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To balance looped videos in OBS, give each video its own audio source and adjust that source’s fader in the Audio Mixer. For one local clip, use a looping Media Source; for a playlist, use VLC Video with Loop Playlist. Play the clips, watch the meters, listen through monitoring, and make a test recording before streaming. A fader changes the level of its source—it does not equalize the audio inside a combined file.
Choose the right source setup
One local video
Add the file as a Media Source and enable Loop in its properties. OBS’s Media Sources guide explains that this option replays the file when playback finishes: OBS Media Sources.
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A playlist of local videos
Use a VLC Video source, add the clips to its playlist, and enable Loop Playlist if needed. OBS documents the setting as on by default; VLC must be installed for this source type to be available. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
Independent volume for each clip
Add each clip as its own Media Source, rather than putting all clips into one combined file or source. Give each source a recognizable name. The Audio Mixer provides a meter and volume fader for each source, so separate sources allow separate level adjustments. A single combined source has one source-level fader, not an individual control for every clip.
#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.
Balance the clips in the Audio Mixer
- Open the scene containing the media sources. In the Audio Mixer, identify each source by its name. Each mixer entry includes a meter, volume fader, mute control, and monitoring control. OBS’s Audio Mixer Guide describes these controls.
- Start playback and listen to each clip. Adjust its mixer fader in small increments while checking the meter. The fader changes the level of that source in the OBS mix. If the original file is badly recorded, the fader can turn it up or down but cannot restore detail that was not captured.
- Compare perceived loudness, not just meter readings. OBS cautions that sounds that appear equally loud on the meters may not sound equally loud to viewers. Use Audio Monitoring in Advanced Audio Properties to hear the signal reaching OBS, then listen to a representative recording as well. The OBS guide recommends keeping an eye on the meters, but it does not set a universal target level for every clip.
- Use the meter colors as guidance, not a mastering specification. OBS recommends speech in the upper yellow range, near the lower end of red; gameplay or similar material lower in yellow; and background music and alert effects in green. Red is near clipping, where distortion can occur. These are qualitative OBS recommendations, not a guaranteed YouTube loudness standard or a specific LUFS target.
- Record and check before going live. Record a normal test session with the loop running, then listen to the playback. Check for unexpectedly loud transitions, distortion, missing audio, or one clip becoming difficult to hear. Adjust the source or its fader and test again if needed.
Check the audio path and recording tracks
When the video plays in another application
If the video is playing in a browser or another application instead of being loaded as an OBS media source, you need to capture that application’s audio. OBS’s Application Audio Capture Guide documents Application Audio Capture for Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. It also says OBS Studio 30.1 can include audio with Window Capture or Game Capture. These are Windows-specific instructions, not a cross-platform guarantee.
When using separate Application Audio Capture sources, OBS recommends disabling global Desktop Audio if capturing both causes echo. If the application’s audio is incompatible with Application Audio Capture, OBS describes routing it through a virtual cable such as VB-Cable as an optional Windows workaround. A virtual cable is not needed for local Media Sources.
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
When choosing audio tracks
Separate recording tracks help when you plan to edit afterward; they do not create separate live mixer faders. OBS notes that standard video players play only one audio track at a time. For a recording that will go directly to YouTube without editing, OBS recommends putting all sources on track 1. If you need isolated tracks for post-production, assign and enable them, then verify that the intended tracks are audible in your editor and final export. See the Multiple Audio Track Recording Guide.
Channel and source checks
- Where applicable, check the level at the original device or application before relying on the OBS fader to compensate.
- Use Audio Monitoring in Advanced Audio Properties to check the audio reaching OBS.
- Check mono and stereo behavior if audio is missing from one channel or sounds unbalanced. OBS defaults to stereo and downmixes surround to stereo unless configured otherwise.
Troubleshoot uneven or missing audio
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| One clip sounds louder even though the meters look similar | Meter appearance does not reliably indicate perceived loudness. | Listen to the clips through monitoring and in a test recording; make small adjustments to their individual source faders. |
| Changing a fader affects every clip together | The clips are combined into one source or file. | Use separate Media Sources for independent mixer controls, or adjust the levels in an editor before importing the combined file. |
| The loop stops after one video | The wrong source type or loop property is being used. | For one file, check Loop in Media Source properties. For a playlist, use VLC Video and check Loop Playlist; VLC must be installed. |
| The audio distorts | The signal may be reaching the red zone or clipping earlier in the source or application. | Lower the relevant source fader and check the original application or file level. Record and listen again. |
| Application audio has an echo | The same sound may be captured both by Application Audio Capture and global Desktop Audio. | When using separate application capture sources, disable Desktop Audio if it is duplicating the signal. |
| A recording has no expected sound in an ordinary player | The audio may be on a different track than the one the player plays. | For direct-to-YouTube recordings without editing, put all needed sources on track 1. For editing workflows, verify track assignments in the editor and export. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option—not an OBS mixer replacement. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not go live from a camera.
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
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs in the cloud.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
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
- 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
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
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