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For a stereo 24/7 YouTube Live lofi stream sent over RTMP or RTMPS, set audio to AAC, 44.1 kHz, and 128 kbps. YouTube also lists MP3 as a supported live audio codec, but its guidance does not establish that AAC sounds better for lofi. Treat these as live-ingestion settings, not upload settings.
Recommended live audio settings
| Setting | Use for stereo RTMP/RTMPS live ingestion |
|---|---|
| Codec | AAC; YouTube also lists MP3 |
| Sample rate | 44.1 kHz |
| Audio bitrate | 128 kbps |
These are YouTube’s listed live encoder settings for stereo audio, not a lofi-specific quality test. The audio bitrate is separate from the video bitrate. YouTube recommends RTMPS, the secure extension of RTMP, in its live encoder settings guidance.
Why 44.1 kHz for Live, not 48 kHz?
YouTube’s live encoder guidance specifies 44.1 kHz for stereo. Its separate recommended upload encoding settings specify 48 kHz for video uploads and list AAC-LC, Opus, or Eclipsa Audio. Those recommendations apply to a different workflow: uploading a finished video is not the same as sending a live feed.
The official guidance does not compare 44.1 kHz with 48 kHz for live lofi streams or show that either sounds better. For live stereo ingestion, use the live page’s setting rather than borrowing the upload recommendation.
#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
If you use HLS ingestion
Check the protocol selected in your encoder and follow its matching YouTube guidance. For HLS live ingestion, YouTube lists AAC, AC3, and EAC3; its HLS guidance gives 44.1 kHz and 128 kbps for stereo audio. These options are specific to HLS and should not be treated as a reason to change an RTMP/RTMPS setup. See YouTube’s HLS setup guidance.
Keep a 24/7 stream reliable
Before going live
- Configure the encoder for the ingestion protocol and stereo settings you intend to use.
- Test with audio and movement similar to the planned stream, then check YouTube’s stream health and any messages before relying on the setup for a long run. YouTube recommends testing and monitoring in its encoder guidance.
- Check your internet upload capacity against the full stream bitrate and leave 20% headroom, as advised in YouTube’s streaming tips.
While it is running
Monitor audio and video continuously for interruptions or degraded stream health. A correct codec and sample rate help meet the ingest settings; they do not guarantee that a stream stays online.
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 goal is continuous lofi playback rather than a live camera feed, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos or playlists as a YouTube stream from the cloud. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay 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: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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.
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.
