Set up a music server

Macissimo is the player. Navidrome is the server that makes your music collection available to it. You install Navidrome once, then connect your devices to the same library.

Already have a server? Go straight to connecting Macissimo.

1. Choose where to run it

Use a Mac, PC or a home server. The device needs space for your music and must stay on and awake whenever you want to stream from it. Downloaded music in Macissimo can play without the server.

If you’d rather not run a server yourself, Navidrome also lists managed hosting options.

2. Install Navidrome

Follow the official instructions for your setup:

• Mac
• Windows
• Linux
• Docker, including compatible NAS devices

These guides cover installing Navidrome and keeping it running in the background.

3. Add your music folder

You’ll need music files on disk, such as FLAC or MP3 files. Navidrome does not include music.

During setup, point Navidrome’s MusicFolder setting at your collection. Its separate DataFolder holds the database and cache. With Docker, these folders are mapped to /music and /data instead. The installation guide explains how to set the paths and permissions.

4. Create your account

On the computer running Navidrome, open http://localhost:4533 in a browser. If you changed the port during setup, use that port instead.

Create your first administrator account, then let Navidrome scan your music. Albums appear as the scan progresses. Try playing a song in the browser to check that everything works.

See Navidrome’s first-time setup guide if your library stays empty or the page won’t open.

5. Connect Macissimo

Open Macissimo and enter the server address, username and password you just set up.

• On the same Mac as the server: use http://localhost:4533.
• On another device on your home network: use the server’s private IP address, for example http://192.168.1.50:4533. Replace this example with your server’s actual address.
• With a public server address: use its full HTTPS address, including any installation subpath.

localhost always means the device you’re using. On your iPhone, it won’t point to the server on your Mac. Macissimo will ask you to allow HTTP for a local connection; use a private IP address rather than a hostname in that case.

Once connected, Macissimo syncs your library. You can browse as the music appears.

Listening away from home

A home network address won’t be reachable when you leave your Wi-Fi. For remote access, use a VPN to your home network or an HTTPS address set up for your server. Macissimo requires HTTPS for public connections.

Get playback working at home first, then follow Navidrome’s network security guidance before making the server accessible over the internet.

For help with the player, return to Macissimo Help.