Linux Performance Improvements
Today, we are releasing an updated version of Roon for Linux, which will now run on Microsoft’s .NET runtime. This replaces the mono runtime Roon has always used on platforms other than Windows and Roon OS.
These changes should significantly improve performance and scalability of Linux-based Cores, especially with larger libraries.
What should you do?
If you are a Linux Core user, the release requires new dependencies on your system. If you have not done so already, it’s important that you prepare your Roon Core as soon as possible so you can continue using Roon.
Note: No action is needed for Cores running on Roon OS devices, including Nucleus and ROCK. They already use Microsoft’s .NET runtime.
Linux Systems
After testing on a wide range of Linux distributions, we recommend installing libicu onto your Roon Core.
For Ubuntu 20.x the command to do this is:
apt-get update && sudo apt-get install libicu66
For other systems, the name for libicu and the specific package manager might be different. To find the .NET dependencies you need, click on the version number of your Linux distribution in this Microsoft article and scroll down to Dependencies.
So far our QA team has tested these improvements successfully with the following Linux distributions:
- Ubuntu 20.04
- Debian 10
- Fedora
- ArchLinux
- CentOS 7 and 8
- LinuxMint
Other variants of Linux may require additional changes to ensure that all dependencies are met.
Roon Server on NAS: QNAP, Synology, and Asustor
If you’re running Roon Server on a supported NAS device, just follow the instructions below.
-
Synology
No action required. -
QNAP
Update to the latest version of Roon Server from the QNAP App Center. -
Asustor
Make sure you’re updated to ADM 4.0+.
Roon Core Partner Systems
If you’re using a Core device from one of our partners that runs on Linux, you may need to get in touch with the manufacturer to confirm these dependencies have been met. We’ve reached out to all of our partners to let them know so they could address these dependencies before the update was released.
If your device is from one of the manufacturers below, we have confirmed that the dependencies have been met and your device is ready to go for the update.
Partners who have confirmed dependencies are met:
- Innuos
- Exasound
- Small Green Computer
If your Core’s manufacturer is not on the list and Roon is failing to start, we recommend contacting them directly if you have any issues starting Roon.
What about Roon OS?
Any devices running Roon OS (ROCK and Nucleus) have been using .NET runtime for some time, and so you won’t see any changes if you’re using these devices.
Without our community’s input, feedback and support, Roon wouldn’t be where it is today and for this we are truly grateful. If you have any suggestions, questions or you just want to come and say hi, you can contact our dedicated Customer Success & Support team via our Help Center or Community.
The Team At Roon Labs
Roon 1.8 (Build 846) Release Notes
Roon Build 846 is now rolling out for Linux. There is no update at this time for macOS, Windows, Windows (64 Bit), Android, iOS, or Roon OS.
There is no update for Roon Bridge at this time.
All affected platforms and apps should update automatically.
Changes and bug fixes:
- Improved performance for Linux-based Cores