CastBridge takes a radio stream you already have, from your encoder, AutoDJ or current host, and re-broadcasts it from our servers. On the way it can improve the sound, and it delivers the result in every format your listeners need: secure HTTPS links, your own Icecast and Shoutcast servers, a web player, widgets, directory listings and a Roku channel.
Any stream in. Every radio server out.
How it works
- Your source: a Shoutcast, Icecast, HLS, RTMP or SRT address you already broadcast to.
- Sound processing (optional): a recipe such as the free Broadcast processor, master_me or Stereo Tool evens out levels and gives your station a consistent, radio-style sound. Or choose Relay only to pass the stream through untouched.
- Outputs: the processed audio is encoded once per output, for example MP3 128k for every player plus AAC 64k for mobile.
- Listeners connect to CastBridge, not to your source, so your source server only ever carries one connection.
Your first stream in five minutes
- Log in to the panel (see Logging in to CastBridge).
- Click + New stream, give it a name and paste your source address.
- Pick a recipe under Quick start: pick a recipe. Not sure? Start with Broadcast processor, all-round (free, lowest CPU).
- Check the output (MP3 128 kbps is a safe first choice) and click Save & start.
- Open Quick links to copy your listen links and share them.
The full walk-through is in Creating Your First Stream.
The menu at a glance
- Streams: all your streams with their status, now playing, listeners, CPU and memory, plus Start, Stop, Restart and Edit buttons.
- + New stream: add a source.
- Quick links: every listen link, playlist file, player page and embed code, ready to copy.
- Roku: build your own Roku TV channel.
- Domains: run your links and player on your own domain with free SSL (plans with custom domains).
- Presets: upload your own Stereo Tool presets.
- Sound guide: which recipe and bitrate suits your format.
- Settings: your Stereo Tool licence key, your own Icecast and Shoutcast servers, your public status page, email and password.
Each stream also has its own Stats, Listings, Player, Widgets, Links and Logs buttons on the Streams page.
Good to know:
- Your plan sets how many streams you can run, how many outputs each stream can have, the highest bitrate, and whether Stereo Tool, the free processors, external servers and custom domains are included. The Streams page shows what's left.
- Processing sounds best from a good source. Send at least 128k MP3 or AAC if you can.
More help
See the other articles in this category, or open a support ticket and we'll help you get on air.
