BeagleBone Black MPD Music Server

[koushik]

Hola a todos!

Starting this thread to exchange knowledge on my latest work that is in progress. I am about to build a Linux based MPD music server using Beaglebone Black (BBB) based motherboard. It is a tiny (2.4" x 0.82" x 3.54") board with enough ports and power for the job.

It is long due from my side to get myself a decent Music Server that will:
1. Not take long time to get up and running (max 1 min is okay) like PC/Lappy
2. Turn electric meter wheel slower than PC/Lappy
3. Not occupy too much space like PC
4. Cost significantly lower PC/Lappy
5. Be possible to feed linear PS at reasonable cost.

So many times I have thought of an Atom processor based PC or a Net Book but stepped back thinking it will be over-do for using only as a dedicated music player and nothing else.
Lately when Ranjeetrain started the thread "Let's talk digital" I was so convinced with his writeup that I almost made my mind to follow the step-by-step guide to build one for myself. Then I came across this BBB board which was almost tailored for my requirement.

Before I started acquiring knowledge about this project, I had no idea how headless systems worked. So people with doubt or no idea about that, let me tell you it is very easy and even easier than you could think it is. Music lovers are not expected to be a rocket scientist, so chill. But yes, you will need a mobile/tab with wifi and running either Android or iOs to run the controller.

Procurement:
Bought the board from Crazy Pi
Things you will need for this project (hardware)
1. Beaglebone Black Board - Rs. 3799
2. Beaglebone Black case - Rs. 590 (Currently out of stock)
3. Power Adapter (5V, min 1A) - Rs. 250
4. MicroSD Card (4GB)
5. A card reader to work with PC

Working Principle:
1. Music will be read from NAS through Ethernet port.
I don't have a NAS and I have less intention to build one so I searched for few solutions:

• Hard disk with LAN port. (Like this)
• A converter like this
• Powered USB hub should also work. I have to test is out though.

2. Files will be played back by MPD (Music Playing Daemon)

3. Digital Out through USB to DAC.
I will use a CM6631A based USB-to-SPDIF converter to my DAC.

To be continued ... (some pics attached)

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Thanks for the thread

Question number 1: wifi?

 

[indialogue]

Look forward to further updates!

As a person who's setup the same thing with a Raspberry Pi, I really wish that the BeagleBone Black had 2 USB ports instead of 1. That would have made it a killer for wireless music applications!

Since there is no onboard wireless, the sole USB port on the Beaglebone goes for the wireless dongle and then the only choice is to use the (not plug-and-play I2S!) interface for connecting to a DAC. On all other aspects, this is a better platform - inbuilt 2GB memory rather than corruptible external SD Card in the RPi, faster processor (and ARM v7 platform) etc. etc.

If I were to do this the secondtime round, I'd mostly likely go with the Cubox (and I might in a few months, for a multi-room streaming setup I'm planning!)

 

[koushik]

Thanks for the thread

Question number 1: wifi?

My pleasure.

Without wifi one won't be able to control the server via smartphone.

 

[koushik]

If I were to do this the secondtime round, I'd mostly likely go with the Cubox (and I might in a few months, for a multi-room streaming setup I'm planning!)

You are right about the single usb port of the BBB. Before deciding on this I considered Wandboard, Cubieboard, Cubox etc. Even PCEngines Alix board. But to be honest I am going with the safer option and also cheaper. I have a complete set of instruction on how to set it up and all the shell commands readymade. I will share the link in due time so that even a novice can follow and set a music server himself.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Since there is no onboard wireless, the sole USB port on the Beaglebone goes for the wireless dongle and then the only choice is to use the (not plug-and-play I2S!) interface for connecting to a DAC. ... ... ...

But, I suppose we can connect a hub to the USB port and have wifi + storage + DAC + anything else. It will also supply power to USB-powered units.

Without wifi one won't be able to control the server via smartphone.

But you have used wired net connect to the BB? Or a wifi dongle? I'm a bit confused about this.

 

[koushik]

But you have used wired net connect to the BB? Or a wifi dongle? I'm a bit confused about this.

I will be connecting BBB through wired network to the router. Now I have to connect my smartphone/tab to the same LAN. Which is not possible without wifi. This is necessary for the MPD controller "DroidMpd", Installed on my mobile, to control the music server on BBB via LAN.

Do shoot me with questions until it is clear to you.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

I will be connecting BBB through wired network to the router.

It's clear now

 

[dips0502]

What is the underlying OS you plan to install?

 

[reignofchaos]

Arm version of some strain of Linux I guess.

Anywy coming to the point - does the BBB work with an m2tech evo?

 

[bobbyprajan]

I have been using a similar setup for some time now. Best wishes for your build.

 

[ranjeetrain]

Great start Koushik. All the best!

 

[manniraj]

Arm version of some strain of Linux I guess.

Anywy coming to the point - does the BBB work with an m2tech evo?

I think for the Evo you need custom drivers that need to be installed, so not sure you can do that on this but as its a Linux distro most probably the Linux drivers of Evo should work albeit with some tweaks.

 

[amitk777]

I would also suggest looking at this thread :

Community Funded Squeezebox Replacement - Would you be interested?

and this :

http://www.communitysqueeze.org/quick_start_guide.jsp

 

[koushik]

What is the underlying OS you plan to install?

There are so many options available - Straight forward would be installing Volumio.

I will be using Debian Linux for BBB.

Later I will use other 3/4 varieties of OS to check the audio quality.

 

[koushik]

I think for the Evo you need custom drivers that need to be installed, so not sure you can do that on this but as its a Linux distro most probably the Linux drivers of Evo should work albeit with some tweaks.

Manniraj, Reinofchaos,

There are few issues with M2Tech Evo. Some are getting it working some are facing issues. I will update on that as well.

 

[gobble]

The generic linux snd-usb-audio driver works as the hiface driver or any usb audio device. In fact I use that one and did not have to do anything to get my device recognized. M2tech was very generous to release their proprietory driver to the open source community last year and this driver has been modified based on that to work out of the box with Hiface and other devices.

HTH
G0bble

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Many devices work because they do not need drivers, they are simply USB Audio compliant. If they are not, then there there is certainly a good chance that they will not work unless Linux drivers have been made available.

 

[gobble]

Many devices work because they do not need drivers, they are simply USB Audio compliant. If they are not, then there there is certainly a good chance that they will not work unless Linux drivers have been made available.

No Thad, a slight correction- all devices need a driver. The snd-usb-audio is a generic driver that can handle all of these new found asynchronous usb devices.

~G0bble

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

a slight correction- all devices need a driver.

True... I was thinking about proprietary drivers.