DAW audio into OBS

dhreLink

dhreLink takes your DAW's already processed audio to OBS Studio with a VST3 and a native source, with no virtual audio devices or helper programs.

  • Windows
  • macOS · beta

Your email is used to send and record your request.

the essentials

  • No virtual devices

    A Sender VST3 in your DAW and a native source in OBS: no virtual audio cables or helper programs.

  • Lossless 64-bit audio

    With the DAW and the receiving program both running at 64 bits, the Receiver VST3 gets the original samples bit for bit.

  • Faster delivery to OBS

    OBS receives each block as soon as the Sender publishes it: about 10 µs average delivery instead of 0.6 ms.

  • Syncable clock

    Optional Clock sync in the Receiver VST3 for when each program uses a different interface; it comes off by default to keep bit-for-bit mode.

Installation and first steps

Compatibility

Windows · Version 1.2.1 · stable

Windows 10 or later · x64 · Sender VST3 + Receiver VST3 + OBS source

  1. Request the installer for your system and open the link you'll receive by email.
  2. Close your DAW and any receiving programs, run the dhreLink .exe installer and follow its steps.
  3. Load dhreLink Sender on the DAW bus you want to send. In OBS, add the dhreLink Receiver source; in another program that hosts VST3 effects, load dhreLink Receiver on a dedicated channel and use the same sample rate and channel count in both programs. If each program uses a different audio interface and you hear clicks, turn on Clock sync in the Receiver.

Frequently asked questions

Didn't get the email?

Check your spam and promotions folders. Make sure the address you typed is right and, if the problem continues, write to contact@dhreian.com with the product and your operating system.

It doesn't show up after installing?

Restart your DAW or OBS after installing. In your DAW, rescan your plugins and check that it supports the format of your version. If it still doesn't show up, include your system and the versions of the product and of your DAW or OBS when you ask for help.

Didn't find your answer?

version history

Windows · stable

VERSION 1.2.1

current

The OBS source now works from OBS Studio 28: OBS 32.2 is no longer required and the installer stops asking you to update OBS. Includes meters with a rounded level.

technical details

  • Windows 10 or later · x64 · Sender VST3 + Receiver VST3 + OBS source.
  • OBS Studio 28 or later. Before, the installer asked you to update to OBS 32.2 even if you had a recent version.
  • The source adapts to the OBS version that loads it. From OBS 32.2 it shows its own icon; in earlier versions, the OBS audio input icon.
  • L/R meters with the level drawn as a pill inside its track: the ends no longer stick out of the border.
  • No changes to audio or transport: keeps the behaviour, latency and improvements of 1.2.0.
  • Replaces 1.2.0: close your DAW and OBS before installing.
  • 10 automated tests and 47 official checks per VST3 passed; the source was loaded in OBS 32.2.2 and its registration in OBS 28 to 33 was checked with a simulation.
  • Still to test the source on a real installation of OBS older than 32.2.

Windows · stable

VERSION 1.2.0

Windows update with lossless 64-bit audio to the Receiver VST3, near-instant delivery to OBS and an optional clock sync that avoids clicks between different interfaces, plus stability and resource improvements.

technical details

  • Windows 10 or later · x64 · Sender VST3 + Receiver VST3 + OBS source.
  • Lossless 64-bit audio: with the DAW and the receiving program both at 64 bits, the Receiver VST3 gets the original samples bit for bit.
  • OBS receives each block as soon as the Sender publishes it, without polling every millisecond: average delivery of about 10 µs instead of 0.6 ms.
  • New optional Clock sync in the Receiver VST3: it follows the Sender's clock and avoids gaps and clicks when each program uses a different interface; it adds about 4–14 ms and comes off by default to keep bit-for-bit mode.
  • Keeps the DAW's sample rate; OBS still receives float32 with no compression or resampling of its own.
  • Zero samples of declared processing latency; total latency depends on buffers and the system.
  • Connections kept during pauses, better recovery after restarts or crashes and a warning when another Sender is active.
  • Transport up to 60 % lighter with small blocks, and less work clearing buffers and repainting the interface.
  • OBS recovers the most recent audio after an overflow and uses Windows multimedia priority.
  • Compatible with 1.1.0 components: if you don't update both sides, it works as before without the new improvements.
  • Installer with independent selection of Sender, Receiver VST3 and OBS; keeps the VST3 path when updating.
  • 10 automated tests and 47 official checks per VST3 passed; Clock sync with no gaps under ±1000 ppm of simulated drift.
  • Still to do: long sessions in real DAWs, the test with two physical interfaces and validating the installer in Windows Sandbox.

Windows · stable

VERSION 1.1.0

Adds the Receiver VST3 to receive the DAW's audio in another compatible program, along with stability improvements and a more consistent interface.

technical details

  • Sender VST3 + Receiver VST3 + OBS source.
  • Windows x64 · OBS Studio 32.2 or later.
  • float32 audio with no resampling or extra processing.
  • Receiver VST3: same sample rate and channels in both programs.
  • Automatic reconnection and adaptation to block sizes.
  • Interface with symmetric margins and centred elements.
  • .exe installer.

Windows · stable

VERSION 1.0.0

First public version, to send processed audio from the DAW to OBS Studio without virtual devices.

technical details

  • VST3 + OBS source.
  • Windows x64.
  • .exe installer.

Other audio plugins and tools made by dhreian.