Connecting iPod to aux RCA's of old boombox?

bongomania · #1 12-27-2007, 12:51 PM

I have a good mini-stereo plug to 2xRCA cable, but it seems like the signal output of the iPod is way too low to use with the aux ins of older boomboxes and stereos. Even cranking the volume of both devices to max gets only quiet signal. Is there a gadget on the market that is designed for adapting iPod output for this purpose? Or will I have to DIY a little line driver?

vbsurfer3001 · #2 12-27-2007, 01:06 PM

What about just running it through a practice amp?

bongomania · #3 12-27-2007, 02:45 PM

No, I have craploads of audio gear at home, this is for when I'm at a jobsite or a friend's house where they only have an old stereo or boombox.

SpankyPants · #4 12-27-2007, 02:50 PM

I've noticed that some RCA inputs tend to be quieter than other inputs. This has proven true IME with DVD players, TV's, and a few other appliances.

However, it also should be noted that a couple of years ago, Mac started using an iPod volume limiter due to lawsuits about diminished hearing attributed to loud iPod usage. There are ways to set the limiter at maximum, and if that isn't enough there are programs that actually provide a volume boost for your iPod.

bongomania · #5 12-27-2007, 03:06 PM

Cheers Spanks, but my iPod is pre-limiter-era.

I'll have to look into that software though.

SpankyPants · #6 12-27-2007, 03:08 PM

Well, they implemented the limiter through iPod software, not hardware. Once you used the iPod update, they infiltrated your previously brain-blasting music box.

Vic Winters · #7 12-27-2007, 05:47 PM

Is it 1/8 stereo or mono going into your iPod?

marcray · #8 12-27-2007, 06:07 PM

the updated software has put a "volume limit" in your settings. Go in there and crank it, then go back to settings and turn off the "soundcheck". Should be better.

bongomania · #9 12-27-2007, 08:01 PM

I don't see the volume limiter in any of the settings. Sound check was off. This is a Gen. 4 iPod, is it possible the software update did not dump the limiter onto this older unit?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic Winters

Is it 1/8 stereo or mono going into your iPod?

Stereo.

Also, I'd be curious to know if any of you have tried what I'm describing and not had any issues with signal level. I know it was a problem for several co-workers at my last job, using the aux ins of the jobsite stereo, so it's not a problem specific to my iPod or cable or even the boombox at my current job.

SpankyPants · #10 12-27-2007, 08:23 PM

Here's some lit.

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/mar/29ipod.html

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.h...um=303414#ipod

It seems that it does mention something about 5th gen. iPods, but it's still worth a shot. If all else fails:

http://www.google.com/search?q=ipod+...S225US225&aq=t

Vic Winters · #11 12-27-2007, 08:26 PM

I never had any issues plugging an iPod Mini or a 60 gig iPod into the old JVC boombox I have at my house. Simple RCA to 1/8 stereo, and I'm good to go.

bongomania · #12 12-27-2007, 10:37 PM

Hmm...

Well, it looks like the limiter function was only applied to Nanos and Gen 5's, so no limiter here. And every last one of the software hacks merely defeats the limiter function. There was one hack that claimed to go beyond that, boosting the volume to double, but it looks bogus.

Guess I'll get one of those little external phono preamps from Rolls, that oughtta do the trick.

Trevorus · #13 12-27-2007, 10:55 PM

Why not get one of those FM tuners. I just bought one for my wife's iPod nano, and it works wonderfully. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...970398-4172437

T-Bird · #14 12-28-2007, 03:51 AM

Hi.

I've noticed that almost every iPod I have or have had has a different output level for some reason

(Power conservation ?)

I haven't actually measured the levels but the difference ranges from subtle to drastic, specially with 4Gen models. I've had 7 of those and no 2 have been the same.

I haven't had any problems though, there's always been hot enough signal, but I haven't been using boom-boxes, just ordinary amps and mixing consoles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Guess I'll get one of those little external phono preamps from Rolls, that oughtta do the trick.

Don't know about that particular amp, but if it has the RIAA correction as any decent phono amp has, You won't like it.

There can be an attenuator of some kind built in the input module of the boom-box, a DIY minded person would open 'er up and... You know

.

Just my 0,02€
Sam

KeithBMI · #15 12-28-2007, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I have a good mini-stereo plug to 2xRCA cable, but it seems like the signal output of the iPod is way too low to use with the aux ins of older boomboxes and stereos. Even cranking the volume of both devices to max gets only quiet signal. Is there a gadget on the market that is designed for adapting iPod output for this purpose? Or will I have to DIY a little line driver?

Connect your ipod to your computer and open up iTunes. Select all the songs and group edit all of their settings.

There is a slider under "options" for volume level. I bet if you crank it up a couple of notches you'll be fine.