Tutorial 15 min read

Complete Mixxx Shoutcast Setup Guide

Step-by-step tutorial to configure Mixxx DJ software for live streaming to Shoutcast and Icecast servers. Perfect for radio DJs and online broadcasters.

Updated November 27, 2025 • Shoutcast Net Team

What is Mixxx?

Mixxx is a free, open-source DJ software that rivals professional paid alternatives like Serato and Traktor. It includes built-in Shoutcast/Icecast streaming capabilities, making it the perfect choice for radio DJs who want to broadcast live without additional software.

Table of Contents
  1. Download & Install Mixxx
  2. Basic Audio Configuration
  3. Live Broadcasting Setup
  4. Optimize Audio Quality
  5. Start Your Stream
  6. Fix Connection Issues
  7. Advanced Settings
  8. FAQ

Step 1: Download & Install Mixxx

Mixxx is completely free DJ software with professional features:

Windows

Windows 10/11

Download Mixxx

macOS

macOS 10.15+

Download Mixxx

Linux

Ubuntu/Debian

Download Mixxx
Free & Open Source: Mixxx is 100% free with no trial period, watermarks, or limitations. Professional features included at no cost.

Step 2: Basic Audio Configuration

Before streaming, configure your audio interface:

  1. Open Mixxx Preferences
    Click Options → Preferences (Windows/Linux)
    or Mixxx → Preferences (Mac)
  2. Select Sound Hardware
    Navigate to Sound Hardware in the left sidebar
  3. Choose Audio API
    • Windows: WASAPI (recommended) or DirectSound
    • Mac: Core Audio
    • Linux: ALSA or PulseAudio
  4. Set Sample Rate
    Choose 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz for broadcast quality
  5. Configure Latency
    Set Audio Buffer to 23-46 ms for good performance without lag
Tip: If you experience audio crackling, increase the buffer size. If you notice delay between decks, decrease it.

Step 3: Live Broadcasting Setup

Now configure Mixxx to stream to your Shoutcast or Icecast server:

Complete Configuration Steps
  1. Access Live Broadcasting Settings
    In Preferences, click Live Broadcasting in the left menu
  2. Enable Broadcasting
    Check the box: ☑ Enable Live Broadcasting
  3. Select Server Type
    Choose Icecast 2 from the dropdown
    (This works for both Shoutcast and Icecast servers)
  4. Enter Server Details
    Host: yourserver.shoutcastnet.com
    Port: 8000 (or your assigned port)
    Mount Point: /stream or /live
    Login: source (standard for Icecast)
    Password: Your stream password from control panel
  5. Stream Metadata
    Fill in your station information:
    • Stream Name: Your radio station name
    • Website: Your station URL
    • Description: Brief description of your stream
    • Genre: Music genre (Pop, Rock, Electronic, etc.)
    • Public Stream: Check if you want to be listed in directories

Step 4: Optimize Audio Quality

Configure encoding settings for best sound quality:

Recommended Settings

Format

Recommended: MP3

  • Best compatibility with all players
  • Lower CPU usage than Ogg
  • Smaller file sizes than WAV

Bitrate

128 kbps Standard quality
192 kbps Recommended
320 kbps Maximum quality
⚠ Important: Higher bitrate = better quality but uses more bandwidth. Choose 192 kbps for the best balance of quality and compatibility.

Audio Quality Comparison

Bitrate Quality Level File Size (1 hour) Best For
64 kbps Low ~29 MB Talk radio only
128 kbps Good ~58 MB FM radio equivalent, limited bandwidth
192 kbps High ~86 MB Music streaming (recommended)
320 kbps Maximum ~144 MB Audiophile streams, high bandwidth

Step 5: Start Your Stream

You're ready to go live! Here's how to start broadcasting:

Going Live
  1. Save Your Settings
    Click OK in Preferences to save all configurations
  2. Load Your Music
    Drag and drop music files into Mixxx library or browse folders
  3. Start Broadcasting
    Click the microphone icon 🎤 in the main Mixxx interface
    Usually located in the top right or bottom of the window
  4. Verify Connection
    The status should change to ● LIVE
    Check your server's listener count in the control panel
  5. Start Playing Music
    Load tracks to decks and begin mixing. Listeners will hear your broadcast!
Success! Your Mixxx is now broadcasting live to your Shoutcast server. Share your stream URL with listeners.

