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Add background music by adding it as a separate audio source in your streaming software, checking that it reaches the audio mixer, and setting its level so speech remains clear. Before you press Go Live, make sure the music licence covers the platform and every version you plan to publish—including the live broadcast, VOD, clips, and reuploads. A separate audio track can change what is saved in an archive; it does not grant permission to broadcast a song.
1. Confirm that you have permission to stream the music
Choose music whose licence expressly covers your intended platform and use. Permission for a live stream may not include a saved VOD, clips, reuploads, or monetized use. Check the terms for platform coverage, attribution, regional limits, and what happens if the licence changes or ends.
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Buying a song or subscribing to a consumer music service generally does not by itself give you the right to share that music in a stream or its recording. Twitch’s Music Guidelines and copyright FAQ explain the distinction; check the actual licence for the specific music you intend to use.
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- Live: Does the licence allow public streaming on your platform?
- VODs and clips: Are saved broadcasts and short-form clips covered, or must the track be excluded?
- Monetization and attribution: Are there restrictions or credit requirements?
- Platform and region: Does permission cover each service and the countries where your stream is available?
Twitch’s Music Options page lists services and catalogues, including Chillhop, NCS, Outertone by RouteNote, Pretzel by Songtradr, StreamBeats, and Monstercat Gold. Treat the page as a starting point, not a blanket guarantee: verify each provider’s current terms for your platform and planned uses. Twitch notes that monetized use of Chillhop requires artist credit.
#1 Best Overall
- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
2. Add music as a separate source and set its level
- Open your streaming software’s audio sources. Add the music as its own source rather than mixing it into your microphone signal. The exact source type depends on how you play the music and your operating system.
- Check the audio mixer. Start playback and confirm the music source’s meter responds. Speak into your microphone and check that both sources are present.
- Balance music against speech. Lower the music until words are easy to understand. Listen to the actual stream output or a test recording; mixer meters alone do not tell you whether the balance sounds right.
- Test the recording path as well as the live mix. If your software has separate recording or track routing, verify what the saved file contains before your broadcast.
OBS Studio’s Twitch VOD Track Guide explains how to assign sources to tracks through Advanced Audio Properties. A dedicated streaming mixer is optional: it may help if you need physical inputs or controls, but the cited setup guidance does not make one necessary for basic music routing.
3. Keep music out of a Twitch VOD, if your licence calls for it
OBS’s Twitch VOD-track feature can send different audio to the live stream and the VOD. In OBS’s example, track 1 is the live feed and track 2 is the VOD feed. Enable the VOD track in OBS, then use Advanced Audio Properties to include the music source in the live track and exclude it from the VOD track. Confirm the Twitch VOD-track settings in your account and make a test recording before relying on the routing.
Rank #2
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
This only changes the audio in the saved VOD. The music is still being broadcast live, so you still need a licence that permits live use. Track separation is not a way to avoid a copyright claim.
4. Handle licensed music on YouTube Live
YouTube scans live streams for matches to third-party content. If it detects a match, it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you to stop using the content; a stream can be interrupted or terminated if the content remains. If you have licensed third-party music, YouTube’s guidance is to ask the rights holder to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Review YouTube’s Copyright issues with live streams and monitor YouTube Studio for warnings or restrictions.
Rank #3
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
Allowlisting does not replace checking that your licence covers the live broadcast and any recording or clips. Confirm the permission and the channel allowlist with the rights holder before the stream.
5. Troubleshoot before going live
| What you notice | What to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The music meter does not move | The music source may not be capturing the player or output you are using, or playback may not have started. | Start playback, verify the selected source and output, and check the meter again before going live. |
| Music plays, but viewers cannot hear it | The source may be routed to a different track or excluded from the live output. | Review the source’s audio-track assignments and test the live output. |
| Speech is hard to understand | The music level is masking the microphone. | Lower the music and listen to a test recording or stream output while speaking. |
| Music is missing from a Twitch VOD | The music may be excluded from the VOD track by design. | Check the track assignments and compare them with the licence: include the music only if the licence permits it in the VOD. |
| YouTube warns about or interrupts the stream | YouTube may have detected third-party content. | Stop using the flagged content unless you have permission covering the use; if licensed, contact the rights holder about Content ID allowlisting. |
| A song is licensed, but a claim still appears | The channel may not be allowlisted, or the permission may not cover the platform or format in question. | Check the licence scope and ask the rights holder to add the channel to the Content ID allowlist where applicable. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube stream built from uploaded video, StreamNeo is a different option from adding music to a one-off broadcast: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. This is for YouTube streams from uploaded video, not a camera-based live broadcast. See StreamNeo, then start your free day.
Rank #4
- 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
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a separate OBS VOD track make a song safe to use live?
No. It changes the VOD audio, not the rights needed for the live broadcast.
The Tool Desk
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No. A mixer is optional; streaming software can route music as a separate audio source.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
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