How to Install DeaDBeeF on Linux Mint 21 or 20

DeaDBeeF, a versatile and powerful music player, stands out for its exceptional performance and customization capabilities. This guide will demonstrate how to install DeaDBeeF on Linux Mint 21 or 20, guiding you through the straightforward steps to enjoy its rich feature set. DeaDBeeF is not just another music player; it’s a tool designed for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, providing an unmatched listening experience. Its lightweight design ensures it runs smoothly, even on older hardware, making it a favorite among Linux users.

Key Features of DeaDBeeF:

Wide Format Support: Plays MP3, FLAC, AAC, and many more.
Customizable Interface: Tailor the layout to your preferences.
Plugin Support: Extend functionality with various plugins.
Gapless Playback: For an uninterrupted listening experience.
High-Quality Audio: Ensures the best sound output.

The installation process of DeaDBeeF on Linux Mint is straightforward and unlocks a world of high-quality audio. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your favorite music with one of the most efficient and flexible players available for Linux.

Let’s dive into the installation steps and unleash the full potential of your music collection with DeaDBeeF.

Install DeaDBeeF on Linux Mint 21 or 20 via APT PPA

Step 1: Update Linux Mint

Before starting the installation process, update your Linux Mint system to ensure all existing packages are up to date. This helps prevent potential conflicts with other packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Import DeaDBeeF PPA on Linux Mint

Next, import the LaunchPAD PPA repository maintained by Pavel, which contains the latest version of DeaDBeeF. You can choose between the stable or the development (Devel) version. The stable version is recommended for most users, but if you import both repositories, the one containing the latest version is always chosen automatically.

Option 1: Import DeaDBeeF Player PPA Stable

To import the stable PPA, run the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:spvkgn/deadbeef -y

Option 2: Import DeaDBeeF Player PPA Devel

To import the development PPA, use this command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:spvkgn/deadbeef-devel -y

Step 3: Update Package Sources List

After adding the PPA, you must update the package sources list to reflect the newly imported repository. Run the following command:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install DeaDBeeF via APT Command

Now, install DeaDBeeF using the following command:

sudo apt install deadbeef

Optionally, if you wish to develop plugins for DeaDBeeF, you can install the plugin developer package:

sudo apt install deadbeef-plugins-dev

Launch DeaDBeeF on Linux Mint 21 or 20

After successfully installing DeaDBeeF, there are a couple of ways to launch the application, depending on your preference.

CLI Command to Launch DeaDBeeF

For users who prefer working with the command line, DeaDBeeF can be launched by entering the following command:

deadbeef

GUI Method to Launch DeaDBeeF

If you’d rather use the graphical interface to launch DeaDBeeF, follow these steps:

Navigate to the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
Click on the “Menu” button, usually represented by the Linux Mint logo.
In the search bar, type “DeaDBeeF” or look for it under the “Sound & Video” category.
Click on the DeaDBeeF icon to launch the application.

DeaDBeeF Icon in Linux Mint Taskbar UI — Launching DeaDBeeF from Linux Mint’s Taskbar

Setup DeaDBeeF Plugins Directory on Linux Mint 21 or 20

For users who want to extend the functionality of DeaDBeeF, downloading and installing additional plugins is an excellent way to enhance your audio player experience. Before installing plugins, you must create the necessary directory where DeaDBeeF will look for plugin files.

sudo mkdir -p ~/.local/lib/deadbeef/

Step 1: Create the Plugins Directory

By default, DeaDBeeF does not create the plugin’s directory. You need to create it yourself using the following command:

mkdir -p ~/.local/lib/deadbeef/

This command creates the ~/.local/lib/deadbeef/ directory, which is where DeaDBeeF expects to find plugins.

Step 2: Download and Install Plugins

After creating the directory, you can visit the DeaDBeeF plugins page to browse and download the additional packages that interest you. Once you’ve downloaded a plugin, extract the contents of the zip archive and place the extracted files into the ~/.local/lib/deadbeef/ directory.

