Quick answer
To make audio reactive visuals in OBS, send a clean music source into a visual engine, capture the output as a browser, window, Spout, Syphon, or NDI source, then keep the visual scene separate from camera and chat overlays. The best setup reacts to the music without making your stream hard to read.
OBS audio reactive setup
1. Route clean audio
Use a direct DJ mixer, interface loopback, DAW bus, or virtual cable. Avoid microphone-only input because crowd noise and room echo make visuals jitter.
2. Generate visuals
Use REACT or another real-time visual engine to map frequency bands, beat intensity, and section changes to motion, color, particles, and camera movement.
3. Capture into OBS
Add the visual output as a browser source, window capture, game capture, NDI, Spout, or Syphon source. Lock the source once framing is correct.
4. Add conversion layers
Keep a lower-third for the track, artist, next show, REACT link, or newsletter callout. The stream should become a reusable acquisition asset.
Plugin-only visualizer vs REACT workflow
| Need | Simple OBS plugin | REACT workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | Fast for bars and meters | Fast after presets are saved |
| Show quality | Usually limited to one visual style | Supports branded scenes, drops, sections, and show looks |
| Audio control | Often follows the mixed stream audio | Can listen to stems, MIDI, DAW buses, or dedicated inputs |
| Reuse after stream | Requires separate editing | Can record vertical clips and promo loops during rehearsal |
Recommended OBS scene stack
- Scene 1: full-screen reactive visual for intros, drops, and intermission.
- Scene 2: visual background with camera, chat, and track title overlays.
- Scene 3: vertical capture layout for Shorts, Reels, and newsletter clips.
- Scene 4: backup static loop if the audio input or visual engine fails.
- Scene 5: closing card with REACT, Compeller, and newsletter links.
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