If you're using a dual PC streaming setup — one PC for gaming and another for broadcasting — you might encounter audio delay or desync issues between your game sound, mic input, and video feed. This guide explains why it happens and how to fix audio delay effectively for smooth, professional-grade streams.
Who This Guide Is For
- Gamers using a two-PC streaming setup (Gaming PC + Streaming PC)
- Streamers noticing audio out of sync with gameplay or webcam
- Creators using capture cards like Elgato HD60 X, AVerMedia, or Magewell
- Users of live streaming tools such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or Yostream
Why Audio Delay Happens in Dual PC Setups
Audio delay in dual PC streaming is often caused by:
- Capture card latency (video reaches the streaming PC later than audio)
- Different audio routing paths between PCs
- Network transmission delay (if using NDI or audio-over-IP)
- Incorrect sync offset in OBS or similar software
When the video lags behind the sound, viewers experience lip-sync issues or game audio arriving too early.
Step-by-Step Fix for Audio Delay
1. Identify the Delay Source
- Test both game audio and microphone.
- If the delay is consistent, note the difference (in milliseconds) using a clap test — record yourself clapping and see how the sound aligns with the video.
2. Use OBS Sync Offset
In OBS Studio (on your streaming PC):
- Go to Edit → Advanced Audio Properties.
- Find the audio source (e.g., “Game Capture,” “Mic/Aux”).
- Enter a Sync Offset value (start with +150 ms or +250 ms).
- Test and adjust until your video and audio match perfectly.
3. Delay the Audio on the Gaming PC
If you’re routing audio via line-in or virtual audio cable, apply a delay on the gaming PC output before it reaches the streaming PC. Tools like VoiceMeeter Banana or VB-Audio let you add millisecond-level delay.
4. Use Capture Card Audio Instead of Line-In
For most setups, it’s best to capture both video and audio from the same source (the capture card).
- This keeps the audio and video in sync.
- Disable “Use custom audio device” in OBS if you’re using HDMI audio passthrough.
5. Test With a Local Recording
Run a short recording test in OBS:
- Speak and perform quick visual actions.
- Review playback to check for perfect sync.
- Once synced, apply the same settings to your live scene profile.
Pro Tips for Zero-Latency Streaming
- Use low-latency capture cards (HDMI 2.1 or USB 3.0 models).
- Stick to 48 kHz sample rate for all devices (mismatched rates can cause drift).
- Enable hardware encoding (NVENC, AMF, or QuickSync) for faster processing.
- Try Yostream, a browser-based live streaming tool that simplifies syncing and eliminates PC-to-PC transmission delay — ideal if you want low-latency streaming without complex setups.
Common User Questions Answered
Q: Why is my game audio ahead of my webcam feed in OBS?
A: The video feed from your capture card is slightly delayed. Add a positive sync offset (e.g., +200 ms) to your audio source in OBS.
Q: How do I fix the microphone delay in dual PC streaming?
A: Use the same sync offset for your mic and game audio or route both through your streaming PC to maintain uniform latency.
Q: Can I fix the delay without buying new hardware?
A: Yes. You can manually sync using OBS offsets or use virtual tools like VoiceMeeter Banana.
Final Check
Once your sync is fixed:
- Do a 5-minute private test stream.
- Check playback on another device.
- Save your working profile in OBS for future use.
A correctly synced dual-PC setup gives your stream a professional edge, making every movement, sound, and reaction feel perfectly timed — exactly what your audience expects.