What is OBS Studio Audio Monitoring Used For?

This article explains the purpose and functionality of the audio monitoring feature in OBS Studio. It covers how this tool allows content creators to listen to their stream audio in real-time, the differences between the monitoring modes, and how to configure the setting to improve broadcast quality while preventing common issues like audio feedback and echoes.

In OBS Studio, the audio monitoring feature is used to route audio sources from your software mixer directly to your personal listening device, such as headphones. While OBS always sends audio to your stream or recording (the “output”), audio monitoring determines whether you, the creator, can hear those audio sources while they are active. This is essential for ensuring that your microphone, game audio, alerts, and background music are properly balanced and functioning.

OBS Studio offers three distinct monitoring settings for every audio source in the Advanced Audio Properties menu:

• Monitor Off: This is the default setting. The audio source is sent directly to your live stream or recording, but you will not hear it through your headphones. This is typically used for your own microphone to prevent you from hearing your own voice with a distracting delay.
• Monitor Only (Mute Output): The audio source is sent only to your headphones and will not be heard by your audience on the stream or recording. This is useful for listening to private cues, voice chat, or music that you do not want your viewers to hear.
• Monitor and Output: The audio is sent to both your audience and your headphones. This is ideal for video playback, soundboards, browser alerts, or gameplay where you need to hear the sounds in real-time alongside your viewers.

To use audio monitoring effectively without causing a distracting feedback loop, you must configure a dedicated monitoring device. In OBS Studio’s settings under the “Audio” tab, you should set the “Advanced -> Monitoring Device” to your headphones. Using open speakers for monitoring is highly discouraged, as your microphone will capture the speaker playback, resulting in a continuous, high-pitched echo for your viewers.