To fix a steady audio delay in OBS, add the prerecorded file as a Media Source, then open Edit → Advanced Audio Properties and adjust that source’s Sync Offset (ms). Measure the difference in a short recording first; there is no universal offset that works for every file and setup. Test the result again before going live.
1. Add the prerecorded video as an OBS Media Source
- In the scene where the video should play, add a Media Source and select the local file. OBS documents support for video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF and WebM, and audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG and WAV. Media Sources are available on Windows, macOS and Linux. See the OBS Media Sources guide.
- Check the source’s playback properties. Restart playback when source becomes active restarts the file when its source is in the current scene and visible. Loop restarts it after playback completes. Set these according to whether the video is a one-time segment or should repeat.
- Make sure you are adjusting the audio that viewers actually hear. A Media Source may provide both picture and sound; a separate input or output capture may also be involved in the scene or in OBS’s global audio settings.
2. Measure the sync error before changing a value
Record a short test that includes a clear audio-and-picture event, such as a visible clap or a sharp action with an audible cue. Play the recording back in a media player or inspect it in an editor. Note whether the sound occurs before or after the corresponding picture, and estimate the difference in milliseconds.
This recording-and-review method is a diagnostic step, not a guarantee about YouTube’s delivered playback. A local OBS recording can show the timing of OBS output, but it cannot by itself confirm what a viewer receives through YouTube Live.
3. Adjust the appropriate OBS sync control
When the audio is early
- Open Edit → Advanced Audio Properties.
- Find the row for the audio source that is early and adjust its Sync Offset (ms). OBS forum guidance identifies this field as the millisecond delay control. A forum user reports that a positive value delays audio and a negative value advances it, but confirm the direction with your installed OBS release and source type rather than relying on the sign alone.
- Make a short recording after each adjustment and review it. Change the value in measured increments until the event appears aligned; do not adopt a value reported by another user as a standard preset.
When the audio is late
Adding more delay to late audio moves it further from the picture. Check whether the video source needs a delay or a video-source filter, or whether another part of the playback or capture path is responsible. OBS community troubleshooting discusses both audio delay for a constant offset and video-source adjustment as possible control points; test any change in a fresh recording.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
4. Tell a fixed offset from drift
- The gap stays about the same: a source sync offset may compensate for a stable timing difference.
- The gap grows during playback: do not try to solve it by guessing a larger fixed offset. Investigate source or device timing and the playback path.
- The local recording is aligned but the live stream is not: isolate whether the difference appears in OBS’s recording, YouTube’s received stream or only a viewer’s playback. The OBS sources cited here do not establish a YouTube-specific timing guarantee or a current platform diagnostic procedure.
For Windows Audio Input Capture and Audio Output Capture, OBS documents a Use Device Timestamps option intended to prevent desynchronization. It is not documented as a universal fix for audio embedded in a Media Source. See the OBS Audio Sources guide.
5. Verify the result on the stream path
- Make a fresh local OBS recording and check the same clear event you used to measure the original mismatch.
- If practical, run a private or otherwise controlled live test and check the received stream as well. A local recording alone does not establish how every viewer will hear the YouTube stream.
- If a separate capture device is involved, check that the same device is not captured both as a scene source and globally under Settings → Audio; OBS warns that duplicate capture can cause echo.
6. Troubleshoot common sync problems
The offset setting appears to do nothing
- Confirm you changed the row for the source whose sound is audible.
- Record and review a short test after making the change; do not rely only on monitoring what you hear while operating OBS.
- Check whether the issue is limited to a particular OBS version, operating system or source type, and include an OBS log if you ask for support.
A GitHub issue opened on 2024-12-22 reports a specific offset-behavior problem on macOS 14 with OBS 30 and 31. A later commenter described a workaround in a distinct setup. This is one report, not evidence that all users or versions are affected, and it does not establish an official fix. See OBS Studio issue #11656.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
There is echo or the sync changes with a separate audio device
Check whether the device is captured twice, once as a scene source and again in Settings → Audio. On Windows, inspect the capture source properties for Use Device Timestamps and test whether it changes the result. That option concerns device capture and should not be assumed to correct embedded Media Source timing.
The error gets worse over time
Recheck the beginning and end of a recording, then compare the local recording with the live output. A growing mismatch points away from a single constant offset; check device or source timing and identify the stage where the drift first appears.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded videos live on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo runs the uploaded video or playlist from the cloud: upload, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. Each slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers; if YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo attempts automatic recovery. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
