---
title: "Setup and Change Default Stream Settings"
url: "https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/setup-and-change-default-stream-settings"
category: "Channels"
updated: 2026-10-13
summary: "Our Stream Stepper is a guided, step-by-step setup that adjusts to the choices you make. Default stream settings are configured through the Stream Stepper and automatically apply to newly created events. You can still override these defaults for individual events. What Are Default Stream Settings?…"
---

# Setup and Change Default Stream Settings

Our Stream Stepper is a guided, step-by-step setup that adjusts to the choices you make. Default stream settings are configured through the Stream Stepper and automatically apply to newly created events. You can still override these defaults for individual events.

## **What Are Default Stream Settings?**

Default stream settings tell Sardius where your stream comes from, where it goes, and which outputs it feeds. Once they're set, every new event on your channel starts with these settings already filled in, so you don't have to set up each event from scratch.

**Key points:**

- Defaults apply **only to new events** created _after_ they're set.

- Defaults can be **changed at any time**.

- You can **override defaults for individual events** if needed.

> **Note:** This article follows the full setup for **My Devices** (a paired hardware encoder). Manual, Linked Asset, and Simulated Live sources use a shorter flow; links to their articles are included below.

## **Before You Begin**

- **Using an encoder?** Pair it with your account first. See [**Add a Device**](https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/add-a-device).

- **Sending to Facebook, YouTube, RTMP, or SRT?** Create those outputs first so they're available to select. See [**Adding an Output**](https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/add-an-output).

## Creating Defaults

### **1. Enable Streaming for Your Channel**

1. Open the **Control Panel** and navigate to **Channels**.

2. Select the channel you want to configure.

3. In the sidebar, click **Stream**.

4. Click **Enable streaming**.

Once streaming is enabled, you'll be prompted to start defining your default stream settings.

![Enable Streaming](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/7dfbeada83346704.png)

> **Warning:** Default stream settings only apply to newly created events. Previously created events will not be changed. To change settings for an existing event, you'll need to update that event manually.

### **2. Configure Your Default Stream Settings**

Click **Set defaults** to open the Stream Stepper, which will guide you through each step.

![Streaming Set up](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/0d5e977578fec1e0.png)
![Add Source](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/47cd8bd62eaf3f7e.png)

#### **Step 1: Choose Your Source**

Select how your stream will reach Sardius:

- **My Devices**: a hardware encoder you've paired with your account (for example, a Sardius EMLA, Makito, or Elemental). This option walks you through the full setup below.

- **Manually, with my own device or software**: any encoder or software (like OBS) that sends to a Stream URL and Stream Key.

- **Linked Asset**: a stream from an external provider.

- **Simulated Live**: available when editing an event's stream settings.

![Choose Source Image](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/71dac88df87b1994a0ce.png?width=768)

> **Tip:** Using a different source? See [**Manual Sardius Stream Set Up**](https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/manual-sardius-stream-set-up), [**Set Up Linked Asset (External Stream)**](https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/set-up-linked-asset-external-stream), or [**Setting Up SimLive**](https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/setting-up-simlive).

#### **Step 2: Select Your Encoder**

Choose the paired encoder you want to use by default. If you have several devices, use the search bar to find it quickly. Then click _Continue_.

![Select Encoder Image](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/6e7333d3bbacd3bf5dc1.png?width=768)

#### **Step 3: Select Your Input**

Choose which input on that encoder carries your video (for example, SDI or HDMI), then click _Continue_. You'll need to make a selection before you can continue.

![Select Input Image](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/f0b4de55bdd5c66dda0f.png?width=768)

#### **Step 4: Select a Default Stream**

Choose how Sardius will receive your live feed:

- **Sardius Stream**: Sardius manages your stream and can send it to multiple outputs.

- **Sardius Entrypoint**: sends your stream to Sardius over HLS, with support for custom bitrates, resolutions, and multiple audio languages.

![Select Default Stream](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/62a737c7a30a587599e9.png?width=768)

> **Note:** Some encoders, like Makitos, can't support every stream type. Options your encoder doesn't support are greyed out and can't be selected.

