Sync Video Sources with Capture Card Delay in OBS

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to synchronize a fast video source, such as a USB webcam, with a delayed video feed from a capture card in OBS Studio. By utilizing OBS Studio’s built-in “Video Delay (Async)” filter, you can easily delay your faster video sources so that your facecam, gameplay, and audio align perfectly during live streams or recordings.

Step 1: Determine the Delay Time

Before applying a delay, you need to estimate how many milliseconds (ms) your capture card is lagging behind your other sources. 1. Record a short test clip in OBS where you perform a distinct, simultaneous action, such as clapping your hands, in front of both your webcam and your capture card monitor. 2. Import the recorded video into a video editor, or play it back in a media player like VLC where you can step through frame-by-frame. 3. Measure the time difference between when the action occurs on your webcam versus when it occurs on the capture card feed. 4. Convert this time difference into milliseconds (1 second = 1000 milliseconds). For example, a typical capture card delay might be around 200ms to 400ms.

Step 2: Apply the Video Delay Filter in OBS

Once you have your delay estimation, you can apply the delay filter to your faster video source (usually your webcam). 1. Open OBS Studio and locate the Sources dock. 2. Right-click on the video source you want to delay (e.g., your Webcam) and select Filters. 3. In the Filters window, click the Plus (+) icon in the bottom-left corner under the Effect Filters section. 4. Select Video Delay (Async) from the list. 5. Give the filter a name (e.g., “Webcam Delay”) and click OK. 6. In the filter settings, enter the delay value you calculated in Step 1 in the Delay field (measured in milliseconds). 7. Click Close.

Step 3: Synchronize Your Audio

If you delayed your webcam video, you will also need to delay your microphone audio so your voice matches your facial movements. 1. Go to the Audio Mixer dock in OBS. 2. Click the three dots (cogwheel icon) next to your microphone source and select Advanced Audio Properties. 3. Locate your microphone in the list and find the Sync Offset (ms) column. 4. Enter the exact same millisecond value you used for your video delay. 5. Close the window.

Run a final test recording to ensure your webcam, capture card feed, and microphone audio are now perfectly in sync.