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For a continuous FFmpeg music stream, use the loudnorm filter in single-pass mode and choose its integrated-loudness, loudness-range, and true-peak targets for your material. FFmpeg documents single-pass operation for livestreams; it does not make the filter’s defaults YouTube requirements. YouTube’s live encoder guidance specifies audio encoding settings, but no LUFS target.
Choose a loudness target without confusing it with YouTube’s requirements
LUFS describes perceived integrated loudness; LRA describes loudness range; dBTP describes true peak. They address different aspects of the audio, so setting one number does not set the others. There is no single target established by the cited YouTube live encoder guidance for every music stream. Choose values by testing the actual playlist and transitions, aiming to preserve the material’s intended dynamics and avoid unexpectedly large level changes.
FFmpeg’s documented loudnorm defaults are −24 LUFS integrated loudness, 7 LU LRA, and −2 dBTP true peak. These are filter defaults, not a YouTube mandate. Do not treat a commonly repeated target such as −14 LUFS as an official YouTube Live requirement: the encoder guidance does not specify a LUFS target. FFmpeg Filters Documentation · YouTube live encoder settings
Configure FFmpeg’s loudnorm filter for a live feed
Use single-pass mode for continuous streaming
A minimal filter expression is loudnorm=I=<chosen-target>:LRA=<chosen-range>:TP=<chosen-true-peak>. Replace the bracketed text with numeric targets selected for your program. For example, the structure—not a recommended target—is loudnorm=I=-24:LRA=7:TP=-2. That example uses FFmpeg’s documented defaults; it does not establish that those values suit your music or are required by YouTube.
#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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For a live feed, leave the filter in single-pass operation unless your specific setup requires another mode. FFmpeg documents single-pass operation for livestreams and double-pass processing for files. A double-pass workflow measures and processes a file in separate passes; it is not a prerequisite for normalizing a continuous livestream.
Know when linear mode is appropriate
loudnorm supports dynamic and linear normalization. Linear operation requires measured integrated loudness, LRA, true peak, and threshold values. If its documented conditions are not met, the filter may revert to dynamic normalization. Do not select linear mode on the assumption that it will always remain linear; check FFmpeg’s filter documentation and the filter’s output for your actual configuration.
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
Use FFmpeg’s ebur128 filter to measure loudness, or inspect the measurements reported in the loudnorm summary. These describe the processed program; they are not a YouTube compliance result. FFmpeg Filters Documentation
Set YouTube audio encoding for the ingestion protocol
Stereo RTMP or RTMPS
For stereo RTMP/RTMPS ingestion, YouTube lists AAC or MP3 and recommends a 44.1 kHz sample rate and 128 kbps audio bitrate. Its live-stream encoding settings list CBR for the live stream. These are encoding settings, separate from your choice of loudness targets. Check the current YouTube live encoder settings for the protocol and stream you are configuring.
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HLS
HLS has separate ingestion requirements. YouTube lists AAC, AC3, and EAC3 audio; its advanced settings recommend 44.1 kHz stereo and 128 kbps stereo. Do not assume RTMP/RTMPS settings describe every HLS requirement: follow YouTube’s HLS setup guidance for segment handling and the selected protocol.
Test a representative playlist before leaving the stream running
- Measure representative material. Run loudness measurement on representative tracks and transitions with
ebur128or inspect theloudnormsummary. A single track may not reveal changes between differently mastered recordings. - Choose and apply targets. Set
I,LRA, andTPdeliberately in the single-pass filter, then listen for unwanted level changes or loss of intended dynamics. - Check the encoded feed. Confirm that the selected ingestion protocol, audio codec, sample rate, bitrate, and channel format match YouTube’s guidance for that protocol.
- Test before launch and monitor during operation. YouTube recommends testing with audio and movement similar to the planned stream, checking stream health and messages, leaving bandwidth headroom, and continuously monitoring audio and video quality. Loudness normalization cannot diagnose or fix an ingestion, encoding, or connectivity fault.
See YouTube’s streaming tips for operational guidance.
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Troubleshoot common audio problems
- YouTube reports an unsupported audio codec: Check the codec against the requirements for your selected ingestion protocol. For stereo RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube lists AAC or MP3; HLS has its own listed codecs. See YouTube live streaming error messages.
- You see a bitrate warning: Verify the audio bitrate against YouTube’s guidance; its troubleshooting information gives a 128 kbps audio recommendation. For stereo RTMP/RTMPS, the encoder page also recommends 128 kbps. Do not assume a loudness target will resolve a bitrate warning.
- The stream sounds uneven between songs: Measure a representative sequence, including transitions, and review the normalization results. Reconsider the chosen targets if they cause excessive level changes or alter the material’s intended dynamics.
- Audio sounds wrong despite reasonable loudness measurements: Check the encoded output and stream health, not only the loudness summary. Test representative audio and monitor audio/video quality and YouTube messages while the stream is running.
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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
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