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Written by
Travis Bernard
Creek > Stream Issues       Streaming

Stream Issues

Written by
Travis Bernard

Gaps and drop-outs in the stream.

Symptoms

  • Intermittent audio gaps.
  • Some gaps may have subtle "chirps" caused by MP3 audio getting cut.
  • Even if trying on a cell network (on iPhone that's NOT on wifi) there are still the same gaps as on desktop or wifi.
  • The "Stream started" time on the "Icecast2 Status" page may coincide with a recent gap, since the studio was disconnected and reconnected to the stream, restarting it.
    • Check this by going straight to your stream server address, but leave out the /stream at the end. You will see a white-on-black page with the title: Icecast2 Status
    • Then, look for the "Stream started" line, and see if the date is within the last few minutes, or at the same time as a recent gap.

Fixes

  • Ask your ISP or IT department if there are Internet issues.
  • Try listening to a test stream, like this one — if there are still gaps, then it's probably an Internet issue at your location.

Audio distortion in stream.

Symptoms

  • Audio distortion: rapid stuttering, graininess, buzzing, echos, or strange audio effects — besides extended gaps of silence.

Fixes

  • Restart the encoding device (PC, Mac, Telos, etc.).
  • Check your mixerboard output to see if the audio problem is at the mixer itself.
  • Check any other audio hardware that feeds into your mixer, or audio system.
  • Use a different audio encoding device.

Gaps on mobile phone, but not on desktop computers.

Symptoms

  • Try listening from your cell phone with Wi-fi disabled, using just cell network data. If it works, then there is a problem with the Internet connection on your router, wifi, or local network, or ISP (for example, your router, or Comcast).

Fixes

  • Call your ISP, contact your IT department, or fix your router.

Issues with web browser or listening device.

Symptoms

  • Try a different web browser, or try listening on your phone — if it works, then there's an issue with the listening device.
    • Bonus points: Maybe it's a bug. Try on another listening device of the same kind — if it doesn't work, then report it to us!
  • In general, try another audio device.