Introduction
With Google’s Chromecast Audio, it is possible to listen to music from Android devices through CasaTunes to any combination of rooms in the home.
Requirements
- If you are using a CasaTunes CT System, you will need an available external input
- You will not be able to use the CasaTunes CT-3 (unless it is running as a CasaTunes Streamer and controlling a third party audio distribution system)
- If you are using a CasaTunes Streamer to control a third party audio distribution system, you will need an available source input on that system
- You will need a good Wi-Fi signal in the location of the CasaTunes hardware
Step-by-step Installation
- Follow the instructions provided with your Chromecast Audio device to setup the device
- Connect it to the same network that you use to control CasaTunes with your CasaTunes control apps
- Move the Chromecast Audio to the location where CasaTunes is installed
The next steps depend on whether you're using a CasaTunes CT System, CasaTunes Streamer or a CasaTunes Hardware Matrix switch. Follow the steps below for your respective product.
CasaTunes CT Systems
- Plug the audio cable supplied with the Chromecast Audio into an external source input. For example, if you're using a CT-8+, plug the cable into either External Source Input 1 or External Source Input 2, as shown below in yellow
- Check the quick install guide that came with your CasaTunes CT System if you need additional help locating the input jack
- Open CasaTunes Setup (http://CasaServer/CasaSetup on a PC or http://CasaServer.local/CasaSetup on a Mac) and select the Sources page
- Select the external input that you assigned for the Chromecast Audio device and enter a user friendly name for the Source name
- Choose Unsupported Source for Source type and make sure the Hide Source checkbox is unchecked.
- Click Save at the top of the page
CasaTunes Streamer or CasaTunes Hardware Matrix Switch
- Using a 3.5mm to RCA stereo cable, plug the audio cable from the Chromecast Audio device into an available source input on the matrix switch. For example, on an Audio Authority SF-16M, plug the cable between the Chromecast and one pair of the sixteen inputs on the rear panel of the SF-16M
- Open CasaTunes Setup (http://CasaServer/CasaSetup on a PC or http://CasaServer.local/CasaSetup on a Mac) and select the Sources page
- Select the source input on the matrix that is assigned to the Chromecast Audio device and enter a user friendly name for the source name
- Select Unsupported Source for Source type and make sure the Hide Source checkbox is unchecked
- Click “Save” at the top of the page
Playing Music Through CasaTunes
- Start a Chromecast Audio enabled app, like Google Play Music
- Pick the music you want to listen to and play it
- Click on the Cast symbol and click on the “Cast To” window. Chromecast Audio will start playing into the CasaTunes source input
- Use your CasaTunes control app to switch to the Chromecast source in any of your rooms
- The Chromecast audio volume control is very slow, so we recommend leaving the volume all the way up on the Android device and controlling the volume using the CasaTunes volume control. If you're using the CasaTunes iOS app (iPad or iPhone) to control CasaTunes, you will see a message telling you to use the Chromecast device to control the room. We still recommend using the CasaTunes volume control because it works much faster, so you can ignore the message when you wish to adjust the volume
