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For a continuous meditation music stream, keep OBS audio processing minimal: adjust the source level if needed, use compression only to control genuine level swings, and put a limiter last to catch peaks. Leave the noise gate off; it can cut quiet notes, fades, and reverb tails. Add noise suppression or an expander only when you can hear unwanted noise and have confirmed processing does not damage the music.
Which OBS filters should you use?
There is no universal “best” preset for meditation music. Choose filters by the problem they solve, and compare the processed sound with the bypassed source. OBS’s filter guides describe their functions, but do not prescribe a meditation-music preset.
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| Filter | Recommendation | Reason and caution |
|---|---|---|
| Gain | Optional; use only if the source is genuinely too quiet. | Prefer adjusting the source level upstream where practical. Gain raises a quiet source; it is not loudness normalization and does not replace checking for clipping. OBS gain filter guide. |
| Compressor | Optional; use only when audible level swings need control. | Compression reduces levels above a threshold and can alter musical dynamics. OBS generally places it near the beginning of a filter chain. Listen to the actual output. OBS compressor guide. |
| Expander | Usually omit on clean music; consider gentle reduction for identifiable low-level noise. | An expander makes quieter sounds quieter and can act more smoothly than a gate. A threshold set too high can attenuate quiet instruments or ambience. OBS recommends placing it after compression and effects, but before a limiter. OBS expander guide. |
| Noise suppression | Omit unless mild background or white noise is audible. | It may help with mild fan or environmental noise, but is generally ineffective against large amounts of noise and may distort wanted sound. Audition it carefully. OBS noise suppression guide. |
| Noise gate | Do not use on an uninterrupted music bed. | A gate cuts signal below its close threshold. Quiet notes, fades, and reverb tails can fall below it. OBS describes the filter for reducing background noise when not speaking. OBS noise gate guide. |
| Limiter | A sensible final peak ceiling, set conservatively after listening. | A limiter prevents peaks over its threshold that can cause clipping or distortion. OBS says it should be last; its -6 dB default is a software default, not a universal target. OBS limiter guide. |
| VST 2.x plugin | Not required for the basic setup. | OBS supports VST 2.x plugins, but a third-party plugin is not established as necessary for this use. OBS filters guide. |
Build and tune a minimal filter chain
If the source needs processing, a practical order is source-level adjustment, optional compressor, optional expander for an identified noise problem, then limiter. Treat noise suppression as conditional: the OBS documentation does not prescribe one mandatory position for it relative to every other filter.
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- Listen to representative material. Check the quietest and loudest passages, fades, sustained notes, and ambience that will actually appear on the stream.
- Set the source level first. Correct the level upstream where practical. Add OBS gain only if the source remains too quiet, then check that peaks do not clip.
- Add compression only for a real level problem. If level swings are distracting, adjust compression while listening to the music. There is no supported universal ratio, threshold, or loudness target for meditation music; generic OBS defaults are not a genre-specific prescription.
- Address noise selectively. Add an expander or noise suppression only if unwanted noise is audible. Compare bypassed and processed playback to ensure quiet musical detail remains intact and the sound is not distorted.
- Put the limiter last. Set a conservative ceiling and listen for occasional peaks being caught, rather than the limiter working constantly. OBS lists -6 dB as its default threshold, not a guaranteed ideal for this stream.
- Test the full path. Run a private or unlisted test and monitor YouTube playback as well as OBS meters. OBS and YouTube both recommend testing before going live.
Keep OBS filters separate from YouTube encoder settings
Filters shape the audio signal; encoder settings determine how it is sent to YouTube. For stereo RTMP/RTMPS live audio, YouTube’s encoder guidance lists AAC or MP3, 128 kbps, and a 44.1 kHz sample rate. These are encoding recommendations, not filter settings. Check YouTube’s live encoder settings before configuring a stream, since platform guidance can change.
#1 Best Overall
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 1 XLR Mic Preamp, 1 Hi-Z Instrument Input, 24-Bit/192kHz, 56dB Gain Range, Air Mode, macOS/Windows/iPadOS Compatible
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
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Plan for 24/7 operation and archives
- Leave network headroom. YouTube recommends 20% bandwidth headroom. Keep monitoring stream health and use audio and movement similar to the real stream during testing. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
- Keep a local recording if you need an archive. YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived and warns that streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. Do not rely on a single continuous 24-hour YouTube archive; plan archive continuity separately and check that local archive files are growing. See YouTube’s archive guidance.
- Monitor the actual stream. Audio meters alone cannot confirm how the stream sounds after encoding and delivery. Test and monitor playback and stream health while live. OBS also recommends testing a setup before broadcasting: OBS overview.
Troubleshooting common audio problems
- Quiet notes or reverb tails disappear: remove the noise gate first. If an expander is active, lower its effect or bypass it and compare the same quiet passage.
- The sound is distorted or clips: check the source level and OBS meters before adding more processing. Reduce excessive gain or compression; use the final limiter to catch occasional peaks, not to compensate for a consistently overdriven source.
- Background noise remains: confirm that noise is present in the source or capture chain. Suppression is intended for mild noise, not large amounts; compare its output carefully because wanted music can be distorted.
- The music pumps or loses dynamics: bypass the compressor and reassess whether the level swings actually need control. Compression changes dynamics, so do not keep it merely because it is available.
- The OBS meter looks fine but YouTube playback does not: test privately or unlisted, listen to the delivered playback, and check stream health and encoder settings rather than assuming the filter chain guarantees a reliable stream.
- A 24-hour VOD is missing or incomplete: YouTube warns that streams exceeding 12 hours may not be captured at all. Keep a local recording and make a separate archive plan.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you would rather not keep OBS and a computer running at home, StreamNeo runs an uploaded video or playlist as a continuous YouTube stream. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded quality streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 2 Mic Preamps, 2 Hi-Z Instrument Inputs, 24-Bit/192kHz, 120dB Dynamic Range, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air Modes
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
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M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface | Dual XLR, Line and DI Inputs, Professional Software Suite for Recording, Streaming, and Podcasting
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- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
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- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 1 XLR Mic Preamp, 1 Hi-Z Instrument Input, 24-Bit/192kHz, 120dB Dynamic Range, Air Modes, PC/Mac/iPad Compatible
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
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