Software for streaming
There are a number of options, depending on what you are going to stream (live performance, pre-recorded etc.) and the type of computer you use (Mac, Windows, Linux or iOS). For help on setting up your software to connect to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream see the Getting Started section under the Support menu.
As a DJ you may already use a library tool such as iTunes or Winamp to manage your music collection, these can be connected by a streaming application.
If using iTunes or another DJ/Library application that does not have a SHOUTcast connection facility you should choose a broadcasting app such as butt, SAM Cast or Audio Hijack, these apps send your output to the SHOUTcast server for you.
DJ/Library applications, such as SAM Broadcaster, Mixxx, iziCast and Virtual DJ have a SHOUTcast broadcast facility built right in to the app making streaming a breeze.
Setup information for these apps can be found in our online (under the support menu above) or downloadable guide. You will find links to the software solutions on this page. Traditional vinyl DJs will need an audio interface (USB/Firewire or Expansion Card) between mixed output and computer. Live mixing digital DJs may like to use a DJ control surface for “spinning” digital content
As a musician the chances are you will have some kind of basic home recording setup with your computer, recent Macs for example will have a copy of GarageBand.It may be you have a USB mixer or other sound input device/audio interface too. In this case you will simply need a broadcast app to capture the output/mix and send it to the SHOUTcast server. For live music we recommend butt, Audio Hijack or SAM Cast.
Speakers, Comedians, Poets, Presenters, Educators etc. As with live music applications you may wish to have some form of software for providing vocal effects etc. Or you may capture your voice via your computer microphone directly and send the output to your SHOUTcast stream using butt, SAM Cast or Audio Hijack.
Our recommended list
The following is a guide to software we have used and tested successfully with our SHOUTcast and Icecast streams. It is not an exhaustive list, however, as we become aware of new software and platforms (Android coming soon) we will add links here and place information in our setup guides.
Second Streaming has no links or affiliations with the listed software providers, links are provided for informational purposes only, support for learning and using these applications, updates and bug fixing is provided directly by the software author or their associated user communities.
Microsoft Windows
BUTT – Broadcast Using This Tool
This is an open source tool for routing your sound output or mixed feed to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: Free License: Opensource
Link: https://danielnoethen.de/butt/
Mixxx
This is an open source application for DJs allowing for library management and direct broadcasting to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: Free License: Opensource
Link: https://mixxx.org/
SAM Cast
A commercial application provided by Spacial Audio for broadcasting your audio signal or mixed feed directly to your SHOUTcast stream. This app has replaced SimpleCast.
Price: From $199.00 USD License: Commercial
Link: https://spacial.com/sam-cast/
SAM Broadcaster
A commercial application provided by Spacial Audio for DJs and Radio Stations, providing music library management, live mixing with voice over, automated playlists and more. SAM Broadcaster also provides direct broadcasting to your SHOUTcast stream.
Price: From $299.00 USD License: Commercial
Link: https://spacial.com/sam-broadcaster-pro/
Virtual DJ
A commercial application for DJs and radio stations with music library management, live mixing, playlist management and mixed feeds with direct broadcasting to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: From Free License: Commercial
Link: https://virtualdj.com/
Winamp with DSP Plug-in
A free mp3 player with plug-in to allow broadcasting to your SHOUTcast.
Price: From Free License: Commercial
Link: https://directory.shoutcast.com/Winamp
Linux
BUTT – Broadcast Using This Tool
This is an open source tool for routing your sound output or mixed feed to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: Free License: Opensource
Link: https://danielnoethen.de/butt/
Mac OS
BUTT – Broadcast Using This Tool
This is an open source tool for routing your sound output or mixed feed to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: Free License: Opensource
Link: https://danielnoethen.de/butt/
Mixxx
This is an open source application for DJs allowing for library management and direct broadcasting to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: Free License: Opensource
Link: https://mixxx.org/
Audio Hijack
This is an application provided by Rogue Amoeba which allows you to broadcast audio feed or mixed feeds from your favourite MacOS applications; iTunes, GarageBand, Logic etc. to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: $59.00 USD License: Commercial
Link: https://www.rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/
Virtual DJ
A commercial application for DJs and radio stations with music library management, live mixing, playlist management and mixed feeds with direct broadcasting to your SHOUTcast or Icecast stream.
Price: From Free License: Commercial
Link: https://virtualdj.com/
iOS
iziCast For iPhone and iPad
iziCast is a source client for Icecast and Shoutcast. You can broadcast and record audio from the internal microphone or external audio devices to Icecast, Shoutcast or any Liquidsoap (e.g. AzuraCast) based server. Besides that you can also broadcast local audio files from your device. With the integrated Audiobus support you can even broadcast audio content from other Audiobus enabled apps.
This versatility allows you to use iziCast in different scenarios like broadcasting live events, hosting a radio show/podcast or play along with your instrument to existing music.
Price: $5.99 USD License: Commercial
Link: https://izicast.de