LunarCaster DJ

[PapaBearPW]

Hmmm...that is strange. Could you give me a screenshot of how you have the edcast plugin encoder setup and how you have the encoder setup in LCDJ? I will still see if I can get the edcast_winamp_3.1.21 plugin to work with LCDJ, but it would be better if the built in encoders could handle the connection. You see, I'm not sure if edcast will be able to read the song data from LCDJ in order to send it to the server for title updates.

 

Edit: Oh, and don't forget to blackout your passwords. I don't need them. ;)

Edited August 13, 2012 by PapaBearPW

[Brutish Sailor]

No no no.

 

No need to do that. The way Icecast recieves data, it wont accept it in this mannor. I am also pretty sure hes not connecting to an icecast cerver, but Ices, as hes using centova, autoDJ for server side is either SC_trans (Which in the amature host hands works only for SHOUTcast) or Ices.

 

That host would only have to remove that field in the backend if it was ICES, and the auto DJ would never have the ability to restart, unless some sidecode was used to prevent it from altering that Ices line of status.. But I get that feeling that host wont.

Edited August 13, 2012 by Brutish Sailor

[PapaBearPW]

My best guess would be the mount point as the problem. If the encoder is showing that it is making a connection and sending data, then that is what it is doing. But, if he has the mount point wrong in LCDJ, that could explain why he is still showing and hearing the AutoDJ on the server.

 

I don't know much about Ices, but I do know that both Icecast and ShoutCast v2 use mount points to allow you to run multiple streams on the same port. With sc_trans, you simply have your DJs connect to the DJ port for whichever stream that DJ is to use.

 

So, basically, I just wanted to take a look at the configurations he is using in each encoder so I can get a better understanding of what the problem could be. But, I'll stick by my current guess and suspect the mount point.

[Brutish Sailor]

Im getting that feeling its how the server reacts in its intigration with ICES. If I could talk to a host, I could see about getting a private server set up for testing. If your up for it of course.

 

I know a host for Centova, maybe could do me a favor for this. Just so you can full around to see how it works.

 

Tell me if this works for ya.

Edited August 13, 2012 by Brutish Sailor

[Brutish Sailor]

Jay after reading over your post, I dont know if ou understand what the DSP stacks hes giving the ability to do are all about.

 

It works like this:

 

Winamp DSP's have all different types. They also have TONS of audio compressors and devices like the Serigeti model equalizer. and VU meters. The idea is by running these plugins, you modify the stream in the same mannor as winamps equilizer does. Like:

 

I run http://www.winamp.com/plugin/equalizer-v1-46/146690

 

and http://www.winamp.com/plugin/shibatch-equalizer-plugin/4591

 

 

and you would have an equalizer that would ANNIHILATE win-amps generic adjustments.

 

http://www.centova.com/pages/icescc/

This is the version of Ices Centova uses (GNU licensed, because its from Xiphs source)

Edited August 13, 2012 by Brutish Sailor

[PapaBearPW]

Im getting that feeling its how the server reacts in its intigration with ICES. If I could talk to a host, I could see about getting a private server set up for testing. If your up for it of course.

 

I know a host for Centova, maybe could do me a favor for this. Just so you can full around to see how it works.

 

Tell me if this works for ya.

 

Sure. I'm up for it.

[PapaBearPW]

Jay after reading over your post, I dont know if ou understand what the DSP stacks hes giving the ability to do are all about.

 

It works like this:

 

Winamp DSP's have all different types. They also have TONS of audio compressors and devices like the Serigeti model equalizer. and VU meters. The idea is by running these plugins, you modify the stream in the same mannor as winamps equilizer does. Like:

 

I run http://www.winamp.com/plugin/equalizer-v1-46/146690

 

and http://www.winamp.com/plugin/shibatch-equalizer-plugin/4591

 

 

and you would have an equalizer that would ANNIHILATE win-amps generic adjustments.

 

http://www.centova.com/pages/icescc/

This is the version of Ices Centova uses (GNU licensed, because its from Xiphs source)

 

True. One disadvantage of having just the plugins is that I can only attach them to one of the internal mixers. That means I can allow a plugin to be used on the local mixer or the stream mixer, but not both at the same time and there seems to be no way to setup the plugins for individual decks either. Not yet anyway. All of that could all be accomplished with internal equalizers though. I could set up 3 equalizers (one for each deck plus one for the composit) and have them effect both mixers.

