Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To keep a multi-video OBS loop from jumping between loud and quiet clips, measure and adjust the audio in each video before streaming, then listen through the full playlist in OBS. OBS’s VLC Video source can loop a playlist, but its Gain, Compressor, and Limiter filters are not documented as automatically matching the loudness of each playlist item.
Build a looping playlist in OBS
- Add the playlist source. In OBS, add a VLC Video source, then add the video files to its playlist. This source requires VLC; if you use 64-bit OBS, install 64-bit VLC. See the OBS Media Sources documentation.
- Enable the repeat setting. Turn on Loop Playlist in the VLC Video source properties.
- Use the right source for one file. If you are looping a single video rather than a playlist, use the regular Media Source and enable its Loop setting.
Match loudness before streaming
For consistent perceived volume, process each file using the same loudness-measurement method and target in an audio or video editor or another loudness-aware tool. The point is to compare and adjust the individual clips, not just raise or lower the playlist source as a whole. Choose a target appropriate for the material and destination: the reviewed YouTube guidance does not establish an official LUFS target for this OBS live-stream use case.
OBS documents Gain, Compressor, and Limiter filters, but not automatic per-file loudness matching for a VLC playlist. Applying one Gain filter changes the source level; it does not independently match each clip. A Compressor changes dynamics, and a Limiter controls peaks. None should be treated as a substitute for measuring and preparing the individual files. See OBS’s filter guide.
Audition the sequence in OBS
Play the playlist in OBS and listen to quiet and loud passages, especially where one clip transitions to the next. Check the whole sequence rather than only the opening seconds. OBS recommends listening both early in the audio chain and again as the signal reaches OBS; monitoring headphones can help you hear changes during this check.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
The main OBS mixer meter represents peak level. Its moving black indicator is intended to better reflect loudness, but the meter is not an integrated LUFS measurement. A quick glance at the mixer therefore cannot establish that separate files have matching perceived loudness. See OBS Audio Mixer and OBS’s audio mixer guide.
Keep peaks from clipping
Keep the streamed output below 0 dBFS. OBS describes 0 dBFS as the digital full-scale ceiling; reaching or exceeding it at output can cause clipping distortion. A Limiter can help prevent peaks from crossing its configured threshold, and OBS recommends placing it last in its filter chain. It is a peak-safety tool, not a way to make separately mastered clips equally loud. See OBS’s Limiter filter guide.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- 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
- 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
What each OBS control can and cannot do
| Control or method | Useful for | Does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Gain | Raising or lowering a source’s level. | Automatic loudness matching between playlist files. |
| Compressor | Reducing peaks or, in some setups, ducking one source when another is active. | A shared loudness target across prerecorded clips. |
| Limiter | Keeping peaks from crossing its configured threshold. | Equal perceived volume between clips. |
| Offline file preparation | Measuring and adjusting clips individually before going live. | Consistent transitions unless the finished sequence is also checked by listening. |
Why YouTube playback settings are not a fix
YouTube’s Stable volume is a viewer-side playback feature that balances quiet and loud parts, and it is not available for every video. YouTube also documents optional audio enhancements and creator controls for future uploads. These features do not guarantee that every viewer will receive a consistently normalized OBS live playlist. See YouTube’s Stable volume information and YouTube’s audio enhancement information.
YouTube’s upload encoding guidance recommends a 48 kHz sample rate and discusses audio codecs, but that is not a loudness target for a live playlist. Do not treat −14 LUFS, or another figure, as a YouTube Live requirement on this evidence. See YouTube’s encoding recommendations.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- 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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube playlist rather than learning the OBS workflow, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay running on your computer or at home. Each slot streams videos as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
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