The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Start with the audio meter for the source that went silent. If it is not moving, audio is not reaching OBS: check whether playback stopped, the intended device is selected, and that device is connected. If the meter is moving but viewers hear silence—or OBS reports dropped frames or disconnections—investigate the stream connection separately. A source failure and a network failure can sound alike to listeners, but they need different fixes.
What the OBS meter can—and cannot—tell you
When someone reports that your OBS audio source keeps disconnecting, inspect the meter beside that source in the active scene while the problem is happening. A missing input indicator means no audio is reaching OBS at that point in the chain. It does not identify the cause by itself: playback may be idle, the wrong device may be selected, or an audio interface may have disconnected. OBS documents a disconnected interface as one possible explanation, not the only one. OBS Audio Mixer Guide
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If the source meter is moving, OBS is receiving a signal from that source. If listeners still hear no sound, or OBS shows dropped frames or intermittent disconnections, check the downstream stream connection rather than replacing the audio source immediately.
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 →Check audio devices and scene-specific sources
Verify the device OBS is using
OBS’s Quick Start Guide says desktop audio and microphone devices are captured by default. If the meters are inactive or the wrong device is active, open Settings → Audio and select the intended devices. This is a sensible first check after changing an audio device or operating system. OBS Quick Start Guide
#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.
Avoid capturing the same device twice
An Audio Input Capture or Audio Output Capture source can capture a chosen device in a particular scene. That is useful when different scenes need different audio devices. But if you also select that same device globally under Settings → Audio, OBS warns that duplicate capture can cause echo. Choose one route for that device: global capture or the scene source.
Source availability depends on the operating system: OBS lists Audio Input/Output Capture for Windows and macOS; on Linux, use ALSA or PulseAudio sources. OBS Audio Sources
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 local radio files and playlists repeat
Loop a single audio file
For an OBS Media Source, check its properties and enable Loop if you want the file to repeat after it finishes. OBS supports common audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. Do not confuse Loop with Restart playback when source becomes active: restarting on activation does not make a completed file repeat. Close file when inactive unloads a hidden media file and can add a short delay when it becomes visible again. OBS Media Sources
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteLoop a playlist
For a playlist, use OBS’s VLC Video source. Its documented settings have Loop Playlist enabled by default. VLC must be installed for this source type; the OBS documentation says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
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
Monitor the signal and test before leaving the stream unattended
A moving mixer meter is useful, but it does not prove that the audience is hearing clean audio. OBS recommends checking the signal early at the device and again as it reaches OBS through Audio Monitoring. Record a session with your normal configuration and listen back before going live; also make a short test stream or recording rather than launching an unattended broadcast without a test. OBS Audio Mixer Guide · OBS Quick Start Guide
Keep an eye on the meters for activity and obvious clipping. OBS’s reviewed documentation does not describe a built-in continuous audio-loss alert or establish a validated 24-hour preflight duration, so a brief successful test should not be treated as proof that an unattended stream will stay healthy all 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
Troubleshoot dropped frames and stream disconnections
OBS distinguishes transport trouble from a silent source: dropped frames mean the connection is unstable or cannot sustain the configured bitrate. If the source meter continues moving while OBS reports connection trouble, work through the network path. OBS Stream Connection Troubleshooting
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Use Ethernet if Wi-Fi is unstable. OBS recommends a wired connection for streaming. A cable can help with network stability; it cannot repair a disconnected audio interface, stopped media playback, or a wrongly selected source.
- Check bitrate against stable upload capacity. OBS suggests using 75% of total upload speed as a starting point, not as a guarantee. If the connection cannot sustain the configured bitrate, reduce it and test again.
- Try another ingest server if the current server appears unreliable.
- Check VPN, security, or network-optimization software, along with network drivers. Investigate the router, modem, cables, and other network hardware if the issue persists.
- Apply operating-system-specific advice carefully. Some network options in OBS’s troubleshooting guide apply only to Windows; they are not universal settings.
OBS’s Quick Start Guide says: “We strongly encourage running a test for a few minutes to make sure that there are no issues, rather than just jumping in to your first stream or recording.” Its connection guide also says: “It’s recommended to use a wired connection when streaming”. Both statements are from OBS Project documentation.
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
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube radio stream, StreamNeo is an alternative to running OBS on a computer at home. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud. Nothing has to stay on at home, and the stream continues with your computer off. It streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
The first day is free with no card. The Monthly price is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
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.
