To use a VST plug-in in OBS, add the built-in VST 2.x Plugin audio filter to the microphone or other source you want to process, then choose an installed VST2 plug-in. OBS documents support for VST 2.x—not VST3—so a VST3-only effect will not appear in that filter. Install a compatible plug-in, test it with a recording, and check your levels and CPU use before streaming.
What OBS supports—and what it does not
OBS Studio’s built-in VST filter supports VST 2.x plug-ins on Windows, macOS, and Linux, subject to the plug-in’s own platform and architecture compatibility. The OBS Project documents that the filter does not support VST1.x, VST3.x, MIDI control or input in VST plug-ins, or shell VST plug-ins. In the OBS Project’s words, “OBS Studio supports many VST2.x plugins.” OBS VST 2.x Plugin Filter.
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That means the practical first check is the plug-in format, not just its name: if a product offers VST2 and VST3 builds, use its VST2 build with this filter. If it offers only VST3, OBS’s built-in filter is not a compatible host for it. A separate host or routing setup may be possible, but there is no universal bridge established here; verify the current documentation for that software and your OBS build before relying on it.
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Choose a plug-in for the problem you want to solve
Use only the processing you need. An effect can improve a voice, but an unnecessary or aggressive chain can make it less intelligible or less natural.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
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| Processing type | Typical purpose | What to listen for |
|---|---|---|
| Equalizer (EQ) | Adjusting tonal balance or reducing an unwanted tonal emphasis. | Speech should remain clear and natural rather than thin or harsh. |
| Compressor | Reducing differences between quieter and louder moments. | Listen for pumping, excessive loudness, or peaks that still clip. |
| Gate | Reducing low-level background noise between phrases. | Check that it does not cut off quiet words or the beginnings of speech. |
| Noise reduction | Reducing unwanted steady or intermittent noise. | Listen for artifacts and changes to the voice; use only as much as needed. |
OBS lists REAPER ReaPlugs and Melda Production among the free plug-ins used during development and testing of its VST support. That is not a guarantee that every plug-in from either vendor works on every system. OBS VST 2.x Plugin Filter.
A documented free Windows VST2 example
Cockos describes ReaPlugs as a free VST FX suite. Its page lists 32-bit and 64-bit Windows VST v2.36 installers dated January 2, 2016, with EQ, compression, gating, and noise-reduction tools. This page does not establish a current ReaPlugs installer for macOS or Linux. Follow the vendor’s installation instructions and match the plug-in build to your OBS platform and architecture.
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- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- 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
How to add a VST to OBS
- Capture the right audio source. Add or select your microphone or other audio source in OBS. Confirm that its mixer meter responds when sound reaches it. A filter on the microphone processes that microphone; it does not also process unrelated desktop or game audio.
- Install a compatible VST2 build. Check the plug-in vendor’s instructions and choose a build for your operating system and architecture. OBS’s built-in filter requires VST2, not VST3. The OBS Project’s Plugins Guide also explains that plug-ins must match the host’s compatibility requirements.
- Check that OBS can discover it. OBS scans documented VST locations. On Windows, these include locations under Program Files/Common Files; on macOS, the system and user VST folders include
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/and the corresponding user Library location; Linux has documented VST paths. IfVST_PATHis set on Linux, OBS uses the paths in that variable instead of the other scan locations. See the OBS VST filter guide for the platform-specific paths. - Add the filter to the source. In the OBS mixer, open the source’s Filters dialog, add the audio filter named VST 2.x Plugin, then select the installed plug-in. The filter belongs on the specific source you intend to process.
- Build a modest chain. For voice, a reasonable starting approach is corrective EQ followed by gentle compression. Add a gate or noise-reduction effect only if your room noise and speaking level warrant it. There is no single setting that suits every voice, microphone, or room.
- Save and test before going live. Save your OBS settings, then test the effect during a normal session. Listen for clipped peaks, dropouts, pumping, a gate cutting into words, or other artifacts. Watch CPU use while the plug-in is active.
Check levels from microphone to stream
Judge the processed signal as well as the raw source. Start with a sensible level at the source device, monitor the signal in OBS, and make a recording of a normal session to listen back before broadcasting. The OBS mixer guide advises balancing voice, gameplay, music, and effects rather than trusting the meter’s apparent balance by itself; red indicates a level close to clipping. OBS Audio Mixer Guide.
- Keep speech peaks below clipping; if the signal is already too hot, lower the source level before trying to fix it with more processing.
- Listen for a gate that closes on quiet syllables, compression that pumps, or noise reduction that creates audible artifacts.
- Check what reaches the recording and stream mix, not only what you hear through local monitoring.
- For a mono source, OBS plays it through both left and right channels. For stereo sources, check channel assignment; Advanced Audio Properties also offers Downmix to Mono.
Why a VST plug-in may not show up in OBS
The effect is VST3-only
This is expected with OBS’s documented built-in VST 2.x filter: VST3 is unsupported there. Install a VST2 build if the vendor provides one. If it does not, check the current documentation for any separate host or routing approach before using it; a universal safe bridge is not established.
Rank #3
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- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
The plug-in is in the wrong folder or built for another platform
Confirm that the VST2 plug-in is installed in a location OBS scans and that its build matches your operating system and architecture. On Linux, check whether VST_PATH overrides the normal scan locations. Follow the plug-in vendor’s installation instructions and restart or reopen OBS after installation if needed.
OBS crashes or audio breaks up after adding an effect
Disable or remove the new filter, restore your saved settings if necessary, then test plug-ins one at a time. Watch CPU use as you reintroduce effects. OBS warns that some plug-ins can crash and that some can be CPU hungry; do not make an untested plug-in part of a live chain. OBS VST 2.x Plugin Filter.
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The meter moves, but the sound is wrong
Record a short test and listen back. If speech clips or competes with game audio, lower the source level first and rebalance the mix in OBS. If a mono source plays on only one side or a stereo source is mapped incorrectly, check channel assignment and mono downmix settings in Advanced Audio Properties. Meter color helps flag risk; it does not establish perceived loudness or intelligibility.
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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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