Stream using free of charge Mixxx application

May 19, 2021
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Mixxx is one of the easiest free tools for broadcasting live audio to an internet radio station. It works on Windows, macOS and Linux, and it can connect directly to Shoutcast or Icecast servers.

If you want to play music live, mix tracks like a DJ, use a microphone and send everything to your online radio stream, Mixxx is a great place to start. In this guide, we will show you how to broadcast internet radio with Mixxx and a Shoutcast server.

What is Mixxx?

Mixxx is free DJ software for live mixing and audio playback. It includes features such as decks, playlists, microphone input, effects, cue points and live broadcasting. For internet radio, Mixxx can be used as a live encoder. This means it sends audio from your computer to your radio server, and the server delivers that stream to your listeners.

If you do not have a stream server yet, you can create a free Shoutcast server with Free-Shoutcast.com. You can use Mixxx for:

  • Live DJ shows
  • Music radio
  • Online events
  • Community radio
  • Talk shows with music
  • Test broadcasts for a new station

What you need before you start

For most beginners, a Shoutcast server and MP3 stream are the simplest setup. Before configuring Mixxx, prepare a few things:

  • Mixxx installed on your computer
  • A Shoutcast or Icecast server
  • Server hostname or IP address
  • Port number
  • Stream password
  • Stream name
  • Music files or playlists
  • Optional microphone or audio interface

Install Mixxx

Download Mixxx from the official website: https://mixxx.org/download. Install the stable version for your operating system. After installation, open Mixxx and add your music library. You can also prepare playlists before going live.

Before your first public broadcast, it is a good idea to test everything with headphones and a short private stream.

Configure live broadcasting

To connect Mixxx to your radio server:

  • Open Mixxx
  • Go to Preferences (you can use keyboard shoutcut Ctrl + P)
  • Select Live Broadcasting


  • Enter your server details – remember to fill Stream info section. You need ro provide at least Stream name, otherwise ShoutCast server will refuse the connection. Explaination of server details is one secton below.


  • Close settings window and click on On Air button to start streaming

For a Shoutcast server, you will usually need:

  • Type: Shoutcast (v1) – Mixxx doesn’t support ShoutCast v2 offered by us, so you need to use compatible mode
  • Host: your server hostname or IP address (you will find it in control panel)
  • Port: your server port
  • Login: in legacy mode this field should remain empty
  • Password: your stream password
  • Stream name: your radio station name

Your hosting panel should provide these details. If you use Free-Shoutcast.com, copy the connection details from your server panel and paste them into Mixxx.

Choose the right audio format

For Shoutcast broadcasting with Mixxx, MP3 is usually the best choice. It is widely supported and works with most browsers, players, apps and devices. Recommended settings:

  • Format: MP3
  • Bitrate: 128 kbps
  • Channels: Stereo
  • Sample rate: 44.1 kHz

For talk radio, you can use a lower bitrate such as 64 kbps or 96 kbps. For music radio, 128 kbps MP3 is a safe and practical starting point. If you use Icecast, Mixxx can also work with OGG Vorbis. However, for a public radio station, MP3 is usually easier for listeners.

Add station information

In the live broadcasting settings, add basic information about your station:

  • Stream name
  • Website URL
  • Description
  • Genre
  • Public stream option, if you want your station to appear in directories

You can also configure metadata, so listeners can see the current artist and title in compatible players. Good metadata makes your station look more professional and helps listeners understand what is playing.

Start broadcasting

After saving your settings, start playing audio in Mixxx. Then enable live broadcasting. Check your Shoutcast server panel to see if the stream is connected. Open your stream URL in a browser or media player and listen for a few minutes. Before promoting the stream, check:

  • Audio is playing correctly
  • Volume is not too low or too loud
  • Music does not distort
  • Microphone works if needed
  • Metadata is displayed correctly
  • Stream works on desktop and mobile

Do not skip this step. A short test can save you from a very awkward first live show.

Useful tips for live radio

Mixxx gives you more control than a simple encoder, but it also means you should prepare your show before going live. A few simple tips:

  • Prepare your playlist before the broadcast
  • Normalize your music volume when possible
  • Test your microphone level
  • Use headphones to monitor transitions
  • Keep a backup playlist ready
  • Avoid changing server settings during a live show
  • Test your stream after every major configuration change

If you want your station to play automatically when you are offline, use our ShoutCast AutoDJ plan instead of keeping Mixxx running all day. You can read more in our article uploading audio to your AutoDJ.

Mixxx vs AutoDJ

Mixxx is best for live broadcasting. AutoDJ is best for automatic 24/7 playback. Use Mixxx when:

  • You want to host a live show
  • You want to mix music manually
  • You need microphone input
  • You want DJ-style control

Use AutoDJ when:

  • You want your station online all day
  • You do not want to keep your computer running
  • You want scheduled or automatic playback
  • You want a simple background radio stream

Many stations use both. AutoDJ plays music most of the time, and Mixxx is used for live shows.

Final recommendation

Mixxx is a simple and powerful way to broadcast live internet radio. If you already have a Shoutcast server, you only need to enter your server details, choose MP3, set your bitrate and start streaming. Start with a short test broadcast, check your stream on different devices and then go live. With Mixxx and Free-Shoutcast.com, you can create a live internet radio show without expensive studio equipment. Detailed Mixxx documentation can be found on official website.

For most Free-Shoutcast users, the recommended setup is:

  • Shoutcast server
  • Mixxx as live broadcasting software
  • MP3 format
  • 128 kbps bitrate
  • Stereo audio