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[NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

[NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

by null me - Number of replies: 6

I’m using NDI Tools and DistroAV (NDI for OBS) to send stereo audio from my DAW to OBS.

In the VST3 plugin settings inside OBS, I set the output to the appropriate stereo channels (Stereo 1-2, 0 dB). However, in OBS the Audio Mixer meter is displayed as mono, and the audio level is abnormally high.

I investigated the source of the problem and initially suspected DistroAV, but that does not seem to be the cause.

I checked the signal in NDI Studio Monitor. At that stage, I confirmed that the audio is only being sent to the left channel. The level in NDI Studio Monitor itself is normal, but OBS shows an abnormally high level.

What could be causing stereo audio to become mono? I did not enable any mono conversion settings in OBS.

This used to work correctly with older versions of NDI Tools and DistroAV, so I suspect a regression or compatibility issue in the newer NDI Tools / NDI Audio Direct / OBS path.

Could this be related to the NDI 6.3 VST3/audio routing changes?

I've attached images of the same stereo audio source sent to OBS via ASIO and NDI.

The NDI signal is mono, and the volume level is abnormal.

※When I checked with NDI Studio Monitor, sound was only coming from the left channel;
※Nothing was audible from the right channel.

Attachment ndi_vst3_2ch.png
Attachment ndi_vst3_obs_comparison_asio.png
Attachment ndi_vst3_obs_properties.png
In reply to null me

Re: [NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

by Kane Peterson -
I just tested OBS 31.1.2, NDI Tools 6.3.2 and DistroAV 6.2.1. When I change the number of audio channels in the NDI VST plug-in from mono to stereo, I see the audio mixer in OBS change from one to two VU meters. I tried both Element and Carla as the DAW application to run the VST plug-in, the mono/stereo change worked in either DAW application.
In reply to Kane Peterson

Re: [NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

by null me -
Thank you. This issue is occurring in Cubase Pro and Nuendo.
It may also be occurring in other DAWs.
I asked three Cubase Pro and Nuendo users for their cooperation, and all three experienced the same symptoms.
I filmed a video and sent it to the official email address.
In reply to null me

Re: [NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

by Steve Spaw -
I see a very similar issue with Fairlight Live, I thought it was Fairlight, but this is the same symptoms, The level in the plug-in has no effect. Also using the VST Outputs we only get mono.... I REALLY want this to work smile
In reply to Steve Spaw

Re: [NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

by Kane Peterson -
I tested with Fairlight Live 1.0 beta 2 and am seeing the same issue with the VST plug-ins. I'll file a bug report.
In reply to Kane Peterson

Re: [NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

by null me -
1) When using VST3 with certain DAWs, only the Left Channel is sent to StudioMonitor.
2) Level changes do not work with VST3. (Channel changes are untested)
3) OBS + DistroAV recognizes it as mono, changes to a mono channel, and produces an extremely loud sound.
In reply to null me

Re: [NDI6.3.2, VST3, DistroAV]Stereo(2ch) audio becomes mono(1ch) in OBS, and OBS meter shows abnormally high level

by Kane Peterson -
I've put in a bug report on the issues with the VST3 plug-in operation with some DAWs. From the last update I got, progress to a resolution is occurring.