How to remove microphone lag in OBS and fix audio delay

Are you noticing that your microphone audio is out of sync with the video when using OBS Studio? This issue, known as audio lag or microphone delay in OBS, is one of the most frustrating issues for those who record, stream, or produce online content. Whether during gameplay, livestreams, or video calls, The delay between what is heard and what is seen can completely ruin the experience for both the creator and the audience.

In this article, we offer all the foolproof and comprehensive solutions to eliminate microphone lag in OBS, based on the most effective and up-to-date methods. We'll analyze the most common causes, clear technical steps for both Windows and Mac, and we'll also review when it's a good idea to use external tools. If you've tried everything and still feel the same, here's the ultimate resource to get your audio perfectly synchronized. Let's get started. Microphone lag in OBS: How to remove lag.

Why does audio lag occur in OBS?

Before diving into the details of the fixes, it's a good idea to understand what causes the infamous audio delay in OBS. The reasons can be technical, related to the configuration, the hardware, or OBS itself. Below we break down the most common causes:

• Sampling rate mismatch: If the sample rate of your audio device and the one set in OBS do not match (for example, one at 44.1kHz and the other at 48kHz), you will experience delays.
• Inconsistent buffer size: A buffer that is too large or inconsistent between the hardware and OBS can increase latency.
• Overloaded hardware: If your CPU or GPU is under too much pressure, multimedia processes may cause lag.
• Drivers or outdated drivers: Outdated drivers for the network adapter, sound card, or the motherboard itself can cause lags.
• Network problems and unstable connections: A slow or unstable connection can be detrimental, especially when streaming live.
• Software in conflict: Other applications using the audio device (such as Discord, Skype, or screen recorders) may interfere.
• Sound card limitations o low-power hardware: Older or poorly prepared equipment can cause audio lag.

Identifying the cause will save you a lot of time when applying solutions.

Step-by-step methods to fix microphone lag in OBS

Now that you understand why the delay is occurring, it's time to try reliable methods to fix it. Below are different ways to proceed, ordered from quickest to most advanced:

Adjusting Audio Offset in OBS Studio

OBS includes a feature in its audio mixer to compensate for the delay of any audio device. The trick is to add a "displacement" (offset) negative or positive depending on the desynchronization detected.

• Click the gear icon next to your microphone source in the OBS audio mixer.
• Choose Advanced Audio Properties.
• Find the column «Synchronization offset (ms)» and write the value in milliseconds that corrects the delay (example: -500 for half a second advance).

This will ensure that the microphone audio and video are as synchronized as possible.

Sampling Rate Synchronization

One of the most common errors is having a different sample rate in the Windows sound panel and in OBS. In order to solve it:

• In Windows, right click on the sound icon, enter "Sound settings" and access your device's advanced settings (speakers/microphone).
• Set both (microphone and speakers) to the same frequency (44.1kHz o 48kHz), depending on what you use in OBS.
• Also go to the OBS Settings, section "Audio", and set the frequency there to the same value.

This eliminates the mismatches that cause delay or progressive desynchronization.

Controlling buffer size and latency

Buffer size can be responsible for a lot of lag, especially on external audio cards or USB interfaces. Adjust this parameter both in your audio device's settings and in OBS itself (if you're using ASIO drivers or advanced options). Try low values ​​to minimize latency, but without causing dropouts.

Hardware optimization and closing conflicting applications

Lag may be caused by other programs competing for system resources or the audio device. To avoid this:

• Close applications that also use audio input/output, such as browsers, games, Discord, or Skype.
• Update your sound card and operating system drivers.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall if you suspect they are blocking OBS from accessing your devices.

Update and check your hardware

If you're using an older PC or have a basic sound card, your hardware may simply not be up to the task. Try recording on another device or with an external audio interface; in many cases, the delay disappears with better-sized hardware for streaming.

Specific solutions for using OBS on Windows and Mac

Not all systems handle sound the same. Here are the keys for each operating system:

• On windows: Use the Advanced Audio Properties in OBS to assign another offset. Check the Windows mixer settings and close the software. "competitor" (screen recorders, voice chat, etc.).
• On Mac: OBS also allows access to the Advanced Audio tab, where you can adjust the sync. Also, check the settings for «Audio MIDI» to match the sampling rates of all devices.

Other causes of delay and how to identify them

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In addition to the reasons already mentioned, there are other common situations that can cause OBS microphone lag:

• unstable internet: This is especially true for live performances, where even the best local setup won't prevent audio from being delayed if the connection is poor.
• Video resolution or bit rate too high: If your OBS project is set to output at very high resolution and bitrate, your computer may not be able to handle it and may experience lag.
• GPU saturation: The graphics card becomes overloaded and affects all real-time tasks, including audio.
• Using wireless connections instead of cables: It is always safer to opt for a network cable connection for live streaming.

Advanced Solutions: Editing and External Software

If after trying all of the above the audio is still out of sync, you may want to consider editing the recording or using external tools to correct it.

• Audio and video editing: Programs like Wondershare UniConverter allow you to upload the file, manually align the audio and video, crop, resize, and export it perfectly synchronized.
• Automatic correction with AISome recording applications include features to automatically adjust audio delay (voice recognition, peak detection, etc.).
• Conversion and quality upscalingIf your files are too large, you can reduce the resolution and bitrate to make syncing easier from OBS itself or external programs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Microphone and Audio Lag in OBS

What can I do if OBS doesn't record any sound? Check that the correct input is selected in OBS settings and that the audio device isn't disabled in the operating system. Change the recording channel to "Stereo" and adjust the sample rate.

How to record video with synchronized audio in OBS? Make sure the video and audio sources are in the same scene. Go to "Settings," select the recording path and parameters, check the audio channels, and set the format and frequency correctly.

Why is my audio delayed only when streaming but not when recording? Streaming issues are often network-related: excessively high bitrate, unstable Wi-Fi connections, or firewall interference. Adjust these settings before looking for other causes.

Extra tips for lag-free streaming on OBS

If you want your live broadcast or recording to be completely fluid, also apply these tips:

• Keep all audio devices updated and with recent drivers.
• Reduce resolutions and frame rates if you notice that the system is running tight.
• Connect your computer using an Ethernet cable whenever possible.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall if you suspect it is blocking OBS.
• Don't overload your GPU: limit capture FPS or lower video quality.
• For more information about OBS and its settings we recommend this article about How to set up OBS Studio.

These small adjustments can make the difference between a professional experience and one filled with interruptions and delays.

When to use third-party programs to record without delay?

There are screen and audio recorders that, thanks to their lightweight design and advanced features, allow you to take screenshots without the slightest delay. Tools like EaseUS RecExperts stand out for working on both Windows and Mac, with specific options for noise reduction, AI video enhancement, and recording selected screen regions. If you're still experiencing lag after implementing all the methods mentioned above, don't hesitate to try these alternatives.

Audio delay in Viewer discretion It doesn't have to be an insurmountable problem or exclusive to professional configurations.By following the steps and solutions we've detailed, you'll be able to easily align the audio and video in your recordings, live streams, or video calls. Whether it's adjusting audio offsets, matching sample rates, optimizing hardware, or, if all else fails, editing after the fact, the key is to not give up and keep searching for the best configuration for your system. This way, your content will always be professional and you'll offer your audience the quality they deserve. We hope this article about microphone lag in OBS: how to eliminate lag has been helpful.