Troubleshooting: Can't Connect to Streaming Server

Common Error: "Mixxx can't connect to streaming server" or "Connection refused"

Check these settings carefully:
  • Host: No http:// or https://, just domain name
  • Port: Exact number (common: 8000, 8080)
  • Mount Point: Must start with / (example: /stream)
  • Password: Copy-paste from your control panel to avoid typos
✓ Correct:
Host: stream.shoutcastnet.com
Port: 8000
Mount: /live

✗ Wrong:
Host: http://stream.shoutcastnet.com ← Remove http://
Mount: live ← Missing /

Allow Mixxx through security software:
  1. Open Windows Firewall or your security software
  2. Add Mixxx to allowed applications list
  3. Enable both incoming and outgoing connections
  4. Try temporarily disabling antivirus to test

Try different server types:
  • If "Icecast 2" doesn't work, try "Shoutcast 1"
  • Icecast 2 works for most modern servers
  • Shoutcast 1 for legacy Shoutcast servers

For Shoutcast Net users: Always use Icecast 2

Verify server is online:
  1. Visit your stream URL in a web browser
  2. You should see a status page or player
  3. If website doesn't load, server may be offline
  4. Contact your hosting provider for support

If stream connects but has problems:
  • Go to Sound Hardware preferences
  • Increase Audio Buffer to 46-70 ms
  • Lower sample rate to 44100 Hz
  • Close other audio applications
  • Reduce bitrate to 128 kbps for testing
Still having issues? Contact Shoutcast Net support 24/7 for free assistance. We'll help you get connected quickly.

Advanced Settings

Enable Broadcasting Metadata

Send song titles to listeners' players automatically:

  1. Preferences → Live Broadcasting → Metadata
  2. Check ☑ Enable Metadata Broadcasting
  3. Mixxx will send track artist and title to your server
  4. Listeners see "Now Playing" info in their media players

Recording While Streaming

Save your DJ sets while broadcasting live:

  1. Preferences → Recording
  2. Choose recording folder location
  3. Select encoding format (MP3/WAV/FLAC)
  4. Click record button 🔴 in main interface

Multiple Broadcast Connections

Stream to multiple servers simultaneously:

  1. Click the + button in Live Broadcasting settings
  2. Configure second server connection
  3. Enable both connections to stream to 2+ servers
  4. Perfect for backup streams or multi-platform broadcasting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mixxx really free?

Yes! Mixxx is 100% free and open-source. No trial periods, no watermarks, no paid upgrades. All features including Shoutcast streaming are completely free forever.

Can I use Mixxx with any Shoutcast server?

Yes! Mixxx works with any Shoutcast or Icecast server. Simply enter your server details in the Live Broadcasting preferences and you're ready to stream.

What's better for streaming: Mixxx or Virtual DJ?

Mixxx is free with built-in Shoutcast support and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Virtual DJ requires a paid subscription for broadcasting features. Mixxx is ideal for radio DJs and live broadcasters on a budget.

How do I reduce lag when streaming with Mixxx?

Increase audio buffer size in Sound Hardware preferences. Try these settings:

  • Audio Buffer: 46-70 ms (increase if crackling occurs)
  • Sample Rate: 44100 Hz
  • Close other applications using audio
  • Use wired Ethernet instead of WiFi
Can I use SoundCloud or Spotify with Mixxx?

Mixxx doesn't have built-in SoundCloud/Spotify integration. You need to use local music files (MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc.). This is actually better for radio streaming since you own the files and avoid streaming service restrictions.

What hardware do I need for Mixxx streaming?

Minimum requirements:

  • CPU: Dual-core 2.0 GHz or faster
  • RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
  • Storage: 500MB for software + your music library
  • Internet: 5+ Mbps upload speed

Optional: DJ controller (any MIDI controller works with Mixxx)

Need a Shoutcast Server for Mixxx?

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