For a stereo YouTube Live stream sent over RTMP or RTMPS, use AAC at 44.1 kHz and set stereo audio bitrate to 128 kbps. YouTube also lists MP3 for RTMP/RTMPS live audio. These are supported encoder settings—not evidence that one codec or sample rate sounds better specifically for lofi.
Recommended settings for a stereo lofi live stream
- Audio codec: AAC is a practical choice; MP3 is also listed for RTMP/RTMPS live ingestion.
- Sample rate: 44.1 kHz for stereo live audio.
- Audio bitrate: 128 kbps for stereo, as listed in YouTube’s live encoder guidance.
- Transport: Use RTMPS where your encoder or streaming service supports it. YouTube recommends it as the secure extension of RTMP.
Set these in the audio or streaming output settings of your encoder. The labels and exact menu location vary by software. Keep the audio bitrate distinct from the video bitrate: 128 kbps is the listed stereo audio setting, not a target for the entire stream.
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Live streaming and video uploads use different recommendations
YouTube’s upload encoding guidance is for uploaded video files, not live ingestion. Its listed upload audio recommendations are different, so do not copy the upload sample rate or bitrate into a live encoder just because the content is pre-recorded.
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| Workflow | Audio codecs listed | Stereo sample rate | Stereo audio bitrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTMP/RTMPS live ingestion | AAC or MP3 | 44.1 kHz | 128 kbps |
| HLS live ingestion | AAC, AC3, or EAC3 | 44.1 kHz | 128 kbps |
| Video uploads | AAC-LC, Opus, or Eclipsa Audio | 48 kHz | 384 kbps for stereo uploads |
Use the row for the workflow and ingestion protocol you actually use. If your encoder sends HLS rather than RTMP/RTMPS, follow YouTube’s HLS settings rather than assuming every live protocol accepts the same codec choices.
#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
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What 44.1 kHz does—and does not—mean for lofi
The 44.1 kHz recommendation is YouTube’s listed setting for stereo live ingestion. The official settings guidance does not provide a lofi-specific codec or sample-rate comparison, and it does not establish that 48 kHz sounds better than 44.1 kHz for a live stereo stream. Treat the recommendation as a compatibility setting, not a controlled audio-quality finding.
There is no evidence here that you need to buy dedicated audio hardware to choose these settings. If you already have an encoder, configure its audio output for the applicable live workflow and test the result.
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
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Preflight and monitoring for a continuous stream
Before going live
- Confirm the protocol. Check whether the encoder or service is sending RTMP/RTMPS or HLS, then apply the corresponding live settings.
- Set and verify stereo audio. For RTMP/RTMPS, choose AAC or MP3, 44.1 kHz, and 128 kbps stereo. For HLS, choose from its listed codecs and use the listed stereo sample rate and bitrate.
- Run a representative test. YouTube recommends testing with audio and movement similar to the planned stream. Listen for missing, distorted, or unbalanced audio and check that the video behaves as expected.
- Check available upload capacity. YouTube’s streaming tips recommend keeping 20% upload-bandwidth headroom. This is spare capacity for the connection, not a change to the audio bitrate setting.
While the stream is running
Watch YouTube’s stream health and messages, and monitor audio and video continuously. For a 24/7 broadcast, a successful initial test does not guarantee that the connection or stream will remain healthy indefinitely. A codec setting alone cannot guarantee uptime.
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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
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- 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.
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