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For a typical stereo YouTube radio stream, set OBS audio bitrate to 128 Kbps and sample rate to 44.1 kHz. Use AAC if available, verify that OBS is sending the intended audio track, and test the stream while monitoring YouTube’s health messages. These are YouTube’s general live-stream recommendations, not a separate profile for radio or a guarantee of uninterrupted streaming.
Recommended OBS audio settings for a stereo radio stream
| Setting | Recommended value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Audio bitrate | 128 Kbps | YouTube’s live encoder guidance for stereo audio, accessed in 2026. |
| Sample rate | 44.1 kHz | YouTube’s live encoder guidance for stereo audio, accessed in 2026. |
| Audio codec | AAC | YouTube lists AAC or MP3 for RTMP/RTMPS live streams; OBS describes AAC as widely supported. |
| Channel layout | Stereo | Use the stereo values above if the station’s program audio is stereo. |
See YouTube’s live encoder settings guide and OBS’s Audio/Video Formats Guide for the published guidance.
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Set the bitrate in OBS and confirm the right track
- Open OBS’s output settings. Find the audio bitrate control for the streaming output or audio track you intend to send to YouTube. Labels and placement can vary between OBS versions, so use the setting associated with streaming rather than assuming a particular click path.
- Set that track to 128 Kbps. Make sure this is the track selected for the YouTube stream; changing a different track will not configure the audio being broadcast.
- Check the audio format. Use AAC where the selected output supports it. YouTube lists AAC or MP3 as live audio codecs for RTMP/RTMPS, and OBS notes AAC’s broad support.
- Confirm stereo and 44.1 kHz. For a stereo program, check the channel layout and sample-rate settings in the applicable OBS audio settings. The bitrate and sample rate are separate settings: 128 Kbps is not a sample-rate value.
Do not use the upload bitrate for a live stream
YouTube’s guidance distinguishes live encoding from uploaded files: it recommends 128 Kbps for stereo live audio, while its upload encoding guidance lists 384 Kbps for stereo uploads. The upload figure is for a different workflow; do not copy it into OBS’s live-stream configuration. Sources: live encoder settings and recommended upload encoding settings.
Test audio and network capacity before leaving the station live
YouTube recommends testing before going live with audio and movement similar to the intended stream, then monitoring stream health and messages during the event. For a radio stream, listen for clear, continuous audio; check that the intended track reaches YouTube; and make sure the test does not contain clipping or silence. These listening checks are practical checks, not a published certification of a station’s reliability. Consult YouTube’s encoder guide and its live streaming error messages if YouTube reports an audio issue.
#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
Audio bitrate alone cannot make an always-on stream reliable. YouTube’s streaming tips recommend keeping 20% bandwidth headroom and warn that a network disruption can break a stream. Treat that as general streaming guidance, not a radio-specific uptime guarantee. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Common audio configuration problems
| Symptom | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube reports an audio bitrate or codec warning | Confirm the selected streaming track is set to 128 Kbps for stereo and uses a supported codec. | Review YouTube’s live streaming error messages and correct the streaming output settings. |
| The stream is silent or the wrong audio is heard | Verify that OBS is sending the intended track and that audio is present during a test. | Test with the same audio setup planned for the live station and monitor YouTube’s stream-health messages. |
| The stream disconnects despite correct audio settings | Check network capacity and whether upload bandwidth has the recommended headroom. | Address the network disruption; changing audio bitrate is not an uptime fix. YouTube notes that disruptions can break a stream. |
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want the channel to keep playing uploaded recordings without leaving OBS or a computer on at home, StreamNeo runs a YouTube stream from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed.
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
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the cloud keeps the stream running independently of your computer.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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