How to Install Audacious Audio Player on Ubuntu
Audacious is a lightweight and open-source audio player known for its low resource consumption and clean interface. It supports a wide range of audio formats and allows users to enjoy music without clutter or unnecessary features. For those looking for a simple yet powerful audio player on Ubuntu, Audacious is a perfect choice. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to install Audacious and explore its features.
Why Choose Audacious?
Audacious is an excellent choice for users who want:
Low resource usage: It’s fast and doesn’t hog system memory.
Wide format support: It supports MP3, FLAC, OGG, WAV, and many other popular formats.
A customizable interface: With Winamp-like skins, users can tailor their experience.
Plugins: Audacious offers various plugins for visualizations, equalizers, and more.
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing any new software, it’s always a good practice to update your system. Open your terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This ensures that your package list and system are up to date, minimizing potential issues during installation.
Step 2: Install Audacious from Ubuntu Repositories
The simplest way to install Audacious is through Ubuntu’s official repositories. Audacious is included in the default repositories, making the installation straightforward.
Open the Terminal:
You can open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
Run the installation command:
To install Audacious, type the following command:
sudo apt install audacious
Confirm the installation:
After typing the above command, press Y when prompted to confirm the installation.
This command will install both the Audacious player and its associated plugins. Once the installation is complete, Audacious will be ready to use.
Step 3: Launching Audacious
After installation, you can launch Audacious in two ways:
From the Terminal:
Type the following command:
audacious
From the Applications Menu:
You can also search for “Audacious” in your Ubuntu Applications menu and click on its icon.
Step 4: Exploring Audacious Features
Audacious offers several features that make it stand out from other audio players:
1. Simple and Clean Interface:
Audacious has a straightforward interface. You can drag and drop files into the player or use the File -> Open menu to add songs.
2. Playlist Management:
You can create and manage multiple playlists. The user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation between playlists, and you can save them for future sessions.
3. Equalizer and Effects:
Audacious comes with a built-in 10-band equalizer to fine-tune your audio experience. You can adjust individual frequencies or choose from preset profiles such as Rock, Jazz, or Classical.
4. Winamp-Like Skins:
If you’re a fan of the classic Winamp interface, Audacious offers a way to relive that experience with skin support. You can download and apply Winamp skins, customizing the look and feel of the player.
To apply skins:
Go to View -> Interface -> Winamp Classic Interface.
From there, you can load and change skins to your preference.
5. Wide Format Support:
Audacious supports MP3, FLAC, OGG, WAV, and many other audio formats. There’s no need to worry about compatibility; just load your files and start listening.
6. Plugins for Enhanced Functionality:
Audacious offers a rich library of plugins. These include visualizations, audio effects, and additional input/output options. Plugins can be managed from the Settings -> Plugins menu.
Step 5: Uninstalling Audacious (Optional)
If you ever want to remove Audacious from your system, you can uninstall it using the following command:
sudo apt remove audacious
This will remove the player from your system, though your playlists and settings might still be stored in your home directory if you decide to reinstall later.
Conclusion
Audacious is a lightweight, versatile audio player for Ubuntu users who prioritize simplicity and performance. Whether you’re a fan of classic interfaces or just need a reliable music player, Audacious is easy to install, configure, and use. With its customizable interface, wide format support, and plugin options, it caters to a wide range of listening preferences.
For more information and updates, you can visit the official Audacious website.
Enjoy your music!
