Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with audio and ipod

AniPod?

Oktober — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:29:15 -0800

I have a substantial amount of anime that I'd like to watch, but a less-than-perfect system for doing it. Pretty much all of it is in .mkv files (h.264 video and AAC audio) with subtitles, and I'd like to transcode them to a format that's playable on either my iPhone or my PS3 with subtitles intact. I've tried both handbrake and VLC, and I either get 1) no subtitles in handbrake or 2) encoder errors in VLC. So, hive mind, what am I doing wrong here?

Help me help her

any portmanteau in a storm — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:29:08 -0800

What mp3 player should my wife get? My wife has wanted an ipod for a while and will probably be buying one in the next week or so. At the moment she's thinking of the 32GB ipod touch over the 16GB nano. The standout feature of the touch over the nano being the ability to surf the net.

The last time I knew anything about portable mp3 players was in 2003 when I bought my 3rd gen ipod (which I still use) so I have no idea if any of the "ipod killers" out there offer compelling alternatives. Archos, Zune, Zen?

Also, being able to use the device in linux would be nice. Not a deal breaker, but nice.

Help me connect my iPod to my stereo!

Citrus — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:32:27 -0800

I have a JVC stereo, which boasts of the ability to accept my iPod as input. The problem is that I don't have the right wire for it! Can I buy one of these things anywhere? The socket that accepts the cable looks like this. (And, yes, I know that I can just use an aux jack. I'd still like to have this iPod-specific cable.)

Make Apple in-ear phones work better with T-Mobile G1?

Mo Nickels — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:32:14 -0800

How can I get my Apple iPhone/iPod/iTouch in-ear headphones to work easily with my T-Mobile G1 phone? The headphones are great--the best in-ear headphones I've used, except for ones I cobbled together using parts of two different models.

The problem is that when they're plugged into any of the four adapters I have for my T-Mobile G1 phone, they don't work properly. I have to pull the plug out a little bit, to just the right spot, to have full audio in both ears. This is probably due to the nonstandard, four-part nature of the plug: there are four metal places on it that probably don't line up well and my G1 doesn't/can't use the ones for the volume or the microphone.

Does anyone have an adapter that they know for certain works with these earphones? Or a simple hack or trick for making them work easily?

Geez, is the example title really "How to get an iPod to work in my car?"

Overzealous — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:43:45 -0800

Looking for some audio whiz that can confirm that this particular iPod adapter and car stereo will work. Dazzle me with your knowledge and experience! I'm looking to figure out a way to hook my first gen iPod Touch directly into my factory installed car stereo. It is a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with an RBQ radio (six disc changer, no cassette deck, and looks like this:) The end result doesn't need to look flashy, charge my iPod, or use the head unit to control the tracks. A simple aux jack tucked away somewhere would suit me fine. I am not interested in hearing about FM transmitters or modulators -- I've tried them with no real success, but thank you.

The PIE CHRY02-AUX Auxiliary input adapter for select 2002-06 Chrysler radios which seemed most promising boldly says "NOT COMPATIBLE with Chrysler's 6-disc in dash radio (i.e “RBQ”)." The one that is a Mopar product really only talks about model years 2006 and newer.

Is there a solution that will work for me? Does the Mopar OEM iPod Interface Kit work with a 2003 Chrysler RBQ 6-disc changer radio?

Headphone amp for Airport Express?

hydrophobic — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:11:00 -0800

I buckled and bought a set of AKG k701 cans. They're currently hooked up directly to my Airport Express and sounding great, just lacking the final couple of decibels. Can anyone offer any advice on choosing a suitable headphone amplifier or, even better, suggest a recommendation (sub $500)?

Lucky there's a....

alice ayres — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:49:04 -0800

can i extract the audio from youtube videos to create an mp3? is there any way that i can extract the audio from the multitude of videos for the family guy musical pieces to create my own compilation (something similar to what the simpsons have already done)?

also, let's say i could find every single musical number on youtube (or other video sources), how can i make them into iPod friendly a) audio files and b) video files?

GPS Connection + Car Stereo

mccarty.tim — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:11:20 -0800

My PT Cruiser has a satellite radio receiver installed. I don't care for it. Can I make the antenna more useful? I bought a 2007 PT Cruiser Limited (Non-Turbo) used. It has a satellite radio receiver installed, which came with a year of free service when it was new. Of course, I bought the car after the year. So, my car has a radio receiver on the roof I can't afford service for.

I have a GPS, but I tend to park in a parking garage on a college campus. When my GPS (A Tom-Tom) loses signal, it takes a while to get it back. It usually comes back while driving, but it's a bit unnerving when I'm running late for something. Could I possibly take out the radio, get the cable for the satellite receiver, plug that into the external antenna port on my TomTom and put the radio back in without too much fuss? If the cable could be rerouted so it doesn't look too awkward, say through a vent for the windshield blower, that'd be a plus.

Also, while I have the stock radio out, could I install a new radio built for the odd shape in the PT Cruiser with a better iPod interface? I'm only asking because I'm curious. The AUX port is perfectly fine (Save for having a lose grip of the jack), I'd just like something to make it easier to change songs while driving with the bigger screen with an integrated charging option (I currently use a cigarette-lighter to USB adapter). If it's relevant, I use a 20 GB iPod 4G Clickwheel in the car, but I could also use a second generation 4GB Nano, and I'm planning on getting an iPod touch as soon as one of those two iPods dies. Failing that, is it possible to install an aftermarket radio in the car without it looking too funny? The two knobs that stick out from the side worry me.

