{"id":21078,"date":"2016-07-06T10:41:00","date_gmt":"2016-07-06T08:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/?p=21078"},"modified":"2020-03-26T17:20:54","modified_gmt":"2020-03-26T15:20:54","slug":"build-your-own-multiroom-audio-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/2016\/07\/build-your-own-multiroom-audio-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Build your own multiroom audio system"},"content":{"rendered":"

[spb_column width=“1\/2″ el_position=“first“] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ el_class=“update“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

Update 2020:<\/strong> Below the article, you can find some great new features that we added to Max2Play since this tutorial was published. Explore these new opportunities to expand your Max2Play multiroom system even further.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block title=“Introduction“ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

I want to show you how to create a Multiroom Audio Solution with Max2Play, Raspberry Pi and high-end sound cards<\/strong>. In doing so, two aspects are most important to me: It should be reasonably priced and I want to be able to access it from anywhere in my local network.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block title=“Initial Situation“ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

In this example, I want to be able to play music in five different rooms. This should work synchronized and simultaneously. Naturally, you can also apply these examples to other living situations. Since additional wiring in the house is not an option in a renting situation, I aim to use as few cables as possible and thus decide to control the system via WiFi.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [\/spb_column] [spb_column width=“1\/2″ el_position=“last“] [sf_gallery gallery_id=“21111″ slider_transition=“fade“ show_thumbs=“no“ autoplay=“yes“ show_captions=“yes“ enable_lightbox=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“] [\/spb_column] [spb_raw_html width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEudXBkYXRlJTIwJTdCJTBBYmFja2dyb3VuZC1jb2xvciUzQSUyMCUyM2MyYzJjMiUzQiUwQWJvcmRlci1yYWRpdXMlM0ElMjAxMHB4JTNCJTBBcGFkZGluZyUzQSUyMDEwcHglM0IlMEElN0QlMEElM0MlMkZzdHlsZSUzRQ==[\/spb_raw_html] [boxed_content type=“whitestroke“ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

Please note: This is a presentation of my personal setup. Max2Play can be utilized in a modular fashion to your liking. You can play music as well as videos. It is also possible to use one device with sound card periphery for multiple rooms (using the MultiSqueeze Plugin). Max2Play supports Kodi (an open-source home theatre software), AirPlay (for Apple devices) and the Squeezebox Server software supports simple integration of internet radio and music streaming services like Spotify.<\/p>\n[\/boxed_content] [spb_column width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/4″ el_position=“first“]\n

<\/i>Multisqueeze<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/4″]\n

<\/i>Kodi-Plugin<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/4″]\n

<\/i>Jivelite Plugin<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/4″ el_position=“last“]\n

<\/i>All Plugins<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [\/spb_column] [spb_text_block title=“Rooms & Devices“ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

Here, you can see the rooms and the devices I used for them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Room<\/strong><\/th>\nSetup<\/strong><\/th>\nBundle incl. Max2Play-Image<\/strong><\/th>\nCosts<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Living Room<\/td>\nAV System with optical Input<\/td>\nHiFiBerry Digi+ Bundle<\/a><\/td>\nca. 130\u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kitchen<\/td>\nAV System with RCA-Input and Touchscreen Control<\/td>\n7″ Touch Display Bundle<\/a><\/td>\nca. 335\u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bathroom<\/td>\nAV System with RCA-Input<\/td>\nHiFiBerry DAC+ pro Bundle<\/a><\/td>\nca. 130\u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bedroom\/Patio<\/td>\nA pair of passive speakers<\/td>\nHiFiBerry AMP2 Bundle<\/a> \/ IQaudIO AMP+ Bundle<\/a><\/td>\nca. 163\u20ac each<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

