The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To add background music to a livestream in OBS on Windows, add the music player as an Application Audio Capture source, select its window, and balance it separately from your microphone. If you do not want music in a Twitch VOD, route it to the live track but omit it from the VOD track. Neither routing nor a “free” label gives you music rights: confirm that the track’s license covers your platform, live broadcast, recordings, clips, territory, and monetization.
Capture a music player in OBS on Windows
OBS documents Application Audio Capture for Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. The steps below apply to those Windows versions; they should not be assumed to work the same way on macOS or Linux. For those systems, consult the current OBS documentation for your operating system.
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- Add a dedicated source. In OBS, use the Sources dock to add Application Audio Capture. Give it a clear name, such as “Background music,” so it is easy to identify in the mixer and routing settings.
- Select the music app. Choose the window containing the player. OBS recommends matching by application type in most cases. If a browser or Spotify window title changes while you use it, matching by executable name may keep capture attached to the app.
- Prevent duplicate desktop audio. If the music is captured by its own application source, open Settings → Audio and disable global Desktop Audio if it would capture the same playback again. Capturing it twice can make the music echo or sound doubled.
- Check the source meter. Start playback and confirm that the music source moves in the Audio Mixer. Newer OBS releases also describe enabling audio capture with a Window Capture or Game Capture source; the exact options can depend on the current release.
These steps reflect the OBS Application Audio Capture guide, last updated July 12, 2023. Menu labels and available options can change between releases, so check the current OBS guide if your interface differs. OBS Application Audio Capture Guide
Balance music against your voice
Use the Audio Mixer while speaking at your normal streaming volume and playing the music. OBS’s guidance places background music and sound effects in the green meter zone, with speech in the yellow zone and game or other content lower. Those zones are qualitative guidance, not a universal decibel target: a meter reading alone does not tell you whether music masks speech for a viewer.
#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.
- Keep your voice intelligible; lower the music if words become hard to follow.
- Listen early in the signal path and again to the audio coming through OBS. Monitoring at both points can help distinguish a player or input problem from an OBS mix issue.
- Do not assume that two sources with similar meter activity will sound equally loud. Perceived loudness varies with the voice, microphone, music, and content.
OBS’s mixer guide recommends monitoring the signal and keeping background music and effects in the green zone, but it does not prescribe one correct numerical music level for every setup. OBS Audio Mixer Guide
Keep music out of a Twitch VOD while retaining it live
OBS supports separate live and VOD audio routing for Twitch. To use the Twitch VOD Track feature, connect your Twitch account in OBS, enable the option in Output settings, then open Advanced Audio Properties and choose the tracks for each source.
Rank #2
- 🎤【Mic Line + Stereo Line Inputs】 The Mini Mixing Console is great for multiple devices connectivity.3 XLR Lines input jack to connect mics or guitar, 1 pair L/R 6.35mm and 1 pair L/R RCA stereo inputs to connect CD plays/keyboard/computer. Plus 1 pair L/R RCA output and 1 pair L/R 6.35mm Main output to connect Active Speakers/Power Amplifier/Active sound system/Trolley Active Speaker.(Note: It is not possible to connect an output device with Bluetooth, and it can only be compatible with active)
- 🎤【Built-in Recording Chip for PC Recording】Our audio mixer features a built-in recording chip that allows plug-and-play recording. Simply connect your computer to the USB-B port, and start recording high-quality audio directly. No extra software or complex setup is required—perfect for live streaming, podcasting, and professional recording.
- 🎤【USB Drive Playback and Recording】Easily connect your USB stick to mix and play your MP3 music on this sound mixer. It is also possible to record audio output to a USB stick.
- 🎤【Wireless Bluetooth Streaming】Wirelessly stream music from Pad, Phone, Tablets, Computer, and other Bluetooth devices with ease. This DJ mixer comes with built-in controls such as Play/Pause/switch songs and Modes; Bluetooth works within 15ft. (If the Bluetooth cannot connect, please press and hold the Play/Pause Button for 3 seconds to restart Bluetooth and then reconnect.
