How to Set Up Audio on OBS for Switch Streaming

Streaming your Nintendo Switch gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube can be a lot of fun, but it’s essential to have good audio quality to engage your audience. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a popular choice for streaming software, and in this article, we will guide you through the steps of setting up your audio on OBS for Switch streaming.

Step 1: Connect your Nintendo Switch to your PC

To start streaming your Nintendo Switch gameplay on OBS, you will need to connect your Switch to your PC. The easiest way to do this is by using a capture card. Connect the HDMI output from your Switch to the HDMI input on the capture card, and then connect the capture card to your PC using a USB cable. Make sure you have the necessary drivers installed for your capture card.

Step 2: Open OBS and add a new source

Once you have your Switch connected to your PC, open OBS. In the Sources panel, click on the “+” button and select “Video Capture Device” from the drop-down menu. Give your source a name, such as “Switch Gameplay.”

Step 3: Configure your video settings

In the Video Capture Device properties, select your capture card from the Device drop-down menu. You can leave the other settings at their default values unless you have specific requirements. Click “OK” to save your settings.

Step 4: Set up audio input

To set up your audio on OBS, click on the “+” button in the Sources panel again and select “Audio Input Capture” from the drop-down menu. Give your source a name, such as “Switch Audio.”

Step 5: Configure your audio settings

In the Audio Input Capture properties, select the audio device you want to use for capturing the Switch’s audio. This can be your PC’s internal sound card or any external microphone you have connected. You can adjust the audio levels using the sliders if necessary. Click “OK” to save your settings.

Step 6: Add audio output source

To ensure that your stream viewers can hear both your gameplay audio from the Switch and your microphone commentary, you need to add an audio output source. Click on the “+” button in the Sources panel once again and select “Audio Output Capture” from the drop-down menu. Name this source, for example, “Switch Audio Output.”

Step 7: Configure audio output settings

In the Audio Output Capture properties, select the audio device you want to use for broadcasting audio to your stream viewers. This can be your PC’s internal sound card or any virtual audio cables you have installed. Adjust the audio levels if needed. Click “OK” to save your settings.

Step 8: Set up audio monitoring

Audio monitoring is crucial for ensuring that your audio levels are correct and that you can hear both your gameplay audio and microphone commentary while you stream. To enable audio monitoring, right-click on your audio input capture source (Switch Audio) and select “Properties.” In the Audio Monitoring drop-down menu, choose the monitoring option that suits your preferences.

Step 9: Test your audio settings

Before you start streaming, it’s essential to test your audio settings to ensure everything is working correctly. Start your Nintendo Switch, open a game, and go live on OBS. Check if the audio from your Switch and your microphone commentary are being captured and heard correctly. Make adjustments as needed to optimize audio quality.

Streaming your Nintendo Switch gameplay can be an excellent way to share your gaming experiences with others. By following these steps and setting up your audio correctly on OBS, you can provide your viewers with an enjoyable and immersive experience. Don’t forget to regularly test and fine-tune your audio settings to maintain the best possible streaming quality. Happy streaming!