Going live with BUTT, Mixxx or SAM Broadcaster

An AutoDJ keeps your station on air 24 hours a day, but the real radio feeling starts when someone is live behind the controls. For that you need software that sends your audio to the streaming server. The three best known are BUTT, Mixxx and SAM Broadcaster.

How does going live work?

Your computer produces the sound: music, your microphone and jingles. A program (the "encoder") turns that sound into a stream and sends it to your streaming server. As soon as you connect, your show takes over from the AutoDJ. When you stop, the AutoDJ continues automatically.

To connect you need these details from your streaming panel:

• Server (the address, for example stream.yourstation.com);
• Port (for example 8000 or 8005);
• Mount point (for example /live), only with Icecast;
• Username and password of your DJ account.

BUTT: simple and free

BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool) is a small, free program for Windows, macOS and Linux. It does exactly one thing: pass the sound of your computer or mixing desk on to the server. So you mix with another program or a physical mixer, and BUTT takes care of the connection.

• Pros: light, stable, easy to set up, can also record your show.
• Cons: no built-in music player or mixer.
• Ideal for: DJs with a physical controller or mixer, and talk shows.

Mixxx: free DJ software with built-in streaming

Mixxx is free, open-source DJ software. You get decks, a mixer, effects and support for many DJ controllers. The nice thing is that live broadcasting is built in: you enter the server details in the live broadcasting settings and you are done.

• Pros: everything in one program, free, works on Windows, macOS and Linux.
• Cons: takes some getting used to if you have never worked with DJ software.
• Ideal for: DJs who mix and want to broadcast with one program.

SAM Broadcaster: everything for the radio studio

SAM Broadcaster is paid software for Windows, made specifically for radio. It works with playlists, rotations, jingles and ad breaks, and can run your entire station automatically.

• Pros: many radio features, suitable for running a whole station.
• Cons: paid, Windows only, more extensive than many DJs need.
• Ideal for: stations that work from one studio computer.

Setting up: how to avoid problems

• Use the same bitrate and format as your AutoDJ. Otherwise players may stutter when switching. See which bitrate and format.
• Put the title of your show or the song in the metadata. Then listeners see on your website who is live.
• Test first. Listen on a second device, with a few seconds of delay, and check the volume.
• Use a wired internet connection if you can. Wi-Fi can stutter, and then your show drops out briefly.
• Don't share passwords in group chats. Give every DJ their own account, so you can see who is live and revoke an account when someone leaves.

Which one do you choose?

Just starting and already have DJ software or a mixer? Then BUTT is the quickest way to go live. Want to mix and broadcast with one free program? Choose Mixxx. Do you run your station mainly from one studio computer? Then SAM Broadcaster is worth considering. More about working with several DJs in working with DJs and a programme schedule.