- 🎤【48V Phantom Power】The sound mixer have 3 XLR inputs with phantom power.you can feel free to switch 48V phantom power and the audio mixer has ultra-low noise enables to be used with condenser microphone.
- Connect your Twitch account to OBS.
- In Settings → Output, enable the Twitch VOD Track option.
- Open Advanced Audio Properties from the Audio Mixer.
- Send your intended live mix to track 1. For a VOD without the music, leave the Music source off track 2 while routing the other intended VOD sources to it.
OBS’s example sends all sources on live track 1 and excludes the Music source from VOD track 2. This changes the recorded VOD mix; it does not grant permission to play the music live, and it does not automatically remove the track from clips or other recordings. OBS Twitch VOD Track Guide
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChoose music that is cleared for the uses you need
Before adding a track, check the license for the exact ways you plan to use it. A license that permits one kind of use may not cover livestreaming, saved VODs, clips, highlights, or reposts. Check platform and territory limits, monetization rules, attribution requirements, duration, and what happens if a subscription ends or rights change. Keep the track name, license terms or version, purchase or subscription record, and any required attribution.
Rank #3
- All-in-One Sound Effects Mixer: Load up your streams or shows with 12 ready-to-play sound effects including applause, laughter, sirens, and music stings—ideal for adding instant energy to live broadcasts, podcasts, or gaming sessions.
- Wireless Freedom with Bluetooth: Stream audio seamlessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop via Bluetooth, or connect directly via USB for stable, low-latency performance—ideal for creators who value flexibility and ease of use.
- Eye-Catching RGB Lighting: Stand out on camera with dynamic RGB backlighting that enhances your setup’s visual appeal. Customize the mood to match your content or brand vibe during every live session.
- Professional-Grade Controls: Adjust volume, pitch, bass, mid, and treble on the fly with intuitive knobs. The 4-channel mixer supports mic, music, and effect blending for smooth, studio-quality audio output.
- Compact & Travel-Ready Design: Weighing just 500g and sized at 18 x 13 x 5 cm, this portable soundboard fits easily into your streaming kit or travel bag—great for streamers, DJs, teachers, and online performers on the go.
YouTube Live
YouTube says livestreams are scanned for third-party content. A match may cause a placeholder to appear, a warning, an interruption, or termination; a stream may also be terminated in connection with a copyright strike. If you have licensed third-party material, YouTube advises asking the owner to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Without allowlisting, a licensed track can still interrupt a live stream.
YouTube identifies public-domain music and music used with permission from the copyright owner as safe bases for use. It points creators to the YouTube Audio Library and to Creator Music, whose catalog has region and program limitations. A “free” label or credit in your description does not by itself make a track copyright-safe. Check the specific track’s current terms and whether any required Content ID handling applies. YouTube Help: Tips to find safe music · YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams
Rank #4
- 【48V Phantom Power & Flexible Output】Independent 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones with stable input. Includes AUX output for connecting speakers, headphones, and external audio devices, expanding audio output flexibility.
- 【2 XLR + 2 Stereo Inputs with 3-Band EQ】Features 2 XLR mic inputs supporting balanced and unbalanced signals, plus 2 stereo line inputs for music players or instruments. Each channel includes a 3-band EQ for precise high, mid, and low frequency adjustment.
- 【99 DSP Effects & Signal Monitoring】Built-in DSP processor provides 99 selectable effects, including reverb and EQ presets. LED signal indicator displays real-time volume levels for better control and stable audio performance.
- 【7-Band Output EQ for Sound Control】Upgraded 7-band EQ on the main output enables detailed tuning across bass, midrange, and treble, helping achieve clearer and more balanced sound.
- 【USB Recording & Bluetooth Streaming】Supports USB recording and playback on Mac and PC, with direct audio saving to USB devices. Bluetooth wireless streaming within 15ft allows easy music playback with basic control functions.
