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Use two checks: note the configured audio settings in OBS, then inspect the audio stream in a representative recorded video with FFprobe. The OBS settings show what the software is configured to use; the file inspection shows what the recording actually contains. Compare the sample rate, channel count and channel layout rather than assuming one proves the other.
1. Check OBS’s configured audio settings
- Open Settings > Audio in OBS Studio.
- Note the displayed Sample Rate and Channels values. These are OBS configuration settings, not a readout of an already-encoded file. Labels or available choices can vary between installed versions; the current OBS UI localization includes both controls. OBS Audio Mixer Guide
Record the values you intend to use so you can compare them with the result. Do not choose a rate merely because it is common: the appropriate value depends on your source and any delivery requirement you need to meet.
2. Inspect a representative video file with FFprobe
Use FFprobe, included with FFmpeg, to inspect the audio stream in an existing video or a short test recording. For example, run:
ffprobe -v error -select_streams a -show_entries stream=index,codec_name,sample_rate,channels,channel_layout -of default=noprint_wrappers=1 "recording.mp4"
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Replace recording.mp4 with the file’s path. The command selects audio streams and reports their index, codec, sample rate, channel count and—when available—channel layout. If the file has more than one audio stream, inspect the relevant stream rather than assuming the first result represents every audio track. FFprobe’s output describes the media stream it finds; the exact fields available can depend on the FFmpeg version. FFprobe documentation · FFmpeg documentation
Read the three audio properties separately
- Sample rate: the number of audio samples per second, reported in hertz. Compare the file’s value with the intended output.
- Channels: the number of audio channels in the stream.
- Channel layout: the roles or arrangement of those channels, when reported—for example, mono or stereo.
Channel count and layout are related, but they answer different questions. A count tells you how many channels are present; a layout identifies their intended roles. Do not infer either from the video’s resolution or frame rate.
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3. Compare OBS settings with the encoded file
Compare the OBS values you noted with the audio stream’s reported sample rate, channel count and layout. If you are comparing two recordings, use the same inspection tool and compare the same kind of audio stream in each file. A mismatch does not by itself identify a fault: OBS may process audio to reconcile source parameters with its configured audio backend.
Why the source and output may differ
OBS documentation describes automatic remixing or resampling when a source’s sample rate or channel count differs from the backend configuration. The OBS mixer guide also says the mixer defaults to stereo and provides a Downmix to Mono option. As a result, a source’s original channel presentation can differ from the mixer or output representation. The backend behavior cited here is documented for OBS Studio 33.0.0; check documentation for your installed version before assuming identical behavior. OBS Audio Mixer Guide · OBS Backend Design
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Verify again after changing settings
- Change the relevant OBS setting or mixer option.
- Make a new representative recording using the source and routing you intend to stream with.
- Run FFprobe on that new file and compare its sample rate, channel count and layout with your target.
- If it still differs, check whether the source or OBS’s mixing and resampling behavior accounts for the result before changing other settings.
A setting, source label or audio meter does not guarantee the final encoded stream properties. Verify the output file after the change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems and what to check
The file’s sample rate differs from the OBS setting
Confirm that FFprobe is reporting the intended audio stream, then consider whether OBS resampled the source to match its backend configuration. Repeat the inspection on a new recording after any change.
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The file has two channels when the source is mono
OBS’s mixer defaults to stereo, and its Downmix to Mono option affects how a source is represented in the mixer. Check the mixer configuration and inspect a new recording; do not assume the source’s original presentation determines the encoded channel count.
FFprobe does not report a channel layout
Compare the fields it does report, including channel count, and consult the FFmpeg documentation for the version you are using. A missing layout field does not establish a particular spatial arrangement.
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A requested device rate or channel count fails
Audio-device capabilities depend on the hardware and driver. FFmpeg device options can include sample rate and channel count, but unsupported requests may fail. The available evidence does not establish a universal operating-system path for changing device settings; consult the controls and documentation for your device and OS, then record and inspect a new file.
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