OBS Studio 28 was a major infrastructure and workflow release, not just an interface refresh. Released on 31 August 2022, it introduced HDR and 10-bit output options, native Apple Silicon builds, Windows application-audio capture, macOS capture changes, and built-in obs-websocket 5.0. It also moved OBS to Qt 6, which ended support for several older operating systems and made plugin compatibility an important upgrade check. These are OBS 28’s release-era changes; later OBS versions and streaming services may have different support.
What OBS Studio 28 changed
OBS Project marked the software’s tenth anniversary with OBS Studio 28.0. The release’s practical significance was that it expanded what streamers could capture, encode, automate, and run natively—while raising compatibility questions for older systems and plugins.
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HDR and 10-bit video
OBS 28 added color-format and color-space settings for HDR and 10-bit output. At release, OBS specified that HDR and 10-bit encoding required AV1 or HEVC. Its recommended HDR settings were P010 for color format and Rec. 2100 PQ for color space. OBS described HDR streaming at that time as supported through YouTube’s HLS service with an HEVC encoder; this is a historical release statement, not a guarantee of YouTube’s current support.
10-bit SDR recording was also possible using P010 with an SDR color space such as Rec. 709 or Rec. 601, again with AV1 or HEVC. For 10-bit HEVC encoding, the OBS 28 notes required an NVIDIA 10-series, AMD 5000-series, or newer GPU. Intel QuickSync and Apple VT were not yet supported for that particular feature at release. OBS 28 could tone-map an HDR game into an SDR scene.
#1 Best Overall
- USB/XLR Connectivity-AM8T comes with a dynamic microphone and a boom arm stand. Versatile PC gaming microphone kit with USB compatibility plug and play for PC in streaming or recording, without additional drivers. And also, while in XLR compatibility for mixer or sound card connection, the XLR studio vocal microphone is good at vocal, podcast, or musical instruments creation.
- Vibrant RGB Light-The streaming microphone RGB illuminates your gaming setup with customizable RGB lighting for a visually stunning game experience. You can easily control the RGB mode/colors or turn off by simply tapping the RGB button without making any complicated settings on specific software.
- Enhanced Features-Featured -50dB sensitivity and cardioid polar pattern, the USB recording mic kit not easily pick up background noise for delivering clear audio. The PC gaming microphone USB kit includes a boom arm for easy positioning, mute button and gain knob for precise control, headphones jack for real-time monitoring, and headphone volume control while streaming or recording.
- Decent for Gamers and Streamers-The XLR microphone designed specifically to meet the needs of gaming enthusiasts and streamers. Ideal for various applications, including gaming, streaming, podcasting, voiceovers, and more, which also works with popular streaming software like OBS and Streamlabs.
- Recording Microphone Kit-The dynamic microphone is more convenient for working from home or going out for podcasts, and the complete accessories allow for faster recording work due to its simple straightforward assembly. External windscreen of the XLR dynamic microphone filter out plosive voice.
The feature had limitations: HDR preview was unavailable on macOS and Linux at the time, and some inputs and encoders still needed updates. The Apply LUT, Chroma Key, Color Key, Image Mask/Blend, Luma Key, and Sharpness filters did not function on HDR-rendering sources.
External HDR capture
Capturing HDR from a console or camera required a capture device supporting a 10-bit format such as P010. OBS’s 2 August 2022 guidance described device-based HDR capture as supported on Windows at that time and listed tested devices including the ASUS CU4K30, EVGA XR1 Pro, AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573), and Elgato 4K60 Pro Mk.2. This is an optional path for external sources, not a requirement for ordinary SDR streaming. Check the capture device’s current specifications and OBS compatibility before buying.
Rank #2
- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
Qt 6 and operating-system compatibility
OBS 28 moved its interface framework from Qt 5 to Qt 6. OBS said the migration was intended to keep pace with toolkit updates and support newer operating systems and architectures. The cost of that transition was dropping support for Windows 7 and 8, macOS 10.13 and 10.14, Ubuntu 18.04, and 32-bit operating systems. Anyone using those systems could not treat OBS 28 as a routine compatible upgrade.
Plugins dependent on Qt 5 needed updates for Qt 6, and some could stop working after an upgrade. OBS’s compatibility page, dated 31 August 2022, offered a snapshot for some plugins and platforms but explicitly was not exhaustive. Check the current version and architecture support of each plugin you rely on before upgrading, particularly on Apple Silicon. Compatibility varied by plugin and platform; the release did not mean every plugin broke.
Rank #3
- Studio-Quality Sound for Clear Podcast Recording – The K66 USB podcast microphone delivers studio-quality, broadcast-level audio using a high-performance condenser capsule and cardioid pickup pattern that focuses on your voice while reducing unwanted background noise. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it features a wide 40Hz–18kHz frequency response and a 46kHz sampling rate to reproduce rich lows, smooth mids, and clear highs for natural, detailed vocals. With –45dB ±3dB sensitivity, it captures balanced sound without distortion during expressive speaking. Ideal for podcasting, voice-over, online classes, meetings, and professional content creation.
