VortexBox Midi Appliance

A low cost high performance entry level product that can be adapted to meet your requirements.

500GB to 4TB to allow storage of at least 1,200 CDs (typically 2,000) to around 12,000 CDs in flac, or other formats.

Replaces VortexBox BasiK

• Reduced power consumption (approx 27w average)
  
• Lower Suspend power consumption (<3w)
  
• Smaller overall size 95mm x 290mm (inc stand),  320mm (Depth)
• Mains power supply with low noise fan
  

All standard Vortexbox features including:

 * Auto CD Ripper - support internal or external USB CD drive - native FLAC support

 * Automatic mirroring to Apple MP4 (alac) or MP3 supported. 
 * Sonos and Squeezebox compatible -  inbuilt Sonos player (via web interface)
 * Drag and drop existing music, video, photo, documents etc via web interface   (Depends on YOUR system configuration and set-up)
 * Bliss cover management option with 100 free fixes
 *DLNA server for use with Cyrus, NAIM etc. + SAMBA Server for network storage of documents etc
 * Squeezebox, Sonos and DLNA server with auto re-indexing after CD ripping 
 * In-built VortexBox player MidFi audio output to powered speakers etc (1M phono lead supplied)
 * Support for many USB DACs
 * External USB music back-up option

Please see Vortexbox Software Features description for overview of capability

Standard VortexBox software load with option of built-in full size CD/DVD drive enables the VB Midi to RIP, catalogue, manage, store and stream music to a variety of devices.  

VortexBox requires a network cable connection to your internet router and an internet connection to download CD information, cover art etc and to allow remote management through any network browser. 

This unit is a little larger and noisier than the other Vortexbox products. VB Midi is suitable for use in a server cupboard or utility area.
Although much quieter than most computer devices we  would suggest the use of fan-less systems if Vortexbox is sited in a living or listening area. 

Standard Specification:

Intel Atom single core processor,  1GB RAM, 10/100 Mb/s network connection,  230v EU mains power supply

Low power 'green' hard drives.  CD option provides automatic ripping.  Runs cool so 3TB option allows high=performance 7200 RPM drives to be used.

Operating typically 27w (approx 35W during ripping), suspend 3w approx, power down 1W approx

(This unit has a low-noise (but not silent) fan in the power-supply and a chassis fan)

Accessories Supplied

Stand for vertical use, 1M network cable, 1M 3.5mm mini jack to stereo phono cable

VB Midi '+Plus' Upgrade:

Intel Atom dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 1000Mb/s Ethernet (for faster network file transfers with supported Gigabit router)

All VB Midi systems have a fan in the mains power supply and a secondary chassis fan that will only operate at high temperature.

Operating power varies with hard drive size etc

Nov 2011: Due to supply contraints and good internal cooling 3TB drive supplied is optionally high performance 7200 RPM drive, not 'green drive'.  This consumes approx +2W more power.

Note:

Please ensure adequate ventilation and avoid enclosed spaces

System is supplied with an optional stand for vertical use and self adhesive feet for horizontal use.

Noise levels increase during CD ripping 
For lowest noise levels please see VortexBox Lux, VortexBox XL, VortexBox Mini (fanless)

Specifications liable to change 

2 review(s) posted (write review)

Does what it says on the tin - Simon - 03/08/2011 16:34:39
I am so pleased I purchased the vortexbox to update my hifi system.Ordered Friday evening and had it plugged in working on Wednesday afternoon. Had already played with the software but wanted a dedicated server. Build quality is great and worked straight out of the box. Within 15 mins of arriving I had ripped my first CD and had it playing via Squeezebox Touch. So easy to set up and hasn't missed a beat so far. Highly recommended.

VortexBox Nano - Tom - 18/01/2012 22:08:03
Service was second to none. Martin was extremely helpful and friendly, offering advice on what best suited my needs.The Nano arrived promptly and was working with my Mac, Squeezebox and iPhone within an hour from un-packing to playing music.As a Mac user, it was very simple to set up. Just a case of plugging the VortexBox into the router and dragging files across from the Mac's finder.It also works well with my Homeplug system that provides ethernet and wi-fi to another part of the house.Top service that you will not find on the high-street. Truly bespoke with a top-quality product that is great value for money. I'd been looking for a solution like this for a long time and I am very pleased I went with VortexBox.