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Use SAM Broadcaster to play your radio station and OBS Studio to send its audio, together with a visual, to YouTube Live. The documented SAM encoder options are for radio services such as SHOUTcast and IceCast; the available documentation does not establish direct YouTube video output from SAM. OBS provides the bridge: capture the device carrying SAM’s audio, then connect OBS to YouTube with the stream URL and key.
What you need before you start
- SAM Broadcaster playing your station, with its audio output audible on a known computer device.
- OBS Studio to capture that audio and encode a video stream. You can use a static image, station branding, or another appropriate visual.
- A YouTube channel with live streaming enabled. YouTube says first-time activation can take up to 24 hours, so enable it ahead of a scheduled broadcast.
- Permission to stream the music and other material in your broadcast. Having a copy of a track or permission to play it on a radio station does not by itself establish permission to stream it on YouTube; check the relevant rights and YouTube rules before going live.
SAM’s user guide describes MP3 and AAC encoders with radio-service destinations such as SHOUTcast and IceCast. SAM Broadcaster Cloud documentation also describes an Icecast v2-compatible source stream using AAC, MP3, or Ogg Vorbis. Those descriptions are not evidence that SAM itself sends a YouTube-compatible video stream. This workflow uses OBS as the YouTube encoder.
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Set up SAM audio and an OBS scene
- Start the station in SAM. Play the station and confirm which operating-system audio device carries its output. SAM’s output-device controls can vary by edition and configuration, so verify the actual local output rather than relying on a presumed default.
- Create a scene in OBS. Add a visual source, such as a station image or branding. The encoder sends video as well as audio; do not leave the scene without a suitable visual source.
- Add the station audio. In OBS, add an Audio Input/Output Capture source and select the device that carries SAM’s audio. Check that the OBS audio meter moves while the station is playing.
- Use the appropriate device-capture option for your operating system. OBS documents Audio Input/Output Capture for Windows and macOS. On Linux, OBS directs users to ALSA or PulseAudio sources as appropriate.
- Avoid duplicate capture. OBS warns that selecting the same device as both a global audio source and a scene audio source can cause echo. Keep one capture path for the station audio and listen for feedback or duplication.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- Open YouTube Studio and create or select a stream. Go to Create > Go Live, then create a stream or choose an existing one in Live Control Room.
- Copy the connection details. Copy the server URL and stream key shown for that stream. YouTube’s instruction is to enter the Live server URL and stream key into the encoder. Treat the key like a password: do not show it in a screenshot, on air, or in a public post.
- Enter the details in OBS. In OBS stream settings, select YouTube if it is offered, or enter the YouTube server URL and stream key manually. Use the endpoint supplied for the selected stream.
- Prefer RTMPS when OBS supports it. RTMPS encrypts the connection. YouTube’s RTMPS guidance requires an RTMPS URL, TLS, port 443, and correct server-name/SNI handling. Keep the hostname and path from the supplied endpoint intact rather than substituting a guessed address.
- Check the audio and video before going public. Start streaming from OBS, then inspect the YouTube Studio preview. Confirm that the intended visual appears and that the station audio is audible, clear, and not clipping. For a scheduled stream, wait for the preview and then click Go live in Live Control Room.
- End the broadcast cleanly. Stop the OBS stream output and follow Live Control Room’s end-stream flow if the broadcast was scheduled. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived.
Choose an ingest protocol that fits
For a straightforward audio-led station broadcast through OBS, RTMPS is the practical default when available. YouTube documents RTMP, RTMPS, HLS, and DASH as third-party ingest choices, but an encoder must support the protocol you select.
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| Protocol | What matters for this workflow |
|---|---|
| RTMPS | Encrypted transport and support for normal, low, or ultra-low latency. Requires the RTMPS endpoint, TLS, port 443, and correct hostname/SNI handling. |
| RTMP | Available for normal, low, or ultra-low latency, but not encrypted like RTMPS. |
| HLS and DASH | Support additional codecs and can suit some high-resolution workflows, but typically have higher latency. They are not interchangeable with RTMP(S) in every encoder. |
YouTube’s RTMPS guide and protocol comparison list 2026-09-14 as their last-updated date. For a radio station with a static visual, reliable audio routing and an encoder-compatible connection are usually more relevant than high-resolution codec options.
#1 Best Overall
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FIFINE Ampligame SC3 Gaming Audio Mixer with Indi-Fader and Volume Control | USB PnP for PC,Mute Button,XLR Preamp,RGB,VoiceChanger,48V Phantom Power,Monitoring,Podcast,Recording,Vocal,Streaming
- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
Troubleshoot common problems
- OBS will not connect: Recheck that the server URL and key belong to the intended YouTube stream. If using RTMPS, confirm that the URL uses the
rtmpsprotocol and the supplied endpoint, and that the encoder uses port 443 with TLS and the required hostname/SNI behavior. - SSL error or timeout: YouTube’s RTMPS guidance says an SSL error can indicate that the encoder reached an RTMP endpoint instead of RTMPS, used the wrong port, or encountered a TLS/SNI problem. A timeout can occur when plain RTMP is attempted against an RTMPS endpoint. Match the protocol and endpoint in OBS rather than changing unrelated SAM settings.
- YouTube shows video but no station audio: Confirm that SAM is playing through the device selected in OBS, that the capture source is active, and that its meter moves. Check the YouTube preview too. Ensure the device is not being captured twice and creating echo.
- The OBS meter moves, but YouTube preview is silent: Check OBS’s audio output configuration and the YouTube preview. The cited platform and OBS documentation does not establish a SAM-version-specific cause or universal fix for this symptom.
- Live streaming is unavailable: If this is the channel’s first live stream, YouTube says activation may take up to 24 hours. Allow for that delay before the intended broadcast.
Copyright and station content
Technical setup does not grant music rights. Before streaming, confirm that you have the rights needed for YouTube distribution of every track, recording, image, and other included material. A radio or venue licence may not cover online video-platform streaming, and the requirements depend on the rights, territory, and use involved. Check current YouTube guidance and the applicable rights-holder terms; no SAM or OBS setting can resolve a rights issue.
Also consider whether the channel’s content and presentation comply with YouTube’s current policies for live streams and monetization. A continuous station feed is not automatically eligible for monetization merely because it is live; eligibility depends on YouTube’s rules and the channel’s content. Review the current rules in YouTube Studio before relying on revenue.
Rank #2
Behringer XENYX 802S Premium Analog 8-Input Mixer with USB Streaming Interface
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a prerecorded station stream running on YouTube without leaving this computer on, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos; it does not broadcast a live camera feed.
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- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs from the cloud, not your computer or home internet connection.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day is available per account.
The monthly price is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
YAMAHA MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects
- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
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- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 1 XLR Mic Preamp, 1 Hi-Z Instrument Input, 24-Bit/192kHz, 56dB Gain Range, Air Mode, macOS/Windows/iPadOS Compatible
- 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
Rank #3
Audio-Technica AT-UMX3 USB Desktop Audio Mixer
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
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