There are no configuration options to change the layout If you wish to change the layout then you will need to change the code.
There are no configuration options to remove the spectrum If you wish to change the layout then you will need to change the code.
In main.cpp there are two simple functions that draw the layout
draw_clock(): draws the stop screen draw_spect_display(): draws the play/pause screen
If you remove the spectrum analyser component then there is no need to change any other code, just use a nonexistant file for the FIFO and this should avoid any CPU usage, e.g.
mpd_oled -c fifo,/tmp/dummy
The spectrum analyser needs a copy of the audio that is playing to
work, and it needs mpd_oled_cava (or cava) to be running.
Check that you followed all the instructions to set up the audio
copy on your system, and check that mpd_oled_cava (or cava) is running, e.g.
run ps ax | grep cava.
If you have set up the audio copy using MPD then only sources played through MPD will show a spectrum. Playing through Spotify or Airplay may not show a spectrum. A spectrum can be enabled for all sources by configuring ALSA to make the copy. See the thread on using mpd_oled with Spotify and Airplay
You may be running two copies of mpd_oled. Check by running
ps ax | grep mpd_oled