Learn how to set up your broadcasting server with BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool). All the instructions included and it's free!
Software information
Platform: Windows, macOS & Linux
License: Free
Server type: SHOUTcast 2, SHOUTcast 1, Icecast
Download Page: https://danielnoethen.de/
Overview
BUTT (broadcast using this tool) is a free encoder program that can stream audio from your microphone, line input, or sound card to an Icecast, Steamcast, or SHOUTcast server. It runs on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Connect to your server
Install BUTT
Luckily, it's pretty easy to install.
- Windows: Double-click the setup.exe file to run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- MacOS: Mount the program by double-clicking the file and dropping it in your application folder.
Here is the program's first look:
Configure the encoder
- Configure BUTT with your server by clicking on Settings.
- In the new window ‘butt settings’ click the ADD button, under server input.
For radios hosted on CloudRadio, you'll find your connection details in Studio. See Broadcasting Live for where to find your server address, port, mount point, username, and password.
Enter server details
Choose between Icecast and Shoutcast based on your radio's server type. Enter the values from Studio into the corresponding BUTT fields:
- Type: Icecast or Shoutcast (match your server type)
- Address: your server address from Studio
- Port: your server port from Studio
- Password: the Source password of your mount (hosted radio) or the input Password on Live DJ (CloudRadio One)
- IceCast mountpoint: your mount path (Icecast only)
- IceCast user: the Username from Studio, usually
source(Icecast only)
Start broadcasting
BUTT allows you to configure your stream's format and bitrate.
- Select the "Audio" Tab.
- Click the ‘Audio Device’ input box to set the audio input (You can stream sound from your audio card, or from a microphone).
- Under Streaming, set the codec and bitrate. For a CloudRadio One station, use 256 kbps AAC, as the Live DJ page recommends, or 320 kbps MP3. AAC needs a free library that BUTT doesn't ship with: install it as section 5 of the BUTT manual shows, then restart BUTT. On a Shoutcast or Icecast hosting radio, listeners receive the bitrate you send, so choose one that suits their connections.
Click the play icon in the BUTT on the main panel. Upon a successful connection, the status changes from 'connecting' to display the streaming duration.
You should now see in Studio that you are connected: on the Live DJ page for a CloudRadio One station, or on your radio's dashboard.
For more information, check out the BUTT manual.
Need an alternative to BUTT – Broadcast Using This Tool? Explore over 20 radio automation, DJ, and encoder programs on our broadcast software guide.