What this plugin does

This plugin adds a new OBS Studio source called "Audio Wave (Simple)". It listens to any audio source you choose and displays a clean, reactive visual such as waves or bars.

You can also wrap the audio around shapes such as circles, squares, hexagons, stars, triangles, or diamonds using different drawing styles.

Everything works inside OBS—no external programs, scripts, scenes, or filters needed.

Tip: Add a visual ring around your avatar or webcam frame by placing a circle wave on top of it.

Audio Wave Visualizer overlay example showing reactive shapes and wave styles.
A lightweight audio visualizer you can add to any OBS layout.

Quick Start

  1. 1. Install the plugin

    Download the latest release from GitHub and extract the files. You will find a file such as:

    audio-wave.dll

    To install manually, place the DLL file here:

    • Windows (Standard Installation)
      Copy the DLL into:
      C:\Program Files\obs-studio\obs-plugins\64bit
    • Windows (Portable OBS)
      Copy into:
      obs-studio-portable\obs-plugins\64bit
    • macOS
      Right-click OBS.app → "Show Package Contents"
      Then place the plugin here:
      OBS.app/Contents/PlugIns
    • Linux
      System locations vary, but common paths include:
      /usr/lib/obs-plugins
      /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/obs-plugins

      Flatpak:
      ~/.var/app/com.obsproject.Studio/config/obs-studio/plugins/

    After copying the file, restart OBS Studio.

  2. 2. Add the "Audio Wave (Simple)" source

    In OBS, click the + button under your scene’s Sources list and choose:

    Audio Wave (Simple)

    Adding the Audio Wave (Simple) source in OBS.
    Select the source from the list.

  3. 3. Choose the audio you want to visualize

    In the properties window, select an audio source such as:

    • Your microphone
    • Desktop audio
    • Game audio
    • Music player
    Audio Wave source properties initial view.
    Choose the audio source from the dropdown.

  4. 4. Adjust visual appearance (shape, style, color, etc.)

    Use the available controls to customize:

    • Shape (line, circle, star, hexagon, etc.)
    • Style (line wave, bars, filled shapes)
    • Wave color
    • Width & Height
    • Amplitude (%)
    • Curve Power (%)
    • Shape Density (%)
    • Mirroring

    Important: Each audio wave theme and style can require different settings. Your audio source volume, filters (gain, compressor, limiter, noise gate, etc.), and PC performance are different from other users. There is no universal presetyou may need to adjust Amplitude, Curve Power, and Shape Density per scene and per audio source for best results on your own system.

    Visualizer properties showing shapes, color, amplitude, and curve options.
    Customize it until it matches your overlay.

Controls Explained

Audio Source

Selects which audio the visual reacts to.

Shape & Style

Defines how the wave is drawn and where it appears.

Wave Color

The main color of your wave or bars.

Width & Height

Controls the resolution of the drawing.

Amplitude (%)

Controls how strongly the wave reacts to sound.

Curve Power (%)

Controls how quiet and loud sounds influence the shape.

Shape Density (%)

Affects how many bars or points form the shape outline.

Mirror Wave

Draws a symmetrical second wave for a fuller look.

Ideas & Use Cases

Troubleshooting

Nothing moves. The wave is flat.
  • Check that the correct audio source is selected.
  • Ensure the audio source is not muted.
  • Look for an active audio meter in the OBS Mixer.
The wave is too small or too large.

Adjust the Amplitude (%) and Curve Power (%) sliders.

The wave looks pixelated.

Increase the Width and Height values.

The shape outline looks too dense or too empty.

Modify the Shape Density (%) slider.