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Use an OBS limiter as the final audio filter to keep sudden waterfall peaks below its output ceiling, then test and monitor the actual loop before and during the broadcast. A limiter controls peaks; it does not set a universal loudness target or make an uneven recording sound consistent.
Prepare the video, audio and stream
Choose a continuous waterfall recording or a playlist that can loop cleanly. Confirm you have the rights needed to livestream both the footage and its audio. Listen for loud splashes, abrupt changes and loop seams: a filter cannot fix an unwanted sound or a poorly joined loop.
To send the program to YouTube, connect an encoder using the server URL and stream key shown in YouTube’s live setup. Treat the stream key like a password: keep it private, and reset it in YouTube if it is exposed. YouTube’s encoder setup guide describes this connection.
Set audio levels in OBS
Check the source before adding filters
Play the actual waterfall recording and watch the OBS audio mixer meter. OBS explains that streamed or recorded audio should stay below 0 dBFS to avoid clipping distortion; the mixer bar indicates peak level. If the source is already clipping, reduce its level or gain rather than adding gain elsewhere. A limiter can cap later peaks, but it cannot restore clean detail already distorted in the source.
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Add a limiter last
- In OBS, open the audio source’s Filters and add a Limiter.
- Keep the limiter at the end of that source’s filter chain. OBS explicitly recommends that position.
- OBS documents a default threshold of -6.00 dB and a release of 60 ms. Treat these as the filter’s documented defaults, not guaranteed ideal settings or YouTube requirements for every recording.
- Play loud sections and check that the meter does not hit 0 dBFS. Listen to the output for distortion or abrupt changes.
The limiter’s threshold is a ceiling for peaks, not a target loudness for the whole stream. The official guidance cited here does not set a LUFS target or a universal true-peak ceiling for waterfall ambience.
Use a compressor only if the source varies
If the recording has widely varying levels, a compressor earlier in the chain can reduce the likelihood of large peaks before the limiter applies its final ceiling. OBS recommends placing a compressor near the beginning of the filter chain. For an already steady ambience recording, a compressor may not be necessary; do not add one automatically.
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Test the complete broadcast before relying on it
- Start a private or otherwise appropriate test using the same video and audio you plan to stream. YouTube recommends that tests include audio and movement similar to the intended broadcast.
- Watch the OBS meter and listen to the preview and playback. Check for loud splashes, silence, distortion, unexpected level jumps and audible loop seams.
- Check YouTube’s stream health and any messages, then continue monitoring audio and video quality while live. YouTube advises creators to monitor streams continuously.
- If the recording or settings change, repeat the test. A clean result from a different clip does not establish that this loop will behave the same way.
Audio ingest settings are not loudness targets
For RTMP or RTMPS, YouTube lists AAC or MP3 audio. Its recommended advanced settings include 44.1 kHz for stereo and 128 kbps for stereo. These are encoding settings, not instructions about how loud to make the waterfall.
Plan continuity and archiving for a 24/7 stream
A continuous stream needs a continuity plan as well as audio settings. With a local encoder, the computer, encoder and network connection have to remain available; monitor the broadcast so you can respond to interruptions. YouTube’s live streaming tips recommend continuous monitoring of stream audio and video.
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YouTube’s encoder setup documentation says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. Do not assume that an uninterrupted 24-hour broadcast will produce a complete automatic archive under that guidance. If you need a recording, plan a separate recording or archive workflow and verify its limits before going live.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo keeps a prerecorded video looping as a YouTube live stream from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Upload the waterfall video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; automatic recovery is available if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The Monthly price is $9.99 per month. You still need to clear the recording’s rights and verify the live audio in a test; cloud hosting does not replace those checks. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
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