Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
The only OBS audio filters you actually need to sound professional, and the settings I use for every single video.
In this video, I walk you through the exact OBS audio filter stack I recommend for streamers and content creators in 2026. We're covering the Expander, Compressor, 3-Band Equalizer, Noise Suppression, and Limiter plus the exact threshold, ratio, and release values I use for each.
You don't need a $500 microphone or plugins. This works with any mic in OBS or other OBS style programs.
Other Audio Tutorials:
Your Perfect EQ for Stream in Under 10 Minutes! (Beginner Friendly) - youtu.be/XNSvbjxLDpg
How to Set Up a Compressor for your Microphone in OBS (The Ducking Video) - youtu.be/pbTnN9gk8YU
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We are an Elgato Ambassador! Get a discount when you order your favorite Elgato products with my link! elgato.sjv.io/aOdJZR
Are you a Console Streamer? Then you need Lightstream!
golightstream.com/darkenedcyrus
Discount Code: DarkenedCyrus (25% off 3 months!)
We are an AVerMedia Partner! Go check out their AWESOME Inventory and get an exclusive discount with my coupon code!
Code: Cyrus
Link: sdqk.me/bPFV6hdj/9f8lj0GW
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Check out my website to book 1 on 1 Coaching, editing services, and more! https://www.darkenedcyrus.live
Join The Darkness Discord! discord.gg/ftRsYvq
------------------------------------
Check out my website! - darkenedcyrus.com
BRANDS! Here's my Media Kit - https://darkenedcyrus.live/mediakit
------------------------------------
Come Watch My Stream!
Twitch - twitch.tv/darkenedcyrus
------------------------------------
Socials
Twitter - twitter.com/DarkenedCyrus
Instagram - instagram.com/DarkenedCyrus
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Channel Started - 7/12/2019
YouTube Partner Program - 11/7/2020
10k Subs - 7/18/2022
20k Subs - 3/13/2024
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro – Best OBS Audio Settings (No Fluff)
0:24 Raw Mic vs Processed Audio (Wave Link Off)
0:57 Enable Monitoring in OBS (Critical Step)
1:30 Set Monitoring Device + True Peak Meter
1:52 Turn On Mic Monitoring (Hear Yourself)
2:45 Start Here – OBS Filters & Signal Chain
3:16 What Is a Signal Chain?
3:42 Noise Gate Explained (Why It’s Not Ideal)
5:01 Use This Instead – Expander Setup
6:00 Expander Settings (Clean Background Noise)
7:00 Compressor Explained (Balance Your Audio)
8:11 Compressor Settings (4:1 Ratio + Threshold)
8:47 Makeup Gain (Fix Your Volume Level)
9:35 Add EQ (Make Your Mic Sound Better)
10:48 Noise Suppression (Keyboard Test)
12:39 Limiter Setup (Stop Clipping)
13:45 Before vs After Audio Comparison
14:23 Final Thoughts + Extra Plugins
The only OBS audio filters you actually need to sound professional, and the settings I use for every single video.
In this video, I walk you through the exact OBS audio filter stack I recommend for streamers and content creators in 2026. We're covering the Expander, Compressor, 3-Band Equalizer, Noise Suppression, and Limiter plus the exact threshold, ratio, and release values I use for each.
You don't need a $500 microphone or plugins. This works with any mic in OBS or other OBS style programs.
Other Audio Tutorials:
Your Perfect EQ for Stream in Under 10 Minutes! (Beginner Friendly) - youtu.be/XNSvbjxLDpg
How to Set Up a Compressor for your Microphone in OBS (The Ducking Video) - youtu.be/pbTnN9gk8YU
------------------------------------
We are an Elgato Ambassador! Get a discount when you order your favorite Elgato products with my link! elgato.sjv.io/aOdJZR
Are you a Console Streamer? Then you need Lightstream!
golightstream.com/darkenedcyrus
Discount Code: DarkenedCyrus (25% off 3 months!)
We are an AVerMedia Partner! Go check out their AWESOME Inventory and get an exclusive discount with my coupon code!
Code: Cyrus
Link: sdqk.me/bPFV6hdj/9f8lj0GW
------------------------------------
Check out my website to book 1 on 1 Coaching, editing services, and more! https://www.darkenedcyrus.live
Join The Darkness Discord! discord.gg/ftRsYvq
------------------------------------
Check out my website! - darkenedcyrus.com
BRANDS! Here's my Media Kit - https://darkenedcyrus.live/mediakit
------------------------------------
Come Watch My Stream!
Twitch - twitch.tv/darkenedcyrus
------------------------------------
Socials
Twitter - twitter.com/DarkenedCyrus
Instagram - instagram.com/DarkenedCyrus
------------------------------------
Channel Started - 7/12/2019
YouTube Partner Program - 11/7/2020
10k Subs - 7/18/2022
20k Subs - 3/13/2024
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro – Best OBS Audio Settings (No Fluff)
0:24 Raw Mic vs Processed Audio (Wave Link Off)
0:57 Enable Monitoring in OBS (Critical Step)
1:30 Set Monitoring Device + True Peak Meter
1:52 Turn On Mic Monitoring (Hear Yourself)
2:45 Start Here – OBS Filters & Signal Chain
3:16 What Is a Signal Chain?
3:42 Noise Gate Explained (Why It’s Not Ideal)
5:01 Use This Instead – Expander Setup
6:00 Expander Settings (Clean Background Noise)
7:00 Compressor Explained (Balance Your Audio)
8:11 Compressor Settings (4:1 Ratio + Threshold)
8:47 Makeup Gain (Fix Your Volume Level)
9:35 Add EQ (Make Your Mic Sound Better)
10:48 Noise Suppression (Keyboard Test)
12:39 Limiter Setup (Stop Clipping)
13:45 Before vs After Audio Comparison
14:23 Final Thoughts + Extra Plugins
