What Is and How to Use OBS Audio Compressor

When you’re watching a stream, the vibe is chill, and suddenly, BAM! The streamer gets a jump-scare or wins a clutch round, shouts at the top of their lungs, and your eardrums are ringing for the next ten minutes. Or, on the flip side, you can barely hear them over the game music until they start yelling.

If you’re the one behind the mic, you don't want to be that streamer. This is where the OBS audio compressor comes in. In this guide, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about the OBS sound compressor, from the confusing technical terms to the exact settings I use for my daily broadcasts.

Part 1. What is OBS Audio Compressor

First Verdict

The OBS audio compressor is a built-in filter in OBS Studio that automatically lowers the volume of your audio source when it exceeds a threshold. Think of it as an invisible hand that turns down your volume knob the moment you get too loud, and lets go when you speak normally.

In my experience, using a mic audio filter like this is the difference between an amateur setup and a "pro" sounding broadcast. It’s not just about being loud; it’s about being consistent.

Part 2. Key Features of OBS Audio Compressor

Let’s dive into the "meat" of the tool. When you open the OBS audio compressor settings, you’ll see five or six sliders. Here is what they actually do based on my real-world testing.

1. The Ratio (The "Squeezer")

The Ratio determines how much the compressor reduces the volume once it crosses the threshold. For example, a 4:1 ratio means that for every 4dB the volume goes over the limit, OBS only lets 1dB through.

• • Real Test & Result: I tested this with a high-end condenser mic. At 2:1, the compression was barely noticeable. At 10:1, my voice sounded very "squashed" like a radio announcer. I found that 3:1 or 4:1 is the "sweet spot" for most voices.
• • User Review: "The ratio slider finally helped me stop peaking when I play horror games. It keeps my screams at the same level as my talking voice!"

2. The Threshold (The "Gatekeeper")

This is the level (in decibels) where the compressor starts working. Anything quieter than the threshold is left alone; anything louder gets compressed. (Learn more about audio compression here.)

• • Real Test & Result: I set my threshold to -18dB. During normal conversation, the filter stayed inactive. The moment I laughed loudly, the compressor kicked in smoothly. If you set this too low (like -40dB), your entire stream will sound quiet and muffled.
• • User Review: "Finding the right threshold was a game-changer. My viewers no longer have to reach for their volume dial every five minutes."

3. Attack and Release (The "Speed")

Attack is how fast the compressor starts (in milliseconds), and Release is how fast it stops once the volume drops.

• • Real Test & Result: I prefer a fast Attack (around 5ms) to catch sudden shouts instantly. For Release, I use 50ms-100ms. If the Release is too fast, the audio "pumps" (breathes) in a way that sounds distracting.
• • User Review: "Setting a fast attack fixed my OBS audio distortion issues immediately. It catches the peak before it even happens."

4. Output Gain (The "Booster")

Because compression reduces the loud parts, the overall volume might seem lower. Output Gain lets you boost the final signal.

• • Real Test & Result: After compressing my voice, I usually add about 3dB to 6dB of Output Gain. This makes my voice sound "thick" and present, cutting through the game audio perfectly.
• • User Review: "Don't ignore the gain! It’s what gives you that 'podcast' clarity without needing a $500 mic."

Part 3. How to Use Compressor Filter in OBS to Reduce Audio File

If you want to achieve OBS audio compression for a clearer voice, follow these exact steps. I’ve refined this process over hundreds of hours of streaming.

1. Open Your Audio Filters

Go to the Audio Mixer dock in OBS. Find your microphone (usually labeled 'Mic/Aux'). Click the three dots (⋮) and select Filters.

2. Add the Compressor

Click the + icon at the bottom left of the Filters window. Select Compressor from the list. You can name it "Main Compressor."

3. Dial in the Ratio and Threshold

Start with a Ratio of 4:1 and set your Threshold to -20dB as a starting point. Talk at your normal volume; you should see the "Gain Reduction" bar (the green bar moving to the left) barely moving. Now, shout! You should see that bar move significantly.

Set Attack to 6ms and Release to 60ms. This is a standard "safe" zone that works for 90% of people.

4. Compensation (Output Gain)

If your voice feels too quiet now, slowly move the Output Gain slider up until your levels in the main OBS mixer are hitting the "yellow" zone (between -15dB and -10dB) when you talk normally.

5. Test with Game Audio

Play a video or some game music. Ensure your voice sits "on top" of the music. If the music drowns you out, increase the Output Gain slightly.

If the audio compression isn't what you want and you want to make it smaller, you can compress the video recording file after exporting it with third-party tools.

Part 4. Final Verdict on OBS Audio Compressor

After using nearly every OBS mic audio filter available, the built-in compressor remains a powerhouse. It is robust, low on CPU usage, and highly effective.

Performance Verdict: If you are a live creator, the OBS sound compressor is non-negotiable. It solves the most common complaint in streaming: inconsistent volume. While it takes about 10 minutes to set up properly, the tool's "set it and forget it" nature makes it a 10/10 recommendation for any serious creator.

Is it perfect?

No. For post-production (editing a video you already recorded), OBS isn't the best tool. But for live 1-on-1 interaction or gaming, it's the gold standard.

Part 5. Best OBS Alternative to Compress Audio: AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate

Sometimes, you’ve already recorded a video and realized the audio is a mess. You can’t go back and use the OBS filter. In this case, I recommend AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate. While OBS is for live work, AnyMP4 is a powerhouse for fixing files after the fact.

AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate features a dedicated Toolbox that contains a specialized Audio Compressor tool. It’s perfect for when you need to level out a recording or reduce the size of a massive audio file for uploading to Discord or YouTube.

Conclusion

Mastering the OBS audio compressor is a rite of passage for any content creator. It’s the difference between a viewer sticking around because they feel comfortable and leaving because their ears hurt. By understanding the OBS compressor vs limiter (the compressor squeezes, the limiter stops), and setting up your OBS audio filter chain setup correctly, you’ll sound professional regardless of your hardware.