Barix Instreamer Encoder Generic Information

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Barix Instreamer Configuration Guide for Canstream

Overview: The Barix Instreamer is a professional hardware encoder that converts analog or digital audio into IP streams. This guide covers setup for streaming to your Canstream Icecast server.

Table of Contents

Barix Instreamer Models

Model Features Best For
Instreamer 100 Basic encoder, analog input, MP3 Simple streaming setups
Instreamer ICE Direct Icecast support, metadata Radio stations, Icecast servers
Exstreamer M400 Multi-codec, professional features Professional broadcasting

Initial Setup

Step 1: Physical Connections

  1. Power: Connect the power adapter (9-30V DC)
  2. Network: Connect ethernet cable to your network
  3. Audio Input:
    • Analog: Connect to Line In (RCA or 3.5mm)
    • Digital: Connect to S/PDIF input (if available)
  4. LED Status: Wait for solid green LED

Step 2: Find Device IP Address

Method 1: Barix Discovery Tool

  1. Download Barix Discovery from barix.com
  2. Run on computer connected to same network
  3. Click "Discover" to find all Barix devices
  4. Note the IP address of your Instreamer

Method 2: Serial Console

# Connect via serial (9600 baud, 8N1)
# Press Enter to see prompt
# Type:
ifconfig
# Note the IP address shown

Method 3: DHCP Server Logs

Check your router's DHCP client list for new Barix device

Step 3: Access Web Interface

  1. Open web browser
  2. Navigate to: http://[IP-ADDRESS]
  3. Default login:
    • Username: admin
    • Password: admin
  4. Important: Change password immediately!

Network Configuration

Setting Static IP (Recommended)

Navigate to Configuration → Network:

Setting Value
IP Assignment Static
IP Address e.g., 192.168.1.100
Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0
Gateway Your router IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
DNS Server 8.8.8.8 or your preferred DNS
Note: After changing network settings, device will reboot. Access using new IP address.

Streaming Configuration for Canstream

For Instreamer ICE (Direct Icecast Support)

Navigate to Configuration → Streaming:

Parameter Value Example
Mode Icecast2 Client -
Server Address Your Canstream server stream1.canstream.co.uk
Server Port Your server port 8000
Mount Point Your mount /stream.mp3
Username source source
Password Your source password From Canstream email
Stream Name Your station name My Radio Station
Stream Description Brief description 24/7 Music Stream
Stream Genre Content type Various
Stream URL Your website www.mystation.com

For Standard Instreamer (Using RTP)

Configure for RTP streaming, then use transcoding software:

  1. Set Mode to RTP Streaming
  2. Configure destination IP and port
  3. Use software like Liquidsoap to receive RTP and forward to Icecast

Audio Configuration

Audio Input Settings

Navigate to Configuration → Audio:

Setting Options Recommendation
Input Source Line In / Mic / S/PDIF Line In for mixer output
Input Gain -12dB to +12dB Start at 0dB, adjust as needed
Sample Rate 32000 / 44100 / 48000 Hz 44100 Hz for compatibility
Channels Mono / Stereo Stereo for music, Mono for talk

Encoder Settings

Navigate to Configuration → Encoder:

Content Type Codec Bitrate Mode
Voice/Talk MP3 64 kbps Mono
Mixed Content MP3 96-128 kbps Joint Stereo
Music MP3 128-192 kbps Stereo
High Quality MP3 256-320 kbps Stereo

Audio Processing

Available Processing Options:
  • AGC (Auto Gain Control): Maintains consistent levels
  • Limiter: Prevents clipping/distortion
  • Pre-emphasis: Boosts high frequencies (FM simulation)
  • Low-pass filter: Removes frequencies above threshold

Advanced Features

Metadata Insertion

For dynamic song titles and artist information:

