Last Updated · May 13, 2025

The Best OBS Mic Setting for Streaming

best obs microphone setting for live streaming

When it comes to streaming, whether you're a gamer, vlogger, or podcast host, good live streaming sound quality is crucial. Your audience might ignore some issues, but poor sound is a quick turnoff. That's why setting up your microphone is essential.

In this article, we will explore how to optimize your OBS mic setting for streaming from a basic setup to fine-tune the filters that can silence noise and increase clarity.

In this article:

How to Set Up a Mic in OBS
The Best OBS Mic Settings and Filter Setup
Tips to Make Your OBS Mic Settings Better
FAQs about OBS Mic Settings

Part 1: How to Set Up a Mic in OBS for Streaming

Before we dive into filters and some advanced tweaks, let's begin with the basics. And here's how to get your mic up and running in OBS with the best mic setting for OBS.

Step 1: Open OBS Studio

Run OBS Studio on your computer.

Step 2: Access Audio Settings

Click on "Settings", which is at the bottom right of the screen, then click on the "Audio" tab.

setup your microphone in obs studio

Step 3: Add Your Microphone

In the "Audio" section, choose your preferred microphone from the "Mic/Auxiliary Audio" drop down list.

add your microphone in audio part

Step 4: Apply and Close Settings

Click "Apply", then "OK" to save changes and close the settings panel.

apply your settings to use the mic

Step 5: Verify Audio Input

Talk through your mic, then check the "Audio Mixer" in the main OBS window. All you need to check is whether it's moving or not, and if it is, you're good to go!

verify the mic setting in obs

Part 2: The Best OBS Mic Settings and Filter Setup for Streaming

With your mic active, let's fine-tune it. Here are some mic filters for OBS and recommended settings. Please adjust them according to your microphone, environment, and needs.

1. Noise Gate

A noise gate is a method of reducing or eliminating unwanted background noise by reducing the audio signal to below a specified threshold.

Recommended Settings:

Close Threshold: -40 dB
Open Threshold: -30 dB

noise gate setting in obs studio

2. Noise Suppression

Noise Suppression filters out consistent background noise like fan hums, keyboard taps, or street sounds.

Recommended Settings:

Use RNNoise for better quality
Suppression Level: -20 dB (adjust as needed)

noise suppression setting in obs studio

3. Compressor

A compressor evens out audio by reducing the volume of loud sounds and boosting softer ones.

Recommended Settings:

Ratio: 4:1
Threshold: -18 dB
Attack: 3 ms
Release: 100 ms
Output Gain: 3 dB

compressor mic setting filter in obs

4. Gain

Gain adjusts the strength of the input audio signal before processing. It helps set the initial volume level to ensure the signal is neither too weak nor too loud.

Recommended Settings:

Gain: +5 to +10 dB, depending on your mic

gain mic setting filter in obs

5. Limiter

A limiter prevents your voice from peaking or clipping by setting a maximum volume level.

Recommended Settings:

Threshold: -3 dB
Release: 60 ms

limiter filter setting in obs

6. Expander

An expander acts like a subtle noise gate, reducing background noise more naturally.

Recommended Settings:

Ratio: 3:1
Threshold: -35 dB
Attack: 5 ms
Release: 100 ms

expander filter setting in obs

Part 3: Tips to Make Your OBS Mic Settings Better for Streaming

There's a lot more to keep in mind when it comes to getting clearer, more professional sound quality in OBS. Here are some tips to help you improve sound quality:

Use a Good Microphone: Using a good microphone can dramatically enhance your streaming clarity and make your voice sound more professional.
Use a High-Quality Camera for Streaming: If you want a more professional streaming effect, using a high-quality camera is a good choice. The OBSBOT Tail 2, for example, is an excellent choice for streaming. It is an AI-powered camera that offers at 4K@60fps and 1080P@120fps, AI Tracking 2.0 to keep you in frame, gesture controls, and seamless integration with OBS Studio. It ensures that your visuals match the quality of your audio, making your stream look just as polished as it sounds.

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Right Microphone Position: Place the mic 6–12 inches away from the mouth and slightly off-axis to minimize plosives.
Maintain a Speaking Distance: Too far, and you will sound empty; too close, and you can distort the audio.
Use a Pop Filter: This basic add-on eliminates rough "P" and "B" sounds.
Reduce Background Noise: Record in a silent room, soundproof, and turn off noisy appliances around the area.

Part 4: FAQs about OBS Mic Settings

1. How to Upgrade Mic Quality with OBS?

Utilize filters such as noise suppression, compressor, and limiter. Place your mic correctly, and speak distinctly.

2. How to Make Your Sound Deeper on OBS?

Adjust the EQ and pitch with VST plugins or with external audio software.

3. What Filters do I Add to My Mic in OBS?

Noise Suppression, Compressor, and Limiter are where you begin. Adopt Expander or Noise Gate depending on the condition of your environment.

4. What's the Optimal Mic Setting on OBS?

The optimum mic setting will be a good input level, correct filter order(i.e., Noise gate> Suppression> Compressor> limiter), and some mic placement tweaks if necessary.

Conclusion

If you get your smart filter right and follow some neat tips for the right OBS mic setting, your stream doesn't have to sound any less polished than your visuals. To be safe, whether you're brand new or getting epic, any one of the above settings will ensure that your voice is heard loud and clear, professionally.