Samklang

Set up Samklang.

Samklang Server

Samklang Server runs all day on one computer at home, so your speakers play together. You use it from the Samklang app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Where will it run?

On a Mac

  • A Mac with macOS 14 Sonoma or later
  • On the same network as your speakers
  1. 1

    Download Samklang Server

    It's free, and the same download for Apple chips and Intel.

    Download for MacComing with Samklang 1.0.
  2. 2

    Move it to Applications

    Open the download and drag Samklang Server onto Applications. Then open it from there.

  3. 3

    Turn it on

    In its window, switch the server on. When macOS asks, Allow it to find devices on your local network.

    You can close the window: the server keeps running, and starts again when you log in.
  4. 4

    Pair

    Open Samklang on your iPhone or iPad and pick this Mac. The first device pairs by itself. Later ones type the code from Samklang Server's window, or from Settings → Add a device in a paired Samklang.

On a Raspberry Pi Zero W

  • Raspberry Pi Zero W
  • microSD card, 8 GB or more
  • USB charger and cable
  • A Mac with a card slot or reader
  1. 1

    Prepare the card

    In Raspberry Pi Imager choose Raspberry Pi Zero W, Raspberry Pi OS Lite (32-bit) and your card. When it asks about settings, fill in your Wi-Fi.

    Get Raspberry Pi ImagerRaspberry Pi's instructions show each screen.
  2. 2

    Add Samklang to the card

    Leave the card in your Mac. Download samklang-pi, open the download and double-click samklang-pi. A Terminal window opens and copies Samklang onto the card.

    Download samklang-pi for MacComing with Samklang 1.0.
  3. 3

    Into the Pi

    Eject the card and push it into the Pi's card slot.

  4. 4

    Power it

    Plug the charger into PWR IN, the outer of the two small ports. The first start takes about 5 minutes while Samklang installs itself.

  5. 5

    Pair

    Open Samklang on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and pick the new server. The first device pairs by itself; that's you, the owner. Later devices type the code from Settings → Add a device in your Samklang.

    Samklang asks for a code on a brand-new Pi? It waits only 30 minutes for its first device. Unplug the Pi, plug it in again, and pair within half an hour.

A satellite

A Raspberry Pi Pico W by a Bluetooth speaker brings that speaker into Samklang, anywhere your Wi-Fi reaches. Samklang Server must be set up first.

  1. 1

    Get the satellite file

    Download the satellite software to your computer.

    Get the satellite fileComing with Samklang 1.0.
  2. 2

    Hold BOOTSEL, plug in

    Hold the white BOOTSEL button on the Pico while you plug it into your computer, then let go.

    No drive appears? The cable probably only charges. Try another one.
  3. 3

    Copy the file

    A drive called RPI-RP2 appears. Drag the satellite file onto it. The Pico restarts by itself.

  4. 4

    Put it by the speaker

    Unplug the Pico and plug it into a charger near your Bluetooth speaker.

  5. 5

    Add it in the app

    In Samklang go to Settings → Satellites → Add a satellite. Let your iPhone join the satellite, then type your Wi-Fi's password and tap Send. The satellite needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which most home routers have.

  6. 6

    Pair the speaker

    Put the speaker in pairing mode, usually by holding its Bluetooth button until it blinks. Pick it in the list and tap Connect.

  7. 7

    Play

    The speaker is now in Samklang like the others. Add it to a group and play.

The satellite remembers its speaker. Unplug it, move it, plug it in again: it comes back by itself. When new satellite software is out, Samklang asks you before it updates.