To mix audio in OBS, balance each source before adding effects: set the microphone or mixer first, check operating-system and app volume, then adjust the OBS fader while monitoring. Add filters only to solve a specific problem, use a compatible VST2 plugin if you need equalization, and record a test so you can judge the sound viewers will actually hear.
1. Set levels before adding filters
- Identify each source. In OBS, find the microphone, game or application audio, music, and other inputs in the Audio Mixer. Make sure the intended devices are selected and that each source responds when it should.
- Adjust upstream controls first. Start at the microphone, physical mixer, or other device; then check operating-system input/output controls and the volume setting inside the relevant app or game. OBS’s Audio Mixer Guide says, “Always start at the device in question.” Device behavior varies, so consult its documentation if a control works differently than expected. OBS Audio Mixer Guide
- Use the OBS fader after those checks. Speak and play representative game or music audio while moving the corresponding fader. If the device has a headphone or monitor output, listen there too; then use OBS Audio Monitoring to hear the signal in OBS.
- Watch the meters, but do not mix by color alone. OBS describes speech reaching the lower end of the red region, gameplay or other content in yellow, and background music or alert effects in green as broad guidance. Meter appearance is not a universal loudness target and may not match perceived loudness, so listen as well as watch.
- Check channel routing. If a stereo source lights only its first channel, it may be heard only on the left. Check the source’s channel configuration and downmix it if the intended output should be mono.
The right balance depends on the microphone, room, game, music, and listening context. OBS documentation does not prescribe one universal speech level or EQ curve.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
2. Add filters only for a specific problem
Open the filters for the relevant source or device in OBS and add the processing that addresses what you heard. OBS’s filter guide lists built-in options including Gain, Expander, Compressor, Limiter, Noise Gate, Noise Suppression, and Invert Polarity, as well as the VST 2.x Plugin filter. OBS Filters Guide The settings below are documented defaults or starting examples, not guaranteed voice presets.
Compressor: reduce speech-level variation
A compressor lowers portions of a signal that rise above a threshold. It can help when speech is generally at a useful level but occasionally gets much louder. OBS recommends placing it at or near the start of the filter chain. Its documented defaults are a 10:1 ratio, -18 dB threshold, 6 ms attack, 60 ms release, and 0 dB output gain. Adjust by listening: excessive compression can make speech sound unnatural, and output gain does not fix a poor source level. OBS Compressor Filter
#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.
Compressor ducking: lower desktop audio under speech
To duck game or music audio when you speak, add a compressor to the desktop-audio source and select the microphone as its sidechain source. OBS gives this starting example: 32:1 ratio, -36 dB threshold, 100 ms attack, 600 ms release, and 0 dB output gain. Treat those values as a starting point: tune the threshold and timing by ear so the background falls enough to make speech clear without pumping or returning abruptly. OBS Compressor Filter
Limiter: catch peaks at the end of the chain
A limiter is a peak ceiling, not a substitute for sensible input gain or a recording check. OBS recommends placing it last in the filter chain. Its documented defaults are a -6.00 dB threshold and 60 ms release. Set the ceiling to suit the output you need, and make sure normal speech is not constantly pressed against it. OBS Limiter Filter
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
Noise suppression: address mild background noise
OBS’s built-in suppression is intended for mild background or white noise, such as fan noise; it is not a repair for a very noisy room. RNNoise is described as higher quality but more CPU-intensive. Speex is configurable, with a documented default suppression level of -30 dB. Stronger suppression can distort a voice, so compare the result while speaking normally and back off if speech becomes watery, gated, or muffled. OBS Noise Suppression Filter
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 minuteEqualization: use a compatible VST2 plugin
OBS’s listed filters do not include a native parametric equalizer. For EQ, add the VST 2.x Plugin filter to the microphone source and choose a compatible VST2 equalizer. Make small adjustments while monitoring speech, and bypass the plugin periodically to check that each change improves intelligibility or tone rather than merely making the signal different.
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
Compatibility matters: this OBS filter supports VST2, not VST3. It also does not support VST1.x, MIDI control/input, or shell VST plugins. Individual plugins may crash or consume substantial CPU, so save your OBS settings before experimenting and verify the plugin works in your setup. OBS’s VST guide mentions REAPER ReaPlugs and Melda Production in the context of developing and testing support; that is not a guarantee of current availability or compatibility with every system. OBS VST 2.x Plugin Filter
3. Choose the right tool for the fault
| What you hear | Use | Why and where |
|---|---|---|
| Speech level varies too much | Compressor | Reduces variation above its threshold; OBS recommends placing it at or near the start of the chain. |
| Occasional peaks need a ceiling | Limiter | Catches peaks at its threshold; OBS recommends putting it last. |
| Game or music masks speech | Compressor ducking on desktop audio | Use the microphone as sidechain source so the background lowers while you speak. |
| Mild fan or other steady background noise | Noise suppression | RNNoise prioritizes quality at higher CPU cost; Speex offers a configurable suppression level. Judge the effect on your voice. |
| Speech needs tonal adjustment | Compatible VST2 equalizer | Adds EQ control, but introduces plugin compatibility and CPU considerations; OBS’s VST filter does not support VST3. |
Built-in filters avoid the extra VST compatibility step, while VST2 EQ provides equalization that the listed native filters do not. Do not add compression, suppression, or EQ by habit: if the unprocessed source already sounds right, extra processing can make it worse.
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
4. Monitor and review an actual recording
- Monitor each source in OBS while speaking and playing the material you expect to stream or publish.
- Record a representative session, including speech over game or music if that is part of the mix.
- Listen to the resulting file, not just the live meters. Check whether speech remains clear, background audio is appropriately lower, noise suppression damages the voice, or peaks sound harsh.
- If something is off, change the source or fader first when the problem is level; change a filter only when its specific processing addresses the problem. Record and review again.
OBS’s mixer guidance emphasizes listening as well as watching meters; monitoring the output and reviewing a recording makes it possible to judge the mix rather than relying on meter color alone. OBS Audio Mixer Guide
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with uploaded video rather than mix live microphone, game, or camera audio in OBS, StreamNeo is a different workflow: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream a live camera. Nothing has to stay on at home, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, for one flat price per slot. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
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
Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and StreamNeo team support. The same product is included on every plan; only the billing length changes. See StreamNeo for details, or start the 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.
