Connecting your broadcast software (Encoders)
To broadcast live, whether that's your own voice, a live show, or a DJ set, you point a piece of broadcasting software (an "encoder") at your CastHost stream and have it send audio to our servers. This section covers where to find your connection details and how to plug them into the three encoders we have built-in guides for: BUTT, Mixxx, and SAM Broadcaster.
You don't need an encoder to run an automated station. AutoDJ plays your uploaded music on its own. Use an encoder when you want to go live on top of (or instead of) AutoDJ.
Find your connection details
Open Encoders from the left-hand menu (under the DJ / streaming section). The Connection Details card at the top of the page holds everything your software needs. Each value has a copy button so you can grab it cleanly:
- Server Host:
stream.casthost.net - DJ Encoder Port: the port your software connects to
- Mount / Stream ID:
/ - Source Username:
source - Source Password: your source password
- Server Type: the protocol value shown on your Encoders page (use whatever value is listed when your software asks which type of server you're connecting to)
These same details also appear on your Dashboard, under Station Details. If you ever need to change the source password, you can do that under Settings → Change Password.
Quick Start
The Encoders page includes a short Quick Start: a four-step manual walkthrough, plus a Custom installer [BETA] option that can pre-fill the settings for you. The manual steps are the same idea for any encoder. Enter the Server Host, port, mount, username, and source password from the Connection Details card, pick your bitrate and format, then connect.
Built-in encoder guides
Under Popular Encoder Options you'll find BUTT, Mixxx, and SAM Broadcaster. Each one has a download link and a guide button that opens a card with the settings already filled in for your station, so you can copy them straight across instead of typing them by hand.
BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)
BUTT is a free encoder for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It's the simplest option if you just want to talk over a microphone or play from your computer.
- Download BUTT from the link on the Encoders page and install it.
- Open BUTT and click Settings.
- On the server settings, add a new server and enter the Server Host, DJ Encoder Port, and Mount / Stream ID (
/) from your Connection Details card. For the server type, choose the Server Type value shown on your Encoders page. - Enter the Source Username (
source) and Source Password. - Set your audio settings (bitrate and format) to match your stream.
- Pick your microphone or audio device, then click Play to go live. Watch the level meter to confirm audio is going out.
Mixxx
Mixxx is free DJ software for Windows, macOS, and Linux with live broadcasting built in.
- Open Preferences → Live Broadcasting.
- Add a new connection and set the server type to the Server Type value shown on your Encoders page.
- Enter the Server Host, DJ Encoder Port, Mount / Stream ID (
/), Source Username (source), and Source Password from your Connection Details card. - Choose your bitrate and format.
- Tick Enable Live Broadcasting to go live.
SAM Broadcaster
SAM Broadcaster is a paid Windows DJ and automation app.
- In the Encoders list, click + to add an encoder, then choose your format and bitrate.
- Open the encoder's settings and enter the Server Host, DJ Encoder Port, and Mount / Stream ID (
/) from your Connection Details card. Set the server type to the Server Type value shown on your Encoders page. - Enter the Source Username (
source) and Source Password. - Save the encoder, then click Start to begin streaming.
Tips
- Your listeners stay on whatever's playing until your encoder connects, and your stream switches to your live audio the moment you go on air. When you stop, it returns to AutoDJ.
- If your software can't connect, double-check the Server Host, port, source username (
source), and source password against the Connection Details card, and confirm you've picked the Server Type value shown on the page. - Need a hand? Reach us through the Support Center in your control panel.
Broadcast from your browser (Web Encoder)
The Web Encoder lets you go live straight from your web browser, with nothing to install. All you need is a microphone and a Chromium-based or modern browser that can access it. It's the fastest way to do a live show, a guest interview, or a quick on-air break when you don't want to set up desktop broadcasting software.
Find it in the sidebar under DJ → Web Encoder.
What it does
The Web Encoder opens a live broadcasting console right inside the dashboard. From there you can talk over your microphone, load audio, and stream directly to your station. When your live broadcast ends, your Auto DJ picks the programming back up automatically, so your station never goes silent.
Because everything runs in the browser, you can broadcast from a laptop, a desktop, or a borrowed computer without installing anything. For longer shows or studio setups, desktop encoder software (see DJ → Encoders) gives you more control, but the Web Encoder is ideal for getting on air quickly.
Going live
- In the sidebar, open DJ → Web Encoder.
- The broadcasting console loads inside the page. When your browser asks for permission to use your microphone, allow it.
- Use the console controls to connect and start streaming, then talk or play audio as you would in any live show.
- When you're done, stop the broadcast in the console. Your Auto DJ resumes on its own.
Tips and controls
- Allow microphone access. The Web Encoder needs your browser's permission to use the microphone. If you don't see a prompt, check your browser's site settings and make sure the microphone isn't blocked.
- Reload refreshes the console if it stops responding.
- Open in a new tab pops the console out into its own browser tab, which is handy if you want more room to work or want to keep the dashboard open alongside it.
- Use a wired headset where you can to avoid echo and feedback from your speakers.
When to use the Web Encoder vs. desktop software
The Web Encoder is best for quick, microphone-led broadcasts with no setup. If you need to mix multiple tracks, run a professional studio rig, or stream for long stretches, set up a desktop encoder instead from DJ → Encoders, where you'll find your connection details and step-by-step guides for popular broadcasting apps. Both connect to the same station, so you can switch between them as your show needs change.
