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If your OBS playlist video is visible on YouTube Live but silent, trace the audio signal in order: confirm the video’s audio track is playing, check its OBS mixer meter, verify mute and stream-track routing, then inspect the encoded output and YouTube Live’s stream health. The first point where audio disappears tells you which layer to fix.
1. Confirm the playlist source and video playback
Start by identifying how the playlist is built. OBS’s VLC Video source supports playlists and exposes an Audio Track setting. It uses VLC libraries, so VLC must be installed; OBS also specifies matching architectures, such as 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS. Check that the source is playing, the intended playlist item is active, and the selected audio track is correct. OBS Project: Media Sources
If you are using Media Source instead, it handles individual media files and has its own playback properties, including loop and restart behavior. OBS lists formats such as MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM for video, and MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV for audio. Confirm that the current file has an audio stream and has actually started playing.
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2. Check whether audio reaches the OBS mixer
Play the video and watch the corresponding source meter in the OBS mixer. A moving meter means audio is reaching OBS’s mixer; an empty meter means to investigate the source or playback path before changing YouTube settings. Check that playback began, the file contains usable audio, and—if this is a VLC Video source—the selected audio track is appropriate. If the playback path depends on an audio device, check that it is connected. OBS notes that an absent input indicator can mean audio is not reaching OBS, including when a media file has not started playing. OBS Project: Audio Troubleshooting Guide
#1 Best Overall
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3. If the meter moves, verify mute and stream routing
A moving meter confirms audio is present in OBS, but does not confirm that it is included in the outgoing stream. Check that the source is not muted and its fader is not turned down. Then open Advanced Audio Properties and check which audio track includes the playlist source. Make sure the track receiving that source is the track selected for streaming. OBS documents mixer mute controls, meters, and audio monitoring in its Audio Mixer guide.
Use monitoring as a local listening check
Configure OBS’s monitoring device and listen to the source through it. If it is silent, check the monitoring configuration and selected device. If it plays locally, that confirms OBS can deliver a monitor signal to that device—not that the same audio is routed to YouTube. Check stream-track assignment and encoded output separately. OBS Project: Audio Monitoring
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- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
4. Inspect YouTube Live’s incoming audio
Check the YouTube Live Control Room’s stream health for an audio error. YouTube documents the message “Your encoder is sending no audio” and notes that some encoders have a checkbox to turn audio on. It also warns that multiple audio streams can cause ingestion problems. If YouTube reports no audio, confirm OBS is sending audio on the intended track, that audio is enabled, and that you are not accidentally sending multiple streams. YouTube Help: Troubleshoot your YouTube live stream
If YouTube reports a format problem, check the encoder’s audio codec and settings against YouTube’s current guidance. Its encoder settings page lists AAC or MP3 audio codecs; for stereo, it recommends 128 Kbps and lists 44.1 kHz. These are encoder-setting checks, not the first place to look when the OBS source meter is empty. YouTube Help: Encoder settings
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- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
5. Separate an OBS problem from a delivery problem
Listen to the audio directly in the encoder output and compare that with YouTube’s stream-health status. YouTube advises checking the stream directly in the encoder: if it already sounds wrong there, return to the OBS sources and routing; if it sounds healthy but YouTube or viewers still encounter a problem, investigate stream health and the outbound connection. YouTube’s advice is that poor sound or picture can result from the quality of audio and video sources routed to the encoder.
Before an important broadcast, run a test with representative video and audio, including movement similar to the planned stream, and monitor stream health. YouTube recommends testing with audio and movement rather than relying on a static or silent preview.
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Use the symptom to choose the next check
| What you observe | Inspect next | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Video plays, but the playlist source meter stays empty | File playback, source, or audio track | Confirm the file has audio, playback began, the VLC audio track is correct if applicable, and any needed audio device is connected. |
| Playlist meter moves, but the monitor device is silent | OBS monitoring or its configured device | Check Audio Monitoring settings and listen through the selected device. |
| Playlist meter moves and monitoring works, but the stream is silent | Mute, stream-track assignment, or encoder output | Check mute and the track that includes the source, then listen to the encoder output and inspect YouTube stream health. |
| YouTube reports no audio or multiple streams | Encoder audio configuration and ingestion | Ensure audio is enabled, one audio stream is sent on the intended track, and the codec matches YouTube’s guidance. |
| Encoder output sounds healthy, but delivery is not | YouTube stream health or outbound connection | Follow YouTube’s stream-health and connection troubleshooting. |
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
