Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To hear sleep sounds locally while sending them to your stream, set OBS’s monitoring device in Settings > Audio, then set the audio source to Monitor and Output in Edit > Advanced Audio Properties. For a local file that should repeat, add it as a Media Source and turn on Loop—monitoring and looping are separate settings.
OBS’s monitor control plays a source through the monitoring device configured in Settings, as described in the OBS Audio Mixer Guide. The exact monitoring labels and behavior can vary by installed version, so verify them with a short recording or test stream before relying on a long broadcast.
Set up local monitoring and audience audio
- Choose the sound source. For a local recording, add a Media Source to the scene. OBS lists
.mp3,.aac,.oggand.wavamong its supported audio formats. If you need to capture a device instead, use the appropriate scene-level audio capture source. OBS lists Audio Input/Output Capture support for Windows and macOS; on Linux, it directs users to ALSA or PulseAudio sources. See OBS Audio Sources and OBS Media Sources. - Set the monitoring device. Open Settings > Audio and select the device through which you want to listen. Headphones connected to the computer or an audio device are common options, but the available choices depend on your operating system and connected hardware. The monitor output is the operator’s local listening path; it does not by itself determine whether viewers receive the source.
- Choose the source’s monitoring mode. Open Edit > Advanced Audio Properties and find the source. For local listening while keeping the source in the stream or recording, select Monitor and Output. OBS forum guidance describes Monitor Off as no local monitor feed and Monitor Only (mute output) as local listening without output. Those labels and semantics are corroborated by a user-contributed 2021 forum thread, not a current versioned official mode reference; check the labels and result in your installed OBS build. See the OBS forum discussion.
- Repeat the file if needed. Open the Media Source properties and enable Loop to play the file again when it ends. This setting controls repetition, not whether you hear the source locally. For a playlist, OBS’s VLC Video source offers Loop Playlist; VLC must be installed for that source to appear.
Prevent echo and verify the full path
Echo can occur when the same device is captured as a scene source and also selected among the global devices in Settings > Audio. If you add devices directly to scenes, disable duplicate global audio devices. Also avoid capturing the monitoring playback back into OBS as another input. OBS documents the duplicate-device warning in its Audio Sources guide.
- Watch the OBS mixer meters while the sound plays. The red zone indicates audio close to clipping, which can distort the signal.
- Listen through the selected monitoring device and confirm that the source is audible locally.
- Make a short recording using the same setup and listen back; a moving meter alone does not prove that the recorded or viewer-facing output is correct.
- Before a long session, make a test stream as well if practical. OBS’s Quick Start Guide recommends testing before going live.
OBS Project’s 2022 technical guide identifies 0 dBFS as the digital-audio maximum and explains that streamed or recorded audio must remain below it to avoid clipping. Its -20 dBFS alignment reference and -9 dBFS permitted-maximum reference are engineering context, not recommended loudness targets for sleep sounds. The peak-hold marker in OBS’s Audio Mixer Guide displays the loudest meter level over 20 seconds, according to the guide dated 2026-04-03. See Audio Mixer Technical Details and the Audio Mixer Guide.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Troubleshoot common monitoring problems
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| You hear the sound, but viewers or the recording do not. | The source may be set to a local-only mode such as Monitor Only (mute output), or the wrong source may be active. | Check the source’s mode in Advanced Audio Properties. For local listening plus stream/recording output, use Monitor and Output if your installed version provides that behavior, then verify with a recording or test stream. |
| The stream has sound, but you cannot hear it locally. | The monitor device may be unset, unavailable, or different from the device you are listening on; monitoring may also be off for the source. | Check the device in Settings > Audio, then inspect that source’s monitoring mode and confirm the selected device is connected and audible. |
| You hear an echo or doubled sound. | The same input or output device may be captured both globally and as a scene source, or the monitor playback may be captured again as an input. | Remove the duplicate capture path, disable duplicate global devices when using scene-level capture, and avoid feeding monitor playback back into OBS. |
| The file stops when it reaches the end. | Looping is off, or the playlist source is not configured to repeat. | Enable Loop in the Media Source properties. For a VLC playlist, use Loop Playlist and confirm VLC is installed. |
| The meters enter the red zone or playback sounds distorted. | The signal may be clipping. | Check the source and mixer levels, then make and listen to a fresh test recording. Keep digital peaks below 0 dBFS; OBS’s engineering references are not sleep-audio loudness recommendations. |
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube sleep-sounds stream, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping OBS running on a home computer: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos in the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. It supports the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and gives each account one free first day with no card required. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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.
