FM Car Modulator Alternatives
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.
In addition, once an FM modulator is installed, it becomes a permanent addition to one’s car. For those people who are leasing, renting, or possibly considering selling their car one day this “binding” union may not seem like the best option.
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 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.
However, a high quality FM transmitter will provide listeners with no interference and exceptional audio, for a slightly higher price. The FM transmitter is also portable, unlike the FM modulator, allowing it to be relocated to any home, office, etc
An FM transmitter will also provide a consumer with the following benefits:
1. No installation.
2. Compatibility (it works with almost any audio source).
3. The ability to broadcast on any public FM radio 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.
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.
TAW Global, LLC is a family owned business – based out of Portage, MI – and has been in operation for over 7 years. 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.
