Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To loop one prerecorded radio show, add it to an OBS Media Source and enable Loop. To play several shows in sequence and repeat the list, use VLC Video and enable Loop Playlist. Then connect OBS to YouTube Live, check the audio and preview, and test the full stream before broadcasting.
Choose the right OBS source
| What you want to play | OBS source | Loop setting | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| One show file, repeated | Media Source | Loop | The local audio or video file |
| Several shows in a fixed sequence | VLC Video | Loop Playlist | VLC installed; use the 64-bit VLC build with 64-bit OBS |
OBS documents local audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV, and video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM. See the OBS Media Sources guide. The OBS documentation does not establish one of these source types as universally more reliable: choose based on whether you need one file or a playlist.
Loop one prerecorded show
- Create or select a scene. In OBS, choose the scene that will carry the broadcast.
- Add the file. In the Sources dock, select +, choose Media Source, create a source, then select the local audio or video file.
- Enable repetition. Turn on Loop in the Media Source properties and confirm the source.
- Check playback. Start playback in OBS and look for movement in the Audio Mixer meter. Listen for the start, end, and transition back to the beginning.
A single audio file does not need to be converted to video just to loop it. If you want a visual for viewers, add a still image or logo as another scene source. In OBS, sources higher in the list appear above sources lower in the list; arrange them so the visual is visible. A still image is a production choice, not a documented requirement for looping. See the OBS Sources Guide.
Recommended Free Tools
Loop several shows as a playlist
- Install VLC if needed. OBS’s VLC Video source depends on VLC being installed. For 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC.
- Add the source. In the scene’s Sources dock, select +, then VLC Video.
- Build the playlist. Add the show files to the source’s media playlist in the order you want them to play.
- Set playlist behavior. Turn on Loop Playlist. Leave shuffle off for a fixed program order. Choose the visibility behavior appropriate to whether the source may be hidden during a scene change.
- Test the full sequence. Confirm that files play in the intended order, that the last show returns to the beginning, and that audio remains present throughout.
See OBS’s Media Sources documentation for VLC Video playlist controls and settings.
#1 Best Overall
- [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.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Confirm live-stream eligibility early. YouTube’s first-time live-stream enablement process may take up to 24 hours. Enable it ahead of the planned broadcast using YouTube’s live-streaming setup.
- Create or schedule an encoder stream. In YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room, create or schedule the stream and retrieve the stream URL and key. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup instructions.
- Enter the connection details in OBS. Open OBS stream settings and select YouTube if that option is available. Otherwise, enter the stream URL and stream key shown in YouTube Studio. Keep the key private; anyone with access to it may be able to send a stream to your channel.
- Start with a private or unlisted test. Start streaming from OBS, then check the incoming preview and stream health in YouTube’s Live Control Room before making the broadcast public. Verify the image, audio, and playback—not just the local OBS preview.
YouTube’s encoder guidance covers connecting an encoder, while its encoder settings guide explains recommended stream settings. Use YouTube’s current recommendations for your chosen output; the sources here do not establish a particular bitrate, resolution, or keyframe interval for every stream.
Check audio and avoid silent or broken playback
- Watch the Audio Mixer. The meter should move while the show plays. If it does not, check the Media Source or VLC playlist, confirm that the file plays, and review OBS audio settings.
- Check devices if you use them. OBS’s Quick Start Guide advises checking audio meters and selecting devices manually when meters do not move or the wrong device is being captured. For a file-based show, confirm the media source itself is audible in the output.
- Listen through the YouTube preview. This confirms what reaches YouTube, including the selected scene and its audio. Headphones can help you catch gaps, distortion, or unintended audio during a test, but they are optional.
- Test transitions and duration. Check the end of a file, the loop back to its start, and—if using VLC—the handoff between playlist entries. A test recording or private/unlisted test stream can reveal problems before the scheduled broadcast.
See the OBS Quick Start Guide for setup and audio checks.
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
Clear rights before broadcasting prerecorded music
Prerecording a show does not establish that you have permission to livestream its contents. YouTube’s Livestream terms and conditions place responsibility on the provider to have the rights needed for live content, including applicable music licensing rights. Check the rights for the recordings and uses in your specific show before streaming.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →YouTube scans live streams for third-party content. A match may replace the stream with a placeholder and trigger a warning; continued third-party content can lead to temporary interruption or termination. If you have licensed third-party content, YouTube says to ask the rights owner to add your channel to its Content ID allowlist. Rights clearance and Content ID allowlisting are separate checks: a licence alone may not prevent an automated interruption. See YouTube’s guidance on copyright issues with live streams.
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
Troubleshoot common problems
| Symptom | Likely check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The show stops at the end | Media Source’s Loop option is off | Open the source properties and enable Loop. |
| The playlist stops after its final file | Loop Playlist is off | Enable Loop Playlist in the VLC Video source properties. |
| VLC Video is missing from the source menu | VLC may not be installed, or its architecture may not match OBS | Install VLC; for 64-bit OBS, use 64-bit VLC. |
| No audio reaches YouTube | The source may not be playing or contributing audio to the scene | Check playback and the Audio Mixer meter, then verify sound in YouTube’s incoming preview. |
| The wrong visual appears | Scene sources may be layered in an unintended order | Reorder sources; higher items appear above lower ones in the scene. |
| YouTube warns about or interrupts the stream | A third-party-content match may have been detected | Review the content and rights, and if licensed, ask the rights owner about Content ID allowlisting for your channel. |
| You cannot start your first live stream | Live-stream enablement may still be processing | Enable live streaming ahead of time; YouTube says first-time enablement may take up to 24 hours. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the YouTube channel to stay live without leaving OBS and a home computer running, StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on YouTube. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. To try it, start a StreamNeo account.
Quick Recap
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
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
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.