#### **Step 5: Select a Template**

A **template** controls your stream's quality settings, like resolution and bitrate.

- You'll only see templates that work with **both** your encoder and the default stream you chose in Step 4. For example, a Makito X4 sending to Sardius Stream only shows Makito X4 Sardius Stream templates.

- The **HD template is selected for you** by default. Keep it, or choose the SD template or any custom template you've created.

- A template is required to continue.

![Select Template Image](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/195cbb30566609a74f92.png?width=768)

> **Tip:** For more information on creating and customizing templates, [**click here**](https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/creating-and-customizing-templates).

#### **Step 6: Add Outputs (Optional)**

Select any outputs that should be included on every new event, such as:

- SRT connections

- Facebook

- YouTube

- RTMP destinations you've created

You can skip this step and add outputs later.

![Add Outputs image](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/53d65bfd5d3b8229b3db.png?width=768)

> **Note:** **Using Sardius Entrypoint?** Outputs aren't added in this step. After you finish, add them off your encoder in the stream overview. See [**Using Outputs with Sardius HLS Entrypoint**](https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/using-outputs-with-sardius-hls-entrypoint).

### **3. Review and Save**

After you click **Finish**, you'll see your full setup: source, stream, and outputs. You can make any additional changes here, such as adding or editing outputs.

When everything looks right, click **Save** in the top right corner.

![Save Defaults image](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/0dd5a81d4aaf4d0e0528.png?width=768)

## **How Defaults Work When Creating Events**

When you create a new event:

- The Stream Stepper automatically fills in the source, encoder, and outputs based on your defaults.

- You **still need to step through the Stream Stepper** to confirm or change settings before publishing the event.

## **Overriding Default Settings for a Specific Event**

If an event needs a different encoder or different outputs:

1. Create or open the event in your calendar and click **Add More Details**.

   ![Add More Event Details](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/8cf29afd3609e164.png?width=519)

2. Go to the **Streaming Settings** section.

3. Select **Edit default settings**.

   ![Edit Default Settings](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/fc67da3897403c45.png)

4. The Stream Stepper will open with your defaults already filled in.

5. To change a step, hover over it and click **Edit**.

   ![Edit Stream Settings](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/e5ef06943ec280c7.png)

6. Click **Save** when you're done.

   ![](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/11ed5569df45bb53.png?width=400)

This gives the event its own settings while leaving your channel's defaults unchanged.

## **Changing Your Default Settings**

1. Navigate to your channel's **Stream** settings.

   ![Edit default stream settings](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/acd301dd4183b478.png)

2. Click **Edit default settings** (bottom right).

3. The Stream Stepper will open with your current defaults loaded.

4. Hover over the step you want to change, click **Edit**, then click **Save** when you're done.

How much of the Stream Stepper you'll see depends on what you change:

- **Switching to a similar encoder, or only changing the input** (for example, one EMLA to another): the Stream Stepper closes after the input step. Your default stream, template, and outputs stay the same.

- **Switching to a different type of encoder** (for example, EMLA to Makito, or Makito X to Makito X4): you'll go through the Default Stream, Template, and Outputs steps again, since different encoders support different options.

> **Note:** **Your updated defaults only apply to events created after the change.** Previously created events, including ones still scheduled, keep their current settings. To change those, update each event manually.

### **Removing Default Settings**

1. Open your channel's **Stream Overview** page.

2. Next to your encoder or manual configuration, click **Remove default settings**.

   ![Remove default stream settings](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/bd8337351b8f40bc.png)

3. Confirm by clicking **OK**.

   ![](https://support.sardius.media/kb-media/c2bd4473b15ce1e6.png?width=400)

> **Note:** Defaults are removed immediately. **This does _not_ change previously created events. Only _future_ events are affected.** The next time you set defaults, setup starts fresh from Step 1.

That's it! Your channel's default stream settings are set up. If you have any questions, contact **Sardius Support** and we'll be happy to help.