To perform a live broadcast, you will require software that is capable of connecting and streaming to your Icecast server.

🧰 BUTT Encoder

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 computer’s 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.

Steps:

  1. Download and install from BUTT Download

  2. Select “Settings” button

  3. Within “Server Settings”, press “Add” to add your Icecast server

  4. Configure server details as shown in the image

📡 RadioCaster

Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
Website: www.djsoft.net
Cost: Free & Commercial versions

RadioCaster allows you to broadcast any audio—including analog—connected to your computer or playback device. Great for broadcasting existing content while maintaining your digital presence.

Steps:

  1. Download and install from RadioCaster

  2. Start the software

  3. Press the Plus icon on the right side to add a new encoder/server

  4. Select “Configuration Wizard” and then Icecast

  5. Enter the server details from your Service Overview

🎛️ RadioBOSS

Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
Website: www.djsoft.net
Cost: Free & Commercial versions

Steps:

  1. Download and install from RadioBOSS

  2. Open Settings → Options

  3. Select Broadcast on the left, then press the + icon

  4. Press Configuration Wizard

  5. Select Icecast

  6. Enter connection details, then press Finish

  7. Press OK to save and close

  8. Check Broadcasting enabled and the box next to your encoder

  9. Make sure music is playing in RadioBOSS

📡 SAM Cast

Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
MP3 Streaming: Yes | AAC Streaming: No
Website: https://spacial.com/sam-cast/
Cost: Commercial

SAM Cast is a professional live broadcast tool by Spacial.

Steps:

  1. Download and install from SAM Cast

  2. Select Encoders, then press the Plus icon

  3. Select plugin/encoder: MP3 or aacPlus v2

  4. Enter server configurations

  5. Press OK, then press Play to start streaming

🎚️ VirtualDJ PRO

Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: Yes | Linux: Yes
Website: https://www.virtualdj.com/buy/index.html
Cost: Commercial

For professional DJs, VirtualDJ offers advanced tools and streaming capabilities.

Steps:

  1. Purchase, download, and install from VirtualDJ

  2. Start the software and login

  3. Select the Configure icon

  4. Go to the Broadcasting tab

  5. Configure your Icecast server details

🎵 Mixxx

Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: Yes | Linux: Yes
Website: https://www.mixxx.org/
Cost: FREE with Premium

Free & open source DJ mixing software.

Steps:

  1. Download and install from Mixxx

  2. Configure your media library directory and audio input device

  3. Open Live Broadcasting Settings: Options → Preferences

  4. Select Create new connection and choose it from the table

  5. Configure your Icecast server details and click Apply

  6. Select ON AIR to begin broadcasting

🎙️ PlayIt Live

Windows: Yes | Mac OS X: No
Website: www.playitsoftware.com
Cost: Free and Commercial versions

PlayIt Live requires plugin installation to broadcast via Icecast or Shoutcast.

Steps:

  1. Download and install from PlayIt Live

  2. Start the software

  3. Open Plugin Manager

  4. Click Browse plugins in the plugin gallery

  5. Press Get For Free next to Internet Broadcast (login required)

  6. Install the plugin

  7. Return to dashboard and press “Off Air” to configure

  8. Set “Audio source to broadcast” as PlayIt Live Main Mix

  9. Press Add to create and configure the new stream

  10. Press OK, then Start Streams