The total price for all five rooms is ca. 1000 \u20ac<\/strong>. The exact price is naturally dependent on the devices used and complementary articles added. In comparison, a Multiroom system from a retailer like Sonos costs ca. 2300 \u20ac for 5 rooms<\/strong>. For a Multiroom Audio Solution installed by an electrician with internal wiring, the costs would be up to at least a five figure amount<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block title=“Preparation“ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

I will now prepare the devices. \u00a0The requirement for getting the individual high-end sound cards is their respective ports. I need one optical output (HiFiBerry Digi+<\/strong>), two RCA outputs (HiFiBerry DAC+ and IQaudIO Pi-DAC+<\/strong>) and an amplifier to power my passive speakers (HiFiBerry AMP2\/ IQaudIO Digi-AMP+)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What is required:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every room will have a Max2Play bundle. It includes the necessary hardware and the Max2Play Image.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/3″ el_position=“first“]\n

Living Room<\/span><\/div>\"\"<\/div><\/h1>\n

AV system with optical Input
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here, I will use the HiFiBerry Digi+ Bundle. The HiFiBerry Digi+ soundcard has got a optical and a coaxial Input.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/3″]\n

Kitchen<\/span><\/div>\"\"<\/div><\/h1>\n

AV system with RCA input and Touchscreen Control
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here, I will use the Raspberry Pi 7\u201c Touch Display Bundle including the IQaudIO Pi-DAC+ as the sound card. Especially in the kitchen, touch screen control can be very beneficial.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/3″ el_position=“last“]\n

Bathroom<\/span><\/div>\"\"<\/div><\/h1>\n

AV system with RCA-Input<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here, I will use the HiFiBerry DAC+ Pro Bundle. The HiFiBerry DAC+ pro soundcard has two RCA outputs.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/2″ el_position=“first“]\n


\nBedroom<\/span>\n<\/div>\"\"<\/div><\/h1>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/2″ el_position=“last“]\n

Patio<\/span>\n<\/div>\"\"<\/div><\/h1>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n
Note:\u00a0<\/strong>Some of these bundles are currently also compatible with the Pi 4.<\/blockquote>\n

In both the bedroom and on the patio, the HiFiBerry AMP2 Bundle will be utilized. This sound card is an actual amplifier for the use of the passive speakers. Consequently, this HiFiBerry requires its own power supply, included in the package.<\/p>\n

I decided on the 8 GB SD cards since I store my music collection on a NAS. For additional charges, the bundles can also be customized with special additions; e.g. a larger microSD card or a different sound card. You should make sure which ports are required for the products before purchase. If questions on this subject should arise, I would recommend the Multiroom-Audio Configurator.<\/p>\n

Multiroom Audio configurator<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_tabs width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“] [spb_tab title=“First Start of the Systems“ icon=““ id=““] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

1<\/span><\/div>

Step 1<\/h3>
The following is a manual for the first start and setup of the individual Raspberry Pi\u2019s for configuration. You can do this first, for all Max2Play Bundles!<\/div><\/div><\/div>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
2<\/span><\/div>

Step 2<\/h3>
In the browser of a device of your choice (PC, Smartphone, Tablet), connected to your local network, type max2play\/<\/span><\/span> into the URL bar and enter. A graphical user interface will appear, indicating the Max2Play Image you are using (HiFiBerry or IQaudIO).<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“3\/4″ el_position=“first“]\n
3<\/span><\/div>

Step 3<\/h3>
Click on the menu tab \u201eSettings\/Reboot<\/strong>\u201c . There, fill out the boxes for the email address (used during your purchase of the bundles) and a specific name for the respective devices (e.g. \u201eLiving Room\u201c; \u201eKitchen\u201c; \u201eBath Room\u201c).<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

I recommend this video<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_single_image image=“22945″ image_size=“full“ frame=“noframe“ intro_animation=“none“ full_width=“no“ lightbox=“yes“ link_target=“_self“ width=“1\/4″ el_position=“last“] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“3\/4″ el_position=“first“]\n

