Should I Buy an FM Car Modulator?

| Sunday, June 5, 2011
By James M. Boersma


An FM car modulator is a great product that allows someone to play music from an iPod, or any MP3 player, over your car stereo. This is how it works: the modulator converts the audio from your iPod into an RF signal which is sent to your car's radio and played on an FM station. While this ability is extremely cool and convenient, there are some drawbacks with a modulator.

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.

But, are there any other quality alternatives out there?

The cheapest option is the cassette adapter, which connects the MP3 player to the audio system via a 3.5mm input through the tape deck. Unfortunately, this option is also the least reliable, as the tape often wears down relatively easily and the sound quality is not the best. Because cassette players are also obsolete, this option may not even available.

The only other option than is an FM transmitter, which can be purchased for as little as $15 dollars at any retailer. Unfortunately, these cheap FM transmitters provide poor audio quality and pick up strong interference from outside sources.

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. Installation and setup is a breeze. No manuals or prior knowledge required.

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

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

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).

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.




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