Many people without auxiliary options in their cars use an FM modulator to play their favorite songs of their MP3 player. They do so because they believe that the FM modulator provides CD quality sound. Unfortunately, for those users that is simply not true. FM modulators actually convert the audio from your MP3 player into RF signals, which are then sent to the car's FM radio. So instead of CD quality sound, one ends up with FM radio quality sound.
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 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 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.
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. 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. 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.
But, are there any other quality alternatives out there?
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 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.
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. 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. 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 FM car modulator that produces clear, static free, audio for use in your car and other locations.