Magic Mix is an optional function which will prevent repeat artist/tracks and play only the top songs based on listener gain/drop. Magic Mix makes use of the Centova Cast API and will automatically submit a track to the special MAGICMIX playlist you'll need to create for immediate play. Magic Mix is written mainly in Java script which means it can only run if the browser windows is open.
Create a new playlist in your Centova Cast panel and title it MAGICMIX Make sure you use all CAPS. Set the type to Immediate and the Playback order to Sequential (In Order). You can leave the status to disabled for now, Magic Mix will automatically enable/disable as needed.
No Artist Repeat
Set the No Artist Repeat amount based on the amount of tracks you have. MagicMix will search for repeat words and scan your entire Centova media directory using FTP in the background while it looks for the perfect track to play next. If you set
the No Artist Repeat value at a high amount but have new tracks (< 200), the system will eventually run out of tracks to play.
Auto Mix Length
Timing is a very important part of Magic Mix and the wrong size (length) track can really cause problems. Magic Mix assumes your MP3s are standard length (4 -7 minutes long) and will automatically remove smaller stations IDs and ADs which would also cause a "messy mix". The idea is to keep new and popular music playing so the the listener stays connected. Once you've reached peak, you can then trigger your ads or station ID (Drops) and earn some money!
Browser Based
Magic Mix is written pure Javascript and requires the browser to be open in order to function. If you close the browser or exit Magic Mix, Centova will return to normal operation.
Efficient vs Realtime Mode
Magic Mix connects to your Centova Cast server via FTP which can put a heavy load on your Centova server is constantly running and pulling the same files over and over. This is fine if you have < 200 files and a strong server, in fact you probably won't even notice it.
If however your Centova media folder has > 200 tracks and may have a monthly limit placed on your bandwidth (transfer) usage, you'll want to enable Efficient Mode.
At the top of the Magic Mix Widget which can be found on your Shoutcast Widgets main dashboard, click on the blue Realtime FTP button at the top.
Look for the green Switch to Efficient Mode button and let the Centova Sync scan your Centova /media folder. This process can take several minutes depending on the size of your media library. Do not close or navigate away from the page until complete,
The Centova Scan utility will automatically sort the MP3s into 2 lists, one for short tracks and the other for longer. The longer list will be used with Magic Mix.
Once complete, you can return to the main dashboard and start Magic Mix
Magic Mix can run 24/7 if you choose, just leave the Shoutcast Widgets dashboard open and set your computer to not goto sleep or standby mode.
