We've just rolled out a feature that a lot of DJs have been asking for: Go Live directly from your phone or tablet. No laptop required. No OBS. No BUTT. No messing about with audio routing software. Just open the page, hit Go Live, and you're broadcasting.
Why This Matters
Until now, going live on Fresh Wax meant setting up streaming software like OBS or BUTT on a laptop or desktop, configuring your audio source, and connecting to the server. That's fine if you've got the gear and the know-how, but not every DJ has access to a full studio setup every time they want to stream.
Maybe you're at a mate's house playing tunes. Maybe you're at a party and want to share the vibe. Maybe you just don't own a laptop. Whatever the reason, this update means if you've got a phone, you can go live.
How It Works
If you're an approved DJ with a booked time slot, you'll see a "Go Live from Browser" link in the DJ Lobby. Tap it and you'll land on a purpose-built mobile streaming page. Here's what happens:
- Your phone's microphone picks up the audio (point it at the speakers)
- Optionally enable your camera for a video feed
- Tap Go Live — that's it, you're broadcasting
The stream goes out to all listeners on the Live page in real time. Chat, reactions, the lot — everything works exactly the same as a traditional stream.
Let's Be Honest About Audio Quality
We're not going to pretend this sounds the same as a proper studio stream. It doesn't. When you're streaming from a phone microphone pointed at speakers, you're going to get:
- Ambient room noise and crowd sounds
- Some compression and frequency loss from the phone mic
- Possible distortion if the volume is cranked
But here's the thing: that's the charm. Some of the best pirate radio recordings sound rough as anything, and that raw energy is part of what makes them special. A phone stream from a house party has a vibe that a perfectly clean studio mix just doesn't capture.
And for some DJs, this is the only option. If the choice is between streaming from your phone or not streaming at all, we'd rather you stream.
Tips for Better Mobile Streams
If you want to get the best possible quality from a phone stream, here are a few tips:
- Get close to the speakers but not so close that the mic clips — find the sweet spot
- Use a phone stand or prop it up so it stays steady, especially if you've got the camera on
- Turn off notifications — you don't want WhatsApp pings interrupting your set
- Keep the phone plugged in — streaming eats battery
- WiFi over 4G/5G — more stable connection means fewer dropouts
- Close other apps — free up as much processing power as possible
OBS Is Still King
If you've got access to a laptop and proper streaming software, that's still going to give you the best results. A direct audio feed into OBS or BUTT, properly configured, will always sound better than a phone mic in a room. The traditional setup isn't going anywhere — this is an additional option, not a replacement.
Think of it like this: OBS is your studio session, phone streaming is your field recording. Both have their place.
Get Started
To use browser streaming, you need:
- An approved DJ account — either by hitting the required number of likes on your mixes, having a live code, or being approved by an admin
- A booked time slot on the schedule
- A phone or tablet with a working microphone
- A modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
That's it. No downloads, no config files, no port forwarding, no paid subscription required. Just book your slot, open the link, and go live.
Head to the Live section to see what's streaming now, or check the schedule to book your next set.
