Getting Started with BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)

Getting Started with BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)

Last updated October 15, 2026

BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool) sends audio from an input device to your streaming server. It is useful for a microphone, mixer, or a properly routed audio feed. It does not play a queue of music files itself; use Mixxx or VosCast Auto DJ if that is what you need.

Get ready

Download BUTT from the official website. Connect your audio device and open Overview → Live broadcasting in your VosCast account.

Use the server type assigned to your account. Stop hosted Auto DJ before connecting directly, and keep your computer and audio source running for the duration of the show.

Add your server

Open Settings, find Server on the Main tab, and choose Add. Give the profile a name you will recognise.

Settings in an older BUTT version

Adding a server in an older BUTT version

Icecast

BUTT setting Your VosCast value
Type Icecast
Address Server address / Host, without http://, https://, port, or path
User source
Password Broadcast password; not your account or server admin password
Mountpoint The exact account Mount point, normally /stream
Port, with SSL/TLS off Your account's Standard port
Port, with SSL/TLS on Your account's TLS port (SSL)

Match the port and the Use SSL/TLS checkbox. Keep any existing custom mount. For TLS, use the hostname provided by VosCast; if certificate validation fails, check the hostname and contact support rather than bypassing the warning.

SHOUTcast

Choose Shoutcast, enter the account's Server address / Host, Server port (SHOUTcast), and Broadcast password. Enter the base port as displayed in your account. Do not use the Icecast mount or TLS settings for this profile.

BUTT uses the SHOUTcast 1 source protocol, including when a compatible SHOUTcast 2 server receives the stream. Do not add a username or stream-ID suffix to the password unless VosCast specifically supplies that format for your station.

Save the server profile and select it on the Main tab.

Older BUTT server profile screen; use your current account values

Choose audio and stream information

  1. In Stream Infos, add your station name and other details, then select that profile.
  2. In Audio, choose the input device carrying your programme. Check that its level meter responds before connecting.
  3. Set the streaming format to MP3 for this walkthrough and use a bitrate at or below the Maximum Bitrate in your account.
  4. In Stream, choose how to set the song name. Start with a manual title if you do not already have a title source configured.

Adding stream information in an older BUTT version

Station information in an older BUTT version

Audio input and encoding controls in an older BUTT version

Song-title controls in an older BUTT version

Go on air

Press Play and confirm that BUTT reports a streaming connection. Open the listening link from your account on another device and check the audio. Press Stop when the show ends; restart hosted Auto DJ separately if required.

Play control in an older BUTT version

Troubleshooting

  • Authentication failed: copy the broadcast password again and confirm the server type. For Icecast, verify source and the mount.
  • Connection failed: check the host and the matching port/TLS choice. Confirm that hosted Auto DJ or another live encoder is stopped.
  • Connected but silent: the selected input needs an audio signal. Playing music in another application does not automatically route that application's audio into BUTT.
  • Distortion or repeated audio: reduce input gain and check routing. Monitor with headphones to avoid sending the listener output back into the broadcast input.

Further reading

Need a hand with your station?

Contact VosCast support

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