4<\/span><\/div>

Step 4<\/h3>
Head to the menu item \u201eWiFi\/LAN<\/strong>\u201c. Here, you can use the \u201cStart Scan<\/strong>\u201d button to find your router. Alternatively, you can also enter the network name (SSID) and the access code (WPA\/WPA2). Finally, set a tick at \u201eLoad Wifi Interface<\/strong>\u201c. Now the Raspberry Pi can be shut down under \u201eSettings\/Reboot<\/strong>\u201c. The power supply and the LAN cable can also be disconnected from the device. Now reconnect the power supply and access the device again via browser (in this case, use the new name, e.g. \u201e\/Livingroom\/<\/strong>\u201c)<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

I recommend this video<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_single_image image=“21489″ image_size=“full“ frame=“noframe“ intro_animation=“none“ full_width=“no“ lightbox=“yes“ link_target=“_self“ width=“1\/4″ el_position=“last“] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

5<\/span><\/div>

Step 5<\/h3>
Head to the start page of the Image and select your preferred configuration of Max2Play \u201eAdvanced: A real multiroom audio player that integrates in a Squeezebox environment with powerful options for high-quality audio and a lot features\u201c. This installs a standard setup for multiroom audio solutions.<\/p>\n
Please note: When using a default image (without preconfigured sound card selection), select the sound card under \u201cHiFiBerry\u201d or \u201cIQaudIO\u201d.<\/blockquote>\n

This concludes the preparation of the devices. You should now be able to access all devices from any browser in your local network; which brings me to the individual settings in the next step.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n[\/spb_text_block] [\/spb_tab] [spb_tab title=“Configuration of the Squeezebox Server“ icon=““ id=““] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

This is the manual for installation and setup of the Squeezebox Server. This manual is only necessary for one Max2Play device (in this case, \u201e\/Livingroom\/\u201c). I recommend a device with a central location in the apartment.
\nIf local music files or external music files (within the local network) should be added, I recommend this video:<\/p>\n

Mount a (Network-)Hard Drive<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“3\/4″ el_position=“first“]\n

1<\/span><\/div>

Step 1<\/h3>
Head to the menu item \u201eSqueezebox Server<\/strong>\u201c and install the version 7.9 nightly. The versions are displayed after a click on the button \u201eShow available versions<\/strong>\u201c. Select and click install. This installation can take a few minutes.
\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_single_image image=“21490″ image_size=“full“ frame=“noframe“ intro_animation=“none“ full_width=“no“ lightbox=“yes“ link_target=“_self“ width=“1\/4″ el_position=“last“] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“2\/3″ el_position=“first“]\n

2<\/span><\/div>

Step 2<\/h3>
Click the button \u201cOpen Web Administration<\/strong>\u201c. This opens up a new tab in your browser. This new tab will first display a login window. No worries, a registration is not required. You can skip this page on the lower right corner.
\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
3<\/span><\/div>

Step 3<\/h3>
Skip the other two pages as well (for adding music & playlist folders). This concludes the installation of the Squeezebox Server.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n[\/spb_text_block] [sf_gallery gallery_id=“21108″ slider_transition=“fade“ show_thumbs=“no“ autoplay=“yes“ show_captions=“yes“ enable_lightbox=“yes“ width=“1\/3″ el_position=“last“] [\/spb_tab] [spb_tab title=“Playback of Music“ icon=““ id=““] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

Now, all that is missing, is the correct software to use the players. This is the job of Squeezelite. Squeezelite comes preinstalled on all Max2Play Images. These settings also have to be done on the device with the Squeezebox Server.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“3\/4″ el_position=“first“]\n

Head to the Squeezebox Server device (here: \u201eLivingroom\/<\/strong>\u201c) and open the web administration. You can already select items like radio stations. When the server is running, you can see the individual players in the top right corner and select them to use and configure (see image).<\/p>\n

