The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is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 loop one music file in OBS, add it as a Media Source and enable Loop. To rotate several tracks, use VLC Video and enable Loop Playlist. If music should continue while you switch scenes, leave Restart playback when source becomes active off for the single-file source, then test the exact scene transitions before going live.
Choose a source for one track or a playlist
| What you want | OBS source | Setting | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat one local track | Media Source | Loop | Repeats the file when playback reaches its end. |
| Play several local files in sequence or at random | VLC Video | Loop Playlist; optionally Shuffle Playlist | Requires VLC to be installed. OBS notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. |
| Keep playback moving across scene changes | Media Source or VLC Video | Configure activation or visibility behavior | Test the actual scene collection: source visibility and activation can affect playback. |
OBS Media Source supports audio files including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV, as well as video formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM. OBS lists Media Source for Windows, macOS, and Linux. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
Set up a single looping track
- In OBS, select the scene where the audio should be available. In the Sources dock, click + and choose Media Source.
- Create a new source or select an existing one. In its properties, choose the local audio file.
- Enable Loop. This repeats the file after playback completes.
- Decide how it should behave when activated. Restart playback when source becomes active starts the file again when the source is in the current scene and visible. Leave this unchecked if the same track should continue rather than restart as you change scenes.
- Click OK, then test playback and scene changes in the final scene collection. Confirm the music neither restarts unexpectedly nor disappears when a source is hidden or a scene is switched.
Set up a multi-track playlist
- Install VLC before configuring the source. Match its architecture to OBS: OBS’s documentation says 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC.
- In the scene’s Sources dock, click + and choose VLC Video.
- Add the local files to the playlist in the order you want them to play.
- Enable Loop Playlist to cycle through the list again after it finishes. Enable Shuffle Playlist only if you want randomized order.
- Review the source’s visibility behavior and test scene changes. The desired result depends on whether the source stays active across scenes and how the source is configured to behave when it becomes visible.
Check the stream before going live
Set a sustainable video and audio bitrate
YouTube’s current encoder guidance recommends choosing a quality your upload connection can sustain, testing beforehand, and using constant bitrate (CBR), up to 60 fps, and a two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds). Supported options depend on the encoder and machine. For one concrete reference point, YouTube’s table lists 5 Mbps video for H.264 at 1080p, 30 fps and 128 Kbps stereo audio; these are platform recommendations, not a guarantee of stable delivery on a particular connection. YouTube says it transcodes streams into viewer output formats. Consult YouTube’s encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
Preview and monitor the actual show
Run a test with audio and movement similar to the planned stream. Check the YouTube Live Control Room preview, listen for clipping or silence, verify that scene changes do not interrupt the track, and monitor stream health and messages during the broadcast. YouTube’s streaming tips advise leaving 20% of upload bandwidth available beyond the stream bitrate. If the preview stutters or reports poor health, reduce bitrate or output quality and test again rather than assuming the source loop setting is responsible.
#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
Confirm rights for every track
Looping a file successfully does not grant permission to broadcast it. YouTube’s livestream terms say the provider represents that it has necessary rights to exploit live content, including music rights involving artists, record labels, publishers, and other royalty participants. Confirm that you have rights for both the recording and the composition before streaming. Read YouTube’s livestream terms and conditions.
Troubleshoot interruptions and silent playback
- The song restarts when changing scenes: Check whether Restart playback when source becomes active is enabled. Turn it off for continuous playback, and verify that the source remains available in the scene arrangement.
- Music stops after one track: For a single file, confirm Loop is on. For multiple files, confirm Loop Playlist is enabled in the VLC Video source.
- VLC Video is unavailable: Install VLC and ensure its architecture matches OBS; OBS specifies 64-bit VLC for a 64-bit OBS installation.
- Playlist order is unexpected: Review the playlist contents and order, and turn off Shuffle Playlist if you want tracks to play in sequence.
- Audio is missing after a scene switch: Check that the source is present and active in the relevant scene, then test its visibility behavior. Validate the result in YouTube’s preview, not only in the OBS canvas.
- The stream buffers or loses health: Test the upload connection, leave the bandwidth headroom YouTube recommends, and lower the stream bitrate or quality until the connection sustains it.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a YouTube lofi stream to keep running without leaving a computer on, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not broadcast a live camera feed. Start your free day on 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
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.
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
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.
