Live Streaming Audio Setup: Broadcasting Quality Sound Online

Live streaming audio setup enables real-time broadcast of performances to online audiences. The audio component is often more challenging than video—poor audio drives viewers away regardless of video quality. Understanding how to create, route, and optimize audio for streaming produces professional results.

Creating the Stream Audio Feed

The stream audio may differ from the PA mix. Room fill, crowd noise, and acoustic elements present in the venue are absent for online listeners.

A dedicated stream mix through a separate bus or output allows independent optimization. Effects, balancing, and processing can differ from the live PA.

Matrix outputs on digital mixers can create custom stream mixes from existing sources. This adds stream capability without additional mixing.

Simple setups may use the main mix directly. While not ideal, this approach works when resources limit more elaborate configuration.

Audio Interface Selection

USB audio interfaces connect mixers to streaming computers. Even basic two-channel interfaces can carry a stereo stream mix.

The interface should match the mix source format. Balanced XLR inputs for professional mixer outputs; quarter-inch for semi-pro gear.

Reliable drivers and stable operation matter more than premium audio quality for streaming. Consistent, glitch-free operation prevents broadcast dropouts.

Popular options include the Focusrite Scarlett series, PreSonus AudioBox, and Native Instruments Komplete Audio.

Software Configuration

Streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs, vMix) receives audio from the interface. Configure the software to use the correct audio input device.

Sample rate should match throughout the chain—interface, software, and streaming platform. 48kHz is standard for video streaming; 44.1kHz also works.

Audio bitrate settings affect quality and bandwidth requirements. 128-256 kbps stereo provides acceptable quality for most music streaming.

Processing for Stream

Stream audio often benefits from different processing than live PA. Compression evens dynamics for consistent listening through various playback systems.

Limiting prevents digital overload in the streaming chain. Hard limiting at -1 to -3 dBFS protects against peaks while maximizing perceived loudness.

EQ may address characteristics that work live but sound wrong on headphones or speakers. Harsh frequencies tolerable in venues may be fatiguing through streams.

High-pass filtering removes low-frequency content that consumes bandwidth and may not reproduce well on viewers’ speakers.

Ambient Microphones

Room microphones capture audience energy and spatial character absent from the board mix. These add life to otherwise sterile stream audio.

Blending room mics with the direct mix creates dimensional stream audio. The balance affects whether the stream sounds like a recording or a live event.

Careful time alignment synchronizes room mics with the direct feed. Sound travel time creates delay that causes phase issues if not compensated.

Monitoring the Stream

Monitor the actual stream output, not just the mixer. Delays, codec artifacts, and streaming platform processing affect final quality.

Low-latency monitoring through the streaming software reveals what viewers hear before it reaches them.

Viewer feedback through chat or other channels provides real-time quality reports from the receiving end.

Latency Considerations

Stream latency from venue to viewer ranges from a few seconds to 30+ seconds depending on platform and settings.

Audio sync with video requires careful management. Audio and video processing delays may differ, causing lip-sync issues.

Low-latency streaming modes reduce delay but may impact stability or quality. Balance latency requirements against reliability needs.

Platform Requirements

Different streaming platforms have different audio specifications. YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and others each have recommended settings.

AAC audio codec is standard for most platforms. Configure the streaming software to output compatible format.

Stereo or mono depends on platform capability and source material. Stereo provides better audio but requires more bandwidth.

Redundancy and Backup

Stream failure loses the broadcast moment permanently. Backup recording captures the performance regardless of stream status.

Redundant internet connections prevent network failures from stopping streams. Cellular backup or multiple ISP connections provide insurance.

Backup streaming software or secondary computer provides failover if primary system crashes.

Hybrid Events

Events with both live audience and online viewers require parallel optimization. What works for the room may not work for the stream.

Separate mixes for PA and stream serve both audiences appropriately. Each receives audio optimized for their listening context.

Communication between FOH and stream engineers ensures coordination when separate people handle each role.

Testing Before Broadcast

Test the complete chain before the actual event. Verify audio flows from mixer through interface through software to platform.

Private stream testing reveals problems without public embarrassment. Platforms typically allow unlisted or private streams for testing.

End-to-end verification watching the test stream on actual viewer devices confirms the viewer experience.

Common Problems

Audio distortion usually indicates level issues—too hot somewhere in the chain. Check levels at each stage.

No audio reaching stream could be routing, interface selection, or software configuration. Trace signal path systematically.

Audio sync problems suggest mismatched processing delays. Adjust delay compensation in streaming software.

Dropouts and glitches indicate computer performance issues, interface problems, or network instability. Identify and address the bottleneck.