This is the first in a two part tutorial on using RadioDJ in Second Life. Whilst this post focuses on installing RadioDJ the second part explains how to DJ in Second Life with RadioDJ.
Please note: This tutorial has been updated for RadioDJ v1.8.2, however as the software is updated the process of installing and configuring it may change. As new versions are released it may also take a while for the encoders to be updated.
If you're thinking of becoming a DJ in Second life one of the first things you have to decide is which software to use. The choice is between paying $100's for something like SAM, using cracked software which can include malware, or finding a good free option. Fortunately however there is a very good alternative for Windows called RadioDJ, and like Mixxx it is free to download and use.
If there is one drawback to RadioDJ, it is that the installation process it can be difficult and may need some patience. In fact it will no doubt put many off using it. However, this tutorial will walk you through each stage to make installation as quick and easy as possible. The first step is to go to the RadioDJ Download page to get the latest version, then unzip the package. If you don't have a good unzipper, 7Zip is a good free option.
Install A MYSQL Server
RadioDJ uses MYSQL as a database for all of the music on your PC, and it is required to set up the software. This is the step that might make a few people turn away from installing RadioDJ, but so long as you follow these steps it should be quick and painless.
As stated above, the installation process may change with updates to the software, but so long as you have selected the server only version of the database, and select the Development Machine option as outlined below, it should be configured to use with RadioDJ.
As stated above, the installation process may change with updates to the software, but so long as you have selected the server only version of the database, and select the Development Machine option as outlined below, it should be configured to use with RadioDJ.
1/ Go the MYSQL Downloads page and select MYSQL Community Sever.
2/ Scroll down and choose either the 32bit or 64bit version, depending on your Windows version.
3/ Now unzip the downloaded folder and run the installer.
4/ Select the Server only option (highlighted in red above), then click Next.
5/ In the Configuration window select Development Machine and click Next.
6/ You now need to choose a password for MySQL. Write it down because it will be needed later. MySQL is now set up on your PC.
Configuring The RadioDJ Database
We now need to configure the MySQL database to work with RadioDJ, which if the above steps were followed correctly should be quick and easy.
1/ Go to the folder that contains the RadioDJ files and click on Database Setup (highlighted in red above).
2/ A window similar to the above should open. The spaces with text need to be completed:
- MySQL server: 127.0.0.1 is default for localhost.
- MySQL database: is usually “radiodj”
- MySQL username: is usually “root”
- MySQL password: The password you chose when setting up the SQL server
Installing Encoder Plugins
For licensing reasons RadioDJ doesn't come packaged ready to stream MP3s so you'll need to add a plugin.1/ Go to this Altacast page and download the latest RadioDJ encoders then unzip the folder.
2/ Put the bassenc.dll file into the main RadioDJ folder.
3/ Put the Plugin_Encoder.dll, Plugin_Ecoder files and the Encoders folder into the RadioDJ Plugin folder.
The next time you start RadioDJ you should see an Altcast tab to the upper right similar to the above.
Setting Up A Stream For Second Life
With the encoders added to RadioDJ it should now be ready to use. There is no installer for the program, so just double click on the RadioDJ icon in the software folder to run it. (For convenience make a copy to your desktop).Now that RadioDJ is up and running all that needs to be done is to add a stream so you can begin DJing in Second Life. If you don't know how to get a stream this is described in the Mixxx tutorial.
1/ Once you have bought a DJ stream in Second Life you should have recieved a notecard with the stream's details, such as IP address, port and password.
2/ Click on the Altast tab in RadioDJ, then click on the green + icon. A window similar to the above will open.
3/ Give your stream a unique name. Then add the information from the notecard to the window.
4/ If you haven't been given an Admin password, this is usually 'admin'.
5/ If you are streaming at 128Kbps the sample rate is usually 44100, at 96Kbps it is usually 22050.
5/ In the Reconnect option enter the number of second you want the stream to reconnect after a disconnection. In this example 10 seconds has been added.
6/ Click Save Stream and you are done. If you want to, you can add more streams under this tab.
RadioDJ is now set up and ready for you to start DJing in Second Life. Although this process may seem a little long winded, it is worth remembering RadioDJ is completely free, which will eaither save you $100s or stop you worrying that you may have downloaded malware with cracked software. Once set up RadioDJ is easy and trouble free to use.
We hope you'll enjoy your time DJing in Second Life and once you have found your feet, feel free to contact us at Chilly Bear where we are always interested in hiring DJs.
It seems that Altacast no longer includes the mp3 encoder
ReplyDeleteYou're right Lolita, but there has since been an update, so finally RadioDJ can again be used to
Deletestream into Second Life.