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Audio Codec and Channel Layout: Requirements and Fixes

Filmhub checks audio codec, compression, and channel layout before your video begins uploading. This covers what we require and how to make sure your export meets it.

Audio codecs

Your audio must use one of the following:

  • PCM (Linear PCM / Uncompressed): minimum 48 kHz, 16-bit. Recommended for ProRes and DNxHD/HR master files
  • ALAC (Apple Lossless): lossless, no minimum bitrate
  • FLAC: lossless, no minimum bitrate
  • AAC: minimum 128 kbps stereo; 320 kbps recommended. Standard for H.264/H.265 exports
  • AC-3 (Dolby Digital): minimum 192 kbps. Accepted for 5.1 surround
  • MP3: minimum 128 kbps stereo. Accepted but not preferred for master files
  • MP2: minimum 192 kbps stereo

Codecs outside this list (Vorbis, WMA, etc.) are not supported.

Audio quality

  • Levels should average around -24 LUFS minimum
  • No clipping, phasing, distortion, dropouts, ticks, or pops
  • The mix must be center-balanced, especially dialogue

Channel layout

We recommend 5.1 or 7.1 surround. Stereo is also accepted. If you deliver surround, you do not need to include a separate stereo stream.

Supported layouts:

  • 1 stream, 6 channels, 5.1 surround (recommended)
  • 1 stream, 8 channels, 7.1 surround (recommended)
  • 1 stream, 2 channels, stereo
  • 2 streams, 1 channel each, carrying left and right

Common layout issues and how to fix them

Mono audio: Your video has a single-channel audio stream. Re-export with a stereo audio track. If your source is mono, duplicate the channel to create a stereo file in your editing software.

Split 5.1 Surround: Your 5.1 surround audio is spread across 6 separate single-channel streams rather than a single stream with 6 channels. No re-export needed. When we ask for your audio layout after upload (Audio Channel Layout Required), select Add layout and label each channel in the app.

Multiple streams with no usable stereo: Your video has multiple audio streams but none is a clearly labeled 2-channel stereo or downmix track. No re-export needed. When we ask for your audio layout after upload, select Add layout and label each channel in the app.

Unlabeled 2-channel audio among multiple streams: Your video has multiple streams and one carries 2 channels but is not labeled. No re-export needed. When we ask for your audio layout after upload, select Add layout and label each channel in the app.

Recommended export settings

For ProRes or DNxHD/HR exports, use PCM audio. For H.264 or H.265 exports, use AAC at 320 kbps. Avoid bitrates below 128 kbps with any lossy codec, and where possible export fresh from your original project rather than re-encoding from an already-compressed file.