Streaming Requirements - Cirrus Streaming
Cirrus Streaming
Before You Go Live

STREAMING REQUIREMENTS

Four things to check. Work down the list and your station is ready to stream on Cirrus.

Windows 10 or 11
Mac
How Your Audio Reaches Your Listeners

Audio Source

Board, automation, or software

Your Computer

Runs the encoder

Cirrus Network

We deliver it at scale

Your Listeners

Players, apps, and cars

Audio Connection

Connect Audio To The Computer

Your audio needs a physical path into the encoding computer, unless your playout software already runs on it.

  • Feed the board or automation PC into the Line In connector on the encoding computer.
  • That end of the cable is usually a 1/8 inch headphone-style jack. Optical inputs work as well if you have them.
  • A USB audio interface is a good upgrade over onboard inputs.
  • No cable needed if your automation software runs on the same computer as your encoder.
MIC LINE IN

A 1/8 inch plug into the blue Line In jack on the encoding computer.

Source

Your Audio Source

Any of these three routes gets sound to the encoder. Pick whichever matches your studio.

From The Board

A feed off your soundboard into the encoding computer.

From Automation

Audio from your automation PC over a cable or virtual cable.

Same Machine

Playout software running on the encoding computer itself.

Platforms

Compatible Platforms

Run your encoder on Windows or on a Mac. Here is what each platform needs to stream around the clock.

Supported

Windows PC

Operating System
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 are no longer supported.
Processor
Modern multi-core Intel or AMD
Audio Input
Supported capture device
Onboard line-in, USB interface, or capture card. Multi-station setups need one input per station.
Supported

Mac

Operating System
An up-to-date version of macOS
For Cirrus Console
Apple Silicon (M1 or newer)
Console needs macOS 14 or later. Other encoders just need an up-to-date macOS.
Audio Input
Supported capture device
Built-in input, USB interface, or capture card. Multi-station setups need one input per station.
Software

Set Up Your Encoder

The encoder carries your audio to our network. Ours is free with your plan.

Cirrus® Console

AI-powered audio processing, live VU monitoring, metadata capture, and outbound-only connections that keep your firewall happy.

Free with your plan Windows macOS

Download it from your dashboard and sign in with your station credentials. Console configures your stream automatically, so there is nothing to set up by hand.

c360.cir.st
Cirrus Console showing three stations with live VU meters, stream status, and metadata controls

Console running three stations, with live levels on each.

Stuck on any of the four? Open a ticket from your dashboard or reach out to your personal Concierge. We will walk your setup with you. See also the FAQ in your dashboard.

Open A Ticket