Experience with Mach2 Music Server?

I'd just like to point out that the headless network configuration that Tvad describes would, of course, be necessary with any machine run headless. Using a machine without IO devices requires that it first be setup to connect to a network which isn't really something that can be done 100% by anyone but the owner.

(I use a Mac Mini server which I also setup headless, a few years ago. I hope to get a Mach2 server at some point in the future.)

(And from 10' away I have never, ever heard the thing except when it's ripping a CD - in which case no music is playing anyway.)

Paul makes good points. The issues I had with the Mach2 were not unique to the Mach2 server but are common to all Mac computers running headless on a wireless network.

(And from 10' away I have never, ever heard the thing except when it's ripping a CD - in which case no music is playing anyway.)
Paulfolbrecht (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Are you referring to the Mini? If so, I agree.

In my case, it's the external hard drive on which the music files are stored that causes the noise.

I have a different brand external drive connected to my MacBook Pro that makes sound equal to the external drive supplied by Mach2.

As I wrote very early in this thread, I'm sensitive to extraneous, ambient noise...perhaps more so than others.

Tvad - there's no reason you should be having to re-enter passwords every time the Mini goes to sleep, that's simply a matter of changing your network settings. Also no reason for playback to stop after the first song - a matter of iTunes settings. Darrell could likely take you through the process to fix those issues. I have a headless Mini with no keyboard or mouse that i control wirelessly with my MacBook Pro, and have neither of those issues.

If you prefer to enable the sleep function on the Mini, I find it's easiest to wake it up by pressing the start button on the back of the unit. If this is impractical with your configuration, consider that most folks simply leave theirs on all the time. I myself tend to turn it on and off once a day. Hope this helps - no reason you should be experiencing the hassles you describe - this setup is VERY plug and play!

Cfluxa, I have the Mini configured not to sleep.

Is your network password protected?

Mine is. If my network was not password protected, I would not have to re-enter a password (at least that's my understanding), but I choose to have it password protected.

iTunes plays the entire "CD" if I select gapless play. That process takes six clicks of the mouse to accomplish.

If you know another way around these issues, then please be specific rather than just telling me there should be no reason it has to be so. That's not particularly helpful.

Darrell and Kevin have devoted a good deal of time answering questions and offering advice.

Glad to hear for you it's very plug and play.

As I said earlier, YMMV.

Yes, Tvad, referring to the Mini on the noise. I use the internal HD which I guess might be quieter than some external ones. But as you pointed you you sitting only 3' from it makes quite a difference.