To loop one prerecorded radio show in OBS, add it as a Media Source and enable Loop. To play several shows in sequence, use a VLC Video source, add the files to its playlist, and enable Loop Playlist. Then connect OBS to YouTube Live, check the audio and preview, and test the full broadcast before going public.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | Loop setting | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| One audio or video file | Media Source | Loop | The file on the computer running OBS |
| Several files in a fixed sequence | VLC Video | Loop Playlist; leave shuffle off | VLC installed; use 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS |
OBS documents local audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV, and video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. See the OBS Media Sources guide. The docs do not establish that either source is universally more reliable; choose based on whether you have one file or a playlist.
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Loop one prerecorded show with Media Source
- Create or select a scene. In OBS, choose the scene that will carry the radio show.
- Add the file. In the Sources dock, select +, choose Media Source, and select your local audio or video file.
- Enable looping. Turn on Loop in the source properties, then confirm the file plays in the scene.
- Check the audio. Play the source and watch the OBS Audio Mixer meters. If they do not move, check the source and audio settings before streaming.
A single-file audio show does not need to be converted to video just to loop. If you want a visual, add a still image or logo as a separate scene source; it is an optional production choice, not a looping requirement. In OBS, sources higher in the list appear above sources below them. See the OBS Sources Guide.
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Loop several shows with VLC Video
- Install VLC if needed. OBS requires VLC for the VLC Video source. Match the architecture: install 64-bit VLC for 64-bit OBS.
- Add the playlist source. In the Sources dock, select +, choose VLC Video, and add the show files to its media playlist.
- Set playback behavior. Enable Loop Playlist. Leave shuffle off if the shows must play in a fixed order.
- Check visibility behavior. Set how the source should behave when hidden, as appropriate for your scenes. This matters if the radio scene may be hidden during a scene change.
- Play through the scene. Confirm the playlist advances and that the Audio Mixer shows the expected audio.
VLC Video includes loop, shuffle, and visibility behavior controls. For the available source behavior details, see OBS’s Media Sources 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.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Make sure the channel can go live. YouTube’s first-time live-stream enablement may take up to 24 hours, so enable live streaming well before the scheduled show. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility and setup guidance.
- Create or schedule an encoder stream. In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream using an encoder. YouTube’s encoder setup instructions explain how to get the connection details.
- Enter the stream connection in OBS. In OBS stream settings, select YouTube if available. Otherwise, enter the stream URL and stream key shown in YouTube Studio.
- Start with a private or unlisted test. Start the OBS stream and check the incoming feed in YouTube’s Live Control Room. Confirm the picture or static visual, audio, and stream health there before making the broadcast public.
Treat the stream key as a credential: use the one for the intended YouTube stream and do not share it publicly. For YouTube’s current encoder guidance on video settings, bitrates, and resolutions, consult Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions. The available evidence does not establish one universal bitrate or resolution for every channel and stream, so use YouTube’s recommendations for your chosen output rather than guessing.
Clear music rights before broadcasting
Prerecording a show does not clear its music for livestreaming. YouTube’s Livestream terms and conditions put responsibility for the necessary rights on the provider, including applicable music licensing rights. Check that your permission covers the intended live use and territory.
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
YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A match can replace the stream with a placeholder and warning; continued use may lead to temporary interruption or termination. If you have licensed third-party content, YouTube says to ask the rights owner to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Permission and allowlisting are separate checks: a licence alone may not prevent an automated interruption. See YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
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Before the scheduled broadcast, run a test recording or private or unlisted stream from the same scene and source you plan to use. OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends checking the Audio Mixer and selecting audio devices manually if meters are not moving or the wrong device is being captured. Headphones can help you listen for gaps, distortion, or unintended audio during the test; they are optional.
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
| Symptom | Likely cause | Check or fix |
|---|---|---|
| The file stops after one play | Loop is off, or the wrong source type is in use | For one file, open Media Source properties and enable Loop. For several files, use VLC Video and enable Loop Playlist. |
| The playlist source is unavailable | VLC is not installed or its architecture does not match OBS | Install VLC; for 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC, then check the Sources list again. |
| The audio meter does not move | The media may not be playing, or OBS may be using the wrong audio source or device | Start playback, inspect the source and Audio Mixer, and select the intended audio device manually where needed. |
| OBS appears to play, but YouTube has no sound or the wrong scene | The output scene or its audio may differ from what you expected | Check the incoming YouTube preview and stream health; do not rely only on the local OBS preview. |
| YouTube interrupts the live broadcast | A third-party content match or unresolved rights issue | Review YouTube’s copyright notice, confirm rights for live use, and ask the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting if the content is licensed. |
| You cannot start the encoder stream | Live streaming may not yet be enabled, or the stream URL/key may not match the intended YouTube stream | Allow time for first-time live enablement, then verify the connection details in YouTube Studio and OBS. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube channel to keep looping uploaded shows without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting from a camera, and it streams to YouTube.
- Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
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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
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.
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