Professional Audio Processing
Shape your mic audio so it sounds clearer, more consistent, and closer to a polished broadcast.
Good audio matters more than most creators expect. Viewers will tolerate average video for a while, but they leave quickly when a voice sounds muddy, harsh, distorted, or inconsistent. Processing helps your mic sound cleaner and more reliable.
This guide covers the main software and hardware tools creators use to control tone, volume, noise, and overall vocal clarity.
What Is Audio Processing?
Audio processing means using filters and effects to control and improve your microphone signal. The most common tools include:
- Noise Gate: Mutes mic when you're not speaking
- Compressor: Evens out loud and quiet sounds
- EQ (Equalizer): Shapes your voice tone
- Limiter: Prevents audio from clipping or peaking
- De-Esser: Softens harsh "S" sounds
You can combine these tools inside OBS, Voicemeeter, VST hosts, or hardware mixers depending on your setup.
Software Tools for Processing
OBS VST Plugins
OBS Studio lets you load VST2 plugins directly onto your microphone source.
Recommended Free VSTs:
- ReaPlugs (REAPER VST Suite)
- ReaEQ, ReaGate, ReaComp, ReaLimit
Voicemeeter Banana or Potato
- Virtual mixing console for routing and processing
- Built-in compressor, gate, EQ, and more
- Route multiple mic and system inputs independently
Wave Link (for Elgato users)
- Real-time mic control with stream/monitor routing
- Supports VST plugins through OBS
Hardware-Based Audio Processing
GoXLR / GoXLR Mini
- Built-in hardware compressor, gate, EQ
- Fader control and routing matrix
- No PC CPU load
Preamp/Audio Interfaces
- Interfaces like the Elgato Wave XLR, Focusrite Scarlett, or RODECaster Pro are great upgrades when you want more control.
- Cleaner signal path and phantom power for XLR microphones
- Can be paired with VST plugins or dedicated hardware processors
Recommended Processing Chain Order
- 1Noise Gate – Silence unwanted background noise
- 2EQ – Clean up rumble and enhance vocal tone
- 3Compressor – Level out volume for clarity
- 4De-Esser – Soften harsh "s" sounds
- 5Limiter – Prevent peak distortion
Use Studio headphones to properly monitor how each effect changes your audio.
Pro Tips
- Use low-cut filters to remove bass rumble (start around 80–100Hz)
- Don't overcompress—aim for subtle control, not distortion
- Monitor your levels live with headphones to avoid mic bleed or clipping
- Test your setup with a recording session before going live
Suggested Tools & Gear
| Category | Product / Software |
|---|---|
| VST Plugins | REAPlugs, TDR Nova, Marvel GEQ |
| Interfaces | Elgato Wave XLR, Focusrite Scarlett Solo |
| Mixers | GoXLR, RODECaster Pro, Behringer X1204 |
| Headphones | Audio-Technica M50X, Beyerdynamic DT770 |
Final Thoughts
Thoughtful audio processing is one of the clearest differences between a rough stream and a polished one. Once you understand how your voice reacts to these tools, you can build a sound that keeps people listening.