Before you install
System requirements
Start with the computer that holds your music. Add a paired phone or another client when you want to listen elsewhere. Here is what each part of the setup needs.
Desktop hub
Install Tape on the computer that can access your music folders. Choose the build that matches its processor and operating system.
| Computer | Operating system | Build |
|---|---|---|
| Mac · Apple Silicon | macOS 12 Monterey or later | Apple Silicon (M-series) |
| Mac · Intel | macOS 12 Monterey or later | Intel Mac (x64) |
| Windows | Windows 10 or later | 64-bit Intel or AMD (x64) |
| Linux | 64-bit desktop Linux with AppImage support | Intel or AMD (x64); compatibility depends on the distribution |
An Intel Mac running macOS 11 Big Sur needs a separate compatibility build. Check availability with Support before installing.
Phone and tablet
The mobile app connects to your Tape Hub for its library and audio. You will need the hub running when you stream from it.
| Device | Minimum OS version | Get the app |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | iOS / iPadOS 15.1 | App Store ↗ |
| Android | Android 7.0 (API 24) | Google Play closed-testing steps ↗ |
Use those versions or later, and check the store listing for your device. Android access currently uses Google Play closed testing. The installation page has the current signup and app links.
Hardware and storage
Use an SSD for Tape's library database when you can. Music can stay on an internal disk, an external drive or a mounted network share, provided the hub can read it. Keep that storage connected while listening.
Leave free space for the app, library database, artwork and playback cache as well as your audio files. Space needs grow with the collection and the work you enable. Keep a separate backup of your music and library data.
The desktop app needs room for a 960 × 640 window. A larger display gives you more space to browse folders, inspect tags and work with playlists.
Tape does not yet publish a benchmark-backed minimum for CPU or RAM. Library size, the first scan and audio analysis all affect the resources you need. Try a representative part of your collection on the intended machine before buying dedicated hardware.
Network and remote listening
For the first setup, put the hub and phone on the same local network. Allow Tape through the computer's firewall and allow Local Network access on iPhone or iPad when prompted. Guest Wi-Fi that isolates devices can prevent them from reaching each other.
Away from home, both devices need an internet connection and the hub needs a license with remote listening. Tape's Personal Private Network handles the connection. Keep the hub awake and its music drives available; your home upload speed and the phone's connection affect streaming.
Docker and NAS
A Docker hub is an optional way to keep the library available without leaving a desktop computer on. It needs a Docker-capable host, a matching x86-64 or ARM64 image, persistent storage for the database and mounted music folders.
Docker/NAS is currently a testing channel. Check the image architecture, volume permissions and networking for your own server before relying on it for everyday listening.
Try your own library
Add one folder, play a few familiar tracks and pair your phone. Check the external drives and playlists you normally use. If you plan to listen away from home, test over mobile data too. This gives you a useful check of your setup before scanning the whole archive or choosing a license.