🎧 Why Audio Settings Matter

In radio streaming, your sound is everything. Poor configuration can ruin even the best content with distortions, cuts, or unbearable quality. At ViaRad.io, we give you full control over your audio with advanced settings through Icecast KH and the ability to stream in MP3 or AAC/AAC+ formats. In this guide, you'll learn how to choose the ideal audio settings for your stream — whether you're broadcasting live or using AutoDJ.

📁 Where to Adjust Your Audio Settings

Your audio settings are configured in two key places:

  1. Mount Points: These are the streaming endpoints on your server. You must configure your audio format and encoding options here.
    👉 About mount points

  2. Your Encoder: If you're streaming live, these settings must match what you've configured in the mount point — otherwise, your stream won’t connect or could play incorrectly.

🎵 Choosing Between MP3 and AAC/AAC+

Format Compatibility Quality at Low Bitrate Metadata Support Latency
MP3 Universal Medium Full Low
AAC+ Modern devices Excellent Limited in some players Very low

✅ When to use MP3:

  • You want maximum compatibility (old devices, web players).

  • You're streaming music or talk with bitrates above 96 kbps.

  • You prioritize metadata (e.g. artist/title display everywhere).

✅ When to use AAC+:

  • You want the best sound at low bitrates (24 to 64 kbps).

  • Your audience listens mainly on mobile or modern devices.

  • You need low latency and optimized streaming for slower connections.

⚙️ AAC Encoding Options Explained (For AAC/AAC+)

When choosing AAC+, you’ll also see an extra setting: AAC Encoding. These options control how the audio is compressed and transmitted. Let’s break them down:

Encoding Option Description Best For Recommended Bitrate
HE-AAC v2 High Efficiency AAC v2: optimized for ultra-low bitrates. Adds Parametric Stereo (PS) for stereo sound even at 24–48 kbps. Mobile users, slow networks 24–48 kbps
HE-AAC High Efficiency AAC without PS. Better stereo but needs more bandwidth. Mid-range quality streaming 48–64 kbps
AAC Low Complexity (LC) Standard AAC profile. Very high quality at medium to high bitrates. Music, podcasts, general streaming 96–192 kbps
AAC Low Delay (LD) Prioritizes ultra-low latency. Useful for real-time voice or remote connections. Live voice with instant response >64 kbps
AAC Enhanced Low Delay (ELD) Combines low latency with audio enhancements. Great for real-time communication + good sound. Professional live shows, interviews 64–128 kbps

🧠 Tip:

If you're streaming music at 128 kbps, AAC LC is ideal.
If you're streaming voice or on mobile at 32 kbps, HE-AAC v2 is your best choice.

If you need an excellent balance between high audio quality (music and voice), perfect stereo, and an optimized bitrate: 192 kbps with AAC+ format and HE-AAC v2 encoding.

🔄 Matching Encoder & Server Settings

If you’re streaming live using software like BUTT, Rocket Broadcaster, or OBS, make sure your encoder’s output settings exactly match the mount point configuration:

✅ Same format (MP3 or AAC)
✅ Same bitrate (e.g. 64 kbps)
✅ Same channels (mono/stereo)
✅ Same encoding profile (HE-AAC v2, etc.)

Mismatch = no audio or connection errors.

📊 Real-World Recommendations

Use Case Recommended Format Encoder Bitrate Encoding
Music in high quality AAC LC or MP3 Rocket, BUTT 128–192 kbps AAC LC / MP3
Talk radio HE-AAC v2 BUTT 32–48 kbps HE-AAC v2
Streaming in low bandwidth regions HE-AAC v2 Rocket 24–32 kbps HE-AAC v2
Real-time DJ sessions AAC ELD OBS / AudioHijack 64–96 kbps AAC ELD
Podcasts with background music AAC LC BUTT 96–128 kbps AAC LC

🎯 Final Tips

  • Always test your stream after changing settings.

  • Avoid going below 24 kbps — quality drops heavily.

  • If unsure, start with AAC LC at 96 kbps — it’s a good balance.

📌 Summary

Perfect audio starts with the right setup. Use MP3 for compatibility, AAC+ for efficiency, and choose the right AAC profile based on your bitrate and goals. Whether you're a podcaster, DJ, or talk radio host, mastering these settings will give your station the professional sound it deserves.