Best Audio Streaming Software for Your Radio Station
Wondering how to start an online radio station? First, you’ll need to find a high-quality radio broadcast software platform to get started.
But sometimes, it can be difficult to find the right radio broadcaster software to suit your needs – regardless of whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned expert. So, we’ve put together a list of the best audio streaming software solutions out there, giving you a wide variety of excellent options for broadcasting live radio shows, creating curated playlists, managing your music and content, and so much more.
What Are the Best Radio Station Audio Streaming Software Platforms?
When you are searching for audio streaming platforms and software, you’ll find free and paid options to choose from. Depending on your experience level, goals, and needs, it’s likely that certain platforms will suit you better than others.
Here are nearly a dozen of the best software platforms for audio streaming so that you can find the right one for you.
Radio.co Broadcaster
Radio.co Broadcaster is an easy-to-use audio streaming software for Windows, designed to be user-friendly for both beginners and experienced pros. With this software, you can broadcast live from a laptop or desktop computer and play music on applications like iTunes or Spotify. If you have a USB microphone, you can connect it and use it to talk over music as it plays.
Download Radio.co Broadcaster here.
Winamp
For about 20 years, Winamp has been a go-to audio streaming software – but that doesn’t mean it’s outdated! The free audio streaming program offers a solid selection of features, including easily managing music and radio shows. You can incorporate plug-ins to add even more features, customizing the platform to suit your needs. If you pair it with the SHOUTcast DSP plug-in, you can use Winamp for online radio broadcasting.
Audio Hijack
Audio Hijack is a broadcasting encoder for Mac created by the team behind Nicecast. You’ll get access to a confusion-free workflow that sets your inputs and outputs up as blocks, which can then be joined to form connections. Various effects blocks can create compression, reverb, EQ, and more. The Audio Hijack software is a good fit for anyone that prefers a minimalist approach but doesn’t want to sacrifice the ability to connect and manage all software and apps in a single space.
SAM Broadcaster Pro
On the hunt for something a little more advanced? Look no further than SAM Broadcaster Pro, a first-class broadcasting software solution equipped with a media management system, relays, virtual mixing decks, stats, and so much more. One of the biggest benefits of SAM Broadcaster Pro is the ease with which you can control multiple shows, thanks to multiple mixing decks and convenient audio synchronization. Tools such as EQ sliders, an FX voice feature, and faders give you creative freedom over your content.
Download SAM Broadcaster Pro here.
Traktor
Developed by industry leader Native Instruments, Traktor was designed with broadcasters and DJs in mind. Simple hardware integration allows you to mix shows and manage media with zero issues, and the option to connect a Traktor DJ controller allows for professional-quality mixes. Depending on your preferences, you can utilize up to four decks simultaneously. Traktor is available for Windows and Mac.
AltaCast
Formerly known as Edcast, Altacast is a handy – and free – Windows encoder that can be used for live broadcasts to an online radio station. It’s an enjoyable, simple, and streamlined platform, offering a no-frills approach that gets the job done. You may not end up with a plethora of features to explore, but it’s tough to argue with the fact that it’s a no-cost solution that can satisfy your broadcasting needs. Remember that, with AltaCast, you will need to do some set-up work before you’re ready to start broadcasting (both C++ 2010 runtime and the most recent Lame_enc.dll file are required).
RadioDJ
RadioDJ might be a free broadcasting automation software for Windows, but it doesn’t skimp on features. Broadcasters will appreciate features like automated playlist generation and quick and easy track information updates via an ID3 tag editor. You can connect RadioDJ with AltaCast, then link an online radio account to broadcast on the web. For those new to online broadcasting, there is somewhat of a learning curve; also, a media management database and encoder are needed to broadcast live. But once you get it set up, RadioDJ can exceed your expectations.
Serato DJ
Serato DJ is inarguably the best DJ mixing desk software, so it’s no surprise that iconic DJs like Steve Aoki and DJ Jazzy Jeff use it. You can get Serato DJ for Mac and Windows, and it can be integrated with widely-used mixing hardware, including those made by Pioneer and Allen & Heath. Serato DJ delivers a first-class experience for all skill levels with a range of basic and advanced tools. It also comes with the option to access remote management controls via a mobile device, virtual decks, and hardware mixing desk mapping to simplify hardware integration.
Virtual DJ
Both broadcasters and DJs will find that Virtual DJ is a handy audio software option with an enjoyable, user-friendly interface. The program is available for Mac and Windows and is designed to make professional-level mixing accessible even without pricey equipment. Old-school mixing desks inspire the design, but the features are 100% modern.
Mixxx
Mixxx is a free, open-source DJ software compatible with Windows and Mac, as well as Linux-style systems like Ubuntu. It’s an advanced program that will set you up with a unique library management system, which is particularly useful if you’ll be handling a large number of recorded shows or tracks. You can also have guests come on board by incorporating additional microphones and conveniently mapping external mixing decks using MIDI controllers.
BUTT
BUTT, or Broadcast Using This Tool, is the easiest live broadcasting tool for online radio – and even better, it’s free. You can get online in no time using a Mac, Windows, or Linux system. A built-in encoder means you won’t need to deal with a plug-in or additional software to connect to your radio station, and you can broadcast using your choice of external equipment (mixers, microphones, and more).
Want to Work in Radio & TV Broadcasting?
Of course, you don’t just need a great radio broadcast software platform to succeed in the industry – experience and skills are essential!
If you dream of a radio or TV broadcasting career, your first step is getting an education and training.
At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, our Radio & TV Broadcasting program provides hands-on learning experiences for media professionals in the making. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from instructors who are experts in the field, as well as spend time practicing your new skills in a real studio setting. Plus, we can help connect you with broadcasting internships in Miami, Colorado, and other areas across the US!
Start Your Radio & TV Broadcasting Career Today!
If you’re ready to pursue a future in the world of broadcasting, a media education program can be a fantastic way to break into the competitive industry.
Get more information about our broadcasting training program and apply now!
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