If you want to connect BUTT to SonicPanel and start broadcasting live DJ sets, you are in the right place. BUTT (short for "Broadcast Using This Tool") is a free, lightweight program that sends your microphone or mixer audio to an online radio server. SonicPanel is the control panel that manages that server for you.
In this guide, we will walk through every step in plain language. You do not need to be technical. By the end, you will be live on air and know how to fix the most common problems.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you open BUTT, make sure you have a few things ready. This saves time and avoids frustration later.
- A SonicPanel radio hosting account with an active stream. If you do not have one yet, you can look at our SonicPanel radio hosting plans.
- Your SonicPanel login details so you can find the server address, port and DJ password.
- BUTT installed on your Windows, Mac or Linux computer. Download it from the official BUTT website.
- An audio source, such as a microphone, USB mixer, DJ controller or sound card.
- A stable internet connection. A wired connection is usually more reliable than Wi-Fi for live shows.
Find Your Connection Details in SonicPanel
BUTT needs to know exactly where to send your audio. All of that information lives inside your SonicPanel control panel.
Step 1: Log in to SonicPanel
Open the SonicPanel login link you received when your radio hosting was set up. Sign in with your username and password.
Step 2: Open the stream or DJ section
Look for the area that shows your stream information or DJ accounts. Here you will usually see:
- Server address (a hostname or IP address)
- Port number
- Server type (Shoutcast or Icecast)
- Mount point (for Icecast streams, often something like /stream)
- DJ username and password
Tip: Many stations create a separate DJ account for each presenter. This keeps your main admin password private and lets you see who is broadcasting.
How to Connect BUTT to SonicPanel Step by Step
Now for the main part. Once you have your details, it only takes a few minutes to connect BUTT to SonicPanel.
Step 3: Open BUTT settings
Launch BUTT and click the Settings button. A new window opens with several tabs. Go to the Main tab.
Step 4: Add a new server
Under the server section, click ADD. Fill in the fields like this:
- Name: Any name you like, for example "My Station Live".
- Type: Choose Shoutcast or Icecast, matching what SonicPanel shows.
- Address: Enter the server address from SonicPanel. Do not add "http://".
- Port: Enter the port number exactly as shown.
- Password: Enter your DJ password.
- Icecast mountpoint: If you use Icecast, enter the mount point. For Shoutcast, you may need to enter the stream ID if your panel uses one.
- Icecast user: If your DJ account has a username, enter it here. Otherwise, "source" is commonly used.
Click ADD to save the server.
Step 5: Set your audio format and bitrate
Open the Audio tab. Choose your input device (your mixer or microphone). Then pick a codec such as MP3 or AAC, and set the bitrate.
Important: Use a bitrate that your SonicPanel plan allows. If you choose a higher bitrate than your stream supports, the server may refuse the connection.
Step 6: Add stream info (optional)
In the Stream tab, you can add a station name, genre and website. You can also set BUTT to send the current song title so listeners see what is playing.
Step 7: Go live
Close the settings window and press the Play button in BUTT. If everything is correct, the display will show that you are connected and broadcasting. Open your station's stream link on another device to check that listeners can hear you.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Sometimes the first attempt does not work. Do not worry. Most issues come from small typing mistakes.
"Connection refused" or "Could not connect"
- Check the address and port carefully. One wrong digit breaks the connection.
- Make sure your stream is running in SonicPanel.
- Check that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking BUTT.
"Wrong password" or authentication failed
- Confirm you are using the DJ password, not your control panel login.
- Check the username field for Icecast streams.
- Watch out for extra spaces when copying and pasting.
Connected but no sound
- Check the input device in BUTT's Audio tab.
- Look at BUTT's level meter. If it does not move, your audio is not reaching the program.
- Make sure your mixer or microphone is not muted.
Choppy or dropping audio
This is usually an internet issue. Try a lower bitrate, switch to a wired connection, and close other programs that use a lot of bandwidth.
Tips for Smooth Live DJ Broadcasts
Once you can reliably connect BUTT to SonicPanel, these habits will make your shows sound more professional:
- Test before every show. Do a short sound check a few minutes early.
- Save your server profile in BUTT so you never have to type details again.
- Use BUTT's recording feature to keep a copy of your show for replays or podcasts.
- Keep levels healthy. Avoid the red zone on the meter to prevent distortion.
- Know how your AutoDJ behaves. In many setups, your live show takes over and the AutoDJ returns when you disconnect. Check your panel settings.
Grow Your Station Beyond the Stream
Going live is just the beginning. Listeners love being able to tune in from their phones and find your station easily.
You could give your station its own mobile app with a ready-made solution like the Single Radio app with PHP admin panel, which includes Android, iOS and web players. A short, memorable domain name also helps people remember your station, which you can check through our domain name search.
Ready to Go Live?
Now you know how to connect BUTT to SonicPanel, troubleshoot common errors and run smoother DJ shows. All you need is a reliable radio server behind you. Explore our SonicPanel Radio hosting plans and start broadcasting your live sets today.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my SonicPanel DJ login details?
Log in to your SonicPanel control panel and open the DJ or live broadcast section. There you can see the server address, port and DJ password, or create a separate DJ account.
Should I choose Shoutcast or Icecast in BUTT?
Choose the server type that matches your SonicPanel stream. Your control panel shows whether your station runs Shoutcast or Icecast, and BUTT must use the same type.
Why does BUTT say connection refused?
This usually means the address, port or password is wrong, or the server is not running. Double-check each detail in SonicPanel and make sure your firewall is not blocking BUTT.
Will my AutoDJ stop when I go live with BUTT?
In a typical SonicPanel setup, a live DJ connection takes over from the AutoDJ, and the AutoDJ resumes when you disconnect. Check your panel's DJ settings to confirm how your station behaves.
What bitrate should I use in BUTT?
Use the bitrate allowed by your SonicPanel plan. Going above your plan's limit can cause the server to reject the connection.
