Cheap Shoutcast Hosting?

[jakebuffer]

I was looking at this thread about "What to use for an audio only stream" and I was wondering about what people use for a cheap shoutcast server host? Let me know what you use or what people have suggested you use. Thanks

[sunkast]

Hey Jake,

Andrew and I have been using Stream Monster for over a year. Of course they aren't the only company out there. You may also be interested in Mixlr. A lot of IAIB members like Mixlr. Though it's not specifically Shout Cast.

[JayAre]

I use Comcities.com they have the Centavocast control panel, with up to 999 listeners @ up to 128k, have Auto DJ, all for 10.00.
They are very reliable with very few issues and their support teams get back to you fairly quick.
Click here to check it out :Comcities.com

[andrewzarian]

I am currently having an issue with the Centavocast Control Panel with Stream Monster. It isnt showing me any stats and Stream Monster has not been able to correct this problem for a few months.

[Podnutter]

What is Centavocast?

[KilinZs]

Hello... I use www.kickassvps.com they have very affordable rates with unlimited listening slots.

[Brutish Sailor]

Most host that offer cheap streaming go with Centova Cast or WHMsonic, as those are the best for offering redhat server hosted streams and stream allotments through WHM. Even though CENT/Redhat bull$#1% is not the ideal server for hosting live media streams.

I recommend a variety of host, depending on your budget. Reason being is because most host are overselling bandwidth that offer centova. They basiclly offer you a deal for 500-1000 slots. Then they expect you to never make a dent in your quota. SO, they go ahead and sell that cheap. When you start picking up listeners? No prob. When you pick up a lot of listeners, they quickly stop/start your station, as their own method to throttle bandwidth. Other methods, but bottom line, they cause you to never succeed, without telling you, to keep you profitable.

Bandwidth in the US is not cheap, and oversshooting your bandwidth allotment as a streaming server host isnt either.

These are the host that I can personally verify dont oversell:

ShoutCastStreaming: Very neutral on their services. Operated by a Behringer "artist of the month". Decent price, but really dont offer much more than what you need to succeed. A lot of additional services, but at a price. http://www.shoutcaststreaming.us/

Fastserv: By far the most expensive, but best bandwidth blends I have seen. My output as a connected client gave me -7 jitter (=friggen impossible, but thats the reading) All slots you get are port 80, and the host actually wrote his own panel from scratch, allowing you to modify the Shout/Icecast server at root, and inject functions to the server. They used to be the suppliers of bandwidth to Loudcity and Loudcaster. http://www.fastserv.com/

iCast Hosting: Not the biggest dog on the block. Regardless one of the better streaming host. and a fair shake on the bandwidth. Also offering their custom written autoDJ, along with what centova offers. The host (wade) knows his stuff. I actually shoot the bull with the owner through FB, and he will give me good idea/bad idea advice constantly. I use him as a host for that reason. http://icastcenter.com/

Wavestreaming: Decent bandwidth. Pretty great tech support. Host is friendly, and active on a lot of forums. http://www.wavestreaming.com/

S!RA (Shout! Radio Automation) This Sc server host doesn't offer centova at all. Their auto DJ is very unique (very powerful automation software) and their servers use their own designed panel. Backed by media giant 977 media. The bandwidth is also pretty great. http://shoutautomation.com/
Their automation is so complex (unlike Centova) that I can literally leave my automation on when I go to sea, and sometimes listeners would not know I'm there. Could be a good thing, or REALLY bad thing lol.

[Allison]

Just to add another option for those looking for affordable streaming providers...

WGRR-DB is currently utilizing 128/k stream from Museter on the recommendation of one of the hosts whose show we syndicate. Thus far, the performance has been consistently high and without issue. They also offer an auto DJ with the account, although we are opting to make extensive use of PAL scripts in SAM 2013 in order to handle automation needs of the station.

[andrewzarian]

Thanks for the link Allison Do they provide you with stats?

[Allison]

{see revised answer below}