FM Car Modulators And MY Other Options?

| Tuesday, June 7, 2011
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.

So let's take a look at the other options you have.

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.

So now that you know to avoid the cheap ones, let me explain the advantages of a high quality wireless FM transmitter. A quality transmitter has the transmission quality that will give you exceptional audio quality. You will be able to broadcast over large distances with static and interference free audio. The most important thing that separates a transmitter from a modulator is that a transmitter is a portable device. So unlike a modulator a transmitter can be transported from place to place which allows you to be in control of your music no matter where you are.

An FM transmitter will also provide a consumer with the following benefits:

1. Essentially no installation or setup.

2. Compatibility (it works with almost any audio source).

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. 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. Various ways to power the transmitter (e.g., cigarette lighter, wall adapter, USB and batteries)

6. Approximately 150 feet, the near maximum allowed by the FCC, transmission power; providing great audio and little to no interference.

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.




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