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# Define your output format with transcoding presets

# Transcoding presets

When you deliver live video, your destinations usually expect a specific format — a given resolution, framerate, codec, bitrate or audio layout — whatever the source looks like. A transcoding preset lets you define those output settings once and reuse them across as many outputs as you need, so every destination receives content that matches its requirements.

Presets are defined at the pool level. Any output in the pool can use one, and when several outputs share the same preset, Link processes the transcoding once and fans it out — keeping your encoding consistent and avoiding duplicate processing.

# Creating a preset

In your pool, open the **Presets** page and select **Add a preset**. Give it a name that's unique within the pool, then set the video and audio configuration described below.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/8/4/5/9845223dbfb4e800/image_mkug6y.png =857x500)


The configuration is split across two tabs: one for video settings and one for audio settings.

## Starting from a template

You don't have to start from scratch. Link includes templates for common delivery formats — select one in the **starter configuration** to prefill the settings, then adjust them to your needs.

## Video settings

Select the resolution (from the available choices), the codec, the frame rate, and the frame rate conversion (see [Apply motion-compensated frame rate conversion](https://help.quortex.io/en/article/apply-motion-compensated-frame-rate-conversion-wcesvl/)). 
A few combinations are constrained: 4K requires HEVC — AVC isn't available at that resolution — interlaced output is limited to the base framerates (25, 29.97, 30), and the available bitrate range depends on the codec and resolution.

| Resolution | Base framerates (25, 29.97, 30) | Double framerates (50, 59.94, 60) | HEVC bitrate | AVC bitrate |
| ---- |
| 3840×2160p (4K) | ✓ | ✓ | 5.0 – 20.0 Mbps | Not available |
| 1920×1080p (Full HD) | ✓ | ✓ | 1.8 – 20.0 Mbps | 0.5 – 20.0 Mbps |
| 1280×720p (HD) | ✓ | ✓ | 1.0 – 20.0 Mbps | 0.5 – 20.0 Mbps |
| 1920×1080i (Full HD interlaced) | ✓ | — | 1.0 – 20.0 Mbps | 0.5 – 20.0 Mbps |

In the Advanced settings, **Input timebase tracking** controls how the input signal's clock is tracked during processing. The default, **Follow input**, takes the source clock as the reference, so any deviation or error in the source propagates to the output. **Local clock** instead uses the system clock to feed frames to the transcoder, improving stability when the input is unreliable — use it only when the source is unstable. Local clock isn't compatible with FrameFormer motion-compensated frame rate conversion.

Looking for SD or another resolution? Those aren't available yet — contact us and we'll help.

The preset can't be saved until the audio settings are also defined.

## Audio settings

Audio settings are codec, channels, sample rate and bitrate. The same configuration is applied to all audio tracks, and up to 4 audio tracks are supported. 
HE-AAC v2 is stereo only, and MPEG-L2 supports mono and stereo but not 5.1. Sample rate can be 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz. The supported bitrates depend on the codec and channel layout:

| Codec | Channels | Bitrate (kb/s) |
| ---- |
| MPEG-L2 | Mono | 32, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192 |
| MPEG-L2 | Stereo | 64, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256 |
| AAC-LC | Mono | 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192 |
| AAC-LC | Stereo | 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256 |
| AAC-LC | 5.1 | 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256 |
| HE-AAC v1 | Mono | 32, 40, 48, 56, 64\* |
| HE-AAC v1 | Stereo | 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96\* |
| HE-AAC v1 | 5.1 | 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224\*, 256\* |
| HE-AAC v2 | Stereo | 32, 40, 48, 56, 64\* |

\*\* Not available at a 32 kHz sample rate.\*

# Assigning a preset

A preset only takes effect once you assign it to an output: open the output, choose the preset in its transcoding settings, and save. You can also assign an existing preset when you create an output. The same preset can be assigned to as many outputs as you like.

A preset is mandatory for RTMP outputs, and it must use the AVC codec.

|| Assigning a preset to an output — or changing the preset already assigned — changes the output's IP address and port. The UI displays a warning before you confirm: *"Applying preset will change IP address and port for this output."* Once the change is applied, update your downstream configuration with the new address and port so the destination keeps receiving the output.

# Editing a preset

You can rename a preset or change its settings at any time — but the change applies to every output using it.

Before you apply a change, Link shows which outputs are affected and how. Some won't be impacted at all; others will briefly enter *Configuring* status and be unavailable for a few seconds, or for a few minutes for larger changes. Review this and, for significant impact, make the change during a maintenance window.

# Deleting a preset

To delete a preset, first make sure no output is using it — Link won't remove a preset that's still assigned. Reassign or clear it from those outputs, then delete.