Here’s a polished overview of SAM Cast—a Windows-based live audio encoder built for professional internet radio and podcast broadcasting:
🎙️ What is SAM Cast?
SAM Cast, developed by Spacial Audio (formerly SpacialNet), is a standalone live audio encoder for Windows that captures audio from your microphone, sound card, or line-in and streams it directly to internet radio servers (Shoutcast, Icecast, Live365, WMA). It is not a full automation suite—it’s designed specifically for live audio broadcasting. (cloudrad.io)
🔧 Key Features
- Live Audio Capture & EncodingStream from microphone, system audio, or a playback device in real time. Supports MP3 (LAME), mp3PRO, AAC+ v2, Ogg, WMA formats. (cloudrad.io)
- Multi-Server StreamingAbility to broadcast to multiple servers simultaneously or in different formats/bitrates. (cloudrad.io, spacialnet.com)
- Built-In Audio Processing SuiteIncludes equalizer, stereo expander, bass EQ, dual- and 5-band processors, gated AGC, and clipper—plus DSP plugin support via media players like Winamp or iTunes. (Streaming Pulse Inc., help.radioking.com)
- Metadata Support & Listener StatsSends track titles and metadata to the server and can retrieve listener statistics when integrated with hosting services like Spacial’s. (cloudrad.io, Software Informer)
- “Stream Archive” Recording OptionOptionally record a copy of your live stream to disk for archival purposes. (cloudrad.io)
⚙️ Setup & Workflow
- Install SAM Cast (30-day free trial available).
- Add an encoder (e.g. “MP3 (LAME_ENC)”), configure bitrate (e.g. 128 kbps), sample rate, and output format. (RadioKing)
- Enter live server settings such as server type (Icecast or Shoutcast), host/IP, port, mount or SID, and credentials. (RadioKing)
- Tune audio processing settings and load presets (optional DSP enhancements). (help.radioking.com, RadioKing)
- Start the encoder—audio will stream live to connected server(s). (cloudrad.io)
💻 System Requirements & Pricing
- Platform: Windows (typically XP/7/8/10/11)
- Requirements: ~1 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM, 100 MB disk space, audio capture device required (sound card/microphone). (spacial.com)
- Pricing: $199 USD for full license; free 14- or 30-day trial provides microphone streaming only—media file streaming is disabled until licensed. (cloudrad.io, RadioKing, Software Informer)
✅ Pros & Cons
👍 Advantages
- Simple and fast setup for live audio broadcasting.
- Supports industry-standard streaming protocols and formats.
- Robust real-time audio processing for clean, professional sound.
- Capable of multi-server streaming and archiving capabilities.
👎 Limitations
- Not a full automation or scheduling platform—no playlist automation or music rotation tools.
- Windows-only application.
- Relatively expensive and requires separate radio hosting plan (e.g. via Spacial). (Software Informer)
🧭 Who Should Use SAM Cast?
Use SAM Cast if you:
- Plan to broadcast live shows or events using mic/system audio.
- Need to stream in real time to Shoutcast or Icecast servers.
- Want built-in DSP control and metadata support.
- Don’t require full automation or music scheduling features.
If you’re looking for automation, playlist scheduling, track transitions, or full station workflow tools, consider pairing with SAM Broadcaster PRO, SAM Broadcaster Cloud, or similar radio-automation software. (Streaming Pulse Inc., cloudrad.io, spacial.com)
📋 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Windows only |
| Primary Use | Live audio capture & encoding |
| Supported Formats | MP3, AAC+, mp3PRO, Ogg, WMA |
| Audio Processing | EQ, AGC, expander, bass EQ, clipper, DSP support |
| Server Compatibility | Icecast, Shoutcast, Live365 |
| Recording Option | Stream Archive feature |
| Price | $199 (trial limited) |
| Ideal For | Live mic/system audio streaming |
| Not Ideal For | Automated playlist/radio station management |
In short: SAM Cast is a specialized, Windows-based live audio encoder for broadcasting high-quality streams to Icecast or Shoutcast servers. It’s ideal for live shows and single-source audio streaming, though automation and playlist features require more comprehensive tools like SAM Broadcaster.
