Micro VortexBox

[avalon]

Anyone tried one of these?

They look interesting (and affordable).

 

http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/Micro-VortexBox-vbMicro.htm

 

[Ruddiger]

My last standard vortexbox was great until destroyed by lightning. Might look at this as a replacement.

[Dustin]

Apologies for digging up an old thread, but I'm surprised there were so few responses given all the Squeezeboxes around SNA.

 

Is there some downside that I'm missing? . . or are most folk content to use their PC/Mac as their Squeezebox server?

[a.dent]

Apologies for digging up an old thread, but I'm surprised there were so few responses given all the Squeezeboxes around SNA.

 

Is there some downside that I'm missing? . . or are most folk content to use their PC/Mac as their Squeezebox server?

I don't know about "most folk" but streaming from my Macmini to SBT makes me more than content.

[Dustin]

Yes, OK.

I guess one of the attractions that interested me was the ability to automatically RIP one's CD's to FLAC and have the artwork attached in the process. I've no idea how consistently that is accomplished or how many need to be fixed manually afterwards.

While there seems to be a sizeable Vortexbox community, I'm still somewhat concerned about the 'friendliness' of the Fedora-based Linux OS. Perhaps the web based UI is sufficient and there's sufficient community support available anyway.

I also would be more comfortable with Mac OS because I'm more familiar.
Hopefully someone will chime in on the usability angle.

[New Sensations]

Super devices.

[Guest Hensa]

I've used a Vortexbox appliance for a few years now with a Squeezebox Duet. For the first couple of years there were regular upgrades available through the GUI and I had absolutely no complaints with the system. It automatically ripped and got cover art for 99% of the CDs I inserted, only messing up the artwork on a few non-mainstream CDs. This was easily rectified by locating the artwork and manually inserting it in the file.

 

At some point in the last year or two, things have changed with the version of operating system and I cannot upgrade to the new version from the GUI. Rather, I need to hook up a monitor and keyboard and start entering lines of computer language to get get it to upgrade. Having no idea about these things, I've just left it alone. The upshot is that it still works perfectly for streaming music, however, it no longer finds artwork and seems to struggle more with getting the CD information on new CDs that are ripped. Probably now around 10% just come up with "Unknown Artist, Unknown Album" which is pretty frustrating. I need to upgrade to the latest software and then I'll be able to do a library rescan which will rectify this, but as a complete novice in this area, I'm stalling.

 

With the new Vortexbox, you'll already be on the latest software and assuming that all future upgrades can be performed through the GUI, you shouldn't have any of these concerns.

[wolster]

I want one.

[gray]

Been using a Vortexbox appliance with a Sqeezebox Touch for 3 or 4 years. Found that "mp3tag" (free) and "Bliss" (can't remember the price - 40 or 50 Euro? for unlimited fixes, and you will need unlimited fixes) are almost essential requirements.

Like Hensa, I'm still on the old OS which, I think, is Fedora 14, now updated to Fedora 16. Laziness mixed with a little trepidation has held me back. I really need to bite the bullet soon.

Ripping a CD is not quick. The ripping software is slow and methodical. Usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The VB appliance that I have is far from silent. This new micro VB appliance (on paper) looks like it may have addressed this issue to some extent.

The VB community has been extremely helpful on the few occasions when I have needed help or advice.

It has generally been a pain free and rewarding experience. Once set up, it just works. Reliable and glitch free.

As with so many servers classical music tagging is a mixed bag.

Some computer skills will be required but nothing that is overly daunting.

[gray]

Super devices.

Says it all in just 2 words

[New Sensations]

USB DAC support is also much better than it used to be. IIRC, even m2tech devices play nice.

[Full Range]

I have always found the Vortex box to be a worthwhile purchase as its a robust system that works well

[statman]

I've got one about 3 years old, haven't used it for about 6 months, will let it go with a squeezebox touch , with a heap of music on it, sold as is $400 posted in oz. You might need to confer with Peter to get it talking to your computer. I cant get it to connect to Mac the last time i used it but I'm an idiot.

