Add background music as a separate audio source in your streaming software, check that it reaches the mixer, and set its level so speech remains clear. Before you go live, make sure the music licence covers the platform and every format you plan to publish, including archives, clips, and reuploads. Audio routing can change what viewers hear in a saved recording; it cannot grant permission to play a track.
Before adding music, check what the licence allows
Choose music whose licence specifically covers your planned use. Check whether it permits live broadcasts on your platform, saved VODs, clips, reuploads, monetization, and use in your region. Also check what happens if the licence changes or expires.
Buying a track, owning a CD, or paying for a personal music subscription does not by itself generally authorize sharing that music in a stream or VOD. Twitch’s Music FAQ and its DJ Program FAQ explain that the specific licence terms matter. A music service’s inclusion on a platform list is not a substitute for checking its current terms.
Add music in your streaming setup
- Pick a permitted source. Confirm that the licence covers the live platform and any recording, clip, or reupload you intend to publish.
- Add music as its own audio source. In your streaming software, add the music source separately from your microphone and other audio. This makes it easier to set levels and, where supported, route it differently for live output and recordings.
- Check the audio mixer. Confirm that the music registers on the mixer when it plays. Adjust it so speech remains understandable; listen to the combined output rather than judging the music level in isolation.
- Test the full audio path. Check the outgoing stream and any recording or monitoring path before the broadcast. A source that sounds right locally may still be routed differently in the stream or archive.
Keep music out of a Twitch VOD while retaining it live
If your music licence allows live use but you do not want the track in a Twitch VOD, OBS Studio’s Twitch VOD track feature can send a different audio feed to the live stream and the VOD. OBS’s Twitch VOD Track Guide describes track 1 as the live feed and track 2 as the VOD feed in its example.
#1 Best Overall
- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
- In OBS, open Edit > Advanced Audio Properties.
- Assign your microphone and other audio sources to the tracks required for your live feed and VOD.
- Keep the music source on the live track and exclude it from the VOD track.
- Make a test recording or check the resulting VOD routing before relying on it.
This changes which audio reaches the archive; it does not make unlicensed live music permissible. OBS documents the feature as a way to send different audio to the stream and VOD, not as a copyright safeguard.
What to know about YouTube Live and Twitch
YouTube Live
YouTube scans live streams for matches to third-party content. If it detects a match, it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you to stop using the content; the stream can be interrupted or terminated if the content remains. If you have licensed third-party content, YouTube says to ask the rights holder to add your channel to their Content ID allowlist. See YouTube Help: Copyright issues with live streams, and monitor YouTube Studio for warnings or restrictions.
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- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
Allowlisting is a platform process, not a substitute for a licence. Confirm the licence itself covers your broadcast and other intended uses.
Twitch
Twitch’s Music Options page lists services and catalogues such as Chillhop, NCS, Outertone by RouteNote, Pretzel by Songtradr, StreamBeats, and Monstercat Gold. The page notes catalogue counts as being “at time of posting,” so treat those figures as historical rather than current. Twitch says monetized use of Chillhop requires artist credit. Check each provider’s current terms for platform coverage, live and VOD permissions, clips, monetization, attribution, and geographic limits.
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Rank #3
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
Twitch reported in a 2020 blog post that more than 99% of the music-related notifications it discussed concerned tracks streamers played in the background of their streams. That is a historical finding from Twitch’s post, not a current rate or a measure of the risk for an individual channel.
Do you need a separate mixer?
No dedicated hardware mixer is required for the basic software setup above. A mixer can be useful if you need physical inputs, controls, or hardware routing. Yamaha’s AG08 documentation describes routing background music and voice chat for livestreaming, but whether that device suits a particular setup depends on the inputs and control needs involved. Compare hardware by the routing problem it solves, its inputs, controls, and compatibility with your software—not by assuming a mixer is necessary.
Rank #4
- 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
Troubleshooting common music problems
- Music is not audible in the stream: Check that the source is active, registers on the mixer, and is assigned to the live output. Test the outgoing audio path rather than relying only on local monitoring.
- Speech is hard to understand: Lower the music source and listen to both sources together. Recheck the balance in a test recording or stream preview.
- Music is missing from the Twitch VOD: Check the source’s track assignments in Advanced Audio Properties and confirm that the track used for the VOD includes the intended sources.
- Music appears in a VOD when you meant to exclude it: Check that the music source is excluded from the VOD track, then make another test recording. Separate live and VOD routing does not affect rights for the live broadcast.
- YouTube warns, replaces, or interrupts the stream: Stop using the matched content and review YouTube Studio for the notice. If you have a licence, ask the rights holder to add your channel to the Content ID allowlist; confirm that the licence covers the use in question.
- A service says its music is stream-safe, but the scope is unclear: Check the current licence directly for your platform, VODs, clips, monetization, attribution, and region. Do not assume permission for one format covers all others.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a pre-recorded programme that should keep a YouTube channel live, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. Each slot includes 10 GB of storage, pooled across active slots, and the first day is free with no card.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than going live from a camera, and streams to YouTube only. It does not route a live microphone or add licensed music to a broadcast; make sure any music in an uploaded programme is cleared for the uses you plan.
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- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
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- 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
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