OBS mic meter moving but no sound in the final output

What it may mean

The microphone may be missing from the encoded track, routed to a track the output does not use, muted downstream, or replaced by a different intended source.

What it does not prove

A moving meter proves source activity inside OBS. It does not prove that the selected final output track contains the microphone.

Evidence to inspect

Make a short local recording using the exact scene and output-track configuration. Speak continuously, stop the recording, and listen to the finished file before changing filters or buying hardware.

One conservative free test

Open Advanced Audio Properties, record the current track assignments, verify which track the output uses, change only the intended microphone assignment if it is wrong, then repeat the same spoken recording.

Rollback first

Screenshot or write down every track checkbox before changing one. Restore the original assignment if the retest does not restore voice.