Rocket Broadcaster Getting Started

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Rocket Broadcaster Pro Setup Guide for Canstream

About Rocket Broadcaster: A professional Windows-based encoder with advanced features including voice tracking, playlist automation, and multi-server streaming capabilities.

Table of Contents

Installation & Licensing

System Requirements

  • Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit recommended)
  • 2GB RAM minimum (4GB+ recommended)
  • Dual-core processor or better
  • Sound card or USB audio interface
  • Stable internet connection

Installation Steps

  1. Download from www.rocketbroadcaster.com
  2. Run installer as Administrator
  3. Choose installation directory
  4. Install required components (if prompted):
    • Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
    • .NET Framework 4.5 or higher
  5. Launch Rocket Broadcaster
  6. Enter license key (or start 7-day trial)

Connecting to Canstream Icecast Server

Quick Setup

  1. Click Encoders tab
  2. Click Add New Encoder button
  3. Select Icecast 2 from Server Type dropdown

Server Configuration - Information will vary depending on your account

Field Value Example
Encoder Name Friendly name Canstream Main
Server Type Icecast 2 -
Server IP Your server address live.canstream.co.uk
Server Port Your port 8000
Mount Point Your mount /stream
Username source source
Password Your password From Canstream email

Encoder Settings

Setting Recommended Value
Format MP3
Bitrate 128 kbps
Sample Rate 44100 Hz
Channels Stereo
Quality High (0)

Stream Information

Fill in the Stream Info tab:

  • Stream Name: Your station name
  • Description: Brief description
  • Genre: Your content type
  • URL: Your website
  • Public: Yes (for directory listing)

Audio Configuration

Input Source Selection

Navigate to Settings → Audio Devices:

  1. Primary Sound Device: Select your main audio input
    • For USB mic: Select your USB device
    • For mixer: Select Line In or sound card
    • For virtual cable: Select VB-Cable or similar
  2. Recording Format: 44100 Hz, 16-bit, Stereo
  3. Click Apply

Audio Processing

Access via DSP button:

Available DSP Effects:
  • Compressor: Evens out audio levels
  • Limiter: Prevents distortion
  • AGC: Automatic gain control
  • Noise Gate: Reduces background noise
  • EQ: 10-band equalizer
  • Stereo Enhancer: Widens stereo image

Microphone Setup

  1. Click Microphone button
  2. Select microphone device
  3. Adjust levels (aim for -12dB to -6dB)
  4. Enable Talk Over for auto-ducking
  5. Set duck level to -15dB

Playlist Management

Creating Playlists

  1. Click Playlist tab
  2. Click Add Files or drag-drop audio files
  3. Supported formats:
    • MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG
    • AAC, M4A, FLAC
  4. Right-click for options:
    • Set cue points
    • Adjust gain
    • Add metadata

Playlist Modes

Mode Description Use Case
Sequential Plays in order Shows, podcasts
Random Shuffles tracks Music stations
Weighted Random Based on play count Rotation control
Scheduled Time-based Day parting

Scheduled Events

Create time-based events:

  1. Click Events tab
  2. Click Add Event
  3. Configure:
    • Event type (Play file, playlist, etc.)
    • Days of week
    • Start time
    • Duration or end time
  4. Common events:
    • Station IDs every hour
    • News breaks
    • Commercial breaks
    • Special shows

Voice Tracking

Recording Voice Tracks

  1. Click Voice Track button
  2. Select position in playlist
  3. Click Record
  4. Speak your intro/outro
  5. Click Stop
  6. Options:
    • Trim silence
    • Normalize audio
    • Add effects
  7. Click Save

Voice Track Settings

  • Duck Music: Lower music during voice
  • Segue Type: Overlap or sequential
  • Fade Duration: Smooth transitions
  • Compression: Even out voice levels

Advanced Features

Multi-Server Streaming

Stream to multiple servers simultaneously:

  1. Add multiple encoders (as above)
  2. Check Enable for each
  3. Different bitrates possible for each
  4. Useful for:
    • Main + backup servers
    • Different quality streams
    • Geographic distribution

Relay Broadcasting

Rebroadcast another stream:

  1. Click Relay tab
  2. Enter source stream URL
  3. Configure reconnection settings
  4. Add local insertions (ads, IDs)

Remote Control

Control via web interface:

  1. Enable in Settings → Web Server
  2. Set port (default: 7000)
  3. Set username/password
  4. Access: http://[YOUR-IP]:7000
  5. Features:
    • Start/stop streaming
    • Change tracks
    • Upload files
    • View statistics

Now Playing Updates

File Output

Settings → Now Playing → File Output
Path: C:\NowPlaying\current.txt
Format: %artist% - %title%
Update: Every track change

Web Updates

Settings → Now Playing → Web Update
URL: http://yoursite.com/update.php
Method: GET or POST
Parameters: artist=%artist%&title=%title%

FTP Upload

Settings → Now Playing → FTP
Server: ftp.yoursite.com
Username: your-ftp-user
Password: your-ftp-pass
Path: /public_html/nowplaying.txt

Recording Shows

  1. Click Record button
  2. Configure:
    • Format: MP3 or WAV
    • Quality: Match stream or higher
    • Split files: By time or size
    • Filename: Include date/time
  3. Schedule recordings:
    • Daily shows
    • Specific programs
    • Compliance logging

Troubleshooting

Connection Problems

Issue Solution
Connection refused Check server is running in Centova Cast
Authentication failed Verify username is "source", check password
Encoder error Check Windows Audio service is running
Buffer underrun Increase buffer size in encoder settings

Audio Issues

Problem Fix
No audio input Check device in Windows Sound settings
Distortion Lower input gain, enable limiter
Dropouts Increase buffer, check CPU usage
Echo/feedback Mute speakers, use headphones

Performance Optimization

  • CPU Usage: Disable unused DSP effects
  • Memory: Limit playlist size, clear history
  • Network: Lower bitrate if connection unstable
  • Disk: Regular cleanup of logs and recordings

Windows-Specific Issues

Windows Audio Tips:
  • Disable "Allow applications to take exclusive control"
  • Set same sample rate in Windows and Rocket
  • Disable audio enhancements
  • Run Rocket as Administrator if issues persist

Best Practices

Professional Broadcasting Tips:
  • Always test audio levels before going live
  • Keep backup playlists ready
  • Monitor stream from external device
  • Schedule automatic restarts weekly
  • Maintain organized music library
  • Regular backups of settings and playlists
  • Use UPS for power protection
  • Document your configuration

Quick Start Checklist

✓ Rocket Broadcaster Setup:

  1. ☐ Software installed and licensed
  2. ☐ Icecast encoder configured
  3. ☐ Audio device selected and tested
  4. ☐ Streaming format set (MP3, 128kbps)
  5. ☐ Stream information filled in
  6. ☐ Playlist loaded (if using automation)
  7. ☐ DSP effects configured (optional)
  8. ☐ Test connection successful
  9. ☐ Recording configured (if needed)
  10. ☐ Remote access enabled (optional)

Support: For Rocket Broadcaster issues, visit their support forum. For Canstream server issues, submit a support ticket.

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