Step 3: Enable the Installed Plugins

To enable the installed plugins, follow these steps:

Launch DeaDBeeF, if it’s not already open.
Go to Edit > Preferences in the menu bar.
Navigate to the Plugins tab.
Locate the newly installed plugin in the list and enable it, if necessary.

These steps above will extend DeaDBeeF’s functionality with additional plugins.

First-Time Tips with DeadBeeF on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Now that you have DeaDBeeF installed and know how to launch it, let’s explore some tips and customizations to help you get the most out of your new audio player on Linux Mint.

General DeadBeeF Tips on Linux Mint

Supported formats: DeaDBeeF supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, OGG, WAV, and many more. You can easily add and manage tracks in various formats to create the perfect playlist.
Metadata editing: To edit metadata for your audio files, such as track titles, album names, and artist information, right-click on a track and select Properties. Make the desired changes and click OK to save.
Equalizer: Enhance your listening experience by adjusting the built-in 18-band equalizer. Access the equalizer by clicking on Edit in the menu bar and selecting Equalizer. Enable it by checking the Enabled box and adjust the bands to your preference.
Hotkeys: DeaDBeeF allows you to set custom hotkeys for various actions, such as play, pause, and skip tracks. To configure hotkeys, go to Edit > Preferences > Hotkeys and create your desired shortcuts.

DeadBeeF Customization Options on Linux Mint

Interface layout: Customize the layout by dragging and dropping interface elements such as the playlist, album art, and track information. You can also resize the window and panes to create your ideal setup.
Themes: Personalize the appearance of DeaDBeeF by applying different themes. To change the theme, go to Edit > Preferences > Appearance and choose from the available options.
Plugins: Extend the functionality of DeaDBeeF with plugins. Some popular plugins include Last.fm scrobbling, lyrics fetching, and more. To manage plugins, go to Edit > Preferences > Plugins.
Columns: Customize the columns displayed in your playlist view by right-clicking on the column headers and selecting Customize columns. You can add, remove, or rearrange columns as needed.

Additional DeadBeeF Tips on Linux Mint

To import and export playlists, go to File > Load Playlist or Save Playlist in the menu bar. DeaDBeeF supports various playlist formats, such as M3U and PLS.
Gapless playback and crossfade can be enabled in the preferences. Navigate to Edit > Preferences > Playback to adjust these settings according to your preference.
Use the search bar at the top of the playlist view to quickly find tracks by title, album, or artist.

Remember, experimenting with different settings and features is key to discovering the best configuration for your listening enjoyment.

DeaDBeeF Running on Linux Mint Desktop — DeaDBeeF: Enjoy Music on Linux Mint

Managing DeadBeeF on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Update DeaDBeeF Player

The best method to ensure your DeaDBeeF Player is up-to-date is to open the command line terminal and run the following command.

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

The command will also ensure all other packages that use the APT package manager, including your system packages, are up-to-date. I suggest that users new to Linux run this command frequently to ensure your system works as intended, even if you have automatic GUI updates or notifications.

Remove DeaDBeeF Player

Use one of the following commands to suit the original installation method for users who no longer require the application.

sudo apt remove deadbeef

Next, remove the imported PPAs. Reimporting the stable repository would be the quickest option to downgrade from the latest to stable.

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:spvkgn/deadbeef -y
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:spvkgn/deadbeef-devel -y

Conclusion: Installing DeaDBeeF on Linux Mint

To wrap up, our journey through installing DeaDBeeF on Linux Mint has shown us the simplicity and efficiency of this process. You’ve seen firsthand how this powerful audio player can be seamlessly integrated into your Linux Mint system. DeaDBeeF, with its robust format support and personalization options, stands as an ideal choice for music enthusiasts on Linux.

Remember, the key to getting the most out of DeaDBeeF lies in exploring its plugins and customization features. Enjoy the enhanced music experience DeaDBeeF offers on your Linux Mint!