So you’ve got an iPod or iPhone, and want to use it in your car, but don’t know where to start? This weeks Blog is the one for you! One of the most common installs we do at Extreme Audio is adding an iPod to a customers existing system. The following will detail all the different ways it can be done, and give you the pluses and minuses to each version.

First up is the good old FM Transmitter/Cigarette lighter plug in “thingy” that you find in every corner store. While these adapters do technically work, they do not work well! This type of adapter is something anyone can use, and basically turns your iPod into a miniature radio station transmitting on say 88.1. You tune your radio into that station and there it is, along with static, crackling, fading in and out…. You get the point! While the concept is great, the reality is that the FCC doesn’t allow the transmitter enough strength to power its way over top of other radio stations that interfere with it.

Your next best option is what is referred to as an FM Modulator. While the name sure sounds familiar (see above), the results are certainly better. This unit works much the same as the FM transmitter above, by taking the sound from your iPod/iPhone and sending it to your radio as an FM station you tune in to. The added benefit to an FM Modulator is the fact that it actually plugs directly into your radio’s antenna input, therefore giving you perfect reception without all the fading in and out. This will have your iPod sounding just like a regular radio station with perfect reception all the time. While this is a good option for people that don’t have the connections we’ll be listing next, it does still have its shortcomings. FM stations don’t transmit all the sounds a iPod is capable of playing, therefore, the companies that make the radio’s themselves don’t make the FM radio portion capable of playing the other sounds either. You’ll end up with good reception, but the sound itself will be lacking in the good sharp high sounds, and the good and solid, low sounds.

One of the best options you have for adding your iPod or iPhone to your car is going to be an actual iPod or AUX direct connect interface. Whether this option will work well for you will depend completely on the vehicle you have. Your radio may have been equipped to control a separate CD Changer, or Satellite radio, and this adapter will “trick” the unit into letting your iPod play through that input. These will be made specifically for your vehicle, and will give you the best sound quality available, due to there being no filtering or reception issues. Some radio’s will give you actual control over the iPod from your radio, allowing you to plug it in, and then change songs, playlists, etc right from the controls of your radio. If you don’t like the way the controls work on the radio, you can also just pick up the iPod and control everything by hand as well. Just as these adapters are all vehicle specific, the brands that are best at each will vary quite a bit. Your car may have an adapter that works from brand x, brand y, and brand z, but we have tested them all and can point you in the direction of the one that works the best. We carry all the top names in iPod/Aux interfacing from PAC, iSimple, Blitzsafe, USA Spec, Dension, MoBridge, Vais Technologies, PIE, DICE, and Scosche.

Hopefully we’ve helped to clear up some confusion about the different iPod options out there. Rest assured, if you’re interested in getting one hooked up in your vehicle, we’ll have an option available to suit your needs. Give us a call or shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to go over the options available!

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