How to Use the OBS Audio Mixer
The OBS Audio Mixer controls the sound in your stream or recording. Use it to identify active audio sources, adjust their levels, and mute anything viewers should not hear.
A moving meter means OBS is receiving sound from that source. It does not, by itself, prove that the final recording or destination is receiving the sound correctly.
Identify the sources you actually need
Speak into your microphone and watch which meter responds. Then play any music or app audio you intend to use.
If the wrong microphone responds, check Settings → Audio or the relevant audio source's properties. Rename sources clearly so you can recognize them during a session.
Watch for the same device or app captured twice. For example, an app-specific audio source and Desktop Audio may both pick up the same music.
Balance voice against other sound
- 1.Start with your microphone or audio interface's own input level.
- 2.Speak at your normal distance and volume.
- 3.Use the OBS mixer fader to adjust the source's contribution.
- 4.Lower background sound until your words remain easy to hear.
- 5.Make a short recording and listen back.
Meters help you spot sudden peaks, but listening is essential. Two sources showing similar peaks can still sound very different in loudness.
Avoid clipping
Clipping happens when the audio signal exceeds what a stage in the recording path can handle. It can sound harsh or crackly.
Leave space below the maximum rather than trying to keep the meter full. If your microphone already distorts at the device, turning down its OBS fader may only produce a quieter distorted signal. Correct the input level first.
A limiter can control peaks later in the chain, but it cannot repair clipping that has already happened.
Understand mute and monitoring
The mute control stops that source from contributing to the relevant output. Monitoring is different: it sends audio to your selected listening device.
In Advanced Audio Properties, monitoring options let you choose whether a source is heard through the monitoring device, the output, or both. Use headphones when checking microphone monitoring to reduce the chance of a feedback loop.
If you record separate tracks, confirm that the intended sources are assigned to a track your player or editor is using.
Check left and right channels
If your voice is heard on only one side, inspect the source's channel behavior. The Mono option in Advanced Audio Properties can be useful for a microphone routed to one side of a stereo source. Check the result before applying it to music or other material that needs stereo.
For the final check, listen to a recording containing all the sounds together, including your loudest expected voice.