Audio Compressor in OBS

OBS compression is a live source filter

In OBS, open Filters from the Audio Mixer control for the microphone or source that needs peak control, then add Compressor. The filter acts while streaming or recording; it is not a post-production file compressor.

OBS documents ratio, threshold, attack, release, output gain, and an optional sidechain/ducking source. Because the filter is source-specific, confirm that it is attached to the intended microphone, desktop source, or scene path.

Set voice control while monitoring

• Speak at normal level and at the loudest level expected during the stream.
• Move threshold until only louder phrases trigger useful gain reduction.
• Use a moderate ratio first; shorten attack only when fast peaks still escape.
• Let release recover between phrases without making room noise surge.
• Use a limiter after the compressor only when a defined peak ceiling is also required.

Sidechain ducking is a different OBS task

Selecting another OBS source as the sidechain makes that source trigger level reduction. A common example is lowering desktop or music audio while the microphone is active. This is routing-dependent and should be tested with the actual scene collection.

Output gain is normally not the way to restore ducked music. Adjust threshold, ratio, and timing so the background returns naturally after speech.

OBS recording size and failure checks

Recording size comes from recording duration and the selected video and audio encoders. A microphone Compressor filter can change dynamics but does not directly choose the recording megabytes.

If levels sound doubled or unstable, check filters on both the source and nested scene, monitoring loops, and duplicate capture devices. Make a local test recording before a live session.