How to Migrate from Shoutcast to Shoutcast Net
Complete step-by-step guide to migrate your existing Shoutcast station to Shoutcast Net. Keep your existing encoder software, transfer your AutoDJ library, and go live with minimal downtime.
Migration Time:
30-60 minutes typical | Zero downtime possible with proper planning
7-Step Migration Process
Step 1 Export Current Configuration
Before migrating, back up your current Shoutcast server configuration and all AutoDJ content.
What to Backup:
- sc_serv.conf - Your current server configuration file
- Playlists - All .m3u, .pls, or .lst playlist files
- Music Library - All audio files (MP3, AAC, OGG)
- Stream Details - Note your current hostname, port, and passwords
- Listener Stats - Export any analytics you want to preserve
How to Access Files:
Via SSH:
# Find Shoutcast config
find /home -name "sc_serv.conf"
# Download files via SCP
scp user@yourserver.com:/path/to/sc_serv.conf ~/backup/
scp -r user@yourserver.com:/path/to/music ~/backup/
Step 2 Create Shoutcast Net Account
Sign up for Shoutcast Net and provision your new audio streaming server.
Steps:
- Visit Shoutcast Net Audio Hosting
- Choose a plan matching your current listener capacity
- Complete registration and payment
- Wait 5-10 minutes for server provisioning
- Access your control panel and note new server details
Server Details You'll Receive:
- Server hostname (e.g., server1234.shoutcastnet.com)
- Port number (typically 8000 or custom)
- Admin password
- Source/DJ password
- FTP credentials for AutoDJ uploads
Step 3 Upload AutoDJ Files via FTP
Transfer your music library to Shoutcast Net's AutoDJ system.
Upload Methods:
Via FTP Client
Use FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP:
Host: ftp.shoutcastnet.com
Port: 21
Username: Your FTP user
Password: From control panel
Via Web Upload
Use control panel's file manager:
- Login to control panel
- Navigate to AutoDJ → Upload
- Drag & drop music files
- Wait for processing
Organizing Your Library:
- Create folders by genre, artist, or playlist type
- Use descriptive filenames (e.g., "Artist - Song Title.mp3")
- Ensure proper ID3 tags for metadata display
- Verify bitrate matches your stream quality
Step 4 Update Encoder Settings
Change your encoder software (BUTT, RadioDJ, SAM Broadcaster, etc.) to connect to your new Shoutcast Net server.
Configuration Changes Needed:
| Setting | Old Value (Example) | New Value (From Control Panel) |
|---|---|---|
| Server Address | oldserver.example.com | server1234.shoutcastnet.com |
| Port | 8000 | 8000 (or custom) |
| Password | Your old password | New source password |
| Mount Point | /stream | /stream (or /live) |
| Protocol | Icecast2 / Shoutcast v1 | Shoutcast v2 |
Common Encoder Software:
BUTT
Settings → Server → Update hostname, port, password
RadioDJ
Options → Encoder → Edit encoder settings
SAM Broadcaster
Encoders → Edit → Update server details
Step 5 Set Up Custom Domain (Optional)
Use your own domain name for streaming instead of the default Shoutcast Net subdomain.
DNS Configuration:
Add a CNAME record to your DNS:
Type: CNAME
Name: stream (or radio, live, etc.)
Value: server1234.shoutcastnet.com
TTL: 3600
Your stream URL becomes:
http://stream.yourdomain.com:8000/stream
Step 6 Test Stream
Verify everything works correctly before switching your live listeners.
Testing Checklist:
- Connect encoder and verify "Connected" status
- Play test audio and listen via stream URL
- Check audio quality and bitrate
- Verify metadata (song titles) displays correctly
- Test AutoDJ by disconnecting live source
- Monitor listener stats in control panel
- Test on multiple devices (desktop, mobile, tablet)
Test URLs:
Direct Stream:
http://server1234.shoutcastnet.com:8000/stream
Web Player:
https://server1234.shoutcastnet.com/player
Step 7 Go Live - Complete Migration
Once testing is complete, switch your live listeners to the new server.
Final Steps:
- Update Website Player - Replace old stream URL with new one in all embeds
- Update Mobile Apps - Push app updates with new stream URL
- Social Media Announcement - Notify followers about the migration
- Email Listeners - Send migration notice to email list
- Monitor Stats - Watch control panel for listener connections
- Keep Old Server Running - Maintain for 1-2 weeks as grace period
Sample Listener Notification:
"We've upgraded to a better streaming platform! Update your bookmarks to our new stream URL: [NEW URL]. The old stream will continue working for 2 weeks, but please update now for uninterrupted listening. Enjoy improved sound quality and reliability!"
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect hostname or port
- Wrong password
- Firewall blocking connection
- Server not provisioned yet
Solutions:
- Double-check credentials in control panel
- Test with telnet:
telnet hostname port - Temporarily disable firewall to test
- Contact support for server status
Possible Causes:
- Encoder not sending audio
- Wrong mount point
- Browser blocking audio
- Codec incompatibility
Solutions:
- Check encoder input levels
- Verify mount point matches player URL
- Try direct stream URL in VLC
- Use MP3 format for maximum compatibility
Possible Causes:
- Encoder not sending metadata
- Wrong protocol version
- Player caching old data
Solutions:
- Enable "Send song titles" in encoder
- Use Shoutcast v2 protocol
- Check metadata in control panel stats
- Clear browser cache and refresh
Possible Causes:
- No files uploaded
- AutoDJ not enabled
- Playlist not configured
- Live source still connected
Solutions:
- Upload music via FTP/web interface
- Enable AutoDJ in control panel
- Create and activate playlist
- Disconnect live encoder to test
Ready to Migrate to Shoutcast Net?
Join thousands of stations who've switched to our managed platform for better reliability, automation, and support.
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