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Software that works with Winamp to broadcast the user's sounds

Software that works with Winamp to broadcast the user's sounds

Vote: (88 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Shoutcast

Version: 1.9.0

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(88 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Shoutcast

1.9.0

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Simple interface that you can easily navigate
  • Create an online radio station with ease that an unlimited number of listeners can visit
  • Numerous broadcasting features and options

Cons

  • The initial setup is tedious
  • Cannot be used with Winamp

SHOUTcast DSP Plug-In is a program that allows you to create your own online radio station. This is all done through your computer's media player and anyone can hear your online station. The initial setup is somewhat difficult, but you should be able to figure it out after a few minutes.

Common Media Player

This program works by connecting with a common media player and allowing it to broadcast your voice, sounds and anything else you wish to upload onto your online radio station. This is done through Winamp. Most computers already have this media player, but you can easily download it if you don't already have it. This is a plug-in for that program and will not function without Winamp. Make sure that you have Winamp version 5.5 or higher as this plug-in won't work with earlier versions.

Setup

Setting up this program can be difficult, but you should be able to get through the procedure if you're patient. You first need to enable the plug-in both from SHOUTcast itself and Winamp to ensure the programs can speak to each other. You will then have to access the "Output" tab and test the connection to ensure everything is properly working. There will be several fields to fill out based on your preferences and needs. You'll need to have your firewall address to ensure your Internet provider doesn't block the signal, which might happen if you insert the wrong firewall address.

Be sure to test it out and listen to the stream yourself to ensure everything's working. You might have to go through the configuration settings a few times before things work perfectly.

Broadcast to Everyone

While no one can guarantee that you will have listeners, especially when you first start broadcasting, you can have an unlimited number of listeners and the entire stream should be crystal clear. There are advanced tools to customize the experience and to improve your broadcast. This program has all the tools you need whether you're a new or experienced broadcaster.

When setting up the program you're able to insert a custom URL for your radio station. This allows you to load the station onto your personal website so that people know how to tune in. Not only does this plug-in ensure great connectivity, but it's easy to scale up when more users listen in.

Simple Interface

Despite the tedious setup, everything else about this program is very easy. The interface is straightforward and you'll have no problems navigating between all the different features. The same goes for Winamp, which is also a straightforward program. Many broadcasting tools are difficult for newcomers, but this one is open to any type of user.

Two Audio Formats

SHOUTcast allows you to broadcast in two different audio formats based on your preference. Both are good, but it depends on what you're looking for. The MP3 format is the most popular format and it's what most other online radio stations use. This allows you to reach a mainstream audience and it has good sound quality. If you want the absolute best sound quality, then choose AAC+ as your broadcasting format. This format doesn't work with some players, so you may not reach as many people, but the sound is superior and ideal for audiophiles.

Pros

  • Simple interface that you can easily navigate
  • Create an online radio station with ease that an unlimited number of listeners can visit
  • Numerous broadcasting features and options

Cons

  • The initial setup is tedious
  • Cannot be used with Winamp