Nicecast – Run your own Internet Radio Station

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Nicecast from Rogue Amoeba, is a simple and easy to use application that allows you to create and set-up your own Internet Radio Station and broadcast it over the internet or on your local area network – right from your Mac.

Nicecast has a pretty simple and minimalistic interface, making it very easy to use and understand. Each setting is presented as a row of tabs accross the main window, allowing you to customize your broadcast to how you want it.

From these tabs, you can select your Source, Broadcast Information, Track Titles, Sound Quality, Sharing Information and Effects. Nicecast also includes a mini-version of Audio Hijack, this allows you to “Hijack” the audio of any Application and input the sound into your Broadcast. This is particularly useful for Applications such as iTunes and Skype, allowing you to broadcast your iTunes media or Skype Conference calls.

When using Nicecast with iTunes, Nicecast is able to display the Artist and Track name of the current playing song through the stream information. One of the other features is to also use your own server, such as a Live365 or an AOLs ShoutCast Server. Setting up a dedicated ShoutCast server can might seem a little difficult, so Nicecast’s default broadcasting options should be fine for the average user. Nicecast also includes a ‘Server Checker’, just to make sure your server settings are correct before you broadcast.

One of Nicecast’s major strengths is the vast array of Effects it offers. I only use a few of them, including a VoiceOver effect (to add commentary to my broadcast) and a Bass and Treble gain. There are loads of great audio effects and enhancers, and is compatible with hundreds of VST and Audio Unit plugins. If you have ever used Rogue Amoeba’s other software, such as Audio Hijack Pro, the Effects window is exactly the same.

Nicecast aslo has some great privacy settings too, allowing you to only stream your broadcast over your local network, or password protect the broadcast altogether. Meaning that only the people you choose can gain access to your broadcast.

Nicecast is available on the Rogue Amoeba Online Store for $40, and a free trial is also available. Also worth a mention is some of the free Utilities and Applications available at the Freebies Section of the Rogue Amoeba Website.