How to Auto Mute OBS Desktop Audio When App Opens

Managing audio sources in OBS Studio is crucial for a professional stream or recording, especially when you want to prevent specific applications—like Discord, copyrighted music players, or private messaging apps—from being heard by your audience. While OBS Studio does not have a single default button to mute desktop audio when a specific app opens, you can easily automate this process. This article outlines the two best methods to achieve this: using the powerful “Advanced Scene Switcher” plugin for full automation, or utilizing OBS’s native Application Audio Capture to exclude specific apps entirely.

Method 1: Automate Muting Using the Advanced Scene Switcher Plugin

The most effective way to automatically mute your global Desktop Audio when a specific application opens is by using the free, widely-used Advanced Scene Switcher plugin for OBS Studio.

Step 1: Install the Plugin

  1. Download and install the Advanced Scene Switcher plugin from the official OBS Resources forum.
  2. Restart OBS Studio after installation.

Step 2: Configure the Mute Macro

  1. In OBS Studio, go to the top menu and select Tools > Advanced Scene Switcher.
  2. Click on the Macro tab.
  3. Click the + (plus) button at the bottom left to create a new macro and name it (e.g., “Mute Desktop Audio”).
  4. Set up the Condition (the “If” statement):
    • Select Process from the first dropdown.
    • Select the name of the application you want to trigger the mute (e.g., discord.exe or spotify.exe).
    • Set the state to is running or is active window (depending on whether you want it muted only when you are actively using it, or simply when it is open in the background).
  5. Set up the Action (the “Then” statement):
    • Click the + button in the action section.
    • Select Audio.
    • Choose your Desktop Audio source.
    • Set the action to Mute.

Step 3: Configure the Unmute Macro

To ensure your desktop audio turns back on when you close the application, you need a reverse macro. 1. Click the + button to create another macro and name it (e.g., “Unmute Desktop Audio”). 2. Set up the Condition: * Select Process > [Your Application] > is not running. 3. Set up the Action: * Select Audio > Desktop Audio > Unmute. 4. Go to the General tab of the Advanced Scene Switcher and click Start to enable the automation.

Method 2: Use Native Application Audio Capture (Alternative)

If you want to avoid installing plugins, the modern way to handle this in OBS Studio is to stop using global “Desktop Audio” altogether. Instead, you can target and capture only the specific applications you want your audience to hear.

Step 1: Disable Global Desktop Audio

  1. Go to Settings in the bottom right of OBS.
  2. Click on the Audio tab.
  3. Under Global Audio Devices, set Desktop Audio to Disabled.
  4. Click Apply and OK. Your mixer will now be silent.

Step 2: Add Specific App Audio Sources

  1. Go to your desired Scene.
  2. In the Sources dock, click the + icon.
  3. Select Application Audio Capture (BETA) (Windows) or Screen Capture (macOS).
  4. Name the source after the application you want to hear (e.g., “Game Audio” or “Chrome”).
  5. In the properties window, select the window of the running application you want to capture.
  6. Repeat this process for every application you do want your stream to hear.

By using this method, any application you do not explicitly add as a source—such as private communication apps or music players—will automatically be muted, eliminating the need for automated muting triggers.