[gray]

I've got one about 3 years old, haven't used it for about 6 months, will let it go with a squeezebox touch , with a heap of music on it, sold as is $400 posted in oz. You might need to confer with Peter to get it talking to your computer. I cant get it to connect to Mac the last time i used it but I'm an idiot.

Deadset bargain. Especially if that heap of music is to your taste.

[wolster]

I've got one about 3 years old, haven't used it for about 6 months, will let it go with a squeezebox touch , with a heap of music on it, sold as is $400 posted in oz. You might need to confer with Peter to get it talking to your computer. I cant get it to connect to Mac the last time i used it but I'm an idiot.

 

PM sent

[Dustin]

Thanks for the insights gents.

Hensa & Gray, that's exactly what I'd like to avoid, too . . . typing commands into a terminal window when I'm just not familiar or confident enough with it.
It's refreshing to hear good experiences with the Vortexbox community though.

It occurs to me though, that Vortexbox UI must have a back-up system available? . . . presumably one could leave a USB drive permanently attached for this purpose?
Additionally, having a back-up available should (may?) mean it's possible to download the latest version of VB and just import the back-up music library? . . . not sure.


I found "Bliss".
Am I to understand that the VB isn't all that good at finding artwork? Doing a lot of that stuff manually could be a bit of a pain, I reckon.

http://www.blisshq.com/tour/index.html


Oh, and good luck Wolster.
Let us know what you think if it all works out.

[gray]

Hensa & Gray, that's exactly what I'd like to avoid, too . . . typing commands into a terminal window when I'm just not familiar or confident enough with it.

It's refreshing to hear good experiences with the Vortexbox community though.

It occurs to me though, that Vortexbox UI must have a back-up system available? . . . presumably one could leave a USB drive permanently attached for this purpose?

Additionally, having a back-up available should (may?) mean it's possible to download the latest version of VB and just import the back-up music library? . . . not sure.

I found "Bliss".

Am I to understand that the VB isn't all that good at finding artwork? Doing a lot of that stuff manually could be a bit of a pain, I reckon.

Dustin,

Hopefully you will not be typing line commands into terminal windows. Hensa and I are using an old out-dated version of VB. For us to update we first need to change our OS.

For new VB appliances and ones up to perhaps one year old they will already be operating on the new OS, so updating to the next version of VB is simply a matter of pressing the up-date button in the VB UI. No need to re-import your library.

Back-up is so simple on VB. Just attach USB drive, then in VB UI press "format USB drive", then press "back-up".

Initial back-up can be a long process if you have a large library. Over 8 hours for some 1300 albums. But regular back-ups after new files have been added are quick and easy.

There is no need to have the USB drive permanently attached.

VB is great at finding artwork. I am often surprised that it finds artwork and metadata to something so obscure that I had expected to add manually.

VB can get confused with multiple CD sets, finding different artwork for one of the CD's. Also "Various Artists" albums sometimes require some manual metadata correction.

Bliss is great for organising your files in a consistent manner that conforms to the rules that you set.

It is also good for finding/changing artwork. Artwork may be correct but not your preferred option. E.g. Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix. The original artwork featured lots of naked women lounging around Jimi. This was quickly banned in the USA and replaced with another. VB will find the latter but you might prefer the former.

Hope this helps

Garry

[wolster]

Oh, and good luck Wolster.

Let us know what you think if it all works out.

 

Thanks Dustin. I happened to be the first to put my hand up for Mick's generous offer, so looking forward to having a play and reporting back.

I have often tried searching eBay for a used one of these but they just don't appear. That must say something.

[New Sensations]

Is bliss part of a standard vortexbox install? If not, it should be. It's terrific software.

[gray]

A link to Bliss is bundled with the VB software package.

One needs to subscribe for it to be active.

Bliss is also up-dated when one presses the "up-date" icon in the VB IU.

[Dustin]

Dustin,

Hopefully you will not be typing line commands into terminal windows. Hensa and I are using an old out-dated version of VB. For us to update we first need to change our OS.

For new VB appliances and ones up to perhaps one year old they will already be operating on the new OS, so updating to the next version of VB is simply a matter of pressing the up-date button in the VB UI. No need to re-import your library.

