Saturday, June 4, 2011

FM Car Modulator Alternatives

By James M. Boersma


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.

FM car modulators also have the disadvantage of being permanently installed into your vehicle. This means that if you are unhappy with the product or if it breaks, then you'll have to go through the hassle of uninstalling the modulator. A modulator may also not be the ideal choice if you are leasing a vehicle or plan to sell an older vehicle. So if you're looking for an alternative to an FM car modulator, it is important to know what your options are.

But, are there any other quality alternatives out there?

Your cheapest option is probably a cassette adapter. The adapter looks like your average cassette with a wire that connects to your MP3 player. You then simply insert the cassette end into your tape deck. The problem with these is that they are often very cheaply made and provide low quality sound. They may work fairly well for a month or so, but they will wear down very quickly. It's also very possible that the car you're currently driving doesn't have a tape deck, in which case the cassette adapter is not even an option.

A wireless FM modulator, also known as an FM transmitter, is your next option. Those aren't much better, right? A cheap transmitter will provide low quality audio and only be able to transmit a distance of 5 to 10 feet. They can also experience quite a bit of interference because of the weak signal strength.

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.

The following additional benefits are also included with a quality transmitter:

1. No installation.

2. An almost unlimited amount of uses because it is compatible with just about any audio source you can think of.

3. Quality FM transmitters are not limited to only a few frequencies to broadcast on. Instead they are able to broadcast over the entire public FM band.

4. Many different controls and functions, including microphone compatibility, preset frequencies that allow you to easily switch between favorites, volume and mute control, manual on/off switch, automatic gain control, stereo and mono settings.

5. The transmitter is able to be powered in several different ways (e.g., USB, batteries, cigarette lighter and wall adapter)

6. Excellent audio quality with essentially no interference. The transmission power will allow you to broadcast to a distance of about 150 feet (close to the maximum allowed by the FCC).

The advantages of an FM transmitter make it a far superior product to an FM Car Modulator. Having a transmitter that produces quality audio, and is also portable, allows you to always be in control of your music. No matter what audio source you plan to use it with, a quality FM transmitter will perform up to, and beyond, your current expectations.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment