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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIn OBS Studio, go to Settings → Audio and choose the appropriate value under Sampling Rate. For a prerecorded video playing through OBS into a YouTube live stream, follow YouTube Live’s guidance: 44.1 kHz for stereo or 48 kHz for 5.1 surround. For a finished video file uploaded to YouTube, use YouTube’s 48 kHz upload recommendation. These apply to different workflows, not competing universal rules.
First, identify how the prerecorded video reaches YouTube
“Prerecorded YouTube stream” can mean either a video played through OBS while OBS sends a live broadcast, or a finished video file uploaded to YouTube. The sample-rate recommendation depends on which workflow you mean.
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| Workflow | Sample rate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Play a prerecorded video in OBS and broadcast it as a YouTube live stream | 44.1 kHz for stereo; 48 kHz for 5.1 surround | YouTube’s live encoder recommendations specify these rates for the outgoing live audio. YouTube live encoder settings |
| Upload a finished prerecorded video file to YouTube | 48 kHz | YouTube’s upload encoding guidance specifies a 48 kHz audio sample rate. YouTube upload encoding settings |
For most OBS live broadcasts configured as stereo, choose 44.1 kHz to match YouTube Live’s stated stereo recommendation. Choose 48 kHz if the live output is 5.1 surround. If you are uploading a finished recording rather than broadcasting live, use 48 kHz.
Change the Sampling Rate in OBS
- Open OBS Studio and select Settings.
- Select Audio.
- Under the general audio options, locate Sampling Rate and choose the value for your workflow: 44.1 kHz for stereo live audio, 48 kHz for 5.1 live audio, or 48 kHz for a finished-video upload.
- Apply the change, then make a short test recording or test stream using representative program audio.
OBS’s overview identifies the Sampling Rate control in Audio settings. The exact placement or wording can vary with OBS version or localization; if your interface differs, look in the Audio section of Settings and consult documentation for your installed release. OBS Studio Overview Guide
#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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- 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 the entire audio path before going live
A setting change alone does not confirm that the prerecorded video, OBS sources, and outgoing broadcast are working together as intended. Test with the same kind of audio you plan to use, listen to the result, and—if broadcasting live—preview the stream and monitor its health. YouTube advises testing before starting a live stream, and OBS likewise recommends testing before a first broadcast. YouTube live encoder settings · OBS Quick Start Guide
For live audio, YouTube lists 128 Kbps for stereo and 384 Kbps for 5.1 as audio bitrate recommendations; these are bitrates, not sample rates. YouTube lists AAC or MP3 for live audio and notes that 5.1 over RTMP/RTMPS is supported only with AAC. YouTube live encoder settings
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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- 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
If the test does not sound or behave as expected
- Unsure whether to use 44.1 or 48 kHz? Confirm whether OBS is sending a live broadcast or you are uploading a finished file. For live, also confirm whether the intended output is stereo or 5.1; apply the matching YouTube guidance above.
- Audio is missing or sounds wrong in the test? Confirm that the prerecorded source and relevant audio are present in OBS, then test again after applying the setting. The cited guidance does not establish that a sample-rate change fixes every audio problem, so treat it as one configuration check rather than a universal remedy.
- Your OBS menus do not match these labels? Open Settings → Audio and check the documentation for your installed OBS release; menu placement or wording may differ by version or localization.
- A live test has stream-health issues? Use YouTube’s live-control preview and health indicators while testing representative video and audio. A sample-rate adjustment by itself does not establish or guarantee overall stream health.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video live on YouTube without leaving OBS or a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, not a live camera feed.
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs from the cloud.
- Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start your free first day.
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
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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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