- Intelligent Noise Reduction Mode for Cleaner Podcast Audio – This podcast microphone features an advanced Noise Reduction Mode designed for clearer, more focused voice recording in real-world environments. Press and hold the mute button to enable noise reduction (blue indicator). In this mode, the microphone helps reduce keyboard clicks, PC fan noise, air conditioner hum, and background chatter. Default Mode maintains a warm, natural vocal tone for quiet spaces. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it allows creators to identify the active mode instantly and adapt as needed, ensuring clear audio for podcasting, gaming, streaming, online classes, meetings, and recording.
- True Plug-and-Play USB Microphone with Wide Device Compatibility – Engineered for effortless plug-and-play use, the K66 USB microphone requires no drivers, apps, or software installation. Simply connect and start recording on Windows PC, Mac, laptops, PS4, PS5, and tablets. Included USB-C and Lightning adapters ensure seamless compatibility with iPhone, iPad, and modern USB-C phones and devices, making it easy to switch between desktop and mobile recording. Ideal for creators working across multiple platforms, this microphone delivers consistent, high-quality audio for YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Zoom, Discord, OBS Studio, Streamlabs, podcasting, livestreaming, and professional voice recording.
- Real-Time Zero-Latency Monitoring with Adjustable Volume Control – This podcast microphone features real-time, zero-latency monitoring through a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to hear exactly what’s being recorded without delay. Designed as a reliable microphone for PC, it includes a dedicated monitoring volume control that lets you adjust headphone listening levels independently for accurate and comfortable audio monitoring. Real-time feedback helps identify distortion, background noise, or uneven volume before it affects your final recording, making this podcast microphone ideal for podcasting, streaming, online teaching, voice-over work, and professional content creation.
- Precision Audio Adjustment Knobs for Full Sound Control – This podcast microphone gives creators hands-on control with dedicated knobs for microphone volume, monitoring volume, and echo adjustment. Fine-tune mic gain to maintain clear, balanced vocal output, adjust headphone monitoring levels independently for comfortable listening, and add or reduce echo to enhance depth and presence. Designed as a reliable PC microphone, these intuitive physical controls allow fast, on-the-fly adjustments without software, helping identify distortion, background noise, or level inconsistencies instantly. Ideal for podcasting, streaming, ASMR, voice-overs, singing, and professional multi-platform recording.
Native Apple Silicon builds
OBS 28 added native Apple Silicon builds, so the application could run without x86 emulation. OBS described this as allowing OBS to run more optimally but published no performance benchmark. Some third-party plugins might not have been available in native form, so Mac users had to weigh running the native build against plugin availability. OBS also said an x86 build remained an option for users needing plugins not available natively.
Audio capture and macOS updates
On Windows, OBS 28 added application-specific audio capture, allowing audio output from one process—such as a game—to be captured separately from general desktop audio. This was a Windows feature in the release notes, not a universal capability across operating systems.
Rank #4
- [Award Honored, Full Audio] FIFINE AmpliGame A6V, a gaming mic, has earned the globally recognized iF Design Award. The PC microphone with 192kHz sampling rate delivers naturally detailed audio, making your team sound like they're right beside you. Cardioid polar pattern and 70dB SNR offer dual support for pure voice, sensitive to the front vocal and reducing background noise interference. The streaming mic helps you win more easily.
- [Quick Mute Button, Handy Gain Knob] Immediately silence the USB microphone with a tap, preventing emotional outbursts to maintain a positive team atmosphere. RGB off when muted to indicate status and prevent streaming accidents. Mic volume control conveniently located on the condenser microphone is intuitive to use. You can speak at a comfortable level without shouting or whispering during game.
- [Gradient RGB] Bicolored RGB cycles through 7 gradient colors automatically. Vivid lighting on the FIFINE microphone for PC enhances your glowing rig for a carnival atmosphere, immersing you in the intense game arena. The computer microphone for desktop with fixed light modes achieves a personalized experience without visual clutter, randomly matching game characters for surprise color combos.
- [Plug and Play] The PS5 microphone is easy to install and compatible with PS4, desktop, laptop and mainstream operating systems like Windows/Mac OS, without extra software. Quickly start game chat on Discord, Team and Zoom, or stream on OBS, Streamlabs and Twitch platforms. The gaming microphone PC coming with 6.6ft-long detachable USB cable ensures no interruptions or connectivity issues, even if your computer host is under the desk.