Finally, everything is set up and the administration is accessible in the browsers of all your devices. The Max2Play devices do not require any further configuration. The Squeezebox Server is usually accessible through the port 9000 (e.g.: \u201eLivingroom:9000\/<\/strong>\u201c in the URL bar). You also have the option to control the Server with Remote Apps like iPeng 9 (iOS) and Squeezer (Android). These Apps also offer a simplified design, optimized for mobile devices.<\/p>\n

Now it is also possible to set up Spotify in Squeezebox Server. but for this we recommend the triode plugin for Squeezebox Server. How to use this plugin in the Squeezebox Server you can see here:<\/p>\nSpotify with the Squeezebox Server<\/span><\/a>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_single_image image=“21196″ image_size=“full“ frame=“noframe“ intro_animation=“none“ full_width=“no“ lightbox=“yes“ link_target=“_self“ width=“1\/4″ el_position=“last“] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“]\n

This is a text block. Click the edit button to change this text.<\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [\/spb_tab] [\/spb_tabs] [spb_text_block title=“Update 2018″ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/2″ el_position=“first“]\n

Bluetooth 2.0 – In- or Output
\n<\/strong>Use Bluetooth either to pair a Bluetooth speaker as an additional player in your multiroom system or to pair your smartphone or tablet for direct audio input to any and all players in your Squeezebox Server with a special channel.<\/p>\nBluetooth Input<\/span><\/a>\nBluetooth Output<\/span><\/a>\n

Home Automation with Squeezebox
\n<\/strong>Our head developer shared some great use cases to integrate the open Squeezebox system into any existing home automation interface in a detailed article. The example applications he shares are his bedroom and bath audio systems under Max2Play Premium.<\/p>\nHome Automation Article<\/span><\/a>\n

Spotify Multiroom
\n<\/strong>Thanks to the efforts of MHerger from the slimdevices forums and his Spotty Plugin, any Max2Play Squeezebox Server now comes with a direct integration for Spotify on all connected players, including a fresh integration of Spotify Connect. We recently updated our HowTo on Spotify to reflect this new feature.<\/p>\nHowTo Set Up Spotify for Squeezebox<\/span><\/a>\n

 <\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block title=“Update 2020″ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ el_class=“update“ width=“1\/2″ el_position=“last“]\n

Hardware Control Plugin Beta
\n<\/strong>We recently started developing a plugin that combines all possible hardware controls and their Max2Play integrations, such as infrared, rotary controls, buttons, smart remote and the like. We are always looking for other helpful and compatible solutions to implement later.<\/p>\nHardware Control Plugin<\/span><\/a>\n

Simple home automation commands with API examples and openHAB
\n<\/strong>A new HowTo, in which we show you an example of how you can automatically start the playback of your Squeezebox server as soon as your smartphone connects to your WiFi when you get home and how it can be stopped as soon as your mobile phone disconnects.<\/p>\nSimple home automation with openHAB<\/span><\/a>\n

New step by step instructions for your own multiroom audio setup
\n<\/strong>A series of articles for setting up a 3-zone multiroom system for your home. A different type of sound card is used for each room. The articles describe how to add new functions and applications to your Max2Play system. It also shows step by step how to set up both hardware and software for each zone.<\/p>\nSetting up a Multiroom Audio System<\/span><\/a>\n

 <\/p>\n[\/spb_text_block]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[spb_column width=“1\/2″ el_position=“first“] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ el_class=“update“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“] Update 2020: Below the article, you can find some great new features that we added to Max2Play since this tutorial was published. Explore these new opportunities to expand your Max2Play multiroom system even further. [\/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block title=“Introduction“ pb_margin_bottom=“no“ pb_border_bottom=“no“ width=“1\/1″ el_position=“first last“] I want to show you how to create […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1316,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0},"categories":[1938,187,977],"tags":[1579,1043,240,1042],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21078"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1316"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21078"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21078\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48283,"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21078\/revisions\/48283"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.max2play.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}