In this section we will explain how to broadcast a live audio stream to your Shoutcast 2 station.
Decide your live broadcast software
To perform a live broadcast, you will require software that is capable of connecting and streaming to your Shoutcast 2 server.
For beginners we recommend starting with Winamp SHOUTcast DSP Plugin.
Connect your live broadcast software
DSP Plugin
DSP Plugin
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
MP3 Streaming: Yes | AAC Streaming: No
Website: https://winamp.com
Cost: FREE
Winamp was originally developed by Nullsoft, the same people who originally developed SHOUTcast itself. We recommend Winamp if you are new to internet net radio streaming.
- Download and install Winamp from www.winamp.com
- Download and install DSP plugin at shoutcast.com
- Start Winamp on your PC
- Open File -> Preferences
- Select “DSP /Effect” menu and then select “Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP”
- Select “Encoder” tab and configure bitrate for your stream. Please note that streaming above MP3 128Kbps requires a Shoutcast 2 Premium license from www.shoutcast.com.
- Configure Live Stream Settings (click image to enlarge) and press Connect
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: Yes | Linux: Yes
Website: https://sourceforge.net/projects/butt/
Cost: FREE
BUTT (broadcasting using this tool) is an easy to use, multi OS streaming tool. It is designed to stream live audio data directly from your computers Microphone or Live Input.
It is not possible to build a playlist of music with this software, it is for direct mic/line input only.
- Download and install software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/butt/
- Select “Settings” button
- Within “Server Settings” press “Add” to add your Shoutcast 2 server.
- Configure Server details as below image (click on image to enlarge)
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
Website: www.djsoft.net
Cost: Free & Commercial versions
RadioCaster is a program for taking any audio – including analog – connected to your computer or playback device and broadcasting it online to the whole world. That means seamless use of old audio sources, existing radio broadcasts, and other materials while maintaining your own digital presence. Configuration is painless, while detailed statistics help you keep track of your audience.
- Download and install RadioCaster software from https://www.djsoft.net/enu/radiocaster_details.htm
- Start RadioCaster software
- Press the Plus icon on the right side of the screen to add a new encoder/server.
- Select “Configuration Wizard” and then Shoutcast v2
- Now enter the server details from your Service Overview
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
Website: www.djsoft.net
Cost: Free & Commercial versions
- Download and install from https://www.djsoft.net/enu/download.htm
- Open Settings -> Options
- Select Broadcast from the options on the left column and the press the + plus icon to add a new broadcast.
- Press Configuration Wizard button
- Select SHOUTcast v2
- Enter connection details as described below and then press Finish.
- Press OK to save and close the dialog
- Check the Broadcasting enabled checkbox and also the checkbox next to your encoder. The broadcast should begin immediately. (Make sure you are playing music from RadioBoss also)
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
MP3 Streaming: Yes | AAC Streaming: No
Website: https://spacial.com/sam-cast/
Cost: Commercial
Commercial live broadcast software by Spacial.
- Download and install Sam Cast from https://spacial.com/sam-cast/
- Select “Encoders” then press the Plus icon
- Select a plugin/encoder of either MP3 or aacPlus v2.
Note that AAC streaming with Shoutcast 2 requires a Premium license key from www.shoutcast.com
- Enter server configurations
- Press “OK” to save the configuration then press Play icon to begin streaming.
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: Yes | Linux: Yes
Website: https://www.mixxx.org/
Cost: Commercial
For professional DJs, by using VirtualDJ instead of the limited software that comes with your controller, you will have the most advanced technology at your fingertips and perform even better mixes.
Please note, a PRO license is required to broadcast to a Shoutcast 2 server.
- Purchase, download and install VirtualDJ from https://www.virtualdj.com/buy/index.html
- Start the software and login to your account.
- Select the configure icon
- Select the Broadcasting tab and configure your Shoutcast 2 server details.
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: Yes | Linux: Yes
Website: https://www.mixxx.org/
Cost: FREE with PremiumFree & Open Source DJ Mixing software. Mixxx integrates the tools DJs need to perform creative live mixes with digital music files.
- Download and install Mixxx software from https://www.mixxx.org/download
- You will be prompted to configure your media library directory and also your audio input device.
- Open Live broadcasting settings in Options -> Preferences
- Select Create new connection and select the connection in the table
- Select Shoutcast 1, Mixxx works with Shoutcast 2 using the Shoutcast 1 protocol but you must provide a stream name in order to connect
- Configure your Shoutcast server details ensuring you include a Stream name and select Apply
6. Select ON AIR to begin broadcasting
Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
Website: www.playitsoftware.com
Cost: Free and Commercial versions
To broadcast to a Shoutcast or Icecast server, it is required to first install some plugins into PlayIt Live. This is very easy to achieve with the below instructions.
- Download and install from https://www.playitsoftware.com/Products/Live
- Start PlayIt Live software
- Open Plugin Manager
- Press “Browse plugins in the plugin gallery” in bottom corner
- Press “Get For Free” next to Internet Broadcast and begin installing plugin. You will be required to login to PlayIt Live first.
- Once installed you should see this notice
- Close all plugin windows and you will see new “Off Air” and “Start Streams” button on the PlayIt Live dashboard. Press on “Off Air” to configure your Shoutcast stream, this is a button.
- Configure “Audio source to broadcast” as “PlayIt Live Main Mix” then press “Add” to create and configure a new stream as described in the image below.
- Press OK button and then “Start Streams”