Keep music playing by making it a persistent audio source, separate from the video clips that change. In OBS, add a Media Source for one audio file and enable Loop if it should repeat. Keep the source available in each stream scene and make sure Close file when inactive is off. For a playlist, use OBS’s VLC Video source instead. The exact result depends on your scene and visibility settings, so verify playback in your own scene collection.
Set up one looping music file
- In OBS, open the scene where you manage the stream. In the Sources panel, select + and add Media Source.
- Name the source, choose the audio file, and enable Loop if you want the same file to start again when it finishes. OBS lists MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV as supported audio formats.
- Leave Close file when inactive off. If OBS unloads the file when the source becomes inactive, playback may need to reload when the source is used again. See the OBS Media Sources documentation.
- Keep this music source available to the scenes used for the stream. Avoid creating separate copies that play at the same time.
A Media Source option called Restart playback when source becomes active is documented as On by default. If the song starts over when you return to a scene, check this option and how that source is activated. The behavior depends on the scene arrangement; test the transitions you actually use.
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Use a playlist instead of one repeated file
For a sequence of tracks, add OBS’s VLC Video source, select the playlist, and set Loop Playlist according to whether it should repeat. VLC must be installed; 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. VLC Video also has visibility behavior settings, so choose one that allows the playlist to continue when the source is hidden if your scene arrangement needs that. Refer to the OBS VLC Video documentation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Setup | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Media Source | One file that should play or repeat | Enable Loop as needed; leave Close file when inactive off; inspect restart-on-activation behavior. |
| VLC Video | A playlist of multiple tracks | Install VLC of the matching architecture, set Loop Playlist, and choose appropriate visibility behavior. |
Keep the source active across scene changes
Changing scenes can hide, deactivate, or unload a source depending on its configuration. A music source that exists only in a scene you leave may not continue as expected. Make the source shared or otherwise available across the relevant scenes, and configure visibility so it remains active when needed. Check your actual scene collection rather than assuming every layout handles source activation identically.
#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.
Do not capture the same audio device both as a global audio source and again as a scene-specific source unless you intend to hear it twice. OBS notes that duplicate device capture can cause echo. Audio input and output capture sources can be specific to a scene, and capture the device when that source is active. See the OBS audio sources documentation.
Set and monitor the music level
- Start the stream output or a representative preview and watch the music source in the OBS Audio Mixer.
- Listen through Audio Monitoring while adjusting the level, so you can judge the mix reaching OBS.
- Use the mixer’s green zone as a starting reference for background music. The OBS Audio Mixer Guide, published April 3, 2026, says background music and alert effects should remain there: OBS Audio Mixer Guide.
- Listen during both clips and transitions. If the music disappears only at a scene change, check source visibility and activation; if you hear an echo, look for duplicate device capture.
Why music stops or restarts
- The source is tied to a scene you leave: keep it available to all relevant scenes and review its visibility behavior.
- The file unloads while inactive: for Media Source, turn off Close file when inactive.
- The track starts from the beginning after returning: inspect Restart playback when source becomes active and the source’s activation behavior.
- A playlist stops when hidden: review VLC Video’s visibility behavior and set it to suit the way the scenes are arranged.
- The music plays twice or sounds like an echo: check for duplicate copies of the source or the same device captured globally and in a scene.
These settings explain common causes, but the right combination depends on the specific OBS version, operating system, and scene collection. OBS’s Media Sources documentation was published January 11, 2022; labels or defaults may differ in your installed version.
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
Make sure the music is allowed on YouTube
Successful playback in OBS does not mean a track is cleared for a YouTube live stream. YouTube says all live streams are scanned for matches to third-party content. If YouTube identifies such content, it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you; if the content remains, the stream may be interrupted or terminated. A license alone may not be enough: YouTube says a rights owner may need to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Confirm that the license covers live streaming and the territories where your audience can watch with the rights holder or licensor. Read YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
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 →Do not assume that a track available through another YouTube music program is licensed for live use. Check the current terms for the specific track and use; the applicable rights depend on the track, license, territories, and rights holder.
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
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded video playing continuously, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos and streams to YouTube only; it does not stream from a camera. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free 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
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- 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
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