Mcaster1 TagStack
Metadata. Media. Streams. Podcasts. Broadcast logs. Video capture. Four purpose-built tools in one suite — everything a content manager needs to control what the world sees and hears when they tune in.
Built for the People Behind the Broadcast
If you manage content for any kind of media channel, TagStack was built for you. One suite that handles metadata, media libraries, broadcast logs, live streaming, podcasts, and video capture — no matter what your platform looks like.
Four Apps. One Suite.
TagStack isn't just one tool — it's four purpose-built applications that work together to give you complete control over your content pipeline.
What TagStack Does
Every feature a content manager, program director, or station engineer needs to keep the broadcast running and the metadata flowing.
ICY 2.2 Metadata Composer
Over 90 metadata fields across 4 tabs — station identity, show/DJ info, track details, social media links, listener engagement URLs, broadcast distribution, audio technical specs, and content flags. Push the entire set to your server via HTTP PUT in one click.
Multi-Server Management
Connect to multiple Mcaster1DNAS or Icecast2 servers. HTTPS with SSL verification. Browse active mounts, select your target, and push metadata in real time. Server stats polling with listener counts, bitrate, and song history.
MySQL Media Library
Scan folders, read tags via TagLib, enrich metadata with MusicBrainz lookups. Create playlists with broadcast automation rules (artist separation, BPM range, genre mix). 10 SQL migration files keep your schema up to date.
Broadcast Log Production
ComposerPro builds broadcast logs with clock templates. Define slot sequences by type and category. Map cart numbers to media items. Export to 5 industry formats including SAM Broadcaster and Rivendell/CSV.
Live Audio & Video Streaming
Launch the integrated DSP encoder for live audio. Use TagCap for desktop, window, or application video capture with VP9, VP8, or H.264 encoding. Stream directly to your server with full control over resolution, FPS, and bitrate.
Podcast Management
Create and manage podcast episodes. Configure RSS feed details. Publish to podcast directories. All backed by YAML configuration for portability and easy version control.
Socialcasting
Build video playlists for social streaming. Configure RTMP output servers and stream keys. Ties into the ICY 2.2 social metadata fields for automated social media updates and cross-platform distribution.
Debug & MySQL Logging
Three-tab logging console with ring buffer viewers. App log with 2000-line capacity color-coded by level. Separate MySQL event stream. Auto-refresh, auto-scroll, clear and copy. File output for post-mortem analysis.
The ICY 2.2 Composer
The most complete ICY 2.2 metadata editor ever built. Four tabs covering every field in the specification — from station identity to content flags.
Station & Show
- Station ID, logo, verification
- Show title, start/end, next show
- AutoDJ flag, playlist name
- Schedule URL
DJ & Track
- DJ handle, bio, genre, rating
- Artwork URL, album, year, label
- BPM, key, duration
- Podcast host, RSS, episode, language
Social
- Twitter, Twitch, Instagram, TikTok
- YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Linktree
- Hashtags, emoji, creator handle
- Request / chat / tip / events URLs
Broadcast
- Crosspost platforms, CDN, relay origin
- Codec, sample rate, channels, LUFS
- Station notice + URL + expiry
- NSFW, AI-generated, royalty-free flags
- Geo region, license, session ID
Mcaster1MediaPlayer
A standalone media player that understands streaming metadata like nothing else. Plays local files and internet radio with full ICY 1.x and 2.2 metadata display.
Local & Stream Playback
MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, OGG and all FFmpeg-supported formats. HTTP/HTTPS stream playback with full ICY metadata receive. Album art from embedded APIC tags or ICY artwork URLs. Queue management with CLI argument support.
Custom GDI+ Interface
Owner-drawn vector transport controls. Custom antialiased rotary volume knob with accent-blue arc. Click-to-seek progress scrubber. ICY metadata side panel showing all extended fields when available. Light theme matching the TagStack palette.
Part of the Mcaster1 Ecosystem
TagStack is the metadata and content management layer of the Mcaster1 broadcast stack.
| Product | Role |
|---|---|
| Mcaster1 TagStack | Metadata composer, media library, broadcast logs, live streaming, podcasts (this product) |
| Mcaster1Studio | Full broadcast automation suite with 42 modules and 9 surface types |
| Mcaster1DNAS | Streaming server with ICY 2.2 protocol support |
| Mcaster1DSPEncoder | Standalone audio encoder with DSP chain |
| Mcaster1CastIt | Server stats, analytics, and monitoring dashboard |
Documentation
In-depth guides for every part of the suite.
Current Status
TagStack v1.3.2 is feature-complete with all 8 navigation pages live and functional. Built with MFC/C++17 and GDI+ on Windows — a future rewrite to Qt is planned for cross-platform support once development bandwidth allows.
Complete
Server connectivity and mount selection. ICY 1.x and 2.2 metadata push. Full media library with TagLib and MusicBrainz. Broadcast log production with ComposerPro. Live audio and video streaming. Podcast management. Socialcasting. Stats polling. Debug logging. MySQL database with 10 migrations. Light theme.
Planned
Qt rewrite for macOS and Linux cross-platform support. NSIS installer packaging. ICY 2.2 field presets (save/load named metadata templates). Additional export formats and enhanced social media posting integration.
Windows Native
Built with MFC, GDI+, and Win32. Custom chrome window with light theme. PortAudio and FFmpeg for audio/video. MySQL backend. TagLib for metadata. libcurl for HTTP/HTTPS. All DLLs bundled via vcpkg.