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How to create a free audio link over the Internet using an old PC, Ubuntu Linux and Icecast streaming software
Posted on June 8th, 2009 2 commentsThe purpose of this article is to help you in creating a reliable and free one-way audio link over the Internet. The primary use case is to enable low-cost transmission of radio program from radio station premises to a remote broadcasting tower. The method explained here is suitable for other one-way transmission needs as well, but due to long latency it cannot be used for two-way conversations (use e.g. Skype instead). Streaming live audio signal from one computer to another can be accomplished even with old low-cost computer hardware and free open source software, which makes the setup very affordable and enables interesting use cases.Abstract
There are many different needs for sending an audible signal from one location to another. The technology that works in one use case may not work well in another. We can divide the applications into two main categories:
The applications in the first category are aimed for enabling conversations over long distances. Telephone calls and teleconferences are perfect examples. Within this category the sound quality is not the top priority, but low latency can be considered a must. Both closed and open source software solutions exist, the most well-known being Skype.
The applications in the second category are aimed for broadcasting an audio signal from a single source to a larger audience, which in general does not need to be able to communicate back to the source (i.e. the audience listens only). Within this category the sound quality is an important enabler for long listening periods, whereas long latency can be usually tolerated well. Both closed and open source software solutions exist, for example Shoutcast and Icecast.
The setup described in this article is intended to be a one-way pipe for high quality live audio signal. Therefore, these instructions are likely useful in use cases that fall to the second category.