Bradcast software

A concise guide to the most popular broadcasting software for beginners, with detailed installation and configuration instructions.

Comparison Table

Feature BUTT Winamp + SHOUTcast DSP Rocket Broadcaster Altacast
Platform Windows/macOS/Linux Windows Windows Windows/macOS/Linux
SHOUTcast Support
Icecast Support
SSL Support
VST Plugin Support
Free Version Available
BUTT Interface Screenshot

BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)

  • Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Supports SHOUTcast, Icecast, WebRTC
  • Live audio streaming from mic or line input

Installation & Configuration Steps

  1. Download and install BUTT for your OS.
  2. Open the program and navigate to Settings -> Main.
  3. Add a new server: choose type (SHOUTcast/Icecast), enter hostname, port, password, and mountpoint.
  4. Configure audio input device, sample rate, and bitrate.
  5. Enable metadata updates if desired, set song title format.
  6. Click Play to start streaming. Monitor logs for connection errors and adjust input levels as needed.
Winamp with SHOUTcast DSP Screenshot

Winamp + SHOUTcast DSP

  • Free and widely used for internet radio
  • Supports SHOUTcast v1 and v2 servers
  • Live broadcasting with metadata support

Installation & Configuration Steps

  1. Download and install Winamp and the SHOUTcast DSP plugin.
  2. Open Winamp and press Ctrl + P to open preferences.
  3. Select DSP/Effect and choose Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP.
  4. Enter server details: hostname, port, password, and mountpoint.
  5. Choose audio input device and set desired bitrate and sample rate.
  6. Adjust crossfade, buffer, and latency settings for smooth playback.
  7. Click Connect or Play to start broadcasting. Monitor the stream status panel for errors.
Rocket Broadcaster Screenshot

Rocket Broadcaster

  • Supports SHOUTcast, Icecast, and Rocket Streaming Audio Server
  • SSL support for secure streaming
  • Integration with VST plugins for audio processing
  • Compact interface for efficient use of screen space

Installation & Configuration Steps

  1. Download Rocket Broadcaster from the official site and install.
  2. Run the software and select Broadcast -> Streams to create a new stream.
  3. Enter server hostname, port, password, and select server type (SHOUTcast/Icecast).
  4. Go to Options -> Preferences to configure audio device, sample rate, and bitrate.
  5. If using VST plugins, add them under the audio effects section.
  6. Click the play button to start broadcasting. Monitor logs for connection status and adjust buffer if needed.
Altacast Interface Screenshot

Altacast (formerly Oddcast/Edcast)

  • Supports SHOUTcast and Icecast
  • Multiple audio formats and codecs
  • Live broadcasting with metadata

Installation & Configuration Steps

  1. Download and install Altacast from the official site.
  2. Open Altacast and click Add Encoder.
  3. Choose the server type (SHOUTcast/Icecast) and enter hostname, port, password, and mountpoint if needed.
  4. Select audio input device (microphone, line-in, or virtual device).
  5. Configure codec, bitrate, and sample rate according to your server limits.
  6. Enable metadata updates for live song titles if required.
  7. Click Start to begin broadcasting. Monitor the status window for connection or audio errors.