Troubleshooting

Fixing Audio Sync Issues in Video Capture

Diagnose and fix audio delay or lip-sync problems in your video captures. Audio sync offset configuration for OBS, vMix, and other software.

The Problem

Audio and video are out of sync in your recordings or streams. Lips don't match speech, or audio plays before/after the corresponding video.

The Solution

Add audio sync offset in your capture software to compensate for processing delays. Typical offset ranges from -200ms to +200ms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Identify the direction of sync issue: Is audio ahead of video, or behind?

2

In OBS: Right-click your audio source > Advanced Audio Properties

3

Set Sync Offset value: Negative value if audio is ahead (-50ms), positive if behind (+50ms)

4

In vMix: Input Settings > Audio > Audio Delay (ms)

5

Test with increments of 50ms until sync is correct

6

Record a test clip and watch back to verify sync

7

If sync varies during recording, issue may be dropped frames (CPU overload)

8

Check Task Manager/Activity Monitor - if CPU is at 100%, reduce encoding settings

9

Use hardware encoding (NVENC, AMD VCE, QuickSync) instead of x264 to reduce CPU load

10

For multi-camera setups, set sync offset independently for each audio source

Pro Tips

  • Most audio sync issues are software processing delays, not hardware problems
  • Common offset values: -50ms to +100ms
  • Bluetooth devices introduce 100-200ms latency - avoid for capture audio
  • Use wired headphones for monitoring to hear actual sync
  • Test sync with clapping hands or slate board - easy to see audio/video alignment

Related Guides