Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo add background music to an OBS livestream, capture the music player as its own audio source, balance it against your microphone, and make sure the track’s license covers both the live broadcast and any recording you keep. On supported Windows versions, OBS provides Application Audio Capture. If you stream on Twitch, you can also route music out of the VOD mix—but that does not grant permission to play it live.
Capture background music as a separate OBS source
OBS’s documented Application Audio Capture workflow applies to Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. Menu labels can vary between OBS releases, so check the current OBS documentation if your interface differs. The built-in steps described here are Windows-specific; the cited OBS guidance does not establish equivalent steps for macOS or Linux.
- Open OBS and locate the Sources dock. Click + and select Application Audio Capture.
- Name the source something clear, such as “Background Music,” and add it.
- In the source properties, select the window for the app playing your music. OBS generally recommends matching by application type. If a browser or music app changes its window title, matching by executable name can help keep capture attached to that application.
- Play a track and confirm that the source’s meter moves in the OBS Audio Mixer.
- If you use dedicated application-audio sources, open Settings → Audio and disable global Desktop Audio when it would capture the same player sound. Capturing the same audio twice can cause echo or a doubled signal.
Newer OBS releases may also offer audio capture through a Window Capture or Game Capture source. If you use that approach, check the source’s audio-capture setting and make sure the same sound is not also being captured globally.
Balance music with your voice
Start speaking at your normal streaming level while the music plays. Watch the music and microphone meters in the Audio Mixer, then listen to the result through OBS audio monitoring. OBS’s mixer guidance places background music and sound effects in the green zone and speech in the yellow zone, but meter colors are qualitative guidance—not a universal decibel target. Different voices, microphones, music, and listening devices change how loud a sound seems.
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- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
- Keep speech intelligible over the music; lower the music source if it competes with your voice.
- Listen both early in the signal path and again through OBS so you can catch problems in the captured mix.
- Use headphones if useful for monitoring, but they are not required for the basic setup.
OBS does not specify one correct numerical music level for every stream. Judge the mix by listening, not by trying to match meter readings alone.
Keep music out of a Twitch VOD, if desired
OBS’s Twitch VOD Track feature can create a VOD mix that excludes a music source while the live stream still includes it. This changes the recording mix; it does not authorize the live use of the music or automatically clear other recordings, clips, or reposts.
Rank #2
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
- Connect your Twitch account in OBS.
- Open Settings → Output and enable the Twitch VOD Track option.
- Open Edit → Advanced Audio Properties from the Audio Mixer context menu, or use the equivalent control in your OBS version.
- For a setup like OBS’s documented example, send all sources to live audio track 1, then clear the Music source from VOD track 2 while leaving the other desired sources selected.
- Make a short test recording or VOD and check that the live mix and saved mix contain the intended sources.
Track routing only controls what OBS sends to each mix. Your music license still needs to cover the live broadcast and any audio you retain or distribute.
Choose music whose license covers your stream
Use music in the public domain or music for which you have permission covering the actual use. A “free” label or a credit in your description does not by itself make a track copyright-safe. Review the specific terms for each track rather than assuming a catalog listing covers every platform or use.
Rank #3
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
YouTube Live
YouTube scans livestreams for third-party content. If it detects a match, it may replace the stream with a placeholder, warn you, interrupt the stream, or terminate it. A license does not necessarily prevent automated interruption: YouTube advises creators with licensed third-party content to ask the rights owner to add their channel to its Content ID allowlist.
YouTube points creators to its Audio Library and describes Creator Music as a catalog with regional and program limitations. Check the current terms and track-specific coverage before using a track, including whether the grant covers live streaming, archives, clips, territory, attribution, and monetization.
Rank #4
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- 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
Twitch
Twitch says creators are responsible for having the rights to livestream or store copyrighted material. Permission for one context may not extend to Twitch broadcasts or recorded video. Twitch’s music-options page lists services, but a listing is not proof that every track, territory, platform, archive, clip, or monetization use is covered. Confirm the current license terms at the service and track level.
Questions to check before using a track
- Uses: Does the license cover live broadcasts, VODs, clips, highlights, and later reposts?
- Platforms and territory: Which services and countries are covered?
- Monetization and attribution: Is monetization allowed, and are credit or revenue-sharing conditions required?
- Detection handling: Does a YouTube channel need Content ID allowlisting, or is there a claim-release process?
- Duration and changes: How long does the grant last, and what happens if a subscription ends or the rights change?
- Records: Keep the track name, source, license version, purchase or subscription record, and any attribution required.
Troubleshoot common music-audio problems
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The music meter does not move. | The wrong player window is selected, the app is not playing, or capture is not attached to the intended application. | Play audio, revisit the Application Audio Capture properties, and select the correct window. If its title changes, try matching by executable name. |
| The music sounds doubled or echoes. | Both Application Audio Capture and global Desktop Audio may be capturing the same sound. | In Settings → Audio, disable global Desktop Audio if it duplicates the dedicated source. |
| Music overwhelms speech. | The levels are not balanced for your voice and track. | Lower the music source while speaking at your normal level, then listen to the OBS mix again. |
| The Twitch VOD still contains music. | The VOD track may be disabled or the Music source may still be assigned to it. | Check the Twitch VOD Track option in Output settings and inspect the source assignments in Advanced Audio Properties. Test the saved mix. |
| YouTube interrupts or replaces the livestream. | YouTube may have detected third-party content, including a track you believe you licensed. | Review the rights for the exact use and contact the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting if you have a license. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube channel playing uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a different option from OBS: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud; it does not broadcast from a camera.
Best Value
- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- Each slot streams the uploaded file at its original quality, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- It automatically tries to recover if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
StreamNeo offers the same product on every plan; only the billing length changes. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and support from the StreamNeo team. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.
Monthly: $9.99 per month
Visit StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
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