AudioBook Choosing a metadata source
Built-in, hosted, or your own Libex server.
In a later release, Settings > Metadata > Source has a Metadata Source setting with three choices.
| Choice | What it means |
|---|---|
| Built-in (default) | Libex runs inside ABM. It needs an outbound connection chosen first. |
| Hosted (LibexDB.com ) | ABM asks the public Libex instance. |
| Self-hosted | ABM asks a Libex server you point it at. Enter its Server URL, for example http://192.168.1.20:8000. |
Test checks the selected source without saving. Status says whether it is ready. When you pick a different source, Status shows “Not in use yet - save to switch” until you save.
Built-in and the outbound connection
Section titled “Built-in and the outbound connection”Built-in talks to Audible from your machine, so it uses Settings > General > Proxy & VPN. That page decides the route: a proxy, the built-in WireGuard tunnel, your own VPN container, or a direct connection you acknowledge. With none chosen, automated lookups are blocked and say so. A chosen route that is down blocks lookups too. It never falls back to your own address. Direct shows a warning that Audible sees your IP address and the books ABM looks up.
Hosted and self-hosted
Section titled “Hosted and self-hosted”With these two, ABM asks a Libex server and the server talks to Audible. A self-hosted URL is checked before it is saved, and an empty or unsafe one is refused. A server that is down is reported as the metadata source being unavailable, with its name.
Which to pick
Section titled “Which to pick”- Want it to just work and do not mind Audible seeing your address: Built-in with a direct connection, or Hosted.
- Care about not exposing your IP to Audible: Built-in through a proxy, the built-in WireGuard tunnel or a separate VPN container or service. Or Hosted, where the Libex server talks to Audible instead of you.
- Already run a Libex server: Self-hosted.