Equipment You Need to Start an Online Radio Station

Are you starting from scratch building your own station, but not sure what equipment you need? This complete guide will show you just exactly what equipment you need to start an online radio station and get up and running in no time.

Here's what you will learn:

  • Broadcasting Software: Types of software you can use to broadcast live that map to equipment.
  • Microphones: A range of different mics, from entry level to professional.
  • Processors: Microphone processors for amplification and equalisation to improve audio.
  • Broadcasting Desks: Audio systems for multiple channel management.

We'll run through the different types of setups you can choose from basic to professional, but first things first, do you have a Mac or PC?

Mac vs PC

Let's get this out of the way first! Whether you own either a Mac or PC it doesn't really affect your online radio station setup that much.

Both have an audio input, output, and USB ports, which are essentially what you need. The only things affected are different types of broadcasting software that's available for both operating systems.

Broadcasting Software

Broadcasting software are encoders that take audio from your computer and push it out to your online radio station.

There are different types you can use, some are basic that just stream audio online, others are more advanced with media management, samplers, gains, and mixing capabilities.

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to broadcasting software as there's plenty to choose from. Here are the most popular to date:

  • BUTT (Windows, Mac, & Linux): Free multi-operating system broadcaster that's widely popular.
  • Virtual DJ Pro (Windowss & Mac): Audio mixing broadcaster ideal for beatmixing and cueing.
  • Winamp (Windows): One of the oldest and most established broadcaster for Windows.
  • Nicecast (Mac): Simplest way to broadcast through Mac that hooks up with software like iTunes.

You can find more live broadcasting software over on Lens Networks Help.

Basic Setup

If you're new to online radio and need a quick refresher course on how it all works then we recommend checking out this guide.

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