What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If audio falls silent between promo clips, first check how OBS is playing them: a pause at a local clip handoff is different from a gap caused by a failed stream segment on the way to YouTube. Identify the playback source, check the relevant loop and track settings, then test the transition in a local recording before changing stream-delivery settings.
First identify where the gap occurs
Determine whether the silence happens exactly when one promo ends and the next begins, or whether the broadcast loses audio or video at other times too. A gap that consistently lines up with clip boundaries points first to the media files or the way OBS hands off between sources. A delivery problem is more plausible when encoder or upload logs show failed media segments.
In OBS, identify the playback arrangement before changing settings:
- Separate Media Sources: each clip is its own source.
- VLC Video playlist: one VLC Video source plays a list of files.
- Media Playlist Source plugin: a plugin manages the playlist.
- One rendered file: the promo sequence has already been assembled into a continuous video.
The controls and likely causes differ by arrangement. OBS documents looping an individual Media Source and looping a VLC playlist as separate behaviors; it does not promise gapless audio when switching between distinct Media Sources. OBS: Media Sources
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Fix gaps in a VLC Video playlist
For an OBS VLC Video source, check the playlist and source behavior before changing the stream protocol. VLC must be installed, and 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC for this source type. OBS: Media Sources
- Open the VLC Video source’s properties and confirm that the intended files and order are in the playlist.
- Check Loop Playlist if the list should repeat. Do not confuse it with looping an individual file.
- Check shuffle behavior if clips must play in a fixed promotional order.
- Check Audio Track to ensure the intended track is selected.
- Review Visibility Behaviour. A source configured to stop or restart when it becomes hidden may behave differently when scenes change.
- Record a local test that includes the transition between two clips, then listen at the exact point where the silence occurs.
If the local recording has the same pause, investigate the playlist, media, or source handoff rather than treating the pause as evidence of a YouTube ingestion failure.
Fix gaps between separate Media Sources
OBS’s Loop setting repeats an individual file after it finishes. That setting does not establish that audio will be gapless when OBS switches from one separate source to another. OBS: Media Sources
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Open each file near its end and beginning in a player or editor. Listen for silence that is part of the clip itself, including a quiet fade, blank audio tail, or silent lead-in.
- Check that adjacent clips use the intended audio tracks and that their edits meet where you expect them to.
- Make a short local OBS recording of the transition. This helps distinguish silence inside the files from a pause during source handoff.
- If the files are clean but the handoff remains troublesome, try a playlist source or assemble the sequence as a single continuous file, then test again.
Do not assume that changing YouTube’s ingestion protocol will fix silence that appears only at OBS clip boundaries.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check a Media Playlist Source plugin
If a plugin manages the playlist, check its installed version and release notes before concluding that the transition is a general OBS limitation. The OBS Media Playlist Source history records fixes related to continuing to the next item after a transition and looping a path that is the same as the previous item. Its notes say versions from 0.1.0 onward require OBS 31; confirm the requirements and fixes against the installed release. Media Playlist Source update history
After an update or setting change, make a local recording across the affected transition. If the gap remains, check the clip edges and compare with a single-file test rather than presuming the plugin is the cause.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When a single continuous file is the better test
If transitions between OBS sources remain difficult to diagnose, assemble the promo sequence in an editor and export it as one continuous file. Playing one file removes the handoff between separate playback sources from the chain, but it cannot remove silence already present in the edits or export. Test the result locally before using it in the live loop.
OBS documents supported containers and codecs, including fragmented MP4/MOV as formats that can suit common editing software. That guidance does not endorse a particular editor or guarantee that a continuous export will resolve every audio gap. OBS format guidance
Separate local clip gaps from YouTube ingestion gaps
YouTube’s ingestion documentation describes stream protocols and encoder delivery, not local handoffs between OBS clips. For a DASH stream, Google says a failed media-segment PUT corresponds to a gap in the video stream and recommends retry logic. Check encoder and delivery logs for that failure before treating a segment-upload problem as the explanation for silence at a local clip transition. YouTube DASH ingestion guide
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For HLS ingestion, YouTube specifies segment durations of 1–4 seconds and recommends 44.1 kHz audio for stereo or 48 kHz for 5.1, with 128 Kbps stereo audio or 384 Kbps 5.1 audio. These are HLS ingestion recommendations, not remedies for a pause between OBS playback sources. YouTube HLS ingestion setup
Google’s DASH guide recommends media segments between 1 and 5 seconds for ingestion performance and latency tradeoffs. Those segment durations describe delivery to YouTube; they do not set the interval between promo videos. YouTube DASH ingestion guide
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Compare the playback options
| Arrangement | Where transitions happen | Relevant control or dependency | Useful test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separate Media Sources | At OBS source handoffs | Per-file Loop; gapless handoffs are not guaranteed by the documentation | Inspect clip edges and record the handoff locally |
| VLC Video playlist | Within one playlist source | Loop Playlist, shuffle, Visibility Behaviour, and Audio Track; VLC must be installed | Verify order, track, loop, and visibility behavior, then record locally |
| Media Playlist Source plugin | Within the plugin-managed playlist | Plugin version matters; version history includes transition-related fixes, and versions from 0.1.0 onward require OBS 31 | Check the installed release notes and record the affected transition |
| One pre-rendered file | In the edited file, not at separate OBS source handoffs | Container and codec compatibility still matter; silence in the edit remains | Listen to the export around each edit and test it as one source |
No option is established as universally gapless. Choose based on whether you want to manage transitions in OBS or in an edited file, your need to change playlist order, and whether you want to depend on VLC or a plugin.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Troubleshoot by symptom
- Silence only at one clip boundary: inspect the end of the outgoing clip and the start of the next; record that transition locally.
- The list stops or repeats unexpectedly: check whether you need Loop Playlist rather than per-file Loop, and verify shuffle and source visibility behavior.
- The wrong audio is heard or a clip is silent: check the selected Audio Track and whether the media file contains the expected audio.
- A plugin does not continue or loops oddly: compare its installed version with the transition and repeated-path fixes in its update history, and verify its OBS version requirement.
- Audio or video gaps occur beyond clip boundaries: inspect encoder and delivery logs for failed segment uploads. A failed DASH media-segment PUT is documented as causing a video-stream gap.
- A continuous export still has silence: inspect the edited sequence and exported file; combining sources does not remove silence already in the material.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube promo loop, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping OBS and a computer running at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed.
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is provided if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, then start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
