Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A 24/7 YouTube radio stream can show video while sending no audio, or the sound may be missing only for some viewers. Check the stream from the source outward: listen to the encoder’s actual output, read YouTube Live Control Room’s health messages, then compare playback on another device or network. This identifies whether the fault is in the audio source, encoder, YouTube ingest, or a viewer’s setup before you change settings.
First find out who is affected
Open the stream on a separate device or ask someone on a different internet connection to listen. If only one viewer reports silence, the problem is more likely on that viewer’s device or connection. If several viewers on different connections hear no audio, investigate the stream or encoder. YouTube recommends comparing reports from viewers on different connections as part of troubleshooting.
- One viewer hears silence: Check that device’s volume, mute state, browser or app, and connection. Compare with another device before changing the broadcast.
- Several viewers hear silence: Continue with the encoder and YouTube’s stream-health checks below.
Check the sound at the encoder
A stream showing “live” does not prove that it contains audio. Listen to or inspect the stream output directly in the encoder, not just the music playing locally on the computer. Confirm that the intended playlist or audio source is active and routed to the output being sent to YouTube. YouTube’s advice is to “Check the look and sound of your stream directly in the encoder.” If the encoder output is silent or distorted, address the source or routing there first. YouTube’s live-stream troubleshooting guide covers this check.
Read YouTube’s live-stream health errors
Look at the health indicator in the Live Dashboard or Live Control Room and read any error alongside its timestamp. Match your correction to the specific message instead of changing unrelated settings. YouTube’s live streaming error messages explain several audio-related ingest problems:
#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
- No audio: YouTube says the encoder is sending no audio; some encoders have a separate checkbox or option to enable it. Check that option and verify audio is actually included in the encoder’s output.
- Multiple audio streams: Check whether the encoder is sending more than one audio stream and adjust its configuration to match the intended output.
- Unsupported codec or incorrect audio settings: Use the format and settings indicated by the specific error, then verify them in the encoder.
Verify audio format and channel layout
For the H.264 ingest context described in YouTube’s error guidance, AAC is the expected audio codec; YouTube’s audio-codec error guidance also identifies AAC or MP3. The same guidance recommends 128 Kbps and includes a correction message for a 44.1 kHz sample rate. These are settings for the documented ingest/error context, not a guarantee that every encoder configuration or error requires the same change. Follow the message shown for your stream and confirm the encoder’s actual output settings. See YouTube’s error guidance.
Check channel layout if the encoder is configured for multichannel audio. YouTube documents mono, stereo, and 5.1 ingestion; other layouts may convert unreliably to stereo. A typical radio stream usually does not need 5.1, so confirm that multichannel output is intentional rather than an accidental configuration. YouTube’s 5.1 audio documentation describes supported layouts.
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
If encoder audio is good, check performance and connection
If the encoder’s output sounds right but viewers still report trouble, check encoder errors and CPU load. Review a local recording or archive, if available, for gaps or audio faults. Then test the strength of the outbound internet connection. These checks can help distinguish an encoder or connectivity problem from a source-routing issue; YouTube outlines them in its stream troubleshooting guide.
Recheck the stream key and encoder setup
If the encoder cannot establish a clean ingest, confirm that its stream settings match the selected stream in YouTube Live Control Room. YouTube’s encoder setup guide says to enter the YouTube Live server URL and stream key in the encoder’s stream settings, and to configure the audio and video hardware with the encoder. Verify the selected stream and key in Live Control Room and make sure the encoder is using the matching values. Follow YouTube’s encoder setup guide.
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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the recurring problem is keeping a prerecorded YouTube radio stream running from a computer, StreamNeo is a cloud option for uploaded videos and playlists. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The stream runs from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Your uploaded quality streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo also attempts automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams of uploaded video, not live camera feeds. Learn about StreamNeo, then start the free 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
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
