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How Music Mode Works

Music Mode in Crowdcast enhances background music quality in-browser, while RTMP is best for high-fidelity live performances.

Updated over a week ago

Crowdcast has the ability to stream high-fidelity audio from your computer's microphone or external microphone through a feature we call Music Mode. This feature is only available when using the in-browser method to go live (as opposed to RTMP Mode).

Music Mode vs. RTMP: Best Options for Streaming Music

Music Mode is a great option when you want to enhance the sound of music playing in the background—like during a conversation, presentation, or casual event. It improves audio quality by increasing bitrate and turning off processing features like noise suppression and echo cancellation, allowing the music to come through more clearly.

However, for live music performances—such as singing, instrumentals, or DJ sets—we recommend using RTMP mode. RTMP provides the highest audio fidelity and is better suited for professional setups where consistent, high-quality streaming is essential.

If you're using Music Mode with multiple people on stage, make sure everyone wears headphones to avoid audio feedback from open mics.

Note that Music Mode is off by default and this preference is not saved across sessions or events, so you will need to enable Music Mode each time you want to use it.

To enable Music Mode, simply open the AV settings and click the toggle switch on for Music Mode.

Music Mode Specifications

Music Mode: OFF

  • Audio bitrate: 32,000

  • Audio processing: enabled

  • Stereo: disabled

Music Mode: ON

  • Bitrate: 128,000

  • Audio processing: disabled

  • Stereo: Currently music mode is in mono, but stereo is on our roadmap!

Important Notes:

  • If there are multiple guests on stage, make sure to wear headphones.

  • Be sure to use Music Mode from a quiet location. Our default background processing is disabled in Music Mode mode, so background noise may be more pronounced when Music Mode is enabled.

  • Music Mode does not apply to live streams using RTMP Studio. The settings within the broadcasting software will determine the audio quality in RTMP Studio.

  • Music Mode does not affect your screenshare's audio.

  • Anyone wishing to benefit from Music Mode must toggle Music Mode in the AV module. That goes for attendees taking music lessons and playing guitar while on stage with the host, or a guest speaker that wants to play background music while on stage.

  • Music Mode is only available from a browser and not the app.


🎛️ Using an Audio Interface?

Crowdcast — like all browser-based platforms — only gets access to the first two channels (1–2) of your interface. So, even if your gear has 8+ inputs, you’ll need to route what you want to use into channels 1–2.

Routing Made Easy:

RME (TotalMix FX)

  • Route inputs (e.g. 7–8) → Analog Outputs 1–2

  • Select “Analog 1+2” in browser

Focusrite (Control)

  • Use Loopback to send audio → Outputs 1–2

PreSonus (Universal Control)

  • Route your inputs → Main Out L/R

On macOS:

Use Loopback or Audio Hijack to send the right mix to your browser.

On Windows:

Try Voicemeeter for routing and mix control.


✅ Best Practices for Pro Audio in Crowdcast

  • Turn on Music Mode in your A/V settings

  • Route your audio into channels 1–2

  • Disable browser audio processing (we do it for you in Music Mode!)

  • Monitor your sound via your interface, not the browser

  • Run a quick test session before going live


🔧 Common Issues & Quick Fixes

Problem

Fix

Only one ear hears you?

Check stereo routing – inputs may only be going to left/right

Can't see channels 5–8?

Route them to 1–2 via software or interface control panel

Music Mode causes audio blip?

Normal — it takes a sec to reconnect cleanly

Interface not appearing?

Confirm it's set in your OS and Crowdcast A/V settings


🔈 Recommended USB Mics & Interfaces

For USB simplicity:

  • Blue Yeti – Plug-and-play with great quality and multiple pickup patterns

  • Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB – Dynamic mic with USB & XLR, excellent for noisier spaces

For pro interfaces:

  • RME Babyface Pro FS – Powerful routing via TotalMix

  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 / Solo – Reliable, and newer models support Loopback

  • PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 – Budget-friendly and browser-compatible


💡 Bonus Tips

  • Add effects like EQ or compression before routing to channels 1–2

  • Set up a monitor mix so you hear what your audience hears

  • Want fancy overlays and transitions? Use OBS then stream to Crowdcast via RTMP


🆘 Still Stuck?


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