Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor continuous playlist audio in OBS, use a compressor only if the music’s loudness swings are distracting, then place a limiter last in the filter chain to control peaks. OBS’s published numbers are software defaults—not a tested preset for playlists—so tune against your own music and check a recording before going live.
Compressor and limiter: different jobs
A compressor reduces signal levels above a threshold. Its ratio determines how much those levels are reduced; below the threshold, it applies no gain reduction. For example, OBS explains that with a 2:1 ratio, a signal 6 dB above threshold ends up 3 dB above it. Output gain raises the processed signal afterward, which can use up the headroom compression created. OBS Project’s Compressor Filter documentation (published January 12, 2022) describes these controls.
A limiter is a peak-control stage intended to prevent a signal from peaking above 0 dB. It is not a tool for making every song sound equally loud. OBS describes it as a compressor with a very fast attack and high ratio, and says to put it last in the filter chain. OBS Project’s Limiter Filter documentation (published January 12, 2022) lists its default threshold as -6 dB and release as 60 ms.
What OBS’s documented settings mean
These are OBS’s listed defaults and ducking example, not recommended playlist-mastering settings. The documentation does not establish universal compressor or limiter values for continuous music.
#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.
| Control or use | OBS-documented value | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor ratio | 10:1 default | Sets how much levels above the threshold are reduced. |
| Compressor threshold | -18 dB default | Sets the level above which compression begins. |
| Compressor attack | 6 ms default | Sets how long the compressor takes to reach full gain reduction after the signal crosses the threshold. |
| Compressor release | 60 ms default | Sets how long it takes to return to zero gain reduction after the signal falls below the threshold. |
| Compressor output gain | 0 dB default | Raises or lowers the level after compression. |
| Limiter threshold | -6 dB default | Sets the limiter’s peak ceiling. |
| Limiter release | 60 ms default | Sets how quickly the limiter stops reducing gain after a peak. |
OBS also gives a separate starting point for sidechain ducking—lowering music or game audio when a microphone is active: ratio 32:1, threshold -36 dB, attack 100 ms, release 600 ms, output gain 0 dB, with the microphone selected as the sidechain source. Those values address voice-over ducking, not ordinary continuous playlist control. OBS advises adjusting the threshold for ducking strength and attack and release for timing. OBS’s compressor documentation includes this example.
Set up processing for playlist audio
- Find the source carrying the playlist. In the Audio Mixer, open that source’s filter panel. Attach filters to the playlist source if you want to process only the music rather than combined desktop audio. OBS supports filters on audio sources and scenes; its Filters Guide and OBS Studio Overview Guide describe the available filter locations and mixer.
- Listen before changing anything. Check representative quiet and loud sections while watching the source and output meters. If the playlist already sounds consistent and peaks are controlled, additional compression may not be necessary.
- Add a Compressor only for meaningful variation. Enable the Compressor and adjust threshold and ratio in small increments while listening. Tune attack and release against the actual tracks. There is no documented universal setting for continuous playlist audio; the OBS defaults are not a validated preset.
- Watch output gain and headroom. Output gain changes the level after compression. Raising it just to make the meter busier can undo some of the headroom you gained and drive peaks higher.
- Add a Limiter after the Compressor and other gain or dynamics filters. Choose a threshold that leaves suitable headroom for your delivery chain, then check that loud passages do not sound distorted or unnaturally flattened. The documented -6 dB threshold is a default, not a required setting.
- Record and review a test. Include track transitions and the loudest passages, then listen back before relying on the setup live. A limiter can catch peaks, but it cannot make tracks with different perceived loudness levels sound uniform.
When to use sidechain ducking
If a microphone needs to lower the playlist during speech, use a Compressor with the microphone selected as its sidechain source. OBS’s published starting values for that distinct use are in the table below. Adjust threshold to change how strongly the music ducks, and attack and release to change the timing. Do not apply this setup to a playlist on its own unless microphone-triggered ducking is what you want.
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.
| Sidechain control | OBS-published starting value for ducking |
|---|---|
| Ratio | 32:1 |
| Threshold | -36 dB |
| Attack | 100 ms |
| Release | 600 ms |
| Output gain | 0 dB |
| Sidechain source | Microphone |
Troubleshoot common audio problems
- The playlist sounds too flat or pumping: Reduce the amount of compression by easing the threshold or ratio, then listen again. The right adjustment depends on the material; OBS does not specify a universal playlist preset.
- Peaks still sound harsh: Confirm that the Limiter is last in the filter chain and review the source and output levels. A limiter is for peak control, not a substitute for checking the signal path.
- Compression makes the signal too loud: Check output gain. Because it is applied after compression, increasing it can use up headroom and push peaks higher.
- The filter changes more than the playlist: Check which source or scene has the filter. A filter on combined desktop audio affects that combined signal; a filter on the playlist source is scoped to that source.
- The music does not lower when you speak: This is a sidechain setup issue, not ordinary playlist compression. Check that the microphone is selected as the Compressor’s sidechain source and that the threshold is adjusted for the microphone level.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a continuous YouTube stream rather than keeping OBS and a playlist running on a computer, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; each slot streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot. StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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
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.
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.
Recommended Free Tools
