In OBS Studio, open Settings → Output and set the streaming audio bitrate to around 160 kbps as a general starting point. Use a lower value if your upload speed is limited, and check the current requirements of the service you stream to. OBS does not publish a special bitrate recommendation for rain sounds, so treat 160 kbps as general streaming guidance—not a rain-stream test or a universal platform limit.
Set the streaming audio bitrate in OBS
- Open OBS Studio and select Settings → Output.
- Find the streaming audio bitrate control. OBS documents audio bitrate as part of the streaming setup; the precise controls you see can depend on your installed version and output configuration.
- Use the current default unless you have a reason to change it. OBS’s general guidance is around 160 kbps for streaming, with a lower value appropriate when upload speed is limited. This is not a rain-specific measurement.
- Apply the setting, then run a test stream and check that the audio and overall broadcast behave as expected before relying on the setup continuously.
OBS recommends defaults unless you know why you need to change them. Its guidance does not establish a bitrate ceiling, sample-rate requirement, or other service-specific rule for an unspecified streaming destination; verify those details in that service’s current official documentation. OBS Studio Overview Guide.
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Choose an audio format your destination supports
For compatibility, use the ordinary audio path supported by your streaming service. OBS describes AAC as widely supported and says nearly all streaming services use it. OBS characterizes Opus as higher quality but less compatible, so choose it only when your destination supports it. The OBS Audio/Video Formats Guide, published March 26, 2023, explains these format differences.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesKeep audio bitrate separate from connection problems
Audio bitrate is not video bitrate. If OBS reports dropped frames or the stream disconnects, changing audio bitrate alone may not fix the problem. OBS’s connection troubleshooting guidance points to connection instability or insufficient upload capacity for the configured bitrate as possible causes. Check that your connection can sustain the stream settings and follow the steps in OBS Stream Connection Troubleshooting (published September 30, 2024).
#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
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- 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
Test and save settings for continuous use
Test before leaving the stream unattended
Run a test broadcast before depending on a 24/7 stream. Confirm that the stream runs smoothly and that the rain audio is audible and consistent at the destination. OBS recommends checking settings and stream performance before a first live broadcast: OBS Studio Overview Guide.
Keep separate configurations with Profiles
If you use different output settings for different destinations or situations, save them in OBS Profiles rather than repeatedly changing one configuration. OBS says Profiles store output settings and gives separate service or home/mobile configurations as examples. See OBS Profiles (published January 14, 2022).
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
Or let it run in the cloud
If your rain-sounds recording is uploaded video intended for a continuous YouTube live stream, StreamNeo can loop it from the cloud: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the video as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for 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. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams from uploaded videos, not camera broadcasts. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
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