Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides 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 hear a prerecorded clip in the church while OBS sends it to YouTube, choose the local output in Settings > Audio > Monitoring Device, then set the clip’s monitoring mode in Advanced Audio Properties. Use Monitor and Output if OBS is not capturing the computer’s playback through another source. If OBS is already capturing that playback as Desktop Audio, use Monitor Only for the clip to avoid sending the same sound twice. Test with a recording before the service; the right setting depends on your signal path.
Choose where monitored audio plays
- In OBS Studio, open Settings > Audio.
- Under Monitoring Device, select the local output the operator should hear through: for example, the computer’s headphone output, speakers, or an audio-interface output.
- Click Apply and OK. Play a short portion of the prerecorded video and confirm that sound reaches the selected headphones or speakers.
The device name depends on the computer and connected hardware. This setting selects the destination for OBS audio monitoring; it does not by itself decide whether the clip is sent to viewers.
Set the prerecorded source’s monitoring mode
- In the OBS Audio Mixer, open Advanced Audio Properties from the mixer gear or the Edit menu.
- Find the audio row for the prerecorded Media Source. Set its monitoring mode according to whether OBS is already capturing the playback output.
| Signal path | Media Source setting | What it does and what to check |
|---|---|---|
| OBS is not capturing the computer or room playback output, and viewers need the clip | Monitor and Output | Plays the source through the selected local monitoring device and sends it to OBS output. Check that the clip is audible locally and present in a test recording. |
| OBS captures the same playback through Desktop Audio, and the clip also needs to play locally | Monitor Only | Plays the Media Source locally without sending that source itself to OBS output. The captured Desktop Audio path carries the playback to viewers. Verify that this path appears once in the recording. |
| The source should be in the stream or recording but not in local monitoring | Monitor Off | Does not play that source through OBS’s monitoring device. Check that it is present in the recording. |
Monitor Only does not send the Media Source to OBS output. It is suitable when another captured route, such as Desktop Audio, carries the room playback to the stream. Conversely, Monitor and Output is not automatically a duplication problem: duplication occurs when the same playback also reaches OBS through another captured path. Trace the routes and listen to a test recording rather than relying on a setting name alone.
Check levels and rehearse the actual scene
OBS’s Audio Mixer shows source status, faders, meters, mute controls, and monitoring controls. A moving meter indicates signal at that point in OBS, but listening and playback tests are still needed to check the complete route.
#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
- Play the prerecorded clip in the scene used for the service and confirm that the intended room output is audible.
- Watch the Media Source and any Desktop Audio or output-capture meters. Check that the relevant sources are not muted and that the levels do not show unintended clipping.
- Make a short recording using the service’s usual scene and audio settings. Play it back and check for silence, duplicate playback, or missing program audio.
- If the recording is silent or doubled, identify whether Desktop Audio or another output-capture source is also carrying the clip before changing the Media Source monitoring mode.
OBS advises listening to the device early in the signal chain, such as through a headphone output or monitor jack, and again through OBS Audio Monitoring. Its mixer guide also recommends recording and listening back before a real session.
Avoid capturing the same device twice
OBS warns that adding an Audio Input/Output Capture source while that same device is still enabled globally can cause echo. If the service scene includes both global audio devices and scene-level capture sources, check that configuration as well as the Media Source’s monitoring mode. An apparent monitoring problem may come from two capture paths rather than the selected mode itself.
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
Or let it run in the cloud
If the church’s goal is to keep prerecorded videos looping on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option rather than an OBS audio-monitoring setting. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add the YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. Because it runs in the cloud, nothing at the church has to stay on to keep the stream running. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, then start the free first day.
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 minuteQuick 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
Rank #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.
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.
