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For a stereo 24/7 YouTube radio stream, set audio bitrate to 128 Kbps, sample rate to 44.1 kHz, and encoding to CBR. For 5.1 surround, YouTube recommends 384 Kbps audio and a 48 kHz sample rate. These are audio settings, separate from the video bitrate.
Recommended audio settings
| Audio format | Bitrate | Sample rate |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo | 128 Kbps | 44.1 kHz |
| 5.1 surround | 384 Kbps | 48 kHz |
YouTube lists these as recommended advanced live encoder settings on its live encoder settings page (undated; accessed 2026). For the typical stereo radio stream, choose 128 Kbps. Do not confuse this with video bitrate: YouTube’s separate video recommendations concern the video component.
Set up stereo audio in your encoder
- Choose AAC or MP3 audio. YouTube supports either codec for RTMP/RTMPS ingestion. If your encoder asks for an audio codec, select one of these supported options.
- Set audio bitrate to 128 Kbps. This is YouTube’s recommended stereo audio bitrate, not a combined audio-and-video target.
- Set sample rate to 44.1 kHz. YouTube’s listed stereo recommendation is 44.1 kHz.
- Enable constant bitrate (CBR). YouTube directs live encoders to use CBR.
- Use the stream URL and key from YouTube Live Control Room. Create or select a stream there, then copy its stream URL and stream key into the corresponding encoder fields. Keep the key private; anyone who obtains it may be able to send a broadcast to your stream.
For HLS ingestion, YouTube lists AAC, AC3, and EAC3 as supported audio codecs and repeats the same recommended stereo bitrate and sample rate. HLS has higher latency than RTMP because it sends video segments. See YouTube’s HLS ingestion guidance for protocol details.
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Test the connection’s upload speed and leave at least 20% headroom beyond the total outgoing stream bitrate, including video as well as audio. The 20% margin is YouTube’s recommendation on its live encoder settings page (undated; accessed 2026); it is not a margin applied only to the 128 Kbps audio setting. If the connection cannot sustain the combined stream reliably, reduce the video bitrate or improve the upload connection rather than treating the audio bitrate as the whole bandwidth requirement.
#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
Test and monitor before leaving it live
- Run a test using audio and movement similar to the eventual broadcast, not only a static test screen.
- Check YouTube’s stream health and encoder messages while the test runs. Watch for interruptions or quality warnings and address them before relying on a continuous broadcast.
- Keep a local archive backup if you need a dependable recording. YouTube says streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all, and DVR can be limited or unavailable for streams longer than 12 hours. These are YouTube platform limits, not problems that a higher audio bitrate solves. See its live-stream recording guidance and DVR guidance (undated; accessed 2026).
What changes for a 24/7 stream?
YouTube’s cited settings do not specify a special audio bitrate for continuous broadcasts. Keep the stereo recommendation at 128 Kbps; the defining extra concern is that a stream running beyond 12 hours may not be archived, while DVR may be limited or unavailable. If viewers need rewind or you need a complete recording, plan a separate archive and do not assume the live stream’s YouTube recording will cover the entire run.
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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
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.
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
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.
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