 

By setting it up for both internal equalizers and for external plugins, you have an even more powerful system I think.

[jaydreem]

Hmmm...that is strange. Could you give me a screenshot of how you have the edcast plugin encoder setup and how you have the encoder setup in LCDJ? I will still see if I can get the edcast_winamp_3.1.21 plugin to work with LCDJ, but it would be better if the built in encoders could handle the connection.

 

Edit: Oh, and don't forget to blackout your passwords. I don't need them. ;)

 

I attach bellow the screen capture of it. I can send you the password, too, I trust you. I just want to make it work. As for the LCDJ, I don't have one as I have a slow computer here at home but I already tested it with Robert. I could however try to make a new test at school with the studio computer and get a picture with that too.

 

[jaydreem]

 

That host would only have to remove that field in the backend if it was ICES, and the auto DJ would never have the ability to restart, unless some sidecode was used to prevent it from altering that Ices line of status.. But I get that feeling that host wont.

 

 

Robert - they have customer service. If you tell me what to transmit to them, we could get an answer to that question. Or you can use my account and start a ticket - maybe this way we could find a solution.

[jaydreem]

Jay after reading over your post, I dont know if ou understand what the DSP stacks hes giving the ability to do are all about.

 

It works like this..

 

 

I admit this is way too technical for me but like I said I need those exact settings (or possibility to alter them to the same values) in order to get the optimal sound for the school environment where we use this. That is why I asked PapaBear if it's possible to make an equalizer as closest to Winamp's.

[PapaBearPW]

jay,

 

One thought did occur to me. Have you tried entering your Icecast username as the Name in the LCDJ encoder? I think that's the way I set it up for Icecast servers. I think it used to change the label from Name to Username (or something like that) whenever Icecast was selected as the server type. So, Name should be where your Username goes, and then just the password in the password block. Might be worth a try.

 

I'll have another look at the code when I get home from work just to be sure. It's been so long since I setup the servers code that I completely forgot about that.

 

Paul

 

 

Edit: I just double checked and I did indeed set the Name block as the Username for Icecast servers. I will change that for the next release, but for now, give it a try with putting your username in the Name block and see what happens.

Edited August 15, 2012 by PapaBearPW

[jaydreem]

I just double checked and I did indeed set the Name block as the Username for Icecast servers. I will change that for the next release, but for now, give it a try with putting your username in the Name block and see what happens.

 

I will do that, Paul. I'll have to take a walk to school for that. I wouldn't like to be considered lazy, but could I just give you the login data and let you check that out? And then just make a capture of the way you filled that in. If you have time. Either way, thank you for your help.

 

P.S. I've sent it to your inbox here on the forum. Check it and see the message.

Edited August 16, 2012 by jaydreem

[jaydreem]

Ok Paul, I solved the connection problem. I did as you said and it works. Now when I asked someone to check the way the stream sounded at the other end, she said it was a kind of "echo" effect in the music she heard. I thought that could be because of the "Bass" option in the LC encoder's settings, so I unchecked that (it seems that was the problem, I guess).

 

Next expectation - the graphic equalizer

 

And I still have one last thing to solve: I use a USB microphone (Blue Yeti Pro). I am not sure what's the best configuration I should use in Lunarcaster so I'll post three images and maybe you can advise me how I should set them, in order that the mic will work. Otherwise, I'll have to resort to redirecting the mic signal from a mixer to the line in of the computer, while using the stereo mix settings (something I understand is not quite advisable).

 

Edited August 21, 2012 by jaydreem

[PapaBearPW]

Hi jay,

 

I would say the first pic looks right. Blue Yeti Pro as Mic and whatever you are using for speakers.

 

I'm not sure why the Bass option would effect that, but I suppose it's possible. I wouldn't normally recommend turning off that option, but if it helps...Just make sure everything else is working with Bass option off.

 

There are other ways to avoid echo issues when using a Microphone like that (rather than a headset) is to turn down the music before using the Mic. By that I mean using either the Volume control located between the two players (as that effects only local playback) or using whatever volume control you may have on your speakers themselves. You see, the problem with echoing is most likely from your local speakers being picked up by your Mic and sent out.

 

Another option would be to adjust the sensitivity of your Mic if it has that option and, of course, moving the mic further away for any speakers if possible. Look in your microphones settings software or drivers for things like echo cancellation, sensitivity etc. I'm not really familiar with that particular mic but I hope some of those suggestions will help.

