How to Troubleshoot OBS Audio Issues

In order to stream your event to Stellar, you’ll need an encoder. An encoder is a hardware device or software that allows you to broadcast your stream and manage an advanced production that includes multiple cameras and microphones.

We recommend OBS Studio because it’s a software encoder that’s powerful, easy to use, and completely free! To check out our Getting Started with OBS Guide, click here.

This troubleshooting guide is specific to OBS audio issues. If you’re having audio issues using a different encoder, please let us know and we’ll get a guide up to support you.

If you’re more of a visual learner than a reader, this guide from Awall Digital is very useful. In fact, his entire playlist is highly recommended.

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Troubleshooting Audio Issues with a Connected Microphone

When looking at your microphone input and output in the audio mixer inside OBS, you want the level to get to -3 db (3 lines to the left of 0, in the red). You can try adjusting the volume bar in the audio mixer, but most likely you will have to make some other changes to get this desired result.  

Step 1: Check your audio settings

In your OBS profile and scene collection, click “settings” in the bottom right corner OR click the OBS dropdown and select Preferences. The settings will appear. Select “Audio”

Under the “General” section, we recommend you use a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and Stereo as your channel.

Under “Devices”, make sure everything is Disabled. Leave everything else the way it is and click “OK”

Step 2: Add filters to your audio source

Select your microphone audio source under the Sources window. Then in the Audio Mixer window, click the cog/gear icon next to the volume button and below the red bar. Select “Filters”

To add a filter, click the “+” button on the left side of the window.

We recommend the following filters:

• Noise Suppression
• Compressor
• Gain
• Filter

‍Step 3: Add the noise suppression filter

Click the “+” button and select noise suppression. Selecting it should be enough, but if your audio is still sounding busy, adjust the level up and down until it improves.

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‍Step 4: Add the compressor filter

Click the “+” button and select compressor. You can leave the levels at their default settings.

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Step 5: Add the gain filter

Gain is a tool to adjust your volume output (how loud your audio comes across for the viewer). Be careful not to overdo it here to spare your viewers’ eardrums. Slowly adjust it up or down while watching the audio mixer. Remember -- you want to get the sound level to about -3 db, in the red.

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Step 6: Add the limiter filter

This filter can help make sure you don’t blow out the audio, even if you overdid it on the gain. Set the threshold to -3 db.

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That should do it! Try testing your new mic setup with a video source and click “start recording” to get a sample broadcast. Once you are happy with your video and audio sound, you are ready to start livestreaming.

Troubleshooting Audio and Video Sync Issues

Sometimes, your audio may get out of sync with your video. To fix this, you’ll want to adjust your audio speed just a bit to sync with your video source.

Step 1: Open your advanced audio properties

With your audio source selected, go into the audio mixer window and click the cog/gear to the right of the volume button and select “Advanced Audio Properties.”

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Step 2: Give your audio a 220ms sync offset

You should see both your video and audio source. In the audio source “sync offset” window, enter 220. Then test your audio and video. Keep adjusting the offset number until it’s perfect.

Step 3: Switch Your Audio From Mono to Stereo

With your audio source (or sources) connected and selected in OBS, you should see two lines stacked one on top of the other. If you don’t, moving your audio from mono to stereo should fix it.

You can test it by putting on headphones or earbuds and listening to the sound. If you are hearing audio through only one ear, this is definitely the issue

To adjust, click the cog/gear next to the volume button in the volume mixer window and choose advanced audio preferences. If the box is checked under the word “Mono”, uncheck the box and then see if both levels of the audio mixer begin moving with your microphone or audio source.

If you want a more in-depth tutorial on OBS, our Stream Coaches can help. They can explain the settings in detail and suggest the best choices for your individual streaming setup. Contact us at organizersupport@stellartickets.com.

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