Winamp! Remember that? It’s what cool kids used to play music on before YouTube and Spotify. It’s basically a computer-based music player with pretty visualizations and a great equalizer.
If you are missing the days of Winamp, then worry no more, because computer engineer Rodmg has created “Linamp”, a physical MP3 player with vintage aesthetics reminiscent of the classic Winamp software.
The Linamp project focused heavily on the physical case, aiming to replicate the style of an old AIWA stereo system. Unlike typical 3D printed cases, Rodmg opted for a more refined look, using one millimeter thick black anodized aluminum for the main structure. The parts were designed with Onshape and manufactured by PCBWay. The front faceplate and back panel were 3D printed in nylon, providing a high-quality finish and incorporating ports for USB, Ethernet, and headphones.
Internally, Linamp is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4 connected to a 7.9-inch extra-wide display via HDMI. To complete the retro feel, Rodmg developed a custom application in Qt 6 that mimics the original Winamp interface, down to the proportions of the buttons.
The Linamp project blends 3D printing and vintage design, demonstrating the potential for modern tech to evoke nostalgic charm. Future crowdfunding may make Linamp widely available, appealing to those who remember the original Winamp era.
In the meantime, if you want to learn more about Linamp, you can find details of the project at this link.