How to Stream Audio with OBS on Arch Linux

Streaming audio on Arch Linux using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) can be both powerful and flexible, offering high levels of customization. Whether you’re streaming podcasts, music performances, or game audio, OBS provides the tools needed to create a professional-grade stream. However, getting everything set up on Arch Linux requires a good understanding of audio routing, as well as a few key packages and configurations.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process—from installing OBS to configuring audio sources for a seamless streaming experience on Arch Linux.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to OBS on Linux
2. Installing OBS on Arch Linux
3. Understanding Audio on Linux
4. Setting Up PipeWire (Recommended)
5. Configuring OBS Audio Sources
6. Streaming Desktop Audio
7. Adding Microphone Input
8. Optional: Using JACK for Advanced Routing
9. Testing Your Setup
10. Tips for Better Audio Quality
11. Conclusion

1. Introduction to OBS on Linux

OBS Studio is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It’s widely used across all platforms—Windows, macOS, and Linux. On Linux, however, handling audio can be slightly more involved due to the variety of sound systems available: ALSA, PulseAudio, JACK, and now PipeWire.

In this article, we will focus on the most modern and flexible setup: OBS with PipeWire on Arch Linux.

2. Installing OBS on Arch Linux

On Arch Linux and its derivatives (like Manjaro), you can easily install OBS from the official repositories:

sudo pacman -S obs-studio

If you need additional plugin support or features (such as browser sources), ensure that dependencies like obs-studio-browser are also installed:

sudo pacman -S obs-studio obs-studio-browser

Alternatively, you can explore community versions on the AUR like obs-studio-git if you want the latest development build.

3. Understanding Audio on Linux

Before diving into OBS, it’s important to understand the underlying audio system. Historically, Linux used ALSA and then PulseAudio. In recent years, PipeWire has emerged as a drop-in replacement for PulseAudio and JACK, combining their best features.

PipeWire offers:

• Lower latency
• Better support for pro audio workflows
• Compatibility with both PulseAudio and JACK APIs

Arch Linux has embraced PipeWire as the default for most desktop environments. To check your audio backend:

pactl info | grep "Server Name"

If it returns PipeWire, you’re good to go.

4. Setting Up PipeWire (Recommended)

If you’re not using PipeWire yet, here’s how to set it up:

Install PipeWire and its audio components

sudo pacman -S pipewire pipewire-audio pipewire-pulse wireplumber

For JACK support:

sudo pacman -S pipewire-jack

Enable the services

Most desktops start these automatically via systemd user services. To verify:

systemctl --user status pipewire
systemctl --user status wireplumber

If they are inactive, enable and start them:

systemctl --user enable --now pipewire wireplumber

5. Configuring OBS Audio Sources

Launch OBS from your application menu or terminal:

obs

Go to Settings > Audio. By default, OBS allows you to set:

• Mic/Auxiliary Audio
• Desktop Audio

Under each dropdown, select the appropriate device. PipeWire will expose devices similar to PulseAudio.

Use pavucontrol (PulseAudio Volume Control) to identify and manage available sources:

sudo pacman -S pavucontrol

Run it via pavucontrol. Under the “Recording” tab, OBS will appear once it’s capturing. You can then redirect the correct audio streams.

6. Streaming Desktop Audio

Streaming desktop audio is one of the most common requirements. Here’s how to do it reliably with PipeWire:

Step-by-Step

1. Open OBS and go to Settings > Audio.
2. Set “Desktop Audio” to “Default” or choose the specific output device (e.g., Built-in Audio Analog Stereo).
3. Play audio from a source (YouTube, music player).
4. Check OBS audio levels in the mixer. You should see the volume bar moving for “Desktop Audio.”

If it’s not capturing:

• Open pavucontrol
• Go to the “Recording” tab while OBS is running
• Find the OBS entry and set the correct audio source for it to capture

You can also add a new source in OBS:

• Click + in the “Sources” panel
• Select Audio Output Capture
• Choose the appropriate audio device (or Default)

7. Adding Microphone Input

Adding a microphone is just as easy:

1. In OBS, go to Settings > Audio and set “Mic/Auxiliary Audio” to your microphone device.
2. Alternatively, add it manually as a source:
   • Click + in the Sources panel
   • Choose Audio Input Capture
   • Select your microphone device
3. Speak into the mic and watch the mixer to ensure OBS is receiving the signal

Use pavucontrol to fine-tune the levels or redirect input sources.

8. Optional: Using JACK for Advanced Routing

For advanced users (especially musicians or podcasters), JACK offers professional-grade routing features. With PipeWire, you get JACK compatibility out of the box.

To use JACK-like routing:

• Install helvum (a graphical PipeWire patchbay):

  sudo pacman -S helvum
  

• Launch it:

  helvum
  

• You’ll see a graph of all your audio nodes and connections. This allows precise control over which audio streams go where—including routing multiple apps into OBS.

9. Testing Your Setup

Once everything is set up:

1. In OBS, click “Start Recording” or “Start Streaming” (to a test destination).
2. Play desktop audio and speak into your microphone.
3. Review the recording or preview stream to ensure both audio sources are captured cleanly.
4. Adjust gain, filters, and sync settings as needed.

You can add filters by right-clicking an audio source > “Filters.” Common filters include:

• Noise Suppression: Reduce background noise
• Compressor: Balance audio dynamics
• Gain: Adjust volume manually

10. Tips for Better Audio Quality

• Use high-quality microphones: USB condenser mics are a good balance between cost and performance.
• Monitor your stream: Use headphones to avoid feedback and monitor real-time quality.
• Set correct sample rates: Make sure your system and OBS use the same sample rate (usually 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz).
• Avoid clipping: Keep audio levels out of the red zone in OBS mixer.
• Test before going live: Always do a test run to avoid surprises.

11. Conclusion

Streaming audio with OBS on Arch Linux may require a bit more setup compared to other platforms, but the payoff is a highly flexible and powerful environment. With the help of PipeWire and tools like pavucontrol and helvum, you can route and manage audio exactly how you need it.

Whether you’re podcasting, gaming, or broadcasting live music, this guide gives you a solid foundation to build your perfect Linux-based streaming setup.

Feel free to bookmark this guide or refer back to it when tweaking your system. As the Linux audio ecosystem continues to evolve—especially with PipeWire—new tools and features will only make streaming even easier and more professional.

If you run into any issues, Arch Wiki and the OBS forums are invaluable resources.