Apple MAC Mini as NAS

[samurai7595]

I'm new to both Apple computers and Apple OS X and would need some suggestions to help setup a friend of mine.

What software would be required on an Apple MAC Mini (OS X) for:
- ripping CDs to FLAC
- streaming FLAC files to a Linn DS player
- streaming iTunes music to a Linn DS player

[glevethan]

I run an all Mac environment with my Klimax DS. XLD is the only native Mac ripper however many prefer dbpoweramp (myself included). In order to run dbpoweramp one will need to run Windows which can be done under the Mac using either Parallels or VMWare Fusion (I use VMWare).

An iPad app such as LogMein will allow you to see the Mac Mini's desktop on an iPad.

For streaming FLAC files the best mac software currently available is MinimServer which is written by forum member Simon. All Mac users are grateful for the effort he has made in providing us with a native server software package.

Linn has come out with a beta software program which will allow iTunes files to be discovered and played on the DS.

FLAC files can be stored on the internal hard drive of the Mac Mini or on an external hard drive connected to the Mini.

Rather easy for Mac users (finally). Hope that helps.

Gregg

[Lefreck]

With ChorusDS, you get control point software for the mac mini & by activating Chorus server you can access your itunes music on the DS. But as Gregg suggested already, I would also prefer installing Minimserver to stream flac files...

[Linnga]

(2012-07-27 17:25)glevethan Wrote:  An iPad app such as LogMein will allow you to see the Mac Mini's desktop on an iPad.

Rather easy for Mac users (finally). Hope that helps.

Gregg

Hello Gregg,

very interesting this LogmeIn software! Unfortunately it needs both the iPad and Mini to be connected with the internet, normal Wlan will not help as the user has to log into the LogmeIn environment. Am I correct in my understanding?

My system is music only. I do only connect to the internet, while ripping music and that to in a different Wlan subnet. It means it would not work for me?

Best
Chris

[fortune]

(2012-08-09 06:06)Linnga Wrote:  

(2012-07-27 17:25)glevethan Wrote:  An iPad app such as LogMein will allow you to see the Mac Mini's desktop on an iPad.

Rather easy for Mac users (finally). Hope that helps.

Gregg

Hello Gregg,

very interesting this LogmeIn software! Unfortunately it needs both the iPad and Mini to be connected with the internet, normal Wlan will not help as the user has to log into the LogmeIn environment. Am I correct in my understanding?

My system is music only. I do only connect to the internet, while ripping music and that to in a different Wlan subnet. It means it would not work for me?

Best
Chris

If you are on the same VLAN you can use the App 'VNC Viewer' to access your MacMini's desktop directly. This has the advantage of not needing the web involvement and the security risks assoicated with Logmein.

Also MinimServer is great but still quite basic in some respects - if you are already running Parallels or VMfusion try Asset UPnP - I run this on my MacMini Server and its great!

Happy listening!

[rad]

I use Splashtop to access my headless mac mini (pseudo NAS) from my iPad. No issues that I am aware of. Also access it from my iMac with screen sharing.

[Linnga]

If you are on the same VLAN you can use the App 'VNC Viewer' to access your MacMini's desktop directly. This has the advantage of not needing the web involvement and the security risks assoicated with Logmein.

Hi Peter-Marc,

just downloaded VNC Viewer and started to play around on my office computer; works perfect.
Shall try tonight on my Mini, but since i use also a Mac in office, should work well.
It´s very easy to set up and found my MBP immediately, very good recommendation indeed.

Had tried also Asset a while ago via CrossOver. Normally i am on my NAS with Twonky, but since it is shredded at the moment, need to look for alternatives.

Best
Chris

[simoncn]

(2012-08-09 08:17)fortune Wrote:  Also MinimServer is great but still quite basic in some respects - if you are already running Parallels or VMfusion try Asset UPnP - I run this on my MacMini Server and its great!

I'd be interested to know what you see as the 'quite basic respects' of MinimServer.

[rad]

Back to OP's question:

Ripping: I use XLD. I rip to Apple Lossless and make an automatic entry (option in XLD) in iTunes library (very convenient and allows for post rip editing of metadata).

Streaming: Twonky or MinimServer. Currently using both but will probably switch to MinimServer which I have been evaluating for a while.

Streaming iTunes: If you have the above working, then streaming your iTunes library shouldn't require any additional S/W. Most control points should help you pick up the iTunes library as the source instead of the music file directories. I don't bother with this however.