Installation and macOS security
Choose the Apple Silicon build for M-series Macs or the Intel build for older Intel Macs, then drag TRAKCAST from the DMG to Applications. TRAKCAST is Developer ID signed and Apple notarized. Confirm the normal first-launch internet-download prompt and approve audio-input or folder access when macOS requests it; no Gatekeeper bypass or “Open Anyway” step is needed.
Audio device scanning
Connect or start the physical or virtual audio device before scanning. If it is missing, confirm macOS microphone access, reopen the device’s control software, rescan, and verify the selected sample rate.
SHOUTcast connections
TRAKCAST supports both SHOUTcast v1 and SHOUTcast v2. Use only credentials for a station you are authorized to operate. SHOUTcast v1 can use a base port plus its source port, while SHOUTcast v2 uses the server port and Stream ID provided by your host. Confirm your provider’s connection details before broadcasting.
Metadata and artwork
For Serato, provide a reachable public Live Playlist URL and confirm that it shows the current track in a browser. This is URL monitoring, not a native integration. Artwork lookup sends Artist and Title to the secure TRAKCAST website service, which keeps its Discogs credential server-side. You do not need to supply a Discogs token. Missing art falls back to the TRAKCAST placeholder.
OBS overlay setup
Start the local overlay in TRAKCAST, copy its loopback URL, and add it as an OBS Browser Source on the same Mac. The server is intentionally local-only; remote devices cannot load it.
AutoDJ takeover and restoration
Confirm AutoDJ is active before taking the live source. Start the broadcast, verify listener output, and stop through TRAKCAST when finished so the normal restoration path can run. Maintain your station provider’s normal backup procedure.
Diagnostic reports
Use the in-app diagnostic report action, review the generated report, and attach it to an email only after checking it. TRAKCAST redacts recognized credentials and tokens, but you should still inspect the file before sharing.
Quick checks
No input level?
Confirm the device is selected, macOS microphone permission is enabled, the source application is routing audio, and Master Bus is not muted.
Metadata changes but I am offline?
That is expected. Metadata monitoring, history, and the local overlay can operate independently from a live station connection.
Artwork is wrong or unavailable?
Provider matches are best-effort, not guaranteed. Check Artist/Title formatting and Discogs configuration, or accept the placeholder.