This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing Beatnik Pi using the automated shell script.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Raspberry Pi (Pi 4 or 5 recommended for a server).
- An SD card flashed with the latest Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit recommended).
- A stable internet connection (Ethernet is recommended).
- Your chosen soundcard or HAT physically connected to the Raspberry Pi.
To start the installation, connect to your Raspberry Pi via SSH or open a terminal on the device and run the following single command. This will download and execute the installation script.
# 1. Download the installation script
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/byrdsandbytes/beatnik-pi/master/install.sh
# 2. Make the script executable
chmod +x install.sh
# 3. Run the installer
./install.shThe script will guide you through a few simple questions to configure your system. Here’s what to expect:
You will first be asked what you want to install:
-
Full Beatnik Pi Server: Choose this for your main device. It installs everything needed to host your multi-room audio system:
- Snapcast Server (the core streamer)
- Snapcast Client (to play audio on the server device itself)
- AirPlay and Spotify Connect support
- Optional Beatnik Controller web interface
-
Snapcast Client Only: Choose this for all your other Raspberry Pis that will act as speakers in other rooms. It installs only the Snapcast client, which will connect to your main server.
Next, you'll see a list of supported soundcards and HATs.
1) HiFiBerry Amp4 Pro
2) Raspberry Pi DAC+ (former IQAudio)
3) Raspberry Pi DigiAmp+ (former IQAudio)
4) HiFiBerry MiniAmp (for clients)
5) Built-in 3.5mm jack
6) USB Audio Device
7) Other/Skip soundcard configuration
- Choose the option that matches your hardware.
- If you are using a USB DAC, make sure it is plugged in before running the script.
- If you choose the built-in 3.5mm jack, the script will ensure it's enabled.
If you are installing a "Snapcast Client Only", the script will ask for the hostname or IP address of your main Beatnik Pi Server.
- Example:
beatnik-pi.localor192.168.1.50.
If you are installing a "Full Beatnik Pi Server", you will be asked if you want to install the Beatnik Controller web interface.
- It's highly recommended to install this (
y) for a modern and easy-to-use control panel.
Once you've answered the questions, the script will automate the rest:
- Update the system packages.
- Install all required software (Snapcast, AirPlay, Spotify, etc.).
- Configure the soundcard drivers in
/boot/firmware/config.txt. - Set up the Snapcast server and client configuration files.
- Enable and start all the necessary services.
The script will display a summary of what was installed and provide useful information.
- Reboot: For most soundcard configurations, the system will need to reboot to apply the changes. The script will do this automatically after a 10-second countdown.
- Accessing the Server:
- Beatnik Controller:
http://<your-pi-hostname>.local:8181 - Classic Snapweb UI:
http://<your-pi-hostname>.local:1780
- Beatnik Controller:
- Testing:
- From your phone or computer, look for a new AirPlay device named "Beatnik-Airplay".
- Open the Spotify app and look for a new Spotify Connect device named "Beatnik-Spotify".
You are now ready to enjoy your multi-room audio system!