CMUS (C_ Music Player) – A Console Based Audio Player for Linux

As a Linux user, you may have come across a wide range of audio players, each with its own unique set of features and functionality. One such audio player is the CMUS (C* Music Player). CMUS is a lightweight, console-based audio player for Linux, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

In this article, we’ll explore the features of CMUS and walk you through the steps for installation and usage. We’ll also provide you with some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this powerful audio player.

Features of CMUS

CMUS comes packed with features that make it a popular choice among Linux users. Here are some of its key features −

• Lightweight and fast − CMUS is a console-based audio player that requires minimal system resources, making it an ideal choice for older or less powerful hardware.

• Customizable − You can customize the interface and behavior of CMUS to suit your preferences. For instance, you can change the color scheme, the key bindings, and the layout of the UI.

• Supports various audio formats − CMUS supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, OGG, WAV, and more.

• Gapless playback − CMUS supports gapless playback, which means that there is no pause or delay between tracks.

• Library management − CMUS allows you to manage your audio library with ease. You can add and remove files, create playlists, and search for songs.

• Plugin support − CMUS has a plugin system that allows you to extend its functionality. You can add plugins for additional features, such as last.fm scrobbling and lyric display.

Installation of CMUS

Before we get started with the installation process, it’s worth noting that CMUS is available in most Linux distributions’ package repositories. This means that you can install it using your package manager of choice. For instance, if you’re using Ubuntu or Debian, you can use the following command to install CMUS −

sudo apt-get install cmus

If you’re using Fedora or CentOS, you can use the following command −

sudo dnf install cmus

Alternatively, if you prefer to compile and install the latest version of CMUS, you can do so by following the steps below.

Step 1: Install Dependencies

Before you can compile and install CMUS, you need to install some dependencies. To do this, run the following command −

sudo apt-get install libasound2-dev libncursesw5-dev libavformat-dev libmp3lame-dev

Step 2: Download and Extract CMUS

Next, download the latest version of CMUS from its official website. Once the download is complete, extract the archive to a directory of your choice −

tar -xzvf cmus-2.8.0.tar.gz

Step 3: Compile and Install CMUS

Navigate to the extracted directory and run the following commands to compile and install CMUS −

cd cmus-2.8.0 ./configure make sudo make install

Using CMUS

Now that we’ve installed CMUS, let’s take a look at how to use it.

Starting CMUS

To start CMUS, open a terminal and type the following command −

cmus

You should see the CMUS interface, which consists of three main sections: the library view, the playlist view, and the status bar.

The Library View

The library view is where you can browse your audio library. To add your audio files to the library, press the "5" key on your keyboard. This will open a file browser that allows you to select the audio files you want to add to your library. Once you have selected the files, CMUS will scan them and add them to your library.

You can navigate through your library using the arrow keys. The left and right arrow keys will move you through the list of artists, while the up and down arrow keys will move you through the list of albums. When you have selected an album, you can press the "Enter" key to view the tracks on that album.

Playback Controls

Once you have selected a track, you can use the following keys to control playback −

• Space − Play or pause the current track

• X − Stop playback

• S − Skip to the next track

• A − Restart the current track

• Z − Rewind the current track

• C − Toggle repeat mode

• V − Toggle shuffle mode

You can also control playback using the progress bar at the bottom of the screen. Use the left and right arrow keys to move the progress indicator, and the "Enter" key to jump to that position in the track.

Customizing CMUS

One of the great things about CMUS is that it is highly customizable. You can change the colors, fonts, and even the layout of the interface.

To customize CMUS, you will need to edit the configuration file located at ~/.config/cmus/rc. This file contains a list of key-value pairs that control the behavior of CMUS.

For example, to change the color scheme, you can add the following line to your configuration file −

set color_library_bg=white

This will change the background color of the library view to white. You can find a list of all the available settings in the CMUS documentation.

Conclusion

CMUS is a powerful and versatile console-based audio player that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. With its customizable keybindings, support for a wide range of audio formats, and extensive library management features, CMUS is a reliable choice for anyone looking for an audio player that is lightweight, fast, and efficient.

While some users may find the command-line interface intimidating at first, CMUS is actually quite easy to use once you get the hang of it. The extensive documentation and online community resources make it easy to find help and support if you encounter any issues. Overall, CMUS is a great option for anyone who values simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency in their audio player.