shuffle over all files in all directories

[Llorean]

If you're using the Database in Rockbox there's a simple "All Tracks" option. Sandisk forces you to use their database.

We on the other hand give you the option not to use the database, in which case playing all tracks requires a little more manual interaction.

[Nick H.]

I hope that resurrecting such an old topic will get me an answer  - but what I'd like to know is whether any of the above methods won't require me to set up shuffle all over again every time I download more files to my player? 

And another question: my albums seem to be recorded at widely differing volume levels. Can I get Rockbox to sense the level and adjust the volume automatically so I never need to touch the volume control? I need this function so I can set my player on 'hold' and leave it in my pocket for long periods.

[evilnick]

You would need to create a new playlist (this is the step that long-select on the top-most folder and then Insert Shuffled effectively does) if you've added new music and are using the Files view.
If you're using the Database and have it set to auto-update then you would have to go to All Tracks again (so that you are shuffling the new songs). Or without auto-update you'd need to update the database first.

As for the volume issue. Rockbox supports replygain tags http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReplayGain which is my preferred way to achieve a 'pretty much' consistent volume. Alternatively there is also a compressor which will vary the volume within the song itself (so that quiet sections are forced to be louder).

As always, check the manual! 

[Nick H.]

Thank you. My next question is, can I make the effort to read the manual? I didn't even know there was a Database in Rockbox!   

[777funk]

Sorry for the delay in replying, but I wanted to check my Clip+ default firmware to see how shuffle is done:

1. The first option in the Music menu is "Play All".
2. Change the play setting to "Shuffle" in the context menu.

Sansa have made this an easy two-step process. In Rockbox it's a multi-step process and requires user guide reading. I could not even work out how to do it from the manual and had to go searching in this forum.

I don't want to raise this as a bug, but I think it's an important usability feature request.

This is my feeling exactly.

[torne]

Please don't bump a six month old thread just to add "I agree".

[777funk]

Please don't bump a six month old thread just to add "I agree".

He/She put this exactly how I felt about it. That is probably the most important function of an MP3 player in my opinion. The Sansa Clip+ stock firmware does this very well and I miss that simplicity. First option in the tracks is "Play All" and then in settings click Random and bam it works. I miss that. But the other perks of ROCKbox (Replay Gain, more audio and playback settings, etc) are why I use it. But for me and it looks like several others it's a bummer that "Play All and Randomly" isn't as easy as in the Clip+ firmware.

But on the other end, I understand that in a project like this, there's not time to implement every single thing people request. I'd sure like to put in the request if it's possible though.

[bluebrother]

It is not. We don't accept feature requests since quite a while. If you want something done either get someone interested to do it or do it yourself. And prepare for long discussions on behaviour changes.

[[Saint]]

But for me and it looks like several others it's a bummer that "Play All and Randomly" isn't as easy as in the Clip+ firmware.
[/quote]

How much did you investigate this?

There are two options in Rockbox for achieving this effect:

1 - Bring up the context menu on an arbitrary directory in the File Browser or Database and select "Current Playlist"; "Insert Shuffled".
2 - Set the File Browser hotkey to "Insert Shuffled" and envoke this action on your audio directory.

Some food for thought perhaps.


[Saint]

[777funk]

Just found an easier way to finally do this. I just go to my Albums and LONG press select the main folder then insert into NEW playlist.

Works great!

I guess I didn't know about the long press option to select a WHOLE folder's contents. Got it now.

RockBox is now the best in my opinion! Just took a little experimenting to figure it out (and of course help from others here.

[cBc]

Reading thru this thread with interest, as shuffle mode is how I mostly listen to music these day. Since I have both the 8GB internal storage and an external 32GB card inserted, is there a way to set a single playlist for BOTH folders to have everything combined for shuffling thru? Or is that already being donw wit hthe methods described above?

[cBc]

I've gotten like 3 email notifications that replies have been posted on this thread, but none of them are actually posted IN this thread.

[AlexP]

They were spam