Fix OBS Vocal Popping: Compressor Attack Time Guide

This guide explains how to configure the “Attack” time in the OBS Studio Compressor filter to eliminate harsh, initial vocal popping—often caused by sudden plosive sounds like “P” and “B” consonants. By adjusting this specific setting, you will learn how to make the compressor react instantly to volume spikes, ensuring a smooth and professional audio broadcast or recording.

Understanding Attack Time and Vocal Popping

In OBS Studio, the Compressor filter automatically lowers the volume of your microphone when it exceeds a set threshold. The Attack time determines how quickly (in milliseconds) the compressor starts reducing the volume once the audio crosses that threshold.

If your Attack time is set too slow (e.g., above 5ms), sudden bursts of air from plosive sounds will slip through before the compressor can engage, resulting in a loud, distracting “pop.” To prevent this initial pop, you must configure a fast Attack time.

Step-by-Step Configuration in OBS Studio

  1. Open your Filter settings: Navigate to the Audio Mixer dock in OBS Studio. Click the three dots (or gear icon) next to your microphone source and select Filters.

  2. Add a Compressor: If you do not already have one, click the + icon in the bottom left of the Filters window and select Compressor. Name it and click OK.

  3. Configure the Attack Time: Locate the Attack slider. To capture and suppress the sudden peak of a vocal pop, set the Attack time to between 1ms and 3ms. A setting of 1ms or 2ms forces the compressor to react almost instantly, clamping down on the initial plosive sound before it can clip your audio.

  4. Adjust the Threshold: Set the Threshold (the volume level at which the compressor turns on) so that it sits just below your normal speaking volume, typically between -18 dB and -24 dB. This ensures the compressor is active when you speak loudly or blow air into the mic.

  5. Fine-tune the Ratio and Release:

    • Set the Ratio to 3:1 or 4:1. This provides a natural-sounding reduction without completely flattening your voice.
    • Set the Release time to 60ms to 100ms so the compressor releases quickly enough after the pop passes, preventing your subsequent words from sounding muffled.

Test Your Settings

While watching the audio meter in OBS, say words starting with “P,” “T,” and “B” (such as “testing” or “peter piper”) directly into your microphone. If you still hear a sharp pop at the start of these words, lower the Attack time closer to 1ms and slightly lower your Threshold until the initial spike is smoothly leveled out.