Raspberry Pi USB Microphone: Stream Audio with Icecast

Video Tutorial (Optional)

Watch first if you want to see the Raspberry Pi audio streaming setup in real time.

Project Overview

Raspberry Pi + USB microphone: In this project, you stream live audio from a USB microphone connected to a Raspberry Pi using Icecast and DarkIce, then listen from a local computer over the internet.

This setup is cost-effective, customizable, and works well for live discussions, podcasts, or hobby radio style streaming.

Time: 20 to 40 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
What you will build: A Raspberry Pi audio streaming server (Icecast) with a live audio source (DarkIce) that you can open from a computer using a stream URL

Parts List

From ShillehTek

No ShillehTek parts were linked in the original build.

External

Raspberry Pi (any model that supports Raspbian)
MicroSD card with Raspbian installed
Internet connection
Microphone or another audio input device (USB microphone recommended)
Icecast2 (software package)
DarkIce (software package)
VLC Media Player (optional, to listen to the stream) - https://www.videolan.org/

Note: This guide assumes you are installing packages on a Raspberry Pi running Raspbian (Debian-based). You will need your Icecast server IP address to tune in from another computer.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Install Icecast on the Raspberry Pi

Goal: Install the Icecast server that will host your audio stream.

What to do: Update your package list, then install Icecast2.

Code:

sudo apt-get update; sudo apt-get install icecast2

Expected result: Icecast2 is installed, and during installation you are prompted to set basic configuration values (including passwords).

Step 2 - Install DarkIce and configure the stream

Goal: Install DarkIce so it can capture your microphone input and send it to Icecast.

What to do: Install DarkIce.

Code:

sudo apt-get install darkice

What to do: Create or edit the DarkIce configuration file at /etc/darkice.cfg and set it up like the original configuration below (adjust server, password, mount point, and metadata to match your setup).

Code:

[general]
duration = 0 # Stream indefinitely
bufferSecs = 5 # Buffer for the input, in seconds
reconnect = yes # Reconnect to the server if disconnected

[input]
device = default # Your audio capture device
sampleRate = 44100 # Sample rate in Hz
bitsPerSample = 16 # Bits per sample
channel = 2 # 2 = stereo, 1 = mono

[icecast2-0]
bitrateMode = cbr # Constant bit rate
format = mp3 # Audio format
bitrate = 128 # Bitrate in kbps
server = localhost # Server name or IP
port = 8000 # Port number
password = hackme # Your Icecast password
mountPoint = mystream # Mount point to stream to
name = My Stream # Name of the stream
description = My live stream # Description of the stream
url = http://mywebsite.com # URL related to the stream
genre = myGenre # Genre of the stream
public = no # Do not list on public lists

Expected result: DarkIce has a valid config that points to your Icecast server (often localhost on the Pi) and defines a mount point such as mystream.

Step 3 - Start streaming with DarkIce

Goal: Begin sending live microphone audio into Icecast.

What to do: Start DarkIce.

Code:

darkice

Expected result: Your stream is live and available at the Icecast URL for your mount point (for example: http://[Your_Icecast_Server_IP]:8000/mystream.mp3).

Step 4 - Tune in from your computer using VLC

Goal: Listen to the Raspberry Pi stream from a local computer.

What to do: Install VLC Media Player (if needed) from VLC's official website, then open the network stream URL.

Open VLC Media Player.
Go to Media -> Open Network Stream.
Enter your stream URL: http://[Your_Icecast_Server_IP]:8000/mystream.mp3.

Expected result: VLC plays the live audio coming from the Raspberry Pi microphone stream.

Conclusion

You set up a Raspberry Pi audio streaming server using Icecast and DarkIce, streaming live audio from a microphone and tuning in from a computer using a standard stream URL.

Want parts for your next Raspberry Pi project? Grab what you need from ShillehTek.com. If you want help tailoring a streaming setup for your space, network, or product, check out our IoT consulting services.

Before you go, you can also support the original creator links from the post: Youtube and https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mmshilleh.