When using Pitchmunk’s pitch shifter with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), users often encounter functionality issues. These problems can range from audio not registering at all, to the pitch shift effect not being applied during live streams or recordings. In this guide, we will walk you through a comprehensive, detailed breakdown of why Pitchmunk pitch shifter doesn’t work on OBS and how to fix it effectively.
Understanding the Core of the Issue
The most common reason Pitchmunk pitch shifter is not working on OBS lies in how audio is routed between applications. OBS relies heavily on virtual audio devices, plugin compatibility, and audio input settings. If these elements aren’t perfectly aligned, Pitchmunk won’t function as expected.
Check Virtual Audio Cable Configuration
For Pitchmunk to work properly with OBS, it needs a virtual audio routing tool. Tools like VB-Cable, VoiceMeeter, or Loopback Audio are required to redirect audio output from Pitchmunk into OBS.
✅ Steps to Set It Up Correctly:
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Install VB-Cable or VoiceMeeter (if not already installed).
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Open Pitchmunk, and in the output or playback section, select your Virtual Audio Cable as the output device.
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In OBS, go to Settings > Audio and assign the same virtual cable as a mic/auxiliary audio device.
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Go to Audio Mixer in OBS and ensure the virtual cable input is active.
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Speak into your microphone and ensure audio levels respond in OBS.
Pro Tip: Always ensure OBS is restarted after adding any new virtual audio routing configuration.
Verify Audio Input Source in Pitchmunk
One overlooked issue is the input device selected in Pitchmunk. If it doesn’t match your physical mic or preamp, it won’t pick up any signal, making it seem like Pitchmunk isn’t working in OBS.
🔍 How to Correct It:
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Open Pitchmunk settings
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Go to the Input or Microphone settings
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Select the correct microphone device
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Test the levels to confirm that your voice is being detected
OBS Sample Rate and Format Compatibility
OBS and Pitchmunk must share compatible sample rates (e.g., 44.1kHz or 48kHz). Mismatched settings may cause audio distortion or complete audio silence.
🔧 Check and Set Sample Rates:
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On Windows:
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Go to Control Panel > Sound > Recording
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Find your microphone or virtual cable > Properties > Advanced
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Set the default format to 48,000 Hz (DVD Quality)
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In OBS:
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Go to Settings > Audio
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Set Sample Rate to 48kHz
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Ensure both the input device and OBS share the same sample rate, and restart both applications after changes.
Update or Reinstall Pitchmunk Plugin
An outdated or corrupt Pitchmunk installation can interfere with its OBS performance.
💡 Steps to Reinstall:
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Uninstall Pitchmunk completely.
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Download the latest version from the official website.
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Reinstall and follow all prompts carefully.
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Reconfigure audio routing as described earlier.
Note: Always run the installer as Administrator on Windows to ensure proper driver/plugin installation.
Allow Microphone Permissions
Some operating systems block third-party apps like Pitchmunk from accessing microphones, especially after updates.
✅ Windows Microphone Permission Fix:
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Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone
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Enable access for Desktop Apps
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Ensure Pitchmunk is listed and enabled
For macOS:
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Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone
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Allow Pitchmunk to access your microphone
Ensure OBS is Running with Administrative Privileges
Running OBS as a standard user can block it from accessing certain audio devices or plugins, especially virtual audio drivers.
✅ Fix:
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Right-click on OBS shortcut
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Select “Run as Administrator”
This ensures full device and plugin access, reducing compatibility issues with Pitchmunk.
Check Audio Filters and Plugins in OBS
If you’re using other audio filters, such as noise suppression, gain, or third-party VST plugins, they might override or distort the pitch shift effect from Pitchmunk.
🔍 Disable Conflicting Filters:
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In OBS, click the gear icon in the Audio Mixer
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Select Filters
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Temporarily disable any existing filters
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Test Pitchmunk again to see if it’s functioning
Use an OBS-Compatible Plugin Bridge (Optional)
Some advanced users prefer using VST Host bridge applications to route Pitchmunk more cleanly into OBS.
Tools like:
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Minihost Modular
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Cantabile Lite
These tools let you host the Pitchmunk plugin externally and pipe it cleanly into OBS using virtual audio cables.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Using the wrong input/output device in either app
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❌ Forgetting to restart OBS after making changes
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❌ Missing audio permissions in OS settings
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❌ Using incompatible audio sample rates
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❌ Not using a virtual audio routing tool
Troubleshooting Checklist
| Step | Status |
|---|---|
| Installed virtual audio cable | ✅ / ❌ |
| Pitchmunk input set correctly | ✅ / ❌ |
| Output device routed properly | ✅ / ❌ |
| OBS input set to virtual cable | ✅ / ❌ |
| Same sample rate (OBS & system) | ✅ / ❌ |
| OBS running as administrator | ✅ / ❌ |
| No conflicting filters | ✅ / ❌ |
If all items are checked and the issue persists, consider testing on a different system to rule out hardware-level conflicts.
Conclusion
When Pitchmunk pitch shifter does not work on OBS, the issue is rarely with OBS or Pitchmunk alone. Most failures arise from incorrect configuration or missing audio routing components. By ensuring virtual audio routing, input/output configuration, OS permissions, and sample rate compatibility, users can enjoy flawless pitch-shifted audio in OBS for streaming, recording, or content creation.
