How do I add audio sources and fix mic echo in OBS?
Add desktop and microphone audio in OBS, set proper levels, and eliminate echo caused by monitor output or duplicate audio paths.
Audio Is Half Your Stream
Viewers forgive mediocre video more easily than bad audio. OBS separates audio into distinct sources — desktop/game audio and microphone — so you can balance levels independently and fix problems like echo, clipping, and background noise.
Step 1 — Add Desktop Audio
OBS adds Desktop Audio by default in Settings → Audio. This captures game sounds, browser audio, and music. If you hear nothing, confirm the correct device is selected under Desktop Audio Device — usually your default speakers or headset output.
Step 2 — Add Your Microphone
Under Settings → Audio → Mic/Auxiliary Audio, select your microphone from the dropdown. Speak normally and watch the audio mixer — peaks should hit the yellow zone, not red. Drag the slider to adjust mic volume; aim for roughly -10 to -5 dB at your loudest.
Step 3 — Fix Mic Echo
Echo happens when your mic picks up audio playing through speakers. The fix is simple: wear headphones. If you must use speakers, lower their volume and move the mic away from them. In OBS, disable Monitor Output on audio sources unless you specifically need to hear them — right-click a source in the mixer → Advanced Audio Properties → set Audio Monitoring to Monitor Off.
Step 4 — Prevent Duplicate Audio
Do not add the same audio device twice. If desktop audio appears in both Desktop Audio and a separate Audio Input Capture source, you will get doubled game sound. Remove duplicate sources from the Sources panel.
Step 5 — Apply Noise Suppression
Click the gear icon on your mic in the mixer → Filters → add Noise Suppression (RNNoise is best in 2026) and optionally Noise Gate to cut background noise when you are not speaking. Keep suppression moderate — too much makes your voice sound robotic.
Audio Troubleshooting
- Wear headphones to eliminate echo completely
- Set Audio Monitoring to Monitor Off on all sources
- Keep mic levels in yellow, never clipping into red
- Remove duplicate audio capture sources
- Add RNNoise noise suppression as a mic filter
Clean audio makes you sound professional instantly — fix echo and levels before worrying about overlay graphics.