Normalize Game Audio vs Mic in OBS: A No‑Stress Starter Setup (2025)

New streamers often ask: “Do I need perfect levels for every game?” No—but you do need a sane baseline so your voice is always intelligible. This quick chain works across most titles and keeps you from chasing dials every session.

TL;DR Targets

Mic: peaks around −12 dB.
Game: averages around −24 dB RMS (lower than your mic).
Master: limiter with −1 dB ceiling to prevent clipping.
Game ducking: sidechain compressor keyed to mic for ~−6 dB during speech.

Why Audio Matters

Multiple r/streaming replies echoed the same thing: people leave if the game drowns you out. Quiet game is fine; unintelligible voice is not.

Simple OBS Chain

On the Master or output bus, add a Limiter (ceiling −1 dB).
On the Game source/bus, add a Compressor (ratio ~3:1, threshold ~−20 dB).
Enable Sidechain/Ducking on the Game compressor, keyed to your Mic; set ducking around −6 dB on voice.
Set your mic so normal talking lands near −12 dB peaks.
Adjust your game slider so action scenes sit around −24 dB RMS.

Diagram: Fast Setup Flow

Fine-Tuning Tips

If game explosions still jump out, raise compression ratio (3:1 → 4:1) or lower threshold.
If ducking is too obvious, reduce the ducking amount to −3 dB.
For single-player story games, bias even quieter game audio for clarity.
Save as an OBS preset/profile so you’re not rebuilding it every session.

Final Word

You don’t need perfect per‑game mixes. Aim for clear voice first, then keep game audible but secondary. This chain will get you 90% of the way there without stressing over every title.

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Inspired by a real discussion from r/streaming: “Should I worry about every game not having perfect audio levels compared to my mic?”