Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUse OBS’s Media Source to play a local MP4 in your YouTube stream, then isolate crackling systematically: compare the file’s normal playback with OBS and the received stream, check OBS’s low-latency audio buffering setting, and investigate audio configuration and connection indicators separately. There is no single confirmed fix for every crackling problem; the symptom alone does not identify its cause.
Set up the MP4 in OBS
- Open the scene you intend to stream. In Sources, select + and add Media Source.
- Name the source, then select the option to create a new source or add an existing one, as appropriate. In its properties, browse to the local MP4 file.
- Choose whether the file should loop. If the scene may be switched away from and back to, decide whether it should restart when the source becomes active.
- Leave Use hardware decoding when available off for the first test. It uses the GPU decoder when available; you can test it later as a separate change if needed.
- Confirm that the video appears in the preview and that the source’s audio level responds in the Audio Mixer during playback.
OBS lists MP4 among its supported video files. Its separate VLC Video source is an option when you need a playlist or VLC’s extended media support; it requires VLC to be installed, and the VLC and OBS bitness must match (for example, 64-bit VLC with 64-bit OBS). For one local file, Media Source is the simpler starting point. OBS Project: Media Sources
Confirm the audio is routed to the stream
Seeing the video in preview does not by itself confirm that its audio is reaching the live output. During playback, check that the Media Source appears in the mixer and its meter moves. Then open Advanced Audio Properties and verify that the source is assigned to the audio track used by your stream. OBS versions and individual configurations can differ, so check the active routing rather than assuming a default.
If you also want to hear the MP4 locally, configure audio monitoring deliberately and confirm the selected monitoring device. Monitoring is for local listening; it is not a substitute for confirming that the source is included in the stream’s audio track.
#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.
Diagnose crackling in a controlled order
1. Find where the crackling first appears
Play the MP4 in a normal media player and listen to it. If it crackles there too, the issue may be in the file or the playback path outside OBS. If normal playback sounds clean, play it in OBS and listen to the local output if configured. Finally, compare with a recording or replay of the received stream if one is available. These comparisons help distinguish a source-file problem from an OBS or stream-delivery problem; they do not prove a cause on their own.
2. Check OBS’s low-latency audio buffering setting
Look for the low-latency audio buffering option in OBS’s advanced audio settings. OBS warns: “Low latency audio buffering mode may cause audio to glitch or stop playing from some sources.” If the option is enabled, disable it unless your setup specifically requires it, then test playback again. Treat this as a well-supported troubleshooting lead, not a guaranteed cure for every crackling report. OBS Studio English locale
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.
3. Review audio settings and devices
Check OBS’s audio sampling-rate setting and the audio devices selected in its settings. Compare them with the relevant operating-system or hardware-device settings. OBS’s overview guide recommends using defaults unless there is a reason to change them. If you test a change, alter one setting at a time and listen again so you can identify whether it made a difference. Crackling alone does not establish that a sampling-rate or device mismatch is present. OBS Studio Overview Guide
4. Test whether the problem follows one file
Try a second known-good local video in the same scene. If only one MP4 crackles, inspect that file’s actual audio encoding and test it in a normal player. The “.mp4” extension identifies a container, not a single audio codec; different audio codecs can be carried in MP4. The file extension alone cannot tell you whether the audio stream is suitable or damaged. OBS Project: Audio/Video Formats Guide
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.
5. Check dropped frames as a separate connection issue
Watch OBS’s dropped-frame counter and connection indicator while streaming. OBS says increasing dropped frames alongside a yellow or red connection state points to an unstable connection or a bitrate the connection cannot sustain. OBS drops frames to avoid buffering and keep the stream playing. That can indicate a delivery problem, but it does not by itself explain crackling in the MP4 or prove that crackling is network-related. OBS Project: OBS is dropping frames. How can I fix this?
Run a safe test before going public
- Make a short private or unlisted YouTube test stream, following the visibility options available in your YouTube account.
- Listen to the local playback and OBS output, then check the resulting stream recording or replay if available.
- Change only one setting between tests and note the result. This makes it easier to tell whether a change helped, had no effect, or introduced a new issue.
- If the crackling persists, save an OBS log to share with support or a knowledgeable troubleshooter. A log can provide context, but it is not a universal fix.
Before streaming a documentary or other prerecorded material publicly, make sure you have the rights needed to stream its video and audio. A technically clean stream does not establish that you have permission to use the content, and this troubleshooting guide does not determine whether a particular upload meets YouTube’s current policies.
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
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video running on YouTube without leaving a computer on, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. It is not an OBS crackling fix, so use the diagnostic steps above if you need to resolve audio problems in your OBS setup.
- Nothing has to stay running at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- One flat price per slot covers any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, as made, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required (one free day per account).
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn about StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
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.
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.
