For continuous playlist audio in OBS, use the Compressor only if loudness swings are distracting, then place the Limiter last in the filter chain to control peaks. OBS’s built-in defaults are not a tested playlist preset: listen to your actual tracks, make small adjustments, and record a test before streaming.
What the Compressor and Limiter each do
Compressor: reduce levels above a threshold
A Compressor starts reducing audio once it rises above its threshold. Its ratio controls how much it reduces the signal above that point. For example, OBS explains that at a 2:1 ratio, a signal 6 dB above the threshold becomes 3 dB above it. Attack controls how quickly gain reduction reaches its full amount; release controls how quickly it returns to zero after the signal falls below threshold. Output Gain raises the level after compression, which can use up peak headroom.
Compression can make level variation less pronounced, but it does not automatically make every song equally loud to the ear. Apply it only if the playlist’s loudness swings are a problem.
Limiter: cap peaks
A Limiter is a peak-control stage intended to prevent a signal from peaking above 0 dB. It is not a substitute for loudness matching across tracks. OBS says it should be the last filter in the chain.
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- Dual Channel or Linked Stereo Operation
- 1/4-Inch TRS And XLR Balanced Inputs
- Stereo Mode Balance Control
- Selectable Auto/ Manual Attack/Release
- Precise Led Level Meters
OBS’s documented defaults—and what they mean
The OBS Project’s Compressor and Limiter documentation, published in 2022, lists these defaults. They describe the software’s starting values, not settings validated for continuous playlist audio.
| Filter | Documented defaults | Use and caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Ratio 10:1; threshold -18 dB; attack 6 ms; release 60 ms; output gain 0 dB; no sidechain source | Compression begins above the threshold. These are OBS defaults, not a playlist preset. |
| Limiter | Threshold -6 dB; release 60 ms | Peak control. The -6 dB threshold is a default, not a requirement for every stream. |
Sources: OBS Project, Compressor Filter and Limiter Filter.
Rank #2
- Dual-Channel Dynamics Control: Designed for versatile audio applications, this dual-channel compressor delivers smooth and consistent level management for vocals, guitars, drums, and other sound sources. The built-in Overeasy compression ensures a more natural transition into gain reduction, while adjustable attack and release settings allow precise shaping of dynamic behavior. Ideal for studio recording, live sound, streaming, and stage performance environments.
- Professional XLR/TRS Connectivity: Equipped with high-quality XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs, this rackmount compressor integrates easily with mixers, audio interfaces, PA systems, and studio gear. Provides clean signal routing and reliable performance for professional audio environments.
- Classic VCA Circuit for Enhanced Vocals: The VCA-based design improves vocal clarity, warmth, and presence—ideal for studio vocals, voiceovers, live singing, podcasting, and broadcast applications. Helps vocals sit smoothly and confidently at the front of the mix.
- LED Metering with Noise Gate Function: Features precise LED indicators for gain reduction, compression levels, and gate thresholds, giving clear visual feedback during setup. The built-in noise gate helps reduce ambient or background noise, ensuring cleaner audio in studio and live situations.
- Sidechain Insert for Frequency Control: The dedicated sidechain input supports frequency-based ducking, perfect for tightening bass, kick drums, and other low-end instruments. Adjustable attack and release controls allow detailed dynamic shaping for modern studio production and live performance.
Set up playlist-only processing in OBS
- Choose the playlist audio source. In the OBS main window, identify the source that carries the playlist. Open that source’s Filters panel and add filters there if you want processing limited to the playlist. OBS supports filters on sources and scenes; its guides also describe opening an audio device’s filter panel from the Audio Mixer. A filter on a combined desktop source affects the combined audio, not just the playlist. See the OBS Filters Guide and OBS Studio Overview Guide.
- Listen and check levels first. Play representative quiet and loud passages, including transitions. Watch the source and output meters, but do not add gain merely to make the meter look busier.
- Add a Compressor only if needed. Enable it when changes in level are distracting. Adjust threshold and ratio in small steps while listening; treat attack and release as source-dependent controls. Avoid raising Output Gain without checking the resulting peaks.
- Add the Limiter last. Put it after the Compressor and any other gain or dynamics filters. Set a ceiling that leaves headroom for the delivery chain, then listen for distortion or unnaturally flattened loud sections. OBS’s -6 dB default is a starting value documented by the software, not a required target.
- Record and review a test. Capture a short sample with the loudest passages and track changes. Listen back at more than one playback level if possible, and adjust if the result is distorted, overly compressed, or still has distracting jumps.
Do not use ducking settings for a playlist-only problem
OBS documents a separate sidechain setup for ducking music or game audio under a microphone. Its starting values are ratio 32:1, threshold -36 dB, attack 100 ms, release 600 ms, output gain 0 dB, with the microphone selected as the sidechain source. Those values address voice-triggered ducking, not continuous playlist control. If your stream has voice-over and you want the music to dip while you speak, use the microphone sidechain and adjust the threshold for the amount of ducking and attack/release for its timing. Otherwise, a sidechain is not inherently needed.
Troubleshoot common results
- The playlist still jumps between songs: A Limiter catches peaks; it does not equalize the perceived loudness of tracks. A Compressor may reduce some variation above its threshold, but it is not automatic song-by-song loudness normalization.
- The audio sounds flattened or distorted: Compression may be too strong for the material, or added Output Gain may be consuming headroom. Reduce the processing or gain and review the loudest section in a new test capture.
- Other desktop audio changes too: The filters may be attached to a combined desktop source or scene. Move them to the playlist’s own source if you want playlist-only processing.
- Music dips when nobody is speaking: Check whether a sidechain source is enabled. The documented ducking setup is meant to respond to a microphone, not to smooth a playlist on its own.
- Peaks are not being caught: Confirm that the Limiter is enabled and is last in the filter chain. Review the threshold and test the loudest passage rather than assuming the default fits your signal.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the playlist is intended to keep a YouTube channel live continuously, OBS is a do-it-yourself option—but it depends on your computer and connection staying available. StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Package Dimensions: 6 L x 5 H x 6 W (inches)
- Package Weight: 5 Pounds
- Country Of Origin : China
- Rolls Stereo Program Limiter (Sl33B)
Rank #3
- Dual-Channel Precision – Full Control Over Every Sound Source: Equipped with advanced Overeasy compression and Auto attack/release settings, this dual-channel compressor offers smooth, natural dynamics control for vocals, guitars, drums, and more. Ideal for recording, live streaming, or on-stage use.
- Studio-Grade Connectivity – Seamless Integration: Designed with premium XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs, the unit effortlessly fits into any professional or live sound setup, ensuring clean signal paths and flexible routing options.
- Enhanced Vocal Presence – Classic VCA Circuitry: Engineered for clarity, the classic VCA circuit enhances vocal warmth and detail. Bring vocals to the front of the mix with a rich, natural tone that stands out in any performance environment.
- Visual Monitoring – Precision LED Display & Noise Gate: Features independent LED indicators for gain reduction, compression, and gate thresholds. Fine-tune settings with confidence while reducing unwanted background noise using the built-in noise gate function.
- Side Chain Capability – Targeted Frequency Control: Includes a side chain insert for effective frequency ducking—ideal for tightening low-end instruments like bass or kick drums. Offers adjustable attack and release for responsive, natural-sounding compression across dynamic sources.
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