CloudRadio One stations broadcast live through two built-in inputs: Studio Input and Guest Input. Both accept any encoder that can connect over the Icecast protocol.
CloudRadio One only accepts Icecast input. Set your encoder to “Icecast 2” or “Icecast / HTTP”, not Shoutcast. CloudRadio takes your single high-quality input and transcodes it into multiple HLS bitrates plus the legacy Icecast endpoint for your listeners automatically.
CloudRadio One live inputs
Each CloudRadio One station has two built-in live inputs:
- Studio Input at mount path
/studio— your primary broadcast connection - Guest Input at mount path
/guest— a separate connection for guest DJs or special events with higher priority
Username on both is always source.
Find your credentials
- Open your station in Studio
- Go to Live DJ in the sidebar
-
Each input card shows: Server Address, Port, Mount Path, Username (
source), Password, and a Full connection URL ready to paste into encoders that accept a single URL
The connection URL format is:
http://source:[email protected]:YOUR_PORT/studio
(Replace /studio with /guest for the Guest Input. The host and port shown on your Live DJ page are the source of truth — copy them directly to avoid typos.)
Studio Input
Use the Studio Input for your regular shows and day-to-day broadcasting. When you connect, your live audio takes over from the automated playlist. When you disconnect, the rotation resumes automatically with a smooth crossfade.
Guest Input
The Guest Input is a separate connection for guest DJs. It has higher priority than the Studio Input, so a guest’s audio takes priority over everything else. This is useful for handing off a show without sharing your main credentials. When the guest disconnects, audio falls back to the Studio Input (if connected) or the playlist rotation.
Input priority
CloudRadio One uses this priority to pick which audio source plays:
| Priority | Source | Plays when |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (highest) | Guest Input | A guest DJ is connected |
| 2 | Studio Input | The main DJ is connected (and no guest) |
| 3 | Scheduled event | A scheduled playlist or event is active |
| 4 | Playlist Rotation | Weighted mix of your rotation playlists |
| 5 (lowest) | Media Library | Shuffle fallback from your full library |
Transitions between sources use crossfading to avoid hard cuts.
Recommended encoder settings
For best quality on CloudRadio One:
- Format: AAC (AAC-LC)
- Bitrate:256 kbps
- Sample rate: 44.1 kHz
- Channels: Stereo
- Protocol: Icecast 2 / HTTP (not Shoutcast)
You only need one input stream at this quality. CloudRadio transcodes it down to lower-bitrate HLS variants and the legacy Icecast MP3 endpoint for your listeners. Sending multiple bitrates yourself is not required.
If your encoder cannot do 256 kbps AAC, 192 kbps AAC or 320 kbps MP3 also work. Avoid going below 128 kbps for music.
Regenerate a password
If you need to change a password (for example, after a guest show):
- Go to Live DJ in the sidebar
- Click Regenerate next to the password field
- Confirm the change
The new password takes effect immediately. Anyone currently connected with the old password is disconnected.
Encoder software
You’ll need an encoder program to connect and broadcast. Popular options that support Icecast input:
- BUTT (free, Windows/Mac/Linux)
- Mixxx (free DJ software with built-in encoder)
- RadioBOSS (Windows)
- Rocket Broadcaster (Windows)
- Audio Hijack (Mac)
For a full list by operating system, see Windows Broadcasting Software and Mac Broadcasting Software.
Each encoder guide explains where to enter your connection details. Find your credentials first using the steps above, then follow the encoder guide.
Classic Shoutcast/Icecast hosting
Using legacy Shoutcast or Icecast hosting instead of a CloudRadio One station? Connection details and supported protocols are documented in Shoutcast/Icecast Hosting. The encoder software list above still applies.
Troubleshooting
Encoder won’t connect
- Double-check the server address, port, and password (copy them from Studio to avoid typos)
- Make sure your encoder is set to Icecast 2 / HTTP, not Shoutcast
- Make sure your station is running (check the status badge in Studio)
Audio cuts out or drops
- Check your internet connection stability
- Lower your bitrate if your upload speed is limited
- Avoid streaming over WiFi if possible. A wired connection is more reliable.
- If your home connection looks fine but the upload is still unstable, your ISP’s routing may be the cause. See Fix Encoder Issues with a VPN.
No metadata showing for listeners
- Make sure your encoder is sending metadata (song title, artist)
- Check that your encoder’s metadata encoding is set to UTF-8
- See Missing Stream Metadata for detailed troubleshooting