How To Fix Audio & Sound Not Working In OBS (Game, Desktop, Microphone)

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How To Fix Audio & Sound Not Working In OBS (Game, Desktop, Microphone)

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is one of the most popular tools for live streaming and recording gameplay, desktop activities, and other media. However, many users encounter issues with audio and sound while using OBS, which can detract from the experience significantly. Whether it’s game audio, desktop sound, or microphone input, resolving these issues is crucial for a seamless streaming experience. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to troubleshoot and fix audio problems in OBS.

Introduction to OBS Audio Issues

Understanding the root of audio issues in OBS is essential to fixing them. OBS allows users to capture audio from multiple sources: your desktop, specific applications (like games), and external microphones. When audio fails to work correctly, it can be due to several factors, including settings within OBS, Windows audio configuration, drivers, or even hardware malfunctions.

Common Audio Issues in OBS

1. Game Audio Not Captured: Sometimes, the audio from a game won’t be captured in your stream or recording, making the experience dull for viewers.

2. Desktop Audio Missing: Users often find that other sounds from their computer—like notifications or music—are not included in their stream.

3. Microphone Not Working: This is a frequent occurrence where the microphone input does not register, resulting in silent commentary.

4. Audio Sync Issues: Sometimes the audio appears out of sync with the video, which can be frustrating for viewers.

Pre-Check: Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before delving into the technical solutions, it’s worth going through some basic troubleshooting steps to ensure everything is set up correctly.

  • Restart OBS: Sometimes, a simple restart of the application can rectify issues.
  • Check Your Connections: Ensure your microphone is securely plugged in and that any external audio interfaces are functioning correctly.
  • Update OBS: Make sure you are using the latest version of OBS, as updates may fix bugs, including audio problems.
  • Check Volume Levels: Sometimes the volume can be muted or set very low.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Configuring Audio Settings in OBS

One of the first places to look when troubleshooting audio issues in OBS is the audio settings within the software itself.

Accessing Audio Settings:

  • Open OBS and go to Settings.
  • Click on the Audio tab.

Setting Up Desktop Audio:

  • Here, you will see options for Desktop Audio and Mic/Auxiliary Audio. Ensure that the correct device is selected from the dropdown menu.
  • If you want to capture all system sounds, select the system’s default device or specifically choose your playback device.

Setting Up Mic/Auxiliary Audio:

  • Similarly, under Mic/Auxiliary Audio, select the correct microphone device from the dropdown. This should be your external mic or the built-in mic you wish to use.

Sample Rate:

  • Ensure that the sample rate (48 kHz is recommended for streaming) aligns with both OBS and your audio devices.

2. Checking Audio Mixer Levels

OBS has an Audio Mixer feature that displays the levels of various audio sources.

Monitoring Mixer Levels:

  • Make sure you can see the audio levels moving while sound is being produced. If you see the audio source moving up and down, this indicates that OBS is receiving audio.
  • If the level is flat (not moving), it means OBS is not capturing that specific audio source.

Adjusting Levels:

  • If you hear audio through your speakers but not in the OBS mixer, adjust the volume sliders. They can be dragged up or down to increase or decrease the input levels.

3. Configuring Audio Sources

Ensure that you have set up your audio sources properly.

Adding Audio Sources:

  • In the main OBS interface, click the ‘+’ button in the Sources box to add new audio sources.
  • Choose Audio Input Capture for microphones or Audio Output Capture for desktop audio.

Properties of Audio Sources:

  • After adding a source, right-click on the source name in the Outputs section and select Properties.
  • Ensure the correct device is selected—this is crucial for OBS to capture the right audio.

4. Checking Windows Sound Settings

Sometimes the issue lies not within OBS, but within Windows sound settings.

Access Sound Settings:

  • Right-click the sound icon in your system tray and select Sounds.
  • Under the Playback tab, ensure that your device is set as the default device. For microphones, check under the Recording tab.

Adjusting Device Properties:

  • Double-click your playback device, navigate to the Levels tab, and ensure that the volume is up and not muted.
  • In the Advanced tab, ensure that the sample rate and bit depth match the settings in OBS.

5. Reinstalling or Updating Drivers

Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can lead to audio issues in OBS.

Updating Drivers:

  • Right-click on the Start menu and open Device Manager.
  • Expand the section for Sound, video and game controllers.
  • Right-click on your audio device(s) and choose Update Driver. Follow the prompts to search for and install any available updates.

Reinstalling Drivers:

  • If updating doesn’t work, you may want to uninstall the driver and restart your computer, allowing Windows to reinstall it automatically.

6. Using Advanced Audio Properties

OBS includes advanced options for audio properties that can help adjust how sources contribute to streams.

Accessing Advanced Audio Properties:

  • Right-click on the audio source in OBS.
  • Select Advanced Audio Properties.

Adjusting Sync Offsets:

  • If the audio is out of sync, you can apply Sync Offset here (in milliseconds) to help align your audio and video.

Monitoring Device:

  • If you want to hear your microphone input, set the Audio Monitoring to either Monitor Only (mute output) or Monitor and Output. This can help troubleshoot audio levels in real-time.

7. Checking for Third-Party Conflicts

Sometimes other applications might interfere with OBS processing audio.

Close Unnecessary Applications:

  • If you’re running other applications that also capture or manipulate audio, such as Discord, team communication apps, or any audio routing software (like Voicemeeter), try closing them while testing your stream.

Disable Exclusive Mode:

  • In your Windows sound settings, go to your audio devices’ properties and under the advanced tab, uncheck the box for Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device. This can often solve conflicts where one app takes over the audio input.

8. Adjusting OBS Output Settings

Sometimes, output settings in OBS can also lead to missing audio.

Output Settings:

  • Go to Settings > Output.
  • Make sure your audio bitrate is set correctly. A good general starting point is 160 kbps for AAC audio.

Recording Settings:

  • Confirm your audio track selections under the Recording section and ensure that the designated audio tracks are selected in your recording tool.

9. Checking for OBS Help Resources

When general troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, check the OBS forums and help resources. The community is quite robust and often shares solutions to common problems.

OBS Community Forums:

  • The OBS community forums are an excellent resource. Visit https://obsproject.com/forum and search for your specific audio issue for possible solutions.

YouTube Tutorials:

  • Numerous video tutorials can guide you in troubleshooting unique audio issues in OBS. Searching for your specific problem (e.g., "OBS microphone not working") often yields helpful video guides.

Conclusion

Fixing audio problems in OBS can be a meticulous process, as various settings and configurations may contribute to the issue. By systematically working through the outlined troubleshooting tips and solutions, you will likely be able to identify and resolve the cause of your audio issues.

This step-by-step guidance covers everything from basic OBS settings to intricate Windows configurations, providing you with a comprehensive toolkit to ensure your audio works flawlessly. Remember, a clear audio signal enhances viewer engagement, encourages interaction, and improves the quality of your streams and recordings.

This article aims to equip you with everything you need to know about fixing audio-related issues in OBS, ensuring that your streaming sessions are smooth and enjoyable for you and your audience.

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