The Important Difference
A successful connection only proves that SAM Broadcaster established a connection to the streaming server. It does not prove that audio is being encoded and sent. When the connection is active but the stream is silent, concentrate on the audio source, encoder activity, and output level.
1. Check SAM's Audio Output
Make sure SAM is actually playing a song or live audio source. Watch the playback meters while a track is playing. If the meters remain inactive, troubleshoot SAM's local audio playback before changing the SHOUTcast settings.
2. Check the Encoder
Open the encoder settings and confirm the encoder is connected and actively processing audio. If the encoder is connected but its level remains inactive, the problem is likely before the encoder.
3. Check the Audio Device
For live broadcasting, verify that the correct Windows audio device, sound card, microphone, or mixer source is selected. A disconnected or muted input can result in a perfectly healthy stream carrying silence.
4. Check the Stream With Another Player
Use a known-good stream player or your station's public stream URL. This helps distinguish a listener/player issue from an encoder issue.
Still Silent?
Do not change several settings at once. Note whether SAM shows audio meters, whether the encoder shows activity, and whether listeners receive silence. Those three observations greatly narrow the problem.
Still Having Problems?
If the problem continues after checking the items above, digiSTREAM support can help determine whether the issue is related to the encoder, AutoDJ, streaming server, or network.
- The exact error message, if one is displayed.
- Your streaming server port.
- Whether AutoDJ or a live DJ is currently connected.
- What changed immediately before the problem began.
- The approximate time the problem occurred.