Audio filters are commonly used to increase the quality of audio. They’re a low-cost way to boost the audio output quality.
Although, Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) provides appropriate tools for the job, but audio management should be handled with more professionalism.
In this article, I’ll go through some of the best OBS VST Plug-ins that can do more than just filter audio. Keep reading to learn more.
OBS VST Plug-Ins: What Are They?
The VST plugins used inside your OBS studio are known as OBS VST Plugins.
These plugins are more than simply audio filters. They are also a cost effective approach to better the sound quality.
Let’s take a closer look at how to use VST Plug-ins in OBS.
What Are VST Plugins And How Do They Work?
Virtual Studio Technology (VST) Plugins are used to enhance a project’s audio quality.
They operate with a wide range of DAW software and digital audio workstations.
VSTi stands for Virtual Studio Technology Instrument.
VSTs are plugins for digital audio workstations that let you reproduce instrument sound effects.
As a result, you’ll be able to improvise using any form of music or sound effect.
VST and VSTi’s are highly sought after in the music industry for extracting high-quality outputs.
In VST, The Order Of The Filters Is Crucial
In VST audio chains the order of filters is critical, especially for the microphone source.
This is an order that you must fulfill. When a Noise filter is applied after a Gain filter, the noise is increased and the signal-to noise ratio is lowered.
That is why, before manipulating the audio filters in your OBS studio, you must first grasp this order.
Here’s a proposed filtering order for you. These can be found in the filter list:
- Noise Suppression
- Noise Gate
- Expander
- Equalization
- Compression
- Limiter
Equalization and Limiter are optional filters among these expanders.
They are used to improve the audio quality. Low sounds, such as bird tweeting and footsteps, are amplified by the Expander, making them more audible.
A limiter keeps the microphone from peaking and other issues at bay.
1. MFree FXBundle By Melda
This free OBS plugin is simple to use, even for the beginners. The basic style is straightforward and easy to comprehend.
It comes with a number of free audio effects. You can expand the functionalities of the program by acquiring a license.
This pack has two main plugins –
- Mcompressor
- MEquilizer
MCompressor
MCompressor might be useful for fine-tuning the microphone. It avoids the audio component from having peaks and cuts. This program offers an easy-to-use interface.
MCompressor creates a dynamic sound impact by providing good compression.
Upsampling choices abound for a crystal-clear sound output.
MEquilizer
Melda Production’s MEquilizer is a 6-band equalization that is also simple to use.
Each band contains seven filters. It includes a sonogram as well as a spectrum analyzer.
One thing to keep in mind before utilizing these plugins is that they are not totally compatible with OBS studio.
These plugins do not store their settings between reboots.
The Streamlabs OBS plugins contain issues that cause the client to crash when it is opened.
Melda Productions VST plugins are prone to this problem. Although it is considerably easier to use than Reaplugs, it has several disadvantages that I will discuss later.
2. Replugs By Reaper
Now, let me introduce these free Reaper OBS Plugins. Reaper is a high-quality DAW software used for creating music and sound effects.
Reaplugs is one of the best OBS plugin consisting Reaper’s built-in effects.
Reapers are completely free and one of the best VST plugins that I can recommend.
A large section of the streamers prefers to use Reaplugs to control the audio. It has gained popularity hype for its functionality.
But you may need a guide to understand Reapers fully as the UI is not that user-friendly. To tweak the filters you can take the help of the video tutorials.
The filters available with the pack are as follows:
- Reagate
- Reaeq
- Reacontrolmidi
- ReaFir
- ReaXcomp
- Readelay
- Reastream
- Reaxcomp
- Reajs
Make sure you get the x64 version to ensure compatibility with your OBS studio.
You can play around with these plugins to see what kind of effects you can get. You can use Reaeq, ReaFir, and Reacomp for streaming.
Reaeq
This equalizer is based on IIR and supports an unlimited number of brands. It can handle any number of bands, shelves, HPF, allpass, notch, and other types of filters.
You will have a full view of the graph for exact manipulation.
This powerful equalizer plug-in includes features such as a “High Pass” filter. It is primarily utilized by professionals, therefore it may not appear friendly to newbies.
ReaFir
In ReaFir, you’ll find a variety of modes. These filters have the same functionality as the other filters in this package.
First and foremost, I must discuss Subtract Mode. You may use this free plugin to efficiently shut off background noise if you have a lot of it.
However, be cautious when using it because being overly harsh will degrade the audio quality.
Reacomp
Reacomp prevents the audio from peaking. Peaking occurs when a signal crosses the audio signal’s decibel range and clips the top off.
The loudness is moderated by the Reacomp compressor according to a set ratio depending on a set threshold.
It uses less CPU and memory. You’ll also get a highly adjustable compressor, sidechain filters and inputs, and a variable RMS – size.
There are a slew of other aspects that go towards improving sound quality and acoustics.
You should have a solid microphone setup as well as good ambiance.
Wrapping Up
After going through this article, hopefully you got the idea about OBS VST Plug-ins.
By using VST filters enhance the sound quality of your project.
Stay tuned, and feel free to share. If you still have queries regarding this issue ask us in the comments section.
