. In OBS, you add your game audio (captured from your PC's audio output) and your microphone as separate audio sources, then use the audio mixer to set their levels. OBS sends that combined audio to the capture card, and Elgato Capture records it.
Alternatively, if your microphone is a USB device, some people route it directly into their capture card's USB input while keeping game audio on HDMI. This works if your capture card model supports it, but you will need to check your specific device's manual to see whether it has a separate audio input jack or USB audio input.
Why audio might not be recording even though you have Elgato Capture open
If you are recording but the audio file is silent, check these things in order. First, open Control Center and confirm that an audio input is selected — it should show a green indicator or a level meter that moves when sound is playing. If the meter is flat, no audio is reaching the card.
Second, check that audio is actually being sent to the input you selected. If you selected "HDMI Input" but your microphone is plugged into your computer, the card will not hear it. If you selected "USB Audio Device" but your microphone is not plugged in, the card will not hear it.
Third, check the audio levels in Control Center. If the input level is set to zero or muted, the card will not record anything even though audio is reaching it. Unmute the input and raise the level slider, then test again.
Elgato Capture versus other recording software
Elgato Capture is designed to work with Elgato hardware. If you are using a different capture card — a Blackmagic Design card, an AVerMedia card, or a generic HDMI-to-USB adapter — you will use different software, and the audio setup will be different.
Some people use OBS Studio instead of Elgato Capture even when they own Elgato hardware. OBS can see the capture card as a video source and can mix multiple audio sources more flexibly. The trade-off is that OBS has a steeper learning curve, but it gives you more control over how audio and video are combined.
If you are just recording console gameplay and want the simplest setup, Elgato Capture works fine — plug in the HDMI cable, open the software, and hit record. If you are streaming or mixing multiple audio sources, OBS or similar software usually makes the job easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elgato Capture have a built-in microphone?
No. Elgato Capture is software only and has no microphone. Your capture card (the hardware device) also has no microphone. You must plug a microphone into your computer or route it to the capture card through a separate audio device or software mixer.
Can I record my Discord voice chat with Elgato Capture?
Only if you route Discord audio to the capture card. Discord runs on your PC, so its audio is not in the HDMI signal. You can use OBS to capture your PC's audio output (which includes Discord) and send it to the capture card, or you can use a virtual audio cable to route Discord to a USB audio input that the capture card can see.
Why is my game audio recording but my microphone is not?
Game audio comes through HDMI and reaches the capture card automatically. Your microphone is on your computer and does not reach the card unless you explicitly route it there. Select your microphone as an audio input in Control Center, or use OBS to mix your microphone with game audio before sending it to the card.
Do I need Elgato Capture or can I use OBS instead?
You can use OBS. OBS can see your Elgato capture card as a video source and can mix multiple audio inputs. Many people prefer OBS because it offers more flexibility, though Elgato Capture is simpler if you only need to record one audio source alongside your video.
What if my capture card does not show up in Elgato Capture?
Make sure the capture card is plugged into your computer via USB and powered on. Check that you have installed the latest drivers from Elgato's website. Restart Elgato Capture and Control Center. If it still does not appear, try a different USB port on your computer, preferably a USB 3.0 port.