For a stereo AAC feed sent to YouTube Live, use 128 Kbps at 44.1 kHz. The recommendation is the same whether the video is prerecorded or captured live: YouTube’s published live-encoder guidance does not specify a separate AAC bitrate for prerecorded playback. For 5.1 surround over RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube recommends AAC at 384 Kbps and 48 kHz.
Choose settings by channel layout
| Audio sent to YouTube Live | Codec and bitrate | Sample rate | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stereo | AAC, 128 Kbps | 44.1 kHz | RTMP/RTMPS and HLS |
| 5.1 surround | AAC, 384 Kbps | 48 kHz | RTMP/RTMPS; HLS also lists these targets |
These are YouTube’s published live-ingest targets; the consulted guidance does not state a publication year. For RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube lists AAC or MP3 generally, but says 5.1 surround is supported only with AAC. YouTube recommends RTMPS for encrypted transport. YouTube’s live encoder settings
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The bitrate is for the audio your encoder sends to YouTube, not a guarantee that every viewer receives that exact encoded stream. YouTube transcodes live streams into multiple output formats.
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Set up AAC for prerecorded playback
- Check the audio channel layout. Confirm whether the file or playback mix is stereo or 5.1, and ensure the encoder is actually sending that layout. Do not select a 5.1 setting for a stereo feed.
- Set the encoder’s audio codec to AAC. For stereo, set 128 Kbps and 44.1 kHz. For 5.1 over RTMP/RTMPS, set 384 Kbps and 48 kHz.
- Match the ingest protocol. For RTMP/RTMPS, use the settings above. If you use HLS, check its separate codec and packaging requirements rather than treating HLS as interchangeable with RTMP. YouTube lists AAC, AC3, and EAC3 for HLS, with the same bitrate and sample-rate targets for stereo and 5.1. YouTube HLS ingest requirements
- Test before going live. Preview the feed in Live Control Room using audio and video movement representative of the actual stream, then check stream health. YouTube recommends testing before starting a live stream and leaving 20% upload-bandwidth headroom above the outgoing stream’s needs. YouTube live encoder settings
Do not substitute upload recommendations
Uploading a finished video and sending audio as part of a live stream are different workflows. YouTube’s upload troubleshooting guidance gives AAC-LC at 128–256 Kbps, but that range is not a reason to raise a stereo live feed above YouTube’s explicit 128 Kbps live recommendation. Use the live setting for a live ingest. YouTube upload troubleshooting
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
When HLS is your ingest protocol
HLS uses its own packaging constraints. YouTube’s guidance specifies TS segments lasting 1–4 seconds and a rolling playlist with no more than 5 outstanding segments, alongside the audio codec, bitrate, and sample-rate targets. These requirements matter only if your encoder is sending HLS; they are not settings to apply to an RTMP/RTMPS workflow. YouTube HLS ingest requirements
Common problems and fixes
- The audio sounds distorted or broken: Confirm the encoder’s channel layout and sample rate match the feed, and that the bitrate is set for stereo or 5.1 as applicable. Test with representative audio before the event.
- The stream is unstable: Check the outgoing bitrate and available upload capacity. YouTube advises keeping 20% bandwidth headroom; review Live Control Room stream health rather than relying on encoder settings alone.
- HLS ingest is rejected or delayed: Check the protocol-specific requirements, including TS segmentation and playlist limits, as well as the supported codec.
- You expected viewers to hear the exact incoming encoding: YouTube transcodes live streams into multiple output formats, so the ingest bitrate is not a promise about each viewer’s delivered audio.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
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