How to Configure BUTT for Live Broadcasting on SHOUTcast and Icecast
This guide shows exactly how to set up BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool) to go live on SHOUTcast or Icecast. It is written so you can copy, paste, and follow it step by step.
Before You Start
Gather these details from your streaming provider control panel, welcome email, or server info page:
Server Connection
- Host (example: stream.yourdomain.com)
- Port (example: 8000, 8010, 8050)
- Source password (sometimes called DJ password)
Stream Details
- Server type (SHOUTcast or Icecast)
- Mountpoint (Icecast often requires it, example: /live)
- Format (MP3 or AAC / AAC+)
- Bitrate (example: 128 kbps)
Only one DJ source can usually be connected at a time. If another source is connected, BUTT may be rejected until the other source disconnects.
Step 1, Configure Your Audio Input
Before you connect to your streaming server, choose what BUTT will send, for example your microphone, your computer audio, or an audio interface.
- Open BUTT.
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Audio tab.
- Set your Chanel Mode and Samplerate (See how to choose correct Samplerate)
- Set your Input device (microphone, USB mixer, audio interface, or virtual audio device).
- Set Codec (MP3) and Bitrate (Use same bitrate as your plan. If your plan is 128 kbps, set BUTT to 128 kbps)
Once you connect and start streaming, the level meters will confirm that you have an audio signal coming through your audio device.
If you want to stream music from another app, you usually need a virtual audio cable or an audio interface that can route system audio.
Step 2, Add a Server in BUTT
In BUTT you create a server profile, then connect to it when you are ready to go live.
- In BUTT, click Settings.
- Open the Main tab > Server.
- Click Add to create a new server.
- Give it a name, example: My Station Live.
You will choose the server type (SHOUTcast or Icecast), then enter host, port, password, and mountpoint if needed.
SHOUTcast Setup in BUTT
Use this setup if your streaming service is SHOUTcast.
| Field in BUTT | What to Enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Select SHOUTcast | SHOUTcast |
| Address (Host) | Your server hostname or IP | stream.yourdomain.com |
| Port | Your SHOUTcast source/DJ port | 8000 |
| Password | Your source password (not admin password) | YourSourcePass |
| Mount (if shown) | Leave blank for most SHOUTcast servers | (blank) |
Use the source or DJ password. If you use the admin password, BUTT will fail to authenticate.
Icecast Setup in BUTT
Use this setup if your streaming service is Icecast. Icecast typically uses a mountpoint.
| Field in BUTT | What to Enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Select Icecast | Icecast |
| Address (Host) | Your server hostname or IP | stream.yourdomain.com |
| Port | Your Icecast source/DJ port | 8000 |
| User | Usually source (unless your provider specifies another username) | source |
| Password | Your Icecast source password (not admin password) | YourSourcePass |
| Mount | Your mountpoint, it should start with a / | /live |
- If your provider gave you a listen link like
http://host:port/stream, then your mount is likely/live. - If you omit the leading slash, some Icecast servers will reject the connection.
Step 3, Encoder Settings in BUTT
Set the format and bitrate to match your hosting plan. This is one of the most common reasons live streams fail.
| Setting | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codec | MP3 or AAC | Choose what your server expects.
|
| Bitrate | Match your plan | Example: 128 kbps if plan is 128 kbps |
| Samplerate | 44.1 kHz | Most common for music streaming See how to choose correct Samplerate |
If your plan is 128 kbps, set BUTT to 128 kbps. Choosing a higher bitrate than your plan allows can cause disconnects or failed connections.
Go Live and Verify
- Click Connect (The Play Button) in BUTT to start streaming.
- Watch the Status area, you should see “Connected” and data being sent.
- Play audio into your selected input and confirm the level meters are moving.
- Open your station streaming URL link on a second device to verify audio is live.
Use a phone on cellular data to test, this avoids local network caching issues.
Troubleshooting (Fast Fixes)
| Problem | Most likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication failed | Wrong password, using admin password instead of source password | Use the source/DJ password from your server panel |
| Connected but no audio | Wrong input device selected, or audio levels too low | Select the correct input device, increase gain, watch meters |
| Disconnects after a few seconds | Bitrate/codec not allowed by server, unstable network | Match codec and bitrate to your plan, test with lower bitrate |
| Icecast rejects connection | Mountpoint missing or incorrect, source in user input missing | Use the correct mount, with a leading / or add the word source to user input |
| Cannot connect at all | Wrong host/port, firewall blocking, another DJ already connected | Verify host and port, disconnect other DJ source, try again |
Quick Checklist
- Audio input device selected and meters moving
- Server type correct (SHOUTcast or Icecast)
- Host and port match your server panel
- Password is the source/DJ password, not admin
- Icecast mount starts with / and is correct
- Codec and bitrate match your hosting plan
- Click Connect, then test from a second device
