How to Auto Switch OBS Scenes Based on Audio

Yes, you can set up OBS Studio to automatically switch scenes based on audio volume, but you will need a free, highly popular plugin called Advanced Scene Switcher to do so. While OBS Studio does not have this capability natively, installing this plugin allows you to create customized macros that monitor your audio inputs (like microphones or desktop audio) and trigger scene changes when the decibel levels cross a specific threshold. This is particularly useful for podcasts, talk shows, and multiplayer gaming streams where you want the camera to automatically focus on whoever is currently speaking.

Step 1: Install the Advanced Scene Switcher Plugin

Before you can set up audio-based switching, you must install the required plugin.

  1. Go to the official OBS Studio Resources forum and search for Advanced Scene Switcher.
  2. Download the installer compatible with your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  3. Close OBS Studio, run the installer, and then reopen OBS Studio.

Step 2: Access the Plugin in OBS

Once installed, you can configure the plugin directly inside OBS.

  1. Open OBS Studio.
  2. In the top menu bar, click on Tools.
  3. Select Advanced Scene Switcher from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Create an Audio-Based Switcher Macro

The plugin uses a “Macro” system (If/Then statements) to determine when to switch scenes. Here is how to set up a basic macro to switch to a specific scene when a microphone detects speech:

  1. In the Advanced Scene Switcher window, click on the Macro tab.
  2. Click the + (Plus) button at the bottom left to create a new macro and name it (e.g., “Switch to Host Camera”).
  3. Under the If section, configure the condition:
    • Select Audio from the first dropdown.
    • Select your target audio source (e.g., “Host Mic”) from the second dropdown.
    • Set the condition to volume is greater than (or above).
    • Set the decibel threshold (e.g., -20 dB). You may need to test your microphone to find the right level that distinguishes normal speaking from background noise.
    • Set the duration (e.g., “for 0.5 seconds”) to prevent accidental triggers from short noises like coughing or keyboard clicks.
  4. Under the Then section, configure the action:
    • Select Scene from the dropdown.
    • Select Switch scene and choose the scene you want to display when this person speaks (e.g., “Host Camera”).

Step 4: Create a Fallback (Silence) Macro

To prevent OBS from getting stuck on a scene when everyone stops talking, you should create a fallback macro to return to a default scene (like a wide-angle shot of all guests) when silence is detected.

  1. Create another new macro and name it (e.g., “Switch to Wide Shot on Silence”).
  2. Under the If section, set the condition:
    • Select Audio -> [Your Microphone] -> volume is less than (or below) -> -35 dB -> for 2.0 seconds.
  3. Under the Then section:
    • Select Scene -> Switch scene -> [Your default wide shot or game scene].

Step 5: Enable the Switcher

Once your macros are created, you must turn the plugin on.

  1. Go to the General tab of the Advanced Scene Switcher window.
  2. Click the Start button to activate the automated switching.
  3. Ensure the “Active” status indicator turns green.

You can now test your setup by speaking into your microphone. OBS will automatically transition between your scenes based on the volume thresholds and durations you defined.