 

As for the 10 band Equalizer your have asked for, it is already in the next version. I hope to get an Alpha test version of it up for download within about a week or two. Depends on how much time I have to finish up a few thing with it first.

 

Let me know how those options work out for you.

Edited August 21, 2012 by PapaBearPW

[jaydreem]

 

I would say the first pic looks right. Blue Yeti Pro as Mic and whatever you are using for speakers.

 

 

Unfortunately it doesn't work. I might need to change the computer sounds settings. Although Robert ensured me this won't be needed in Lunarcaster. I'll run again a few tests and if the results will still be negative, I'll let you know.

 

 

There are other ways to avoid echo issues when using a Microphone like that (rather than a headset) is to turn down the music before using the Mic.

 

 

The echo came from the music itself. I was listening through the headphones so it couldn't have come from the mic. Which wasn't working anyway, like I said before.

 

 

Another option would be to adjust the sensitivity of your Mic if it has that option and, of course, moving the mic further away for any speakers if possible.

 

 

Yes, it has. But we are using headphones so that it won't pick the music from the speakers and create a "room effect" while broadcasting. However, since you reached this topic, in Winamp we're having this problem when leaving the studio door open to see if the volume on the corridors is right, or when a colleague comes inside. So when it happens the "loop" effect spoils everything. Is there a way of stopping this, appart from locking the door? If we drop the gain knob to the minimum, that solves the problem, but that also affects the quality in the broadcast so we need to keep it as it is now.

Edited August 21, 2012 by jaydreem

[PapaBearPW]

Ah...I think I misunderstood your post before. I'm not sure why your mic wouldn't be working though. You do need to restart LCDJ after saving your mic/speaker settings in order for them to take effect. The next version has a notification for that. That is about the only reason I can think of. Outside of the more obvious possibilities such as mute switch setting on the mic itself (sounds funny but I don't know how many times that has happened to me lol) or mic volume settings in windows could also be something to look into. Has the mic been tested with other software already?

 

I don't have a USB mic at the moment to test with myself unfortunately. I'll see what I can do about getting one soon though.

 

since you reached this topic, in Winamp we're having this problem when leaving the studio door open to see if the volume on the corridors is right, or when a colleague comes inside. So when it happens the "loop" effect spoils everything. Is there a way of stopping this, appart from locking the door? If we drop the gain knob to the minimum, that solves the problem, but that also affects the quality in the broadcast so we need to keep it as it is now.

 

Unfortunately, I don't know how you can avoid that issue short of locking the door or adding a second door in the form of a containment area lol.

[jaydreem]

I'm not sure why your mic wouldn't be working though. Has the mic been tested with other software already?

 

 

Yes, I'm using it regularly with Audacity. I saw a microphone icon in the center (on purple background) and a lock sign - I guess I should click on one of those when speaking. In fact I did that, but maybe there's a special "technique" I'm not familiar with

 

I don't have a USB mic at the moment to test with myself unfortunately. I'll see what I can do about getting one soon though.

 

 

That would be really great. I've been trying to solve this problem for a long time.

 

Unfortunately, I don't know how you can avoid that issue short of locking the door or adding a second door in the form of a containment area lol.

 

I think that will be the final solution. Here's what it looks like right now In the other compartment we're making a mini recording booth.

 

[PapaBearPW]

Yes, I'm using it regularly with Audacity. I saw a microphone icon in the center (on purple background) and a lock sign - I guess I should click on one of those when speaking. In fact I did that, but maybe there's a special "technique" I'm not familiar with

 

Yes, the button with the Mic image on it is a PTT (Push-To-Talk) button. If you click and hold that button (or click the lock button) you should see the two bars to the left of the button react when you are talking. No Mic sound will be sent to the server unless that button is used.

 

That would be really great. I've been trying to solve this problem for a long time.

 

I'm not sure when I'll get one, but one thing I know for sure is that it will not be exactly the same mic that you have. Most likely a fairly cheap alternative. The Blue Yeti Pro is a bit out of my budget at the moment.

 

I think that will be the final solution.

 

You mean locking the door? Or creating a containment area with a second door?

[jaydreem]

If you click and hold that button (or click the lock button) you should see the two bars to the left of the button react when you are talking.

 

 

I'll pay more attention to that next time I make a new test. Though I'm pretty sure I did that already.