- [Useful Accessories] The podcast microphone features durable construction. Anti-vibration shock mount with four rubber bands absorbs tremor from keyboard taps and mouse clicks. The detachable pop filter reduces plosives caused by excited speech during gaming. The stable tripod stand with rubber feet allows for optimal recording positioning via an adjustable thumbscrew, whether you're leaning back or in.
On macOS 12.5 and later, OBS added support for Apple’s ScreenCaptureKit framework, which OBS described as improving capture performance. Direct audio capture without third-party solutions was noted for macOS 13 and later. OBS also listed Apple VT encoder improvements and support for CBR, CRF, and Simple Mode on Apple Silicon; CBR required macOS 13 or later.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBuilt-in obs-websocket 5.0
OBS 28 downloads included obs-websocket 5.0 as a first-party plugin. OBS’s 3 August 2022 announcement described version 5 as a rewrite with a new protocol, additional features, and improved reliability, and said integration would help standardize official API support for third-party scripts and tools. If you use automation, remote controls, or integrations, check that they support the version 5 protocol rather than assuming older setups remain unchanged.
Best Value
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
Other notable additions
The OBS 28.0 announcement also listed an updated AMD encoder implementation on Windows, NVIDIA background-removal integration on Windows, automatic recording splits by time or file size, and the Yami default theme. These are selected additions, not a complete changelog; platform-specific availability applies where noted.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which OBS 28 changes matter for your setup?
| Your goal or setup | What to check |
|---|---|
| HDR streaming or 10-bit recording | Codec and encoder support, P010 and color-space settings, operating system, source and filter compatibility, and the delivery service’s support at the time you stream. |
| External HDR console or camera | A 10-bit-capable capture device such as one supporting P010, plus Windows support for the device-based workflow described in OBS’s 2022 guidance. |
| Older computer | Whether its operating system is among those OBS 28 no longer supported; Windows 7/8, macOS 10.13/10.14, Ubuntu 18.04, and 32-bit systems were excluded. |
| Mac with Apple Silicon | Whether your required plugins support the native architecture; if not, consider the x86 build for plugin availability. |
| Separate game or application audio | Application-specific audio capture was added for Windows; do not assume the same feature path on macOS or Linux. |
| Automations or remote controls | Whether scripts and tools are compatible with obs-websocket 5.0 and its protocol. |
How to approach an OBS 28 upgrade
- Confirm operating-system support. If the machine runs Windows 7 or 8, macOS 10.13 or 10.14, Ubuntu 18.04, or a 32-bit OS, OBS 28 is not a supported upgrade for that environment according to its release notes.
- Inventory plugins and integrations. Check each plugin’s current Qt 6 and platform/architecture support, including Apple Silicon compatibility. Check automation tools for obs-websocket 5.0 protocol support.
- Match the feature to the platform. Windows application-audio capture, macOS ScreenCaptureKit on macOS 12.5+, and direct macOS audio capture on macOS 13+ have distinct requirements.
- For HDR, verify the entire chain. Confirm the source, capture device if external, codec and encoder, color format and color space, filters, and delivery service. An HDR toggle alone does not establish that the final stream will be HDR.
- Test a representative scene and recording before relying on it live. Include the sources, filters, audio routing, plugins, and encoder settings you actually use; this helps expose compatibility or workflow problems before a broadcast.
Common upgrade and feature problems
- A plugin disappears or fails after upgrading: it may depend on Qt 5 or lack support for the selected platform or architecture. Check for a compatible update; on Apple Silicon, consider whether the x86 build is needed for that plugin.
- HDR looks wrong or a filter stops working: check that the source, color format, color space, and AV1/HEVC encoder are appropriate. OBS 28’s listed HDR-filter limitations include Apply LUT, Chroma Key, Color Key, Image Mask/Blend, Luma Key, and Sharpness.
- A 10-bit HEVC option is unavailable: the OBS 28 release notes specified NVIDIA 10-series, AMD 5000-series, or newer GPU support for that feature and did not yet support Intel QuickSync or Apple VT for 10-bit HEVC.
- HDR preview is unavailable: OBS 28’s release notes said HDR preview did not work on macOS or Linux at that time.
- External HDR capture does not work as expected: verify that the capture device supports a 10-bit format such as P010 and that the intended device-based workflow is supported by the operating system and current OBS version.
- An automation tool stops communicating: check whether it supports obs-websocket 5.0’s protocol rather than an earlier setup.
- Application audio capture is missing: the OBS 28 release notes described this addition for Windows; it should not be expected as the same feature on every platform.
When OBS is not the right way to keep a YouTube stream running
OBS 28 is relevant when you need its capture, scene, encoding, and production workflows. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream without leaving a computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; the service loops the uploaded video from the cloud. It streams to YouTube only and does not broadcast from a camera.
Or let it run in the cloud
- Upload your video or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the video in the cloud.
Nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers; automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
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Quick Recap
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