iPod Capability - SoundDomain

The iPod has quickly become the standard for portable MP3 players. The iPod uses a hard drive for storage rather than memory stick or flash cards meaning you can literally store your entire CD collection on a device that fits in your back pocket. There are many ways to add an iPod to your vehicle’s audio system. In order to choose the best option, there are a few questions you should answer when choosing how to integrate your iPod into your audio system:

1. Where will you mount or store the iPod?

Most of the available options require the iPod be within reach if you want to make track or playlist changes while driving. You can leave the iPod loose sitting on your center console or in your lap, but you have to worry about it sliding around or falling to the floor while you’re driving. A great place to mount the iPod is the cup holder. This usually places the iPod in an easy to reach, easy to view area for the driver. For mounting options visit our iPod accessories area.

2. Will you need to charge the iPod during your travels?

Although the iPod has a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, you don’t want to worry about your battery running low on a long road trip or even a brief jaunt across town. Some of the iPod options will charge the iPod while in use, however most don’t. Shop the iPod accessory area for 12-Volt chargers.

3. How do I get the best sound?

As you read, you’ll learn some of the options allow you to keep the digital sound quality you are used to hearing from your iPod. Other options convert the digital sound to an analog FM signal, sacrificing a small amount of sound quality for convenience and price. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the sound quality, the more complex the installation may be.

By answering these questions you’re taking the first steps to determine what solution will best suit you and your budget. There are five different ways we can help you enjoy an iPod in your vehicle.

Direct Radio Interface/Controller:

The next option, avialabe for both factory/OE radios and aftermarket radios, offers the best sound quality as well as added features and control not available from other input options. This interface allows the user to control the iPod like a direct-connect CD changer. All of the iPod’s functions (play, pause, next track, previous track) are controlled directly from the radio. For factory radios (or aftermarket radios with the appropriate steering wheel control interface installed), you will even have the ability to control your iPod from your factory steering wheel controls! This is the most expensive interface option, but is by far the most beneficial to the true iPod fan. The direct interface maintains digital sound quality and will also keep your iPod charged and ready to go. Some radios will even have the ability to translate the iPod's display information right onto the radio display or integrate the iPod's built-in equalizer functions! Be sure to check out our selection of iPod Interface Controllers for compatability and feature availability for your particular radio. The adapters use the radio’s CD-Changer plug to turn your iPod into your own in-vehicle music jukebox! For radios that display the iPod's text information, the iPod can be tucked away in a glove box or center console. For radios without this capability, the user can secure the iPod in one of our accessory mounting options.

Auxiliary Input:

Another great sounding iPod option is the auxiliary input. This option will pipe music from your iPod directly into your radio by converting your radio’s CD changer port into an auxiliary input. This option adds more than just iPod availability to your vehicle. When not using the iPod, the input may also be used for a mobile video system, portable satellite radio tuner, laptop, etc! Also, you can charge the iPod using one of our 12Volt chargers. CarDomain has auxiliary input options for both factory radios and aftermarket radios - check out the Auxiliary Input Adapters area in our Receiver Installation section.

The following options offer convenience and portability with good sound quality. These input options can also be easily moved between multiple vehicles:

Cassette Adapter:

A device for our more traditional customers, the cassette adapter is one of the oldest and most common methods for using external devices with a car stereo. The cassette adapter can be used with side-loading cassette players or front-loading cassette players. Cassette adapters offer good overall sound quality (usually better than standard cassette sound), and will allow you to use your iPod in any vehicle that has a cassette player. This can also be used for portable CD players, laptops, etc.

Wireless FM Transmitter:

The wireless FM transmitter is an extremely portable, easy-to-use device for iPod integration. The transmitter actually broadcasts your iPod through the FM airwaves inside your vehicle. Simply put, you’re turning your iPod into your own personal radio station! The wireless transmitter is truly flexible option because you can take it from car to car without worrying whether or not it will be compatible. When using an FM signal to transmit an audio signal into your radio, you do sacrifice a bit of sound quality. Normal FM operation is limited to the frequency range 50Hz to 15,000Hz (human hearing and most CD-sound quality is typically 20Hz to 20,000Hz) and here you are converting your digital iPod signal to an FM analog signal. However, most users would never notice such a difference which is partly why FM modulation is such a popular method for auxiliary audio interfaces. This can also be used for portable CD players, laptops, etc.

If your main concern is only to have iPod functionality in your own car, the wired FM modulator or an auxiliary input adapter offer higher sound quality, but with slightly more complex install. These input options are relatively permanent, meaning the input adapters cannot be taken from car to car, but of course the iPod still can.

Wired FM Modulator:

This FM device is not to be confused with its little brother the Wireless FM Transmitter. This unit actually installs in the dash and is wired so that it interrupts the FM signal received through your car antenna. This unit transmits a stronger signal and will generally have fewer issues that can result from your device sharing radio frequencies with an FM radio station. CarDomain has quite a few FM Modulators to choose from with FM selectivity ranging from units with only two channels to units with as many as 40 channels. However, as with wireless FM transmitters, you are limited to the FM frequency bandwidth, but this method of FM transmission is a stronger overall signal and therefore will have better sound quality than a wireless transmitter.

Before purchasing an FM Modulator it’s important to choose a brand that can operate on a frequency that isn’t used in your area or the area where you’ll be using it most often. The modulators do interrupt the FM signal as it comes in, but as a general rule to achieve the best sound possible, it’s best to choose an open frequency. Some vehicles do not have standard antenna connections (Most GM vehicles, some Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles, BMW, Mercedes, VW/Audi, some Nissan, some Chrysler, etc) and may require antenna adapters to convert them to a standard connection. If you aren’t sure whether or not your car will need one, please check our fit guide or contact our support team. If you need an adapter, your car will require two—a “forward” adapter and a “reverse” adapter.