SHOUTcast DSP • Streaming configuration tutorial

SHOUTcast DSP Encoder Streaming Configuration Tutorial

Follow this step-by-step guide to configure SHOUTcast DSP with Winamp for live audio streaming with your Primcast SHOUTcast server. Get your radio station live in minutes.

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Step-by-step guide

Follow each step carefully to configure SHOUTcast DSP for live audio streaming with your Primcast server credentials.

1

Install prerequisites

The following software is required to stream with SHOUTcast DSP:

  • Winamp - Download
  • Nullsoft SHOUTcast Source DSP Plug-in for Winamp - Download
  • Windows Vista, 7, 8 or 10
  • A DSL or Cable internet connection for optimal performance

After installing both, log in to your Primcast dashboard and open Radio.

2

Get your streaming credentials

Pick your station and open Go live › Encoder settings. The SHOUTcast DSP needs three values from it: the Server, the Port and the Password (press Show). There is nothing to start: the station goes on air when your encoder connects.

On Platinum, the Nearest server block gives the same three for our closest server: ingest.radio.primcast.com, port 14000, and the password written as station number, colon, password.

3

Set up Winamp with SHOUTcast DSP

Open Winamp and press Ctrl+P to open Preferences. Go to DSP/Effect and double-click SHOUTcast Source DSP v2.3.5.

In the DSP window, enter the Server, Port and Password from Go live, leave the Username field blank, and set Connect using to the legacy (v1) mode: in that mode the DSP picks the next port up on its own. Platinum stations can also stay in SHOUTcast 2 mode through the closest server: the Stream ID is your station number. Set Reconnection Timeout to 0 if you want automatic reconnection on disconnect.

SHOUTcast DSP - Open DSP plug-in in Winamp Expand
SHOUTcast DSP - Connection settings Expand
SHOUTcast DSP - Directory settings Expand
SHOUTcast DSP - Encoder bitrate settings Expand
4

Set up audio source

Click the Input tab in the SHOUTcast Source DSP window. The default input is Winamp, which streams whatever is playing in Winamp. For broadcasting with a microphone or mixer, select Soundcard Input and set it to 44100Hz, Stereo for best quality. Under Mic Input, select your microphone or line input and click Open Mixer to configure your soundcard recording settings.

SHOUTcast DSP - Input tab Expand
SHOUTcast DSP - Soundcard input settings Expand
SHOUTcast DSP - Mic input and mixer Expand
5

Listen to your stream

Open your station's Overview tab in the radio panel and press Open beside the listen link (on Platinum, beside the CDN link too) to hear your stream and check that everything works.

6

You are live!

You are now ready to use your streaming audio server and broadcast to your listeners. Happy streaming!

Where your encoder settings are

Log in to your Primcast dashboard, go to Radio, pick your station and open the Go live tab. The Encoder settings block has every value with a copy button; press Show to see the password.

SettingStraight to your station, every planClosest server, Platinum
Serveryour station's server, for example ny1.radio.primcast.comingest.radio.primcast.com
Portyour station's port14000 (SHOUTcast v1 encoders move to 14001 on their own)
Mount, Icecast/stream/station number/stream
Username, Icecastsourcesource
Passwordyour source passwordthe same password; for SHOUTcast v1 type station number:password
SHOUTcast 2use Legacy (v1) modeStream ID = your station number
DJ loginstheir own settingstheir own Nearest server block

Broadcasting to listeners on more than one continent?

On Platinum, your encoder sends to whichever of our five cities is closest, which relays the show to your station's own server. Listeners are matched to their closest city as well, so your station comes on sooner and buffers less in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, North Africa, West Asia and beyond. Your dashboard fills your station number into these values for you. How our radio CDN works

Choose Platinum Upgrade your station

Keep your encoder at or under your plan's bitrate: Free 32 kbps, Premium 128 kbps, Platinum 320 kbps. Starting 20 October 2026, a Free station's encoder that goes over 32 kbps gets disconnected, and the Encoder settings block shows the reason.

FAQ

Common questions about setting up SHOUTcast DSP for live audio streaming with Primcast.

Where do I find my server hostname, port and password?

Log in to your Primcast dashboard, go to Radio, pick your station and open Go live › Encoder settings. Every value your encoder asks for is listed there (server, port, mount, username, password) with its own copy button, and Show reveals the password. On Platinum the Nearest server block comes first, ingest.radio.primcast.com on port 14000, which connects you through our closest server. The table further down this page has both.

What bitrate should I use for my stream?

MP3 at or under your plan's bitrate: Free 32 kbps, Premium 128, Platinum 320. Going below your plan's figure helps people on weak connections.

What is the difference between Winamp input and Soundcard input?

Winamp input streams only what is playing in Winamp. Soundcard input captures all audio on your computer including your microphone, making it ideal for live DJ shows or talk radio where you need to mix multiple sources.

Can I get my station listed on the SHOUTcast directory?

Yes, but ticking “Make this server public” in the Directory tab will not get you there. Our SHOUTcast servers are set to private, and that server setting overrides the public flag your encoder sends. New stations also start out on Icecast, so first ask support to switch yours to SHOUTcast; the plan and the price do not change. Once SHOUTcast DSP is connected and streaming, ask support for a directory listing: they generate a free authhash for your station and set the server to public. Keep the authhash to yourself, the way you would a password.

Do I need a paid Primcast plan to stream?

Yes, you need an active Primcast radio streaming plan which provides the server credentials used in this tutorial. Visit our Radio Streaming page to view available plans and get started.

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