If your game audio drowns out your voice every time action picks up, you need audio ducking. Here's the exact sidechain compressor setup I use on every client's OBS:

The Problem

Most streamers set their game audio to -10dB and call it a day. Then during intense moments the game gets louder, your voice gets buried, and chat starts spamming "CAN'T HEAR YOU."

The Fix: OBS Sidechain Compressor

Step 1 — Right-click your Desktop Audio source → Filters → Add "Compressor"

Step 2 — Set these values:

• Ratio: 32:1 (essentially a limiter)

• Threshold: -36 dB

• Attack: 6 ms

• Release: 60 ms

• Output Gain: 0 dB

• Sidechain/Ducking Source: Your Mic/Aux

Step 3 — Test it. Talk normally while game audio plays. Your desktop audio should visibly dip 6-10dB when you speak.

Pro Tips

• If it sounds too aggressive, raise the threshold to -30 dB

• If the ducking is too slow, drop the attack to 3 ms

• Always set release between 50-100ms — too fast sounds choppy, too slow and the audio stays ducked after you stop talking

Common Mistake

Don't put the compressor on your mic. It goes on the desktop audio (or whatever source you want to duck). Your mic is the sidechain trigger, not the target.

This single filter changed more viewer retention numbers than any overlay or transition I've ever built.

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I teach complete OBS scene architecture, hotkey workflows, and audio engineering inside SceneForge. If you want done-for-you templates and weekly coaching, check out the product page.