Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo stream a radio station to YouTube from a Mac mini, capture the station’s audio in OBS Studio, pair it with an authorized still image or other visual, and send the encoder feed to YouTube Live using the stream URL and key from YouTube Studio. This workflow depends on your macOS version and audio source: OBS Studio 30 or later can capture desktop or selected-application audio on macOS 13 Ventura or later. Before broadcasting, confirm the station has the rights needed for a YouTube simulcast.
Before you configure OBS
Confirm permission to rebroadcast
Ask the station or its rights holders to confirm that the music, programs, spoken material, and visuals may be made available on YouTube for the intended territory and duration. Operating or owning a radio station does not by itself establish that its existing licenses cover a YouTube simulcast. Rights vary with the repertoire, agreements, and jurisdiction; this technical setup cannot determine whether a particular station is cleared.
Identify where the audio comes from
- Station player on the Mac: Capture audio from the desktop or the application playing the station, if your macOS and OBS versions support it.
- External console, mixer, receiver, or interface: Connect the feed to a suitable audio input and select that device in OBS. The correct input depends on the equipment and signal path; not every setup needs an additional interface.
Note your Mac mini’s macOS release, OBS version, and audio source before following the capture steps. The Mac mini generation is unspecified, so check that it has the connections and performance your particular audio and video setup requires; no particular generation is established as necessary.
Create a YouTube Live stream
- In YouTube Studio, select Create > Go live. In the Live Control Room, use the Stream tab to create a stream or schedule one, then set its title, visibility, and other metadata.
- Check eligibility before your first broadcast. YouTube’s live-stream guidance says a channel must be verified and must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the preceding 90 days. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility and setup guidance.
- Copy the ingest URL and stream key shown in Live Control Room. If your encoder supports it, use the RTMPS URL: YouTube describes RTMPS as RTMP over TLS/SSL and instructs creators to reveal and copy that URL in Live Control Room. Enter the URL and key in OBS; do not publish or share the key. See YouTube’s encoder setup instructions.
A stream key is a credential for sending video to your channel. If it is exposed, a channel owner or manager can reset it through YouTube’s controls; follow YouTube’s stream-key guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Capture the radio audio in OBS
Station audio playing on the Mac
OBS documents native capture of desktop audio or one selected application with its macOS Audio Capture source in OBS Studio 30 and later on macOS 13 Ventura and later. In OBS, add a macOS Audio Capture source to the scene, choose whether to capture desktop audio or the station application, and play the station. Confirm that the audio meter in the OBS mixer responds before continuing. The feature and version requirements are described in the OBS macOS audio capture guide.
If the meter does not move, check the selected application or capture mode and confirm that the station is actually playing through the Mac. On older macOS or OBS versions, OBS’s guide describes using additional audio-routing software and a manual multi-output-device setup. The exact procedure depends on the OS release and routing tool; do not assume the newer native source is available.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Audio arriving through an external input
Add an Audio Input Capture source to the OBS scene and select the interface or input carrying the station feed. Speak or play audio through the connected signal path and verify the mixer meter responds. If you have selected the same device both as a global OBS audio device and as a scene source, check the routing: OBS warns that capturing it twice can create an echo. See the OBS audio capture guide.
macOS may require microphone permission even when the input is an audio interface. In macOS Ventura or later, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and enable access for OBS if it is listed. Restart OBS after changing access. Apple’s instructions are at Control access to the microphone on Mac.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Add a visual and set stream quality
YouTube Live receives an audio-and-video encoder feed, so a radio broadcast still needs video. In OBS, make a scene with a still image such as station artwork or an approved logo, plus any useful station-identification text. Confirm that you have permission to use the artwork. Keep the image legible at the chosen output resolution.
For RTMP or RTMPS, YouTube documents H.264 video, AAC or MP3 audio, constant bitrate encoding, and a recommended two-second keyframe interval that should not exceed four seconds. For stereo audio, its recommended settings are 44.1 kHz and 128 kbps. Consult YouTube’s live encoder settings for the current resolution and bitrate guidance.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Choose a modest resolution and frame rate appropriate for a mostly static scene and your stable upload capacity. Do not infer a video bitrate from the fact that the program is audio: the encoded video still needs an appropriate bitrate. Use YouTube’s resolution-specific guidance, check the actual outbound connection, and verify stream health in Live Control Room rather than guessing.
Test, start, and monitor the broadcast
- Run a private or unlisted test before the public broadcast. In the YouTube Live Control Room, wait for the incoming preview.
- Check that the station audio is audible in the preview and on a separate playback device, the image is visible, and the OBS mixer shows the expected audio activity. Listen for silence, distortion, or an echo from duplicate capture sources.
- Check stream health and monitor audio and video quality during the broadcast. YouTube recommends testing the encoder setup and monitoring the event; see its encoder settings guidance and Live Control Room instructions.
- For a scheduled stream, start streaming from OBS and wait for the preview in Live Control Room. Select Go live there when ready. When finished, stop the stream as directed in the interface and check the channel if you need the archive. YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours are automatically archived; see its encoder workflow guidance.
Common problems and fixes
- OBS’s meter stays still: Confirm the radio is playing, then check the macOS Audio Capture mode and selected application. For external audio, verify the input device and physical signal path. If your Mac or OBS release predates native capture support, consult OBS’s version-specific routing guidance.
- No external input is available to OBS: Check the selected interface or input and enable microphone access in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. Restart OBS after changing permission.
- The preview is silent or has an echo: Verify the source meter and listen on a separate playback device. Check that the input has not been added as both a global device and a scene source.
- YouTube does not receive the encoder feed: Recheck the URL and stream key copied from Live Control Room, confirm OBS is sending, and wait for the incoming preview. If the key may have been exposed, reset it in YouTube Studio.
- Stream health is poor or the feed is unstable: Check the upload connection and encoder health. Reduce output demands if needed, then test again against YouTube’s bitrate guidance for the selected resolution.
- You cannot select Go live for a scheduled broadcast: Start the encoder feed first and wait for the Live Control Room preview; then select Go live.
- The broadcast is not archived: Check its duration and the channel’s video list. YouTube’s cited automatic archive guidance applies to streams shorter than 12 hours; it does not establish automatic archiving for longer broadcasts.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you want a pre-recorded radio program or other uploaded video to loop continuously on YouTube, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative to keeping an encoder running on the Mac mini. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting from a live camera.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs in the cloud, not on your Mac mini or home connection.
- Any quality you upload, up to 4K 60fps, streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- If YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo automatically tries to recover it.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage pooled across active slots, looping and playlists, and StreamNeo team support.
For a single slot, the monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo streams to YouTube only. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
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.
