How to Split Audio in OBS for Twitch: A Guide to Mastering Your Stream's Soundscape and Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

Streaming on Twitch has become a popular way for gamers, content creators, and entertainers to connect with their audiences. One of the most critical aspects of a successful stream is audio quality. Poor audio can ruin even the most visually stunning stream, while excellent audio can elevate a mediocre one. In this guide, we’ll explore how to split audio in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) for Twitch, ensuring that your stream’s soundscape is as polished as your gameplay or content. We’ll also touch on some advanced techniques and troubleshooting tips to help you get the most out of your audio setup.

Why Splitting Audio in OBS is Important

Before diving into the technical details, it’s essential to understand why splitting audio in OBS is crucial for your Twitch stream. When you split audio, you separate different audio sources into individual tracks. This separation allows you to control each audio source independently, giving you greater flexibility in post-production or live editing. For example, you can adjust the volume of your microphone without affecting the game audio or mute a specific application without silencing your entire stream.

Benefits of Splitting Audio

1. Improved Audio Control: By splitting audio, you can fine-tune each audio source, ensuring that your voice, game sounds, and background music are balanced perfectly.
2. Enhanced Viewer Experience: Clear and well-balanced audio makes your stream more enjoyable for viewers, increasing the likelihood of them staying and engaging with your content.
3. Professionalism: High-quality audio is a hallmark of professional streams. Splitting audio helps you achieve a polished sound that sets you apart from amateur streamers.
4. Flexibility in Editing: If you plan to edit your stream for highlights or uploads to other platforms, having separate audio tracks makes the editing process much more manageable.

How to Split Audio in OBS: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve covered the importance of splitting audio let’s dive into the step-by-step process of setting it up in OBS.

Step 1: Open OBS and Navigate to the Audio Mixer

1. Launch OBS on your computer.
2. Locate the “Audio Mixer” section in the main OBS window. This section displays all the audio sources currently active in your scene.

Step 2: Add Audio Sources

1. Click the “+” button under the “Audio Mixer” section to add a new audio source.
2. Select the type of audio source you want to add (e.g., “Audio Input Capture” for your microphone, “Audio Output Capture” for game audio, etc.).
3. Follow the prompts to configure the audio source. For example, if you’re adding a microphone, you’ll need to select the correct input device from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Assign Audio Sources to Tracks

1. Right-click on an audio source in the “Audio Mixer” and select “Properties.”
2. In the “Properties” window, navigate to the “Audio” tab.
3. Here, you’ll see a list of available audio tracks (Track 1, Track 2, etc.). Check the boxes next to the tracks you want to assign the audio source to.
4. Repeat this process for each audio source, assigning them to different tracks as needed.

Step 4: Configure Audio Settings

1. Go to “Settings” in OBS by clicking the “Settings” button in the lower-right corner of the main window.
2. Navigate to the “Output” tab and select the “Advanced” output mode.
3. In the “Recording” section, you’ll see options for audio tracks. Ensure that the tracks you’ve assigned your audio sources to are enabled for recording.
4. You can also adjust the bitrate, format, and other audio settings here to optimize your stream’s audio quality.

Step 5: Test Your Audio Setup

1. Before going live, it’s crucial to test your audio setup to ensure everything is working correctly.
2. Start a test recording or stream and monitor the audio levels in the “Audio Mixer.”
3. Play some game audio, speak into your microphone, and play background music to check that each audio source is being captured on the correct track.
4. Adjust the volume levels as needed to achieve a balanced mix.

Advanced Techniques for Splitting Audio in OBS

Once you’ve mastered the basics of splitting audio in OBS, you can explore some advanced techniques to further enhance your stream’s audio quality.

Using Audio Filters

OBS allows you to apply audio filters to individual audio sources, giving you even more control over your stream’s sound. Some common audio filters include:

• Noise Gate: This filter helps eliminate background noise when you’re not speaking, ensuring that only your voice is captured.
• Compressor: A compressor reduces the dynamic range of your audio, making quiet sounds louder and loud sounds quieter. This is particularly useful for balancing your microphone audio with game sounds.
• Equalizer: An equalizer allows you to adjust the frequency response of your audio, helping you achieve a more balanced and professional sound.

