diff --git a/src/auracast/server/multicast_server.py b/src/auracast/server/multicast_server.py
index 8c1c52e..04d2865 100644
--- a/src/auracast/server/multicast_server.py
+++ b/src/auracast/server/multicast_server.py
@@ -174,7 +174,14 @@ class StreamerWorker:
 
         # overwrite some configurations
         conf.transport = TRANSPORT1
-        conf.enable_drift_compensation=True
+        # Enable adaptive frame dropping only for device-based inputs (not file/demo)
+        try:
+            conf.enable_adaptive_frame_dropping = any(
+                isinstance(big.audio_source, str) and big.audio_source.startswith('device:')
+                for big in conf.bigs
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            conf.enable_adaptive_frame_dropping = False
         # Derive device name and input mode
         first_source = conf.bigs[0].audio_source if conf.bigs else ''
         input_device_name = None
@@ -242,6 +249,14 @@ class StreamerWorker:
             self._multicaster2 = None
 
         conf.transport = TRANSPORT2
+        # Enable adaptive frame dropping only for device-based inputs (not file/demo)
+        try:
+            conf.enable_adaptive_frame_dropping = any(
+                isinstance(big.audio_source, str) and big.audio_source.startswith('device:')
+                for big in conf.bigs
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            conf.enable_adaptive_frame_dropping = False
         for big in conf.bigs:
             if big.audio_source.startswith('device:'):
                 device_name = big.audio_source.split(':', 1)[1]