Twitch
Twitch says creators are responsible for having rights to livestream or store copyrighted material. A license for another context may not cover Twitch streaming or recorded video. Twitch’s Music Options page lists services and describes offers, but a listing is not proof that every track, territory, platform, archive, clip, or monetization use is covered. Verify the current license at the track and service level. Twitch DMCA & Copyright FAQs · Twitch Music Options for Streamers
Troubleshoot common music and routing problems
| What you hear or see | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Music does not appear in the OBS mixer | The wrong application window is selected, the player is not playing, or the capture has detached from a changing window title. | Confirm playback, select the correct window, and try matching by executable name for an app whose title changes. |
| Music sounds doubled or echoey | The app source and global Desktop Audio are both capturing the same playback. | In Settings → Audio, disable global Desktop Audio if it duplicates the dedicated application source. |
| Music masks speech | The music is too prominent in the mix, even if its meter does not appear unusually high. | Lower the music while speaking at normal volume, then listen through OBS monitoring. Use the green zone as qualitative guidance, not a fixed target. |
| Music is missing from the Twitch VOD | The Music source was intentionally omitted from VOD track 2, or the source-to-track assignments differ from the intended mix. | Check that Twitch VOD Track is enabled and review each source’s selection in Advanced Audio Properties. |
| A YouTube Live stream is interrupted after music starts | YouTube may have matched the music through its live Content ID scanning. | Use music with rights covering the stream. If it is licensed third-party music, ask the owner about allowlisting your channel; a license alone may not prevent an interruption. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping on a YouTube channel around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option rather than a way to capture music from a live camera or player. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It is YouTube-only.
Best Value
- 【Music Mixer Board】The 6-channel Bluetooth mixer, built-in wireless Bluetooth, DSP reverberation effect, 3-band equalization adjustment, comes with USB interface, support U disk playback function. Reminder: This kind of mixer is a traditional analog product, so there is no need to talk about whether the system is suitable or not. We are eager to know what function the customer wants to use. Any operation error may cause the device to have no sound. Welcome to email us.
- 【6 Channels Input】 DJ Mixing Console is great for multiple devices connectivity .4 XLR Lines input jack And 1/4 Inch (6.35mm) Jack. The XLR Jack Input Channel Supports 48v Condenser Microphone/Dynamic Microphone/Vocal And Other Instruments, Unbalanced 1/4 Inch Jack Input The Channel Supports Wireless Microphones/Electric Guitars/Di Boxes, Etc. And Musical Instruments. 5/6 Channel Is Stereo 1/4 Inch (6.35mm) Jack.
- 【48V Phantom Power】The sound mixer have 4 XLR inputs with phantom power.(If 1/2/3/4Channel Use 48v Condenser Microphone Need To Press +48v Button Phantom Power）you can feel free to switch 48V phantom power and ultra-low noise distortion enables the audio mixer to be used with condenser microphone.this compact DJ Mixer will provide total dynamic control mixer is great for high quality on stage performance, live gigs and Karaoke.
- 【USB Audio Interface / BT Function 】 *This bluetooth mixer enables users to wirelessly stream music from iPad/smartphone. *The USB interface can be connected to your USB stick/fast memory/MP3 to play music. flash drive or Bluetooth device to mix and record. After pressing the MENU button,Use the built-in controls to play/pause, skip tracks and switch between modes.
- 【3 Band EQ/16DSP Effects Processor】Easily adjust the high Mid and low frequencies of each channel with the onboard 3-band EQ and gain controls.Independent Adjustment Faders Include Single Audio Input Channel, Total Audio Output Volume Adjustment Fader And Effect Adjustment.USB Sound Mixer Has Built-In 16 Kinds Of Dsp Effects.You can even add delay or reverb effects in your mix.
Each slot uses one flat price for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers. StreamNeo includes 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
Upload your video or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Learn about StreamNeo or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
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