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OBS can loop a playlist, but its standard Gain, Compressor, and Limiter filters are not documented as automatically matching the loudness of each playlist item. For consistent volume between videos, measure and adjust the individual files with the same loudness method before streaming, then listen to the complete sequence in OBS and keep its output below clipping.
Build the playlist in OBS
- Add the playlist source. In OBS, add a VLC Video source and add your video files to its playlist. This source requires VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC as well.
- Enable looping. In the VLC Video source settings, leave Loop Playlist enabled so OBS repeats the playlist.
- For a single video, use Media Source instead. The regular Media Source has its own Loop setting, but it is for looping one file rather than a playlist.
These settings make the videos play in a loop; they do not make their audio equally loud.
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Match the files before streaming
For clip-to-clip consistency, prepare each file in an audio or video editor, or another loudness-aware processor, before adding it to the playlist. Measure and adjust every clip using the same loudness method and target. Then audition the files together in OBS. This offline approach takes more preparation, but lets you assess each prerecorded clip individually before it goes live.
Choose a target appropriate for your material and destination. The OBS and YouTube guidance reviewed for this workflow does not establish an official YouTube Live LUFS target, so do not treat −14 LUFS or another specific figure as a YouTube requirement. YouTube’s upload encoding guidance recommends a 48 kHz sample rate and specifies audio codecs; that is not a loudness target.
#1 Best Overall
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Use OBS filters for level adjustments and peak safety
OBS filters can help adjust a source and control peaks in real time, but they are not a substitute for matching the playlist’s files. The documented controls do not promise a shared loudness target across prerecorded playlist items.
- Gain: Raises or lowers a source’s level. Raising a quiet passage may help, but one Gain setting does not analyze and match every playlist item.
- Compressor: Reduces peaks or can duck one source when another is active. It changes dynamics; it does not establish the same loudness for separate files.
- Limiter: Caps peaks at its configured threshold. OBS recommends placing the Limiter last in its filter chain. A limiter can help prevent clipping, but does not make differently mastered clips equally loud.
Check transitions and avoid clipping
- Listen through the OBS audio path. Check representative quiet and loud sections, especially the transitions between videos. OBS recommends listening early in the audio chain and again after audio reaches OBS. Monitoring headphones can help you hear changes in level; they do not normalize the files.
- Read the mixer meter correctly. OBS’s main meter bar represents peak level; its moving black indicator is intended to better reflect loudness. The meter is not an integrated LUFS readout.
- Keep the output below 0 dBFS. OBS explains that reaching or exceeding the digital full-scale ceiling at output can cause clipping distortion. A Limiter can restrain peaks, but inspect the whole loop rather than relying on the limiter alone.
Why the volume can still change between videos
Different recordings may have different perceived loudness even when their peaks appear similar. A peak meter shows momentary peaks, not a playlist-wide integrated loudness comparison. A single OBS fader changes the source level, while a Compressor changes dynamics and a Limiter restrains peaks; none of those documented functions automatically measures every file in a VLC playlist and matches the clips to one loudness target. Prepare the files consistently, then verify the transitions by listening.
Rank #2
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Why YouTube playback controls are not a fix for the live playlist
YouTube’s Stable volume is a viewer-side playback feature that balances quiet and loud parts, and it is not available for every video. YouTube also documents optional audio enhancements and creator controls for future uploads. These features do not guarantee that every viewer will hear a consistently normalized OBS live playlist, so do not rely on them as the stream’s audio-processing stage.
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If your goal is to keep a prerecorded YouTube loop live without leaving OBS and a computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud option. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not normalize audio or go live from a camera. Prepare and check your files first if their levels differ.
Rank #3
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- Upload your recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
Every slot supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, includes 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, and provides automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. To try it, start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
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