To go live you connect broadcast software to your server. You always need the same four details, which you find in Centova Cast under Settings.
Your connection details
- Server: your stream address, for example stream.centova.nl
- Port: the port number of your server
- Password: your source or broadcast password, not your login password
- Mount: with Icecast for example /stream, with Shoutcast usually left empty
BUTT (free, Windows, Mac and Linux)
- 1Open Settings and go to the Main tab.
- 2Under Server click Add and pick Icecast or Shoutcast.
- 3Fill in address, port, password and mount.
- 4Go to Audio and select your microphone or mixer.
- 5Set the bitrate to what your plan allows, not higher.
- 6Close settings and click the play button to connect.
Mixxx (free, with DJ features)
Go to Preferences, then Live Broadcasting. Pick your server type, enter the same four details and tick Enable live broadcasting. Mixxx sends your track titles automatically.
SAM Broadcaster
Open the Encoders window, add an encoder, choose your format and bitrate and fill in your details under Server Details. Then click the connect button next to the encoder.
No connection? Nine times out of ten it is the wrong password, or a bitrate set higher than your plan allows.
Error messages and what they mean
| Message | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Connection refused | Server is off or the port is wrong | Start the server in Centova Cast and check the port number. |
| Authentication failed | Wrong password | Use the source password, not your panel password. |
| Mountpoint in use | A source is already connected | Disconnect your other session or use a second mount. |
| Bitrate not allowed | Set higher than your plan | Lower the bitrate to what your plan allows. |
| Socket timeout | Network or firewall is blocking | Try port 80 or temporarily disable your firewall to test. |
Recommended settings
| Purpose | Format | Bitrate | Sample rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech | MP3 | 128 Kbps | 44100 Hz |
| Music standard | MP3 | 192 Kbps | 44100 Hz |
| Music hifi | MP3 | 320 Kbps | 44100 Hz |
| Lean for mobile | AAC+ | 64 Kbps | 44100 Hz |
Before you go live
- Set your microphone to around minus 6 dB peak so you do not distort
- Test for a minute and listen back through your stream link, not your own software
- Expect roughly ten to twenty seconds of delay between you and your listener
- Close programs that claim your sound card, such as video calls