---
title: How to Stream to SHOUTcast or Icecast Using BUTT (Free Encoder Guide)
description: "**Introduction** If you are looking for a free, no-nonsense way to broadcast live audio to your internet radio station, **BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)** is the industry standard. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it is completely open-source.…"
url: "https://az-streamingserver.com/docs/setup-butt-encoder-shoutcast-icecast/"
updated: "2026-01-11"
category: Radio Streaming How To
tags:
  - BUTT
  - Icecast
  - SHOUTcast
---

# How to Stream to SHOUTcast or Icecast Using BUTT (Free Encoder Guide)

**Introduction** If you are looking for a free, no-nonsense way to broadcast live audio to your internet radio station, **BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)** is the industry standard. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it is completely open-source.

In this guide, we will show you how to connect BUTT to your **AZ-StreamingServer** station (CentovaCast or AzuraCast) in under 5 minutes.
Prerequisites
**Download BUTT:** Get the latest version from the [official SourceForge page](https://danielnoethen.de/butt/).
**Connection Details:** Your Server IP, Port, and Password.

### Step 1: Add Your Server Details

 ![BUTT encoder server settings for SHOUTcast](https://az-streamingserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BUTT-encoder-server-settings-for-SHOUTcast.png)

1. Open **BUTT**.
2. Click the **Settings** button (the main interface will expand).
3. Under the **Main** tab, look for the "Server" section and click **Add**.

A "Server Settings" window will appear. Fill it in as follows:
**-** **Name:** Give it a name (e.g., "My Radio Station").
**-** **Type:** Select **SHOUTcast** or **Icecast** depending on your hosting plan.
*- Tip:* If you are using AzuraCast with mount points, select **Icecast**.
**-** **Address:** Enter your server hostname (e.g., radio.az-streamingserver.com).
**-** **Port:** Enter your Port (e.g., 8000).
**- Password:** Enter your DJ Password or Source Password.
**- Icecast User (Icecast Only):** If using AzuraCast/Icecast, enter your DJ username here (e.g., dj_mike).

Click **Save**.

### Step 2: Configure Audio Settings

 ![](https://az-streamingserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Selecting-audio-input-device-in-BUTT-settings.png)

Now, tell BUTT where to get the audio from (your microphone or mixer).
1. Click on the **Audio** tab in the Settings window.
2.**Audio Device:** Select your microphone, USB Mixer, or "Stereo Mix" (if you want to stream PC audio).
3. **Channel:** Select **Stereo** (unless you are doing talk radio only, then Mono is fine).
4. **Streaming Codec:**
**- Format:** MP3 or AAC+.
**- Bitrate:** 128k (for MP3) or 64k (for AAC+).

### Step 3: Start Broadcasting

1. Close the Settings window.
2. On the main screen, make sure your new Server is selected in the dropdown menu.
3. Click the **Play** button (Triangle icon).
4. **Status Check:** It should say **"Connecting..."** and then **"Stream time: 00:00:01"**.

If the timer starts counting, you are live! 🔴

### Troubleshooting Common Errors

**Error: "Connection refused"**
 **-** **Cause:** Usually a wrong Port or Password.
 **-** **Fix:** Double-check your Port number. If you are using SHOUTcast v1, ensure you are not using a DJ username (leave the User field blank).
**Error: "Could not open audio device"**
**- Cause:** BUTT cannot access your microphone.
**- Fix:** Go to your Windows Sound Settings > Privacy and ensure apps are allowed to access your Microphone.

**Need a reliable server to connect to?** BUTT works best with a high-performance network. Try our managed **CentovaCast Plans** starting at just $2^.95/mo. **View Plans**