Broadcast Using This Tool (BUTT)

A lightweight broadcasting tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Aaron Corkin avatar
Written by Aaron Corkin
Updated over a week ago

Before you can broadcast live, schedule an event within your station calendar.

Overview

BUTT is a multi-operating system client broadcaster for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unlike playout software like Mixxx or Virtual DJ, it only handles a live feed for external devices like a microphone or mixer. But audio can be routed from other software.

Add Your Radio Station

In BUTT, select Settings > Main. Then under Server, choose Add.

Main BUTT dashboard.

From Type, choose Radio.co, then Get Stations. Confirm on the pop-up box.

Please be aware, choosing Type > Radio.co does not work on Linux. Instead, choose Type > Shoutcast, then enter your station's host, port, and password found in your Radio.co dashboard.

Choosing Radio.co type stations.

In the browser, make sure you're logged into Radio.co. Then allow the connection.

Allowing access to your Radio.co account.

Back in BUTT, every radio station you have access to will appear under Radio.co Stations. Choose which ones you want, then add.

Selecting Radio.co stations.

The station(s) will now be available under Server.

Audio Settings

Choose how you sound and broadcast. In Audio, select your Audio Device. Usually, this is your microphone, mixer, or bundled audio from playout software.

Audio settings in BUTT.

For BUTT to work correctly with Radio.co, make sure your settings are as follows:

  • Channel Mode: Stereo

  • Samplerate: 44100Hz

  • Codec: MP3

  • Bitrate: 128kbps

But adjust these settings to match your station. If your station uses a different bitrate or code format, then tweak in BUTT.

Stream Settings

Configure what information you want to send to your radio station.

Using apps like Spotify, automatically send song names. Or manually update your show title, perfect for talk radio.

BUTT stream details.

Broadcast Live

To start broadcasting to Radio.co, click the play icon in the main window.

Connecting from BUTT to Radio.co.

Once your show has finished, click the stop icon.

Hot Tips

  • Connection: Make sure you're either playing audio or have a live feed to connect successfully. If not, BUTT may fail to establish a handshake with your station.

  • Event Start: You can only go live when your event starts. If you try to connect beforehand, BUTT will throw an error.

  • Features: We've just scratched the surface in terms of what you can do with BUTT. For more details, check out Daniel Nöthen.

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