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: your DJ password from Studio
- IceCast mountpoint: your mount path (Icecast only)
- IceCast user: your DJ username (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 bitrate and codec (We recommend streaming at 128 kbps MP3 format or 64 kbps AAC+).
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 your console dashboard that you are connected.
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.