Audio out of sync with video

Audio sync issues come in two forms. Delay means audio is consistently ahead or behind. Drift means sync gets progressively worse over time. The fix depends on which type you have.

First: Identify the problem type

You need to know if the issue is constant delay or progressive drift.

Test recording method

1. Record a 5-10 minute test (not a stream)
2. Check sync at the beginning of the recording
3. Check sync at the end of the recording

Results:

• Bad at start, same amount bad at end = Fixed delay (easier to fix)
• Fine at start, worse at end = Drift (usually sample rate issue)
• Bad at start, even worse at end = Both problems

Fixing fixed delay

If your audio is consistently ahead or behind by the same amount:

Use sync offset in OBS

1. Right-click in the Audio Mixer
2. Select Advanced Audio Properties
3. Find the Sync Offset (ms) column
4. Add positive values to delay audio, negative to advance it
5. Start with small adjustments (50-100ms) and test

Common delay sources

• Webcam. Many webcams add 100-200ms of video delay. Delay your audio to match.
• Capture cards. Can add significant delay. Check manufacturer specs.
• Audio interfaces. USB audio devices can add latency. Check buffer settings.
• Wireless headsets. Bluetooth typically adds 100-300ms delay.

Reduce source latency

• Use wired peripherals instead of wireless where possible
• Lower audio buffer sizes in audio interface software (may increase CPU usage)
• Disable audio enhancements in Windows Sound settings

Fixing drift (progressive desync)

If sync gets worse over time, it's almost always a sample rate mismatch.

Align sample rates across all devices

Every device in your audio chain must use the same sample rate. 48kHz is the streaming standard.

1. Windows Sound settings

1. Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settings
2. Click your output device → Properties
3. Under Format, select 48000 Hz
4. Repeat for your input device (microphone)

2. OBS Audio settings

1. Go to Settings → Audio
2. Set Sample Rate to 48 kHz

3. Audio interface software

• Open your audio interface's control panel
• Set sample rate to 48000 Hz
• Common interfaces: Focusrite Control, GoXLR App, Voicemeeter

4. Virtual audio software

• If using VoiceMeeter, VB-Cable, or similar, set all to 48kHz
• Check for "sample rate" or "clock source" settings

Other drift causes

• Multiple USB audio devices. Each has its own clock. Try using one device as the master.
• Outdated audio drivers. Update to the latest from the manufacturer (not Windows generic)
• Power saving modes. USB power saving can cause timing issues. Disable in Device Manager.

Game audio specifically out of sync

If your mic is fine but game audio is off:

• Check if the game has its own audio latency settings
• Capture game audio directly via Application Audio Capture instead of Desktop Audio
• Disable any in-game audio processing or "surround sound" features

Related issues

• OBS no audio on Twitch
• Mic muted without realizing