{"id":524,"date":"2025-05-27T10:07:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T01:07:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alive-project.com\/en\/streamer-magazine\/?p=524"},"modified":"2026-03-25T18:31:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T09:31:01","slug":"2220","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alive-project.com\/en\/streamer-magazine\/article\/2220\/","title":{"rendered":"OBS Audio Sync Issues: Causes of Gradual Delay and How to Fix Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

There may be individuals facing issues such as, “The audio is in sync at first when using OBS, but it goes out of sync over time,” or “Adjusting the sync offset doesn’t help the situation.”<\/p>\n

If the audio delay in OBS expands over time, it may require reviewing settings and PC environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This article will explain the differences in audio delay that occur in OBS, as well as the main causes of audio sync issues. Furthermore, we will provide a wide range of concrete solutions, from adjusting OBS settings to improving PC environments and reviewing connected devices.<\/p>\n

By reading to the end, you will be able to accurately identify the causes of audio delays and resolve audio issues during your OBS broadcasts, establishing a stable streaming environment.<\/p>\n

What Causes Gradual Audio Delay in OBS?<\/h2>\n

“Audio delay” refers to the phenomenon where the timing between video and audio is out of sync<\/strong>. Audio delay issues can occur in any streaming format using OBS, such as game streaming or live streaming.<\/p>\n

The causes of audio delay in OBS are varied, but mainly include the following three:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Improper OBS settings<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Insufficient PC performance<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Faulty connected devices<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Let’s take a closer look at these causes.<\/p>\n

    Additionally, there are articles that explain solutions for when there is no sound in OBS, so be sure to check them as well.<\/p>\n

    \u00bb Fixing OBS Sound Issues: Easy Solutions for Common Problems<\/a><\/p>\n

    Improper OBS Settings like Sampling Rate<\/h3>\n

    If the internal settings of OBS<\/strong> are not configured correctly, it can lead to audio delays.<\/p>\n

    A common issue is the mismatch in the “sampling rate.” If the sampling rate set on your PC’s audio device differs from the one set in OBS, audio delays will occur. Additionally, if you are using variable frame rate (VFR), the frame rate of the video may not be consistent, causing a mismatch with the audio.<\/p>\n

    Furthermore, mistakes in the settings of capture cards or audio interfaces can also lead to audio delays, so caution is needed. If video and audio are being captured from different devices, inaccurate source settings in OBS can result in sync issues, leading to delays.<\/p>\n

    Insufficient PC Specifications<\/h3>\n

    If your PC’s performance is lacking<\/strong>, it might struggle to process the data, resulting in audio delays.<\/p>\n

    OBS processes both video and audio simultaneously, putting a significant load on the CPU and memory. Particularly if you are using an older or lower-spec PC, CPU usage can soar, causing delays in processing and making audio delays more likely.<\/p>\n

    Be cautious if you are overloading your settings during streaming. Particularly when streaming at high-quality settings, if your PC\u2019s specs cannot support them, audio delays may arise. Additionally, unstable internet conditions can cause delays in streaming data, affecting the synchronization between audio and video.<\/p>\n

    If you are concerned about the recommended PC specs for OBS streaming, refer to the following article.<\/p>\n

    \u00bb Essential Streaming Gear for Aspiring VTubing: Beginner\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

    Faulty Connected Devices like Capture Cards<\/h3>\n

    Audio delays may also occur due to devices connected to OBS, such as cameras or microphones<\/strong>. For example, older microphones or capture cards may have performance degradation that leads to audio delays, so caution is necessary.<\/p>\n

    Moreover, conducting streams while unnecessary software is running can impact the performance of connected devices and the entire PC.<\/p>\n

    Difference between Consistent Audio Delay and Gradual Audio Delay in OBS<\/h2>\n

    OBS audio delays can be categorized into those that occur consistently from the start and last for a certain duration, and those where the delay gradually increases as the recording or broadcast progresses<\/strong>. Understanding the differences in symptoms is crucial, as the causes and solutions vary. This section will explain the characteristics of the two patterns of audio delay.<\/p>\n

    Consistent Audio Delay Occurs from the Start<\/h3>\n

    Consistent audio delay refers to a situation where the same duration of delay persists from the start to the end of the recording or stream<\/strong>. The cause is often due to fixed latency from audio devices or capture devices, leading to persistent audio delays as the relationship between video and audio does not change.<\/p>\n

    In OBS, you can adjust the audio delay by utilizing the “sync offset” feature found in the advanced properties of the audio mixer, following these steps:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Open OBS<\/li>\n
    2. Click on the advanced properties of the audio mixer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Enter the delay time in the sync offset<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        This allows you to adjust the audio in milliseconds. Enter an appropriate value into the sync offset to align the timing of audio and video.<\/p>\n

        Gradual Audio Delay Increases Over Time<\/h3>\n

        Gradual audio delay refers to a state where the delay widens as the length of the stream or recording increases<\/strong>. Even if there are no issues right after the beginning, the discrepancy between video and audio increases over time.<\/p>\n

        The sync offset in OBS is a function to correct fixed delays and cannot address audio delays that change over time. If audio delays widen during long streams, it is highly likely that there is an issue with the settings or the operation of your equipment.<\/p>\n

        The main points to check for gradual audio delays are as follows:<\/p>\n