Method 1: Web Interface

  1. Navigate to Status → Metadata
  2. Enter current song information
  3. Click "Update" to send to stream

Method 2: HTTP API

# Update metadata via HTTP GET request:
http://[INSTREAMER-IP]/metadata?song=Artist%20-%20Title

# Via curl:
curl "http://192.168.1.100/metadata?song=The%20Beatles%20-%20Hey%20Jude"

Method 3: TCP/UDP Commands

# Send via TCP port 12345 (configurable):
echo "METADATA:Artist - Song Title" | nc [INSTREAMER-IP] 12345

Relay and Backup Configuration

Primary/Backup Server Setup

  1. Configure primary server as normal
  2. Enable Backup Server option
  3. Enter backup server details
  4. Set failover conditions:
    • Connection timeout (seconds)
    • Retry attempts
    • Failback to primary when available

Multiple Simultaneous Streams

Some models support streaming to multiple servers:

  • Configure up to 4 destination servers
  • Each can have different bitrates/formats
  • Useful for CDN distribution

Scheduled Operations

Time-based Streaming

# Configure in Schedule section:
Monday-Friday: 06:00 - 22:00 → Stream enabled
Saturday-Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00 → Stream enabled
Other times: Stream disabled (saves bandwidth)

Automatic Reboot Schedule

  • Set daily reboot at 04:00 AM
  • Ensures fresh state and clears memory
  • Minimal disruption during low-listener hours

Monitoring and Alerts

SNMP Monitoring

  1. Enable SNMP in Configuration → SNMP
  2. Set community string
  3. Monitor with tools like Nagios, PRTG, or Zabbix

Email Alerts

Configure alerts for:

  • Connection lost to streaming server
  • Audio input signal lost
  • Network connectivity issues
  • Temperature warnings
  • Buffer underruns

Syslog Integration

# Send logs to syslog server:
Syslog Server: 192.168.1.50
Syslog Port: 514
Facility: Local0
Severity: Info

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Cannot connect to Icecast Firewall blocking Open outbound port 8000/8001
Authentication failed Wrong credentials Verify username is "source", check password
Connection drops frequently Network instability Check ethernet cable, switch ports
Cannot access web interface IP conflict Reset to factory defaults (hold reset 10s)

Audio Issues

Symptom Check Fix
No audio Input LED status Verify cable connections, check input selection
Distorted audio Input levels Reduce input gain, enable limiter
Low volume Gain settings Increase input gain, check source levels
Mono instead of stereo Cable type Use stereo cables, check channel configuration

Factory Reset Procedure

  1. Power off the device
  2. Hold the reset button
  3. Power on while holding reset
  4. Continue holding for 10 seconds
  5. Release when LEDs flash rapidly
  6. Device will reboot with defaults:
    • IP: DHCP (check router)
    • Username: admin
    • Password: admin

Firmware Updates

Important: Always backup configuration before updating firmware!
  1. Download latest firmware from barix.com
  2. Navigate to Maintenance → Firmware Update
  3. Choose firmware file (.bin)
  4. Click "Upload"
  5. Wait 5 minutes - do not power off!
  6. Device will reboot automatically
  7. Verify version in Status → System

Best Practices

Recommended Setup Tips:
  • Use UPS power backup for uninterrupted streaming
  • Configure static IP to avoid DHCP lease issues
  • Set up both primary and backup streaming servers
  • Enable automatic reconnection on connection loss
  • Monitor temperature - ensure adequate ventilation
  • Schedule weekly reboots during off-peak hours
  • Keep firmware updated for security and features
  • Document your configuration for disaster recovery

Quick Configuration Checklist

✓ Barix Instreamer Setup Checklist:

  1. ☐ Physical connections complete (power, network, audio)
  2. ☐ Device accessible via web interface
  3. ☐ Admin password changed from default
  4. ☐ Static IP configured (optional but recommended)
  5. ☐ Icecast server details entered correctly
  6. ☐ Mount point starts with forward slash (/)
  7. ☐ Audio input source selected and tested
  8. ☐ Encoding settings configured (bitrate, sample rate)
  9. ☐ Stream metadata configured
  10. ☐ Backup server configured (if available)
  11. ☐ Monitoring/alerts set up
  12. ☐ Configuration backed up

Support: For Barix hardware issues, visit support.barix.com. For Canstream server issues, submit a support ticket.

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