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Optimize your audio

In this guide, you'll learn how to set up a high-quality audio input source in OBS using various filters. Follow these steps to ensure your microphone audio is clear and professional for your streams or recordings.

Step 1: Create your audio input source

In any scene in OBS, add your microphone as an audio input source.

Step 2: Set initial gain

Adjust the gain of your microphone to ensure your normal to loudish speaking volume is within the yellow range on the OBS meter. This can usually be done by turning the gain knob on your USB mic or audio interface.

Step 3: Add noise gate

1. Add noise gate filter: Right-click on the audio source and select Filters. Click + to add a filter and choose Noise Gate.
2. Configure noise gate:
   • Closed Threshold dB: Set this just above or at the dB level observed without speaking.
   • Open Threshold dB: Set this about 8 dB above the closed threshold.
   • Example Settings: Closed Threshold at -53 dB, Open Threshold at -45 dB.
3. Test noise gate: Toggle the filter on and off to ensure that background noise is adequately eliminated when not speaking.

Step 4: Add noise suppression

1. Add noise suppression filter: Within the Filters window, click + to add another filter and choose Noise Suppression.
2. Configure noise suppression:
   • Set the dB level roughly 5-10 dB below your speaking volume.
   • Example Settings: If your speaking volume is -26 dB, set the suppression to -35 dB.
3. Test noise suppression: Adjust as necessary to reduce background hums from your PC, console, or fans.

Optimize your encoder

The following settings are a great starting point. Feel free to adjust based on your computer's hardware and your internet speed.

Video

Audio