Table Of Content
-
ampache.org
-
Why build a music server?
-
What is Ampache?
-
History
-
Why should you use Ampache?
-
Powerful API and streaming
-
Massive Catalog
-
Educational Purposes
-
How to access Ampache?
-
Design
-
Header
-
Hero Section
-
Body
-
Footer
-
Inner Pages
-
Ampache Development & Customization
-
Suggestions I have for Ampache
-
Conclusion
ampache.org
There is significant dissent within the streaming industry over their limitations, with many preferring the older methods of sharing files and downloading media. While modern services have their benefits, there are plenty of people who are unable or unwilling to adapt to their way of life simply because a new method of watching content has taken over.
These servers have a dedicated interface and come with a host of unique and independent features. People who have strong media collections often prefer these types of servers over streaming services.
Imagine a family with important data. They want to enjoy it on a curated platform, but they also want to secure their data and reorganize it into specific folders. Ampache is software that helps you store, organize, and access your local files in a seamless manner.
Ampache is a music server that can help you organize and store your music. Before you decide to use Ampache, it's important to ask yourself why you need one.
Why build a music server?
Our generations today can be diversified based on their music taste. Regardless of which era we love, we like to keep our collection from those days. Do you get my point?
What is Ampache?
Ampache is free and open source software.
Ampache is a free, open source media server and web-based audio file manager which was inspired by the words "Amplifier" and " Apache". Originally, Ampache was designed to take advantage of Apache's mod_mp3 feature. However, since then the software has been modified to cater to its individual streaming network. Ampache is free and open source software which can be downloaded from the official website.
History
The mascot was first used at an Ampache conference in June 2006.
Ampache began its journey in 2001, with Scott Kveton being the person who created the OSUOSL at Oregon State University. Karl Vollmer was in charge of the project between 2003 to 2011, after which Ampache went through many hands before Kirsten and Ben Shields re-digitized the logo in 2006.
Why should you use Ampache?
There is no doubt that there are plenty of music streaming software options out there. However, most of them come with a subscription fee. With Ampache, you get everything for free - including the ability to access apps, mobile syncing, artist bios, album arts, lyrics, and many other features.
Powerful API and streaming
This simple and user-friendly platform lets you do more than Plex.
A platform such as Plex often restricts what you can do with their proprietary apps. However, that's not the case with Ampache. It allows you to stream to any client you want thanks to its powerful API. You can use the web interface which has no additional requirement. It doesn't limit you to any app and you have your own way around it. There are numerous native Ampache apps such as VLC, Foobar2000, Subsonic, Windows Media Player, and Winamp allowing you to start with the popular ones if needed. This simple and user-friendly platform lets you do more than Plex.
Massive Catalog
Ampache makes it easy to access all your music from your local filesystem. With Ampache, you can find and use content in multiple ways, including adding source files to the database and connecting to existing accounts on the network. For example, if you have a subsonic library on your computer, you can connect it with Ampache and import the entire library with ease! You can do so with Beets catalog as well as SoundCloud. Isn't that amazing?
Educational Purposes
Some years ago, Chelsea School's advanced students realized that Ampache can be used to develop new accommodations and alterations making it capable of learning new challenges and styles. The students teamed up and configured the Ampache server customized for classroom use. Since then, classroom learning has really been enhanced.
Ampache is important because it allows instructors to make recordings of their lectures, add them to assignments or instructional text, and distribute them to students. This allows the students to access the recordings individually or in a group, read the text simultaneously, and access the materials whenever they want. In an educational setting, Ampache has been able to bridge the gap between text-to-speech software and audiobooks.
How to access Ampache?
Accessing Ampache is quite simple. You can search for the term "Ampache" in your search engine and you'll find the results on the first page. Alternatively, you can use the following link: Ampache to visit the website directly. Remember, Ampache is free to download and thus you can head over to the download section and get started with it.
Design
Ampache's website has a modern design that is influenced by the color combination of teal blue and yellow. The bright colors work well together and add depth to the website. The white text stands out against the colorful background, making it easy to read.
Header
The header section has a variety of features - Home, Demo, Donate, Download, Documentation, API Info, Forum, and Chat. Besides these features, you have the profile section with a twitter icon if you want to connect with the social profile. The dark background and white text are very attractive.
Hero Section
Under the "Hero" section, you'll find four different cards: Music Collection, Music streaming, Open Source, and Ampache everywhere. This section looks very clean and similar to the header, but I still feel that the cards could be more creative had they been dynamic.
Body
I really appreciate the body section of the website because it gives you a preview of what to expect from the software. There are various images showcasing different elements on the website. For example, the sign-up panel, the settings page, the library, playback template, skins, album arts, track info, and music player. You can also view both desktop and mobile versions of the website. This is great because you can set your expectations based on what you see.
Footer
There is no footer section or navigation option on this website. This is a sad sight, as a good website should have both of these features.
Inner Pages
If you are familiar with Ampache, you are more likely to click on the "download" link right away. If you're not familiar with Ampache, there are plenty of valuable resources available that will help you learn the software in detail.
Ampache Development & Customization
Since its release 20 years ago, Ampache has gathered a following of loyal users. Many of them continue to rely on this software as they find it reliable, secure, and easy to use. Although the leadership has changed many times in the past decade, Ampache continues to develop further and cater to its audience's needs. The development and overall user experience have never been jeopardized amidst ownership hassles.
Ampache's great customization feature exposes all the lackluster software out there. First, there are various authorization methods such as HTTP, MYSQL, LDAP, OpenID, PAM, and other external methods. You can rewrite the metadata or choose from a pre-existing database. You can list sources as per your preference and you can even enable custom metadata. That's not all, you can easily enable or disable features such as broadcasting, favorites, podcasts, channels, social media ratings, file downloads etc. You have complete liberty over each and every element.
Suggestions I have for Ampache
Some Ampache fans may be disappointed to hear that the software isn't as universal as it could be. Despite this limitation, however, Ampache is still able to convert music in real-time easily. If the developers could work out a solution, that would be truly amazing.
Conclusion
Since Ampache is an open-source software, there are many different ways you can use it to meet your needs. Whether you're looking for a versatile music player or just want to have more control over your files, Ampache has something for you.
Popular search queries