 

I'm not sure when I'll get one, but one thing I know for sure is that it will not be exactly the same mic that you have. Most likely a fairly cheap alternative. The Blue Yeti Pro is a bit out of my budget at the moment.

 

 

You don't need to get the same model. If it's USB connecting type, that will do. Indeed the Yeti was expensive - had to pay my entire salary for a month for it

 

You mean locking the door? Or creating a containment area with a second door?

 

As you can see in the pictures I posted in my previous post, I managed to build a separate compartment inside the English lab where we keep our studio. Closing both that compartment door and the lab's should keep the sound from the speakers on the corridors from getting back to the mic.

[PapaBearPW]

In this image, surrounded by a red box are the bars I was referring to. When you hold down the mic button to the right of those bars and talk into the mic, do you see something like what I have pictured here (notice the green deflection on the bars)?

 

http://lunarcaster.com/images/mic_in_use.jpg

[PapaBearPW]

Oh! I did have one more question. Is the Mic audio able to be heard if you turn the Use BASS option for the encoder back on?

[jaydreem]

Oh! I did have one more question. Is the Mic audio able to be heard if you turn the Use BASS option for the encoder back on?

 

I'll do as you said and tell you the results. Next week I'll go to school and test it, in the meantime some exams I need to pass stand between me and my radio dreams I'll let you know if it worked, thank you again for all your explanations.

[PapaBearPW]

I'm in a bit of a rush but, thought I'd at least stop by here and announce that the first Alpha test version of LCDJ v1.2 is now available for download from the download section at lunarcaster.com or just click here: http://www.lunarcaster.com/index.php/downloads/3-lunarcaster

 

I'll try and post some info both here and on my site about this version later today. Just remember it IS AN ALPHA. There WILL be bugs. I haven't seen very many myself just yet, but I'm sure they are there somewhere. lol If you find any, they are yours to keep. haha...but seriously, let me know of any bugs, typos, etc. Thanks.

[GKIye]

Looks good PapaBear !

 

By making reviews to this kind of software I always wonder if it would be possible to add a feature who makes it possible to stream with / use the software into a "silent modus" (such as SAM is using = users can choose between streaming by using the soundcard, or they choose for "silent output" ...)

A silent output is very interesting to broadcasters (streaming audio)

 

Is it also possible to use plugins (.dll) ?

Has the software an own limiter / processor ?

 

BUT ... Anyway CONGRATS with your superb amazing job !

[PapaBearPW]

Looks good PapaBear !

 

By making reviews to this kind of software I always wonder if it would be possible to add a feature who makes it possible to stream with / use the software into a "silent modus" (such as SAM is using = users can choose between streaming by using the soundcard, or they choose for "silent output" ...)

A silent output is very interesting to broadcasters (streaming audio)

 

Is it also possible to use plugins (.dll) ?

Has the software an own limiter / processor ?

 

BUT ... Anyway CONGRATS with your superb amazing job !

 

Hi GKIye,

 

Thank you! If by "silent mode" you mean that local volume is muted without affecting the encoder stream (I believe that was a simple mute button in SAM), this is already a built-in feature with LCDJ. Instead of the Mute button you have in SAM, LCDJ has a local volume control (located between the 2 players underneath the visualization) so that you can set the volume for local playback to mute or full volume, or anything in-between. Again, that volume control affects only local playback volume. Streaming via an encoder to icecast or shoutcast will NOT be affected by the local playback volume setting.

 

Winamp Plugins are supported starting with v1.2. Obviously not all Winamp plugins will work with LCDJ as some may have winamp specific call for interaction with playlists etc. Only one plugin at a time can be used in LCDJ. They can be loaded from the right side Plugin tab. You can either place a copy of the plugin in the LunarCaster DJ\plugins directory or load one from where they are (i.e. the winamp\plugins directory). Click the folder icon next to the text box and navigate to the plugin you want to use. After you have selected it, click on Load DSP in the Plugins tab. You can the turn on or off the 2 options under the Load DSP button. "Remember" will simply save the location of the DSP you have selected for future use (after you have closed and reopened LCDJ for example). If you would like the DSP to be loaded every time you open LCDJ, you can turn on the "Open on Startup" option. To unload a DSP, simply click on "Unload DSP", then you can open a different one if you so choose.

 

I wish I could give you an answer to that last one, but I am honestly not sure right now how to answer. I'll look into that.