There are many misconceptions when it comes to the performance of a wired FM car modulator. An FM car modulator, commonly used to play MP3 audio on a car radio, converts audio signals into RF signals and sends them to the car's FM radio. Because of this process, FM modulators are only able to produce FM quality sound; not CD quality sound as some people believe.
The drawbacks of a modulator start with the fact that a modulator is permanently installed in your vehicle. This creates obvious problems if it breaks, stops working, or if you want to sell the car. In order to avoid any headaches over instillation and uninstallation, you may want to consider an alternative to the FM car modulator.
So what are the alternatives?
The quickest and cheapest alternative would be to buy a cassette adapter - assuming your car has a tape deck. It is very simple to use and produces average sound quality. The performance can go south pretty quickly however, as these adapters are generally made pretty cheaply. If you're looking for a cheap fix then these will work fine, but beware that you may find yourself replacing them quite often.
A more permanent fix would be to go with a wireless transmitter. Some people call these wireless modulators, but either way they are a great option for playing your iPod in the car. One thing to avoid however is a cheap transmitter. You'll see several poor quality units out there that cost between $10 and $30. These will not give you the audio quality that you're looking for. There will be considerable interference because of their weak signal.
It's important to note that there are high quality transmitters that vastly outperform most generic transmitters. High quality transmitters produce a very strong signal that will effectively cut out most, if not all, interference. The audio quality of a quality transmitter will be as good, if not better, than an FM car modulator.
An FM transmitter will also provide a consumer with the following benefits:
1. Installation and setup is a breeze. No manuals or prior knowledge required.
2. An almost unlimited amount of uses because it is compatible with just about any audio source you can think of.
3. A quality FM transmitter is not constrained to just a few frequencies to transmit on. Quality units are able to transmit on the entire public FM band.
4. Stereo and mono settings, preset frequencies that allow you to easily switch between favorites, microphone compatibility, volume and mute control, manual on/off switch and automatic gain control.
5. A variety of charging options, ranging from USB, wall adapter, cigarette lighter, or even battery.
6. Ability to transmit audio approximately 150 feet (near the maximum allowed by the FCC) - allowing for excellent sounding audio and essentially no interference.
When you factor in all of these advantages, an FM Car Modulator just can't compete with an FM transmitter. High quality FM transmitters will enable the user to control their music in a number of situations, without sacrificing their audio quality. In addition, because these devices are portable and so versatile, they provide the user with unlimited options. As a result, a high quality FM transmitter will provide a user with the most bang for their buck, making it an invaluable commodity as use increases.
The drawbacks of a modulator start with the fact that a modulator is permanently installed in your vehicle. This creates obvious problems if it breaks, stops working, or if you want to sell the car. In order to avoid any headaches over instillation and uninstallation, you may want to consider an alternative to the FM car modulator.
So what are the alternatives?
The quickest and cheapest alternative would be to buy a cassette adapter - assuming your car has a tape deck. It is very simple to use and produces average sound quality. The performance can go south pretty quickly however, as these adapters are generally made pretty cheaply. If you're looking for a cheap fix then these will work fine, but beware that you may find yourself replacing them quite often.
A more permanent fix would be to go with a wireless transmitter. Some people call these wireless modulators, but either way they are a great option for playing your iPod in the car. One thing to avoid however is a cheap transmitter. You'll see several poor quality units out there that cost between $10 and $30. These will not give you the audio quality that you're looking for. There will be considerable interference because of their weak signal.
It's important to note that there are high quality transmitters that vastly outperform most generic transmitters. High quality transmitters produce a very strong signal that will effectively cut out most, if not all, interference. The audio quality of a quality transmitter will be as good, if not better, than an FM car modulator.
An FM transmitter will also provide a consumer with the following benefits:
1. Installation and setup is a breeze. No manuals or prior knowledge required.
2. An almost unlimited amount of uses because it is compatible with just about any audio source you can think of.
3. A quality FM transmitter is not constrained to just a few frequencies to transmit on. Quality units are able to transmit on the entire public FM band.
4. Stereo and mono settings, preset frequencies that allow you to easily switch between favorites, microphone compatibility, volume and mute control, manual on/off switch and automatic gain control.
5. A variety of charging options, ranging from USB, wall adapter, cigarette lighter, or even battery.
6. Ability to transmit audio approximately 150 feet (near the maximum allowed by the FCC) - allowing for excellent sounding audio and essentially no interference.
When you factor in all of these advantages, an FM Car Modulator just can't compete with an FM transmitter. High quality FM transmitters will enable the user to control their music in a number of situations, without sacrificing their audio quality. In addition, because these devices are portable and so versatile, they provide the user with unlimited options. As a result, a high quality FM transmitter will provide a user with the most bang for their buck, making it an invaluable commodity as use increases.
About the Author:
TAW Global, LLC is a family owned business and has been in operation for over 7 years - based out of Portage, MI. They are the designer of the Whole House FM Transmitter which is a quality wireless car audio transmitter that produces clear, static free, audio for use in your car and other locations.