To apply audio filters:

1. Right-click on an audio source in the “Audio Mixer” and select “Filters.”
2. Click the “+” button to add a new filter.
3. Choose the type of filter you want to apply and configure its settings.
4. Repeat this process for each audio source as needed.

Using Multiple Audio Tracks for Recording

If you plan to edit your stream after broadcasting, consider using multiple audio tracks for recording. This approach allows you to isolate each audio source during editing, making it easier to adjust levels, remove unwanted noise, or add effects.

To enable multiple audio tracks for recording:

1. Go to “Settings” in OBS and navigate to the “Output” tab.
2. In the “Recording” section, select the “Advanced” output mode.
3. Under “Audio Tracks,” check the boxes for the tracks you want to record.
4. Ensure that each audio source is assigned to a unique track in the “Audio Mixer.”

Using Third-Party Audio Mixers

For streamers who want even more control over their audio, third-party audio mixers like Voicemeeter or GoXLR can be integrated with OBS. These mixers offer advanced features like hardware controls, additional audio routing options, and more sophisticated audio processing.

To use a third-party audio mixer with OBS:

1. Install and configure the audio mixer on your computer.
2. Set the mixer as the default audio device in your system settings.
3. Add the mixer as an audio source in OBS and assign it to the appropriate tracks.
4. Use the mixer’s controls to adjust audio levels, apply effects, and route audio as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues

Even with a well-configured setup, you may encounter audio issues during your stream. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them.

No Audio in OBS

If you’re not hearing any audio in OBS, check the following:

1. Ensure that your audio sources are correctly configured and assigned to the appropriate tracks.
2. Verify that the correct audio devices are selected in OBS and your system settings.
3. Check the volume levels in the “Audio Mixer” and ensure that none of the sources are muted.
4. Restart OBS and your computer to reset any potential software conflicts.

Audio Out of Sync

If your audio is out of sync with your video, try the following:

1. Adjust the “Sync Offset” for the affected audio source in the “Audio Mixer.” This setting allows you to delay or advance the audio to match the video.
2. Ensure that your system’s audio sample rate matches the sample rate set in OBS. Mismatched sample rates can cause sync issues.
3. Check for any performance issues on your computer that could be causing delays in audio processing.

Background Noise or Echo

If you’re experiencing background noise or echo, consider the following solutions:

1. Apply a noise gate or noise suppression filter to your microphone audio.
2. Use a pop filter or windscreen to reduce plosive sounds and wind noise.
3. Ensure that your microphone is positioned correctly and that you’re speaking directly into it.
4. If you’re using a headset with a built-in microphone, consider upgrading to a dedicated microphone for better sound quality.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I split audio in OBS for live streaming, or is it only for recordings?

A: You can split audio in OBS for both live streaming and recordings. The process is the same, but you’ll need to ensure that your audio tracks are correctly configured in the “Output” settings for the desired use case.

Q: How many audio tracks can I use in OBS?

A: OBS supports up to six audio tracks. This allows you to separate multiple audio sources, such as your microphone, game audio, background music, and more.

Q: Can I split audio from specific applications in OBS?

A: Yes, you can split audio from specific applications by using the “Application Audio Capture” source in OBS. This allows you to capture audio from individual applications and assign them to separate tracks.

Q: What should I do if my audio levels are too low or too high in OBS?

A: If your audio levels are too low or too high, adjust the volume sliders in the “Audio Mixer” for each audio source. You can also apply a gain filter to increase or decrease the volume of a specific source.

Q: Can I use OBS to split audio on a Mac?

A: Yes, OBS is available for both Windows and Mac, and the process of splitting audio is the same on both platforms. However, some third-party audio mixers may have limited functionality on Mac, so be sure to check compatibility before using them.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of splitting audio in OBS for Twitch. Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just starting, taking the time to optimize your audio setup will pay off in the form of a more professional and enjoyable stream for your viewers. Happy streaming!