Tutorial 10 min read

How to Connect OBS Studio to Shoutcast Server

Complete step-by-step guide to streaming from OBS to Shoutcast or Icecast servers using RTMP. Perfect for radio DJs, podcasters, and live broadcasters.

Updated November 27, 2025 • Shoutcast Net Team
Table of Contents
  1. What You Need
  2. Download OBS Studio
  3. Configure Stream Settings
  4. Optimize Output Settings
  5. Audio Configuration
  6. Start Streaming
  7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

What You Need

Before connecting OBS to your Shoutcast server, make sure you have:

  • OBS Studio - Free download from our downloads page
  • Shoutcast Server - Get hosting from $4/month
  • Internet Connection - Minimum 5 Mbps upload speed recommended
  • Server Credentials - RTMP URL, port, and stream key from your provider
Tip: Use our free bitrate calculator to determine optimal streaming settings based on your upload speed.

Step 1: Download OBS Studio

OBS Studio is the industry-standard free and open-source software for live streaming and recording.

Windows

Download

macOS

Download

Linux

Download

Install OBS Studio following the on-screen instructions. The installation is straightforward and takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Configure Stream Settings

Now let's connect OBS to your Shoutcast server:

Step-by-Step Configuration
  1. Open OBS Studio
    Launch the application after installation.
  2. Access Settings
    Click the Settings button in the bottom-right corner of OBS.
  3. Navigate to Stream Tab
    In the Settings window, click on the Stream section in the left sidebar.
  4. Select Custom Service
    From the Service dropdown menu, select Custom...
  5. Enter Server URL
    In the Server field, enter your RTMP URL:
    rtmp://yourserver.shoutcastnet.com:1935/live
    Replace with your actual server address from your account
  6. Enter Stream Key
    In the Stream Key field, paste your stream key/password.
    Found in your Shoutcast Net control panel under "Server Details"
  7. Save Settings
    Click Apply then OK to save your stream configuration.
Security Note: Never share your stream key publicly. It's like a password that allows anyone to broadcast to your server.

Step 3: Optimize Output Settings

Configure your bitrate and encoder settings for best quality:

  1. Go to Output Settings
    Settings → Output
  2. Set Output Mode to Advanced
    This gives you full control over encoding
  3. Configure Streaming Settings
    Use Case Video Bitrate Audio Bitrate Encoder
    Audio-Only Radio 500 kbps 128-320 kbps x264
    720p Video Stream 2500-4000 kbps 128-192 kbps x264 / NVENC
    1080p Video Stream 4500-6000 kbps 192-320 kbps x264 / NVENC
    Talk Show / Podcast 1500-2500 kbps 64-128 kbps x264
Need help? Use our bitrate calculator to get personalized settings based on your upload speed and streaming resolution.

Step 4: Audio Configuration

For optimal audio quality on your Shoutcast stream:

  1. Navigate to Audio Settings
    Settings → Audio
  2. Set Sample Rate
    Choose 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz for professional quality
  3. Configure Audio Devices
    • Desktop Audio: Your computer's system sound
    • Mic/Auxiliary: Your microphone or DJ mixer input
  4. Recommended Audio Bitrates
    • 128 kbps: Standard quality (FM radio equivalent)
    • 192 kbps: High quality (recommended for music)
    • 320 kbps: Maximum quality (CD-like quality)

Step 5: Start Streaming

You're ready to go live!

  1. Add your audio/video sources to OBS (microphone, DJ software, camera, etc.)
  2. Test your audio levels - aim for -12dB to -6dB peak
  3. Click the Start Streaming button in OBS
  4. Watch the bitrate indicator in OBS status bar - it should stabilize after 10-20 seconds
  5. Listen to your stream at your Shoutcast server URL to verify it's working
Success! Your OBS is now broadcasting to your Shoutcast server. Listeners can tune in using your stream URL.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions:
  • Verify your server URL is correct (check for typos)
  • Confirm you're using the right port number (usually 1935 for RTMP)
  • Check your stream key/password is correct
  • Make sure your firewall isn't blocking OBS
  • Try using IP address instead of domain name

Solutions:
  • Lower your video/audio bitrate in OBS output settings
  • Use our bitrate calculator to find optimal settings
  • Close other applications using your internet connection
  • Switch from WiFi to wired Ethernet connection
  • Change encoder preset to "veryfast" or "ultrafast"

Solutions:
  • Check that audio sources are added to OBS and not muted
  • Verify audio mixer shows green bars when sound is playing
  • Go to Settings → Audio and confirm correct devices selected
  • Restart OBS and reconnect to server
  • Make sure your DJ software/audio source is playing

Solutions:
  • Check your internet connection stability
  • Lower your bitrate to match your available upload bandwidth
  • Enable "Dynamically change bitrate" in OBS advanced settings
  • Contact your ISP if you have consistent connection issues
  • Upgrade your internet plan if upload speed is insufficient

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use OBS with any Shoutcast server?

Yes! OBS works with any Shoutcast or Icecast server that supports RTMP input. If your server only supports Icecast protocol (not RTMP), you'll need to use a different broadcasting software like BUTT or Mixxx, or use a service like Shoutcast Net that provides RTMP-to-Icecast transcoding.

What's the best bitrate for Shoutcast streaming?

For audio-only radio: 128-192 kbps is ideal. For video streaming: 2500-6000 kbps depending on resolution. Use our bitrate calculator for personalized recommendations based on your upload speed.

Do I need a powerful computer to stream with OBS?

For audio-only streaming, any modern computer works fine. For video streaming, you'll need: CPU with 4+ cores, 8GB+ RAM, and ideally a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or AMD) for hardware encoding. Use hardware encoders (NVENC/AMD VCE) to reduce CPU usage.

Can I stream from OBS and DJ software simultaneously?

Yes! Set your DJ software (Virtual DJ, Mixxx, Serato) as an audio source in OBS. OBS will capture the audio and send it to your Shoutcast server along with any video you add. This is perfect for broadcasting DJ sets with video.

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