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To send a radio station’s live AAC feed to YouTube with OBS, add it as a VLC Video source, pair it with a visual, and send OBS’s encoded stream to the YouTube event’s stream URL and key. For an AAC recording stored on your computer, use OBS’s Media Source instead. Test the actual feed and YouTube preview before relying on it: OBS documents AAC file support and VLC-based extended media playback, but does not guarantee every radio station URL or AAC transport will work.
Choose the OBS source for the kind of AAC you have
Live radio station feed
For a network stream, use OBS’s VLC Video source and enter the station’s published stream URL or playlist. VLC Video uses VLC libraries for extended media support and can handle playlists. The station’s endpoint and transport are station-specific, so confirm that your exact URL plays in the source before scheduling a broadcast. OBS Media Sources
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AAC audio file on your computer
For a local recording, add an OBS Media Source and select the file. OBS lists .aac among its supported audio-file types, along with .mp3, .ogg and .wav. This file support does not establish that a network radio feed will work in Media Source. OBS Media Sources
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Set up OBS and YouTube
- Create a scene. In OBS, create or select a scene for the broadcast.
- Add the audio input. Select Sources → + → VLC Video for a live station URL or playlist. Enter the published URL and start playback. If VLC Video is unavailable, install VLC in the same architecture as OBS; OBS notes that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. For a local AAC recording, choose Sources → + → Media Source and select the file. OBS Media Sources
- Check the audio meter. Confirm the intended source is active and the OBS audio meter moves while the feed plays. OBS recommends checking audio meters during setup. If you add a device-specific audio source, make sure that device is not also selected globally in Settings → Audio, since capturing it both ways can cause echo. OBS Quick Start Guide OBS Audio Sources
- Add video. A typical YouTube Live encoder broadcast needs video as well as audio. Add a suitable still image, station graphic or program visual, and confirm it is visible in the scene. This is a practical application of OBS scenes and sources alongside YouTube’s video encoder requirements, not a special YouTube radio mode. OBS Sources Guide YouTube encoder settings
- Create or select the YouTube live event. Open YouTube Live Control Room and copy the event’s stream URL and stream key into OBS’s stream settings. Keep the key private: YouTube says it is like your stream’s password and address. Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder Manage live stream settings
- Use YouTube’s encoder guidance. YouTube lists RTMP/RTMPS, H.264, H.265 (HEVC) or AV1 video, AAC or MP3 audio, and CBR bitrate encoding; it recommends RTMPS. For stereo audio, its listed sample rate is 44.1 kHz and audio bitrate is 128 Kbps. Choose video resolution and bitrate to suit your visual content, available upload capacity and YouTube’s current requirements. Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
- Start with a test. Start streaming in OBS, then wait for the YouTube preview. Check that the visual appears and the audio is audible before selecting Go live in YouTube Live Control Room. Run a short test before the scheduled broadcast. Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder OBS Quick Start Guide
Check broadcast rights before sending station audio
Being able to receive a station feed does not establish that you have permission to rebroadcast its audio on YouTube. Confirm that you have the necessary rights for the station content before streaming it. YouTube’s cited encoder and OBS setup pages do not determine whether a particular station feed is cleared for rebroadcast; the rights status of the feed must be checked separately.
#1 Best Overall
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
Troubleshoot common problems
- No audio meter activity: Confirm the correct source is active and that the station URL plays in VLC Video. If it does not, check the URL and ask the station about its published endpoint or transport; compatibility is not guaranteed for every network feed. OBS Media Sources
- Echo or doubled audio: If you added a device-specific source, check whether the same device is also enabled under Settings → Audio. Disable one capture path if both are active. OBS Audio Sources
- YouTube preview does not appear: Check that OBS has the stream URL and key copied from the correct event settings, and confirm OBS is streaming. YouTube’s setup flow calls for waiting for the preview before going live. Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
- Your stream key may have been exposed: Reset the compromised key in YouTube Live Control Room, then update OBS with the replacement. Treat the key as a credential. Manage live stream settings
- VLC Video is missing: Install VLC with the same architecture as OBS; a 64-bit OBS installation requires 64-bit VLC. OBS Media Sources
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a continuous YouTube stream from uploaded recordings rather than a live radio network feed, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos or playlists from the cloud: upload your recording, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay powered on at home; it streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. This is for uploaded videos, not a live camera or a direct station feed. Start a StreamNeo free day.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 2 Mic Preamps, 2 Hi-Z Instrument Inputs, 24-Bit/192kHz, 120dB Dynamic Range, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air Modes
- 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
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface | Dual XLR, Line and DI Inputs, Professional Software Suite for Recording, Streaming, and Podcasting
- 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
SABRENT USB External Stereo Sound Card Adapter, Plug & Play (AU-MMSA) | USB audio adapter; no drivers needed; for Windows & Mac; 3.5mm headphone & mic jacks; usb to 3.5mm jack audio adapter
- 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
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 1 XLR Mic Preamp, 1 Hi-Z Instrument Input, 24-Bit/192kHz, 120dB Dynamic Range, Air Modes, PC/Mac/iPad Compatible
- 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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