Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To fade nature-clip audio as you switch scenes in OBS, use the built-in Fade scene transition: put clips in scenes, select Fade under Scene Transitions, and set its duration. OBS’s transition applies to the scene change; a 2020 community-forum reply describes audio sources entering or leaving with a scene as fading during that transition, not continuing into a separate audio tail. Check the behavior in your installed OBS version and record a short test before going live.
Choose how to arrange the clips
Use separate scenes when you want to choose each change point yourself. Use a VLC Video source when you want playlist playback. OBS documents playlist, loop, shuffle, and visibility controls for VLC Video, but does not establish that every playlist change behaves like a scene transition for audio.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Arrangement | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Separate scenes | Explicit control over which clip is active and when you change scenes. | OBS’s scene transition can fade between scenes. Audio behavior depends on whether the source enters or leaves with the scene. |
| VLC Video playlist | Sequential playback with playlist, loop, or shuffle controls. | VLC must be installed for the VLC Video source to appear. Verify the audio behavior of playlist changes in your installed version rather than assuming each one triggers the same fade as a scene change. |
For separate clips, add each through an appropriate OBS media source and arrange the sources into scenes that give you a deliberate change point. OBS Media Source supports common audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor a playlist, add a VLC Video source and configure its playlist and playback options. The OBS Media Sources guide covers VLC Video behavior and requirements.
#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.
Set up the scene fade
- Create and name the scenes. In the Scenes panel, add a scene for each clip or each distinct playback arrangement. Add the relevant media source to each scene. Descriptive names make manual switching easier.
- Select the transition. In the Scene Transitions section, choose Fade. OBS includes Fade from first launch; the active transition can be changed in this section. The OBS Studio Overview Guide explains scene creation and transition selection.
- Set the duration. Set the transition duration in the Scene Transitions controls. The duration determines how long the scene transition takes; there is no single ideal value for all nature clips. Choose a duration that suits the visual pacing, then listen to a test recording.
- Switch scenes and check the audio. A 2020 OBS community-forum response explains that audio sources present in one scene but absent from the next fade as they enter or leave during the scene transition. It also says the audio fade does not continue after that transition ends. This is a forum clarification, not a current official guarantee; confirm the result in your OBS release.
Check levels and filters
Watch the Audio Mixer meters while clips play. Mixer level controls and audio filters serve different purposes from a scene transition: the transition changes scenes, mixer controls set source levels, and filters process audio signals.
- Gain: Use a Gain filter when you need to adjust a source’s level. OBS lists Gain in its Filters Guide.
- Compressor: A compressor affects signal dynamics. Sidechain ducking can lower background audio in response to another source, such as a microphone; it is not the control for the basic audio fade that accompanies a scene transition. See OBS’s Compressor Filter guide.
- Independent audio envelope: The standard scene Fade is not documented as providing an independently timed audio fade. The sources cited here do not provide a complete native step-by-step procedure for manually timing an audio envelope separately from the scene transition.
For the mixer workflow, see the OBS Audio Mixer Guide, published 2026-04-03. Interface labels may vary across releases.
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
Record a short test before going live
Make a short recording that includes at least one change between clips. Listen back rather than relying only on the preview. Check that the transition is audible, each clip starts when expected, and levels do not jump or clip. OBS recommends recording a session and listening back before going live in its Audio Mixer Guide.
- If the outgoing audio cuts abruptly, confirm the source is actually part of the scene change and test the transition in your installed version.
- If no fade is audible, check that the intended transition is selected and that the audio source is absent from one scene and present in the other, as described by the 2020 forum response.
- If audio changes do not align with playlist items, verify the VLC playlist setup and test its behavior separately; the documented playlist controls do not guarantee scene-transition audio behavior for every playlist change.
- If sound is too quiet, too loud, or uneven, check the Audio Mixer levels and relevant filters rather than changing the scene transition duration alone.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the aim is to keep uploaded nature clips playing as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is an alternative to leaving OBS running on your computer. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud.
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
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream can continue with your computer off.
- Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
StreamNeo is for uploaded video streams to YouTube, not live camera streaming. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
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
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