Back-up is so simple on VB. Just attach USB drive, then in VB UI press "format USB drive", then press "back-up".

Initial back-up can be a long process if you have a large library. Over 8 hours for some 1300 albums. But regular back-ups after new files have been added are quick and easy.

There is no need to have the USB drive permanently attached.

VB is great at finding artwork. I am often surprised that it finds artwork and metadata to something so obscure that I had expected to add manually.

VB can get confused with multiple CD sets, finding different artwork for one of the CD's. Also "Various Artists" albums sometimes require some manual metadata correction.

Bliss is great for organising your files in a consistent manner that conforms to the rules that you set.

It is also good for finding/changing artwork. Artwork may be correct but not your preferred option. E.g. Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix. The original artwork featured lots of naked women lounging around Jimi. This was quickly banned in the USA and replaced with another. VB will find the latter but you might prefer the former.

Hope this helps

Garry

 

Thanks again, Gray. It certainly does help to find out the nitty gritty from those with first hand experience, and amazingly, no one seems to have any horror stories. That is often not the case on forums.

Much appreciated.

 

Thanks Dustin. I happened to be the first to put my hand up for Mick's generous offer, so looking forward to having a play and reporting back.

I have often tried searching eBay for a used one of these but they just don't appear. That must say something.

 

Yeah, there probably aren't a lot around - niche product, really.

With that said, I did see one on eBay a few months ago and the seller was a SNA member too!

I nearly pressed the BIN button on that one . . . dang, I'm such a chicken.

 

Is bliss part of a standard vortexbox install? If not, it should be. It's terrific software.

 

Thanks, JD.

Just been reading a bit more about "Bliss".

I can now see what you mean as it seems to do rather more than just tagging and artwork.

Managing all those other parameters of a music library can be a daunting task to do manually.

 

A link to Bliss is bundled with the VB software package.

One needs to subscribe for it to be active.

Bliss is also up-dated when one presses the "up-date" icon in the VB IU.

 

Yes . . was just looking for this. Bliss seems to be purchasable from within VB gives some confidence it should all work together properly.

It's odd isn't it . . the VB software is actually free but the file management/tagging/artwork software is 30 quid . . . a bit like toner cartridges are dearer than printers.

With a bit of luck, the VB people hopefully get a cut out of this, perhaps.

[gray]

Dustin,

For remote log in on your PC you will need Putty.

And for manually adding or correcting metadata you will need mp3tag.

Both free.

Not sure of the Mac alternatives.

VB already has the Squeezebox, Sonos and I-Tunes software pre-installed.

My hope is that one day it will also have Devialet AIR.

 

For the new VB user I would anticipate some initial teething problems getting it all set up and then pretty much plain sailing from there.

[Dustin]

Dustin,

For remote log in on your PC you will need Putty.

And for manually adding or correcting metadata you will need mp3tag.

Both free.

Not sure of the Mac alternatives.

VB already has the Squeezebox, Sonos and I-Tunes software pre-installed.

My hope is that one day it will also have Devialet AIR.

 

For the new VB user I would anticipate some initial teething problems getting it all set up and then pretty much plain sailing from there.

 

Yes, I'm on a Mac and from what I can gather, the login procedure can be done via Terminal or, more usually, via a web browser as well.

There's quite a few tagging software options it seems, and yes, even a Mac version of Mp3tag.

http://info.vortexbox.org/tiki-index.php?page=Community+Recommended+Rippers%2C+Taggers%2C+and+Players

I need to get my head around some of the finer points and will comb through the Vortexbox forums some more, but the software looks to be decently civilised and robust.

Cheers.

[wolster]

O.K. so I have my Vortexbox up and, after a hiccup, running and working beautifully.

My hiccup was that I named the Vortexbox as my player in the SB Server software and it wouldn't work until I synchronised both players.

 

 

I am now wondering if any of you guys are using a wi-fi extender to attach to the VB. This would enable me to move it out of our open living area which would be preferable as, being the older model, it is not micro or good looking.

[Telecine]

Wouldn't cost much to find out:

http://www.vortexbox.co.uk/WiFi_Bridge/p317978_2679602.aspx