What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Keep the music source separate from the video clips: add one persistent audio source to the OBS scenes used by your stream, then configure it to loop or play a playlist. Check its inactive and restart behavior so a scene change does not unload or restart it.
Choose a single track or a playlist
| Setup | Best for | What to configure | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media Source | Repeating one audio file | Enable Loop; keep Close file when inactive off; check Restart playback when source becomes active. | A local audio file. OBS lists MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV as supported formats. |
| VLC Video source | Playing a sequence of tracks | Choose the playlist, set Loop Playlist if wanted, and select visibility behavior that suits your scene layout. | VLC must be installed. 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. |
OBS documents these controls in its Media Sources guide. The exact behavior also depends on how sources and scenes are arranged in your scene collection, so verify playback in your own project.
Set up music that continues across clips
- Add the music source. In the scene where you manage the stream, select Sources → + → Media Source. Create a source, browse to the audio file, and confirm. For multiple tracks, use Sources → + → VLC Video instead, then add or select the playlist.
- Set repeat behavior. For one file, enable Loop. For a playlist, enable Loop Playlist if it should start again after the last item. OBS’s documentation lists Loop for Media Source as the control that repeats a file after playback finishes.
- Prevent the file from unloading. In the Media Source properties, leave Close file when inactive off if the source may become inactive during a scene change. OBS notes that closing an inactive file can mean a delay while the source reloads.
- Make the source available to every clip scene. Use the same music source in the scenes that feed the stream, rather than creating separate copies for each video clip. A source can be shared between scenes; if your scene collection has a different structure, check that the music source remains active through each transition.
- Review activation and visibility settings. OBS documents Restart playback when source becomes active as On by default for Media Source. If music starts over when you return to a scene, inspect this option and the source’s visibility or activation behavior. For VLC Video, choose a visibility behavior that lets playback continue while hidden when your scene arrangement requires it.
- Test the transitions. Start a private or otherwise appropriate test stream, switch through the scenes and clips you plan to use, and confirm the music neither cuts out nor restarts unexpectedly. Listen to the OBS mix while checking the mixer meters.
For the current labels and behavior, consult the OBS Media Sources guide and Audio Mixer Guide. The Media Sources documentation was published in 2022, and the Mixer Guide in 2026; labels or defaults may differ in your installed OBS version.
Keep audio capture from creating a second music signal
If your music comes from an audio device rather than a file source, remember that an audio input or output capture source can be specific to a scene and is captured while that source is active. Do not assume a scene-specific device source will continue through scenes where it is absent or inactive. Also avoid capturing the same device globally and again as a scene source: OBS warns that duplicate capture can cause echo. See the OBS Audio Sources guide.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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.
Set and monitor the music level
Play the clips and music together, watch the OBS audio mixer, and listen through Audio Monitoring while adjusting the level. OBS’s Audio Mixer Guide says background music and alert effects should remain in the green zone. Treat that as a starting reference, not a substitute for listening: make sure dialogue or documentary narration remains clear over the music. Monitoring headphones can help you hear the mix, but they are not needed to fix source continuity.
Why music stops between clips
- The source disappears with the scene. If music exists only in one clip scene, it may not be active in the next. Keep the same source available across the stream scenes.
- The Media Source closes while inactive. Check that Close file when inactive is off when continuity depends on the source staying loaded.
- The source restarts on activation. Check Restart playback when source becomes active and how visibility or activation changes during scene transitions.
- The playlist stops at its end. For a VLC Video playlist that should repeat, check Loop Playlist.
- You hear an echo or doubled music. Check for duplicate capture of the same device, including both a global audio source and a scene-specific source.
Those are configuration points to inspect, not a diagnosis of every OBS project. The cause depends on the scene and source settings in your collection.
Rank #2
- 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
OBS playback does not clear music rights for YouTube
A track playing correctly in OBS does not mean it is licensed for a YouTube live stream. YouTube says all live streams are scanned for matches to third-party content. If YouTube identifies such content, it may replace the stream with a placeholder and warn you; if the content continues, the stream may be temporarily interrupted or terminated.
Confirm that your permission covers live streaming and the territories where viewers may watch. YouTube also says that even when a creator has licensed third-party content, the rights owner may need to add the channel to its Content ID allowlist. The Creator Music FAQ search result does not establish permission to use a Creator Music track in a live stream; check current terms with YouTube and the rights holder rather than assuming a track is cleared.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #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 ÂĽ"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a live camera feed.
- Nothing has to stay powered on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Every slot streams what you uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot—there are no quality tiers or re-encoding.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required; it is one free day per account.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 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
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
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.
