Getting Started with BUTT - Installation and Setup Guide

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Complete Guide to Broadcasting with BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool)

Quick Start: BUTT is a free, lightweight broadcasting tool perfect for live streaming to your Canstream Icecast server. This guide covers everything from installation to advanced configuration.

Table of Contents

Installation

Windows Installation

  1. Download BUTT from https://sourceforge.net/projects/butt/
  2. Run the installer (butt-0.1.xx-setup.exe)
  3. Follow the installation wizard - default settings are fine
  4. Launch BUTT from Start Menu or Desktop shortcut

macOS Installation

  1. Download the macOS version (.dmg file)
  2. Open the DMG file and drag BUTT to Applications
  3. First launch: Right-click and select "Open" to bypass Gatekeeper
  4. Grant microphone permissions when prompted

Linux Installation

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install butt

# Fedora
sudo dnf install butt

# From source
wget https://sourceforge.net/projects/butt/files/butt/butt-0.1.xx/butt-0.1.xx.tar.gz
tar -xvf butt-0.1.xx.tar.gz
cd butt-0.1.xx
./configure
make
sudo make install

Basic Setup for Canstream

Step 1: Open Settings

Click the Settings button in the main BUTT window.

Step 2: Add Your Canstream Server

In the Main tab, under Server, click ADD and enter:

Field Value Notes
Type Icecast Select from dropdown
Name Canstream Main Any friendly name
Address Your server address e.g., stream1.canstream.co.uk (no http://)
Port 8000 Or as specified in your welcome email
Password Your source password From your Canstream welcome email
IceCast mountpoint /stream Must start with / (e.g., /live.mp3)
IceCast user source Always "source" for Icecast

Step 3: Configure Stream Details

Still in the ADD dialog, fill in your stream information:

  • Stream name: Your station/show name
  • Stream description: Brief description of your content
  • Stream URL: Your website (optional)
  • Stream genre: Your content type
  • Make stream public: Check if you want directory listing

Step 4: Save and Connect

  1. Click Save to save the server configuration
  2. Select your server from the dropdown in the main window
  3. Click the Play button to start streaming
  4. The timer should start counting if connected successfully

Audio Configuration

Selecting Your Audio Device

In Settings → Audio tab:

For USB Microphones

  • Select your USB microphone from the Audio Device dropdown
  • Choose 2 (Stereo) for channels if using stereo mic
  • Set sample rate to 44100 Hz for best quality

For Audio Interfaces

  • Windows: Select your ASIO driver if available
  • macOS: Select your interface from Core Audio devices
  • Channels: Match your interface configuration

For System Audio (Desktop Audio)

  • Windows: Install VB-Cable (virtual audio cable)
  • macOS: Install Soundflower or BlackHole
  • Linux: Use PulseAudio loopback
  • Select the virtual device as input in BUTT

Optimizing Audio Levels

Important: Proper level setting prevents distortion and ensures professional sound quality.
  1. Start with BUTT's input slider at 75%
  2. Speak or play audio at your normal level
  3. Watch the VU meter - aim for peaks around -6dB to -3dB
  4. Adjust the slider so peaks never hit 0dB (red zone)
  5. Use the Limiter option to prevent accidental peaks

Encoding Settings by Content Type

Content Codec Bitrate Sample Rate Channels
Talk/Speech MP3 64 kbps 22050 Hz Mono
Talk + Music MP3 96 kbps 44100 Hz Stereo
Music Only MP3 128-192 kbps 44100 Hz Stereo
High Quality MP3/AAC 256-320 kbps 48000 Hz Stereo

Advanced Features

Recording Your Broadcasts

In Settings → Record tab:

  1. Check Start recording immediately
  2. Choose format:
    • WAV - Uncompressed, best for editing
    • MP3 - Compressed, good for archiving
    • OGG - Open format, good compression
  3. Set bitrate (128 kbps or higher recommended)
  4. Choose save location
  5. Enable Split recording every X minutes for long shows

Scheduled Broadcasting

BUTT doesn't have built-in scheduling, but you can:

  • Use Windows Task Scheduler or macOS Automator
  • Create batch files/scripts to start BUTT
  • Use third-party automation tools

Example Windows Batch Script

@echo off
echo Starting BUTT broadcast...
cd "C:\Program Files\BUTT"
start butt.exe -s "Canstream Main" -c
echo Broadcast started!
pause

Multiple Server Configuration

Stream to multiple servers simultaneously:

  1. Add multiple servers in Settings
  2. Select primary server from dropdown
  3. Check Use additional servers
  4. Select secondary servers from list
  5. All servers will receive the same stream

DSP and Effects

In Settings → DSP:

  • Compressor: Evens out volume levels
  • Limiter: Prevents clipping
  • Gate: Reduces background noise
  • EQ: Basic tone adjustment

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Failed

Issue Solution
Wrong password Copy/paste from Canstream email, check for spaces
Server address has http:// Remove http:// or https:// from address
Firewall blocking Add BUTT to firewall exceptions
Server not started Log into Centova Cast and start your server
Mount point wrong Ensure it starts with / (forward slash)

Audio Issues

Problem Fix
No audio/Silent stream Check correct audio device selected, verify device not muted in system
Distorted audio Lower input gain, enable limiter, check not peaking at 0dB
Choppy/stuttering Increase buffer size, close other apps, check CPU usage
Echo/feedback Use headphones, mute speakers, check monitoring settings

Stream Dropping

  • Check internet speed: Need 2x bitrate minimum upload
  • Lower bitrate: Try 96kbps instead of 128kbps
  • Use wired connection: WiFi can be unstable
  • Increase buffer: Settings → Stream → Buffer to 10-15 seconds
  • Check ISP throttling: Some ISPs limit streaming

Performance Optimization

Pro Tips for Stable Streaming:
  • Dedicate a computer for streaming if possible
  • Disable automatic updates during broadcast times
  • Close unnecessary applications
  • Use ethernet instead of WiFi
  • Monitor CPU usage - keep below 50%
  • Test your setup before going live

Quick Reference Card

Essential BUTT Settings for Canstream:

  • ✓ Server Type: Icecast
  • ✓ Username: source
  • ✓ Port: 8000 (typically)
  • ✓ Mount: /live.mp3 (must start with /)
  • ✓ Codec: MP3 for compatibility
  • ✓ Bitrate: 128 kbps standard
  • ✓ Sample Rate: 44100 Hz for music
  • ✓ Channels: Stereo for music, Mono for talk

Need more help? Submit a support ticket with your BUTT settings screenshot (hide password) and error messages.

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