Other specs I would like in the radio, aside from iPod docking, include AM/FM with at least 4 presets per band, MP3/WMA playback from a burned CD, and the ability to remember what station you were playing last when changing sources (A minor annoyance on mine, because when I switch from AUX to radio, it automatically gives me satellite, and I have to fiddle to get the FM stations again). Being able to see the song playing or selected on the iPod would be nice, too. If it's affordable, HD radio would be great but not essential. I have no need for satellite radio, because I like my local stations and my iPod tracks. If I could buy that for under or around $100, I'd be interested.

As for technical aptitude, I'm a pre-engineering education major. I'm comfortable with some minor electronics, and wouldn't mind crimping a cable or two if I don't need to buy too many tools to get the job done. I'd prefer to install these tweaks myself, but I could look into an honest person to install them. If it's not obvious yet, I know very little about cars.

Sorry if Travel/Transportation isn't appropriate. If you think I should re-categorize this, let me know. Thanks!

Recommendations for high-end car stereo upgrade <$1800 (no boom/sizzle)

bmilner — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:04:07 -0800

Seeking recommendations for high-end component car stereo upgrade for 2003 Passat for <$1800 (w/ iPod & keep steering wheel controls?) I'm seeking recommendations for how to best upgrade my factory Passat stereo system. I'm a "high-end" sorta guy seeking smooth detailed sound over sizzle/boom

15 yrs ago I was up on the latest in high quality audio gear. It was simple, you bought A/d/S speakers, maybe a kicker solobaric sub and you ended up with a really decent high end system. Now... I'm out of touch.

I have a 2003 Passat b5.5 wagon w/ Monsoon Cassette/CD system & headsup controls on the steering wheel. I'm looking to redo my system with the following requirements. I warmly welcome your input.

My desired system:
MUST HAVES:
* Utilize the kicker 10" solobaric sub in an enclosure - I already own this.
* BUDGET: Under $1800
* Direct connection of an iPod classic. FM modulator quality is probably fine. No need to display iD3 tag info. I can control the iPod myself manually.
* Highest sound quality possible! I want warm smooth highs, accurate mids. I loathe boom and sizzle and harsh systems. On my ADS system I padded the tweeters down 3dB and liked it better.
* I want rear fill. It's not ok, to just have fronts.
NICE TO HAVES:
* Control the stereo volume from the Heads up steering wheel controls. I love those. (I can control iPod myself)
* Minimal installation hassle (i.e. can I use the stock headunit w/ a better amp and speakers down the path?)
* I'd consider built in GPS... if it didn't compromise the other "must have's"!
* ability to manually tweak the bass crossover point. I always seem to want to touch that depending on the music.

So, what do you think?

Brand recommendations? Specific speaker models?
Speak up. Most of the local (Seattle) places here want to sell me the latest sizzle system that burns my eardrums off. I need real advice.

New car stereo solution?

ObscureReferenceMan — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:37:40 -0800

Car stereo solution for someone non-technical. I have a 1990 Acura Legend with original stereo & speakers, but the 10-disc changer my brother installed is having issues (discs aren't always recognized, and the remote is broken). And the rear speakers are buzzing. So I'm in the market for something new. I don't want to spend more than $500 (for stereo and speakers). My requirements:
- Input for iPod (will be purchasing that soon also)
- Should play at least one CD (in case on a road trip, someone brings tunes)
- Some kind of equalizer (not just treble/bass control)

My question is not so much "which unit" (but I welcome input/feedback), but "where to go?". My gut tells me BestBuy. I've browsed, and they seem to have a decent selection, and installation is minimal. Or do I go to a car stereo place? There are plenty on Long Island (suggestions for/against would also be appreciated). Would $500 get me something good?

One qualification: I do NOT want to buy individual components and install them myself (I know it's cheaper). I am NOT handy. I CANNOT do electrical installation. This is non-negotiable. Sorry.

Any other suggestions (units to be aware of +/-, forums, review sites, etc.) are welcome. Thanks!!

Need a player to listen to audiobooks

reenum — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:42:17 -0800

Looking for the best portable players for DRM audiobooks and other large MP3 files I've tried to play DRM'd audiobooks from NetLibrary and OverDrive on my current MP3 player (Lexar JumpGear), and have not been successful. The files are so big that the player hangs up while trying to load them.

Ideally, I'm looking for a player that can handle the following:
1. Files of 100 MB or more.
2. Has bookmarking capabilities so I can save my place in the file.
3. Upgradable firmware.
4. Is sturdy enough to use at the gym.

I have no allegiance to any specific brand. I'm just looking for the best player for my needs.

I've looked into iPods, but they aren't able to play the WMA files used by NetLibrary from what I can tell.

What do you all use to listen to such files?

Have iPod. Will travel?

tcv — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:19:51 -0800

I'd like to start listening to my podcasts in m'car. So, I have a lot of options, but I'm just not sure on which option I should pull the trigger.

FM Transmitter: When I subscribed to Sirius, I used the FM transmitter in the tuner and it was just OK. At the time I lived in Boston, I never found a clear channel that let me roam around the entire metro area without running into some serious interference. I live in Houston now, but, more to the point, the one transmitter for iPod I have used was either terrible or there ain't no free channels on my dial. Perhaps there's a better product?

Manual AUX hookup: Unfortunately, the stock Scion xB radio doesn't have a front-facing AUX port. In the back there is an AUX port and there is a way to hook up a device that would allow me to run a headphone jack to the front. I'd have to pull apart more stuff than I am comfortable with pulling apart. What's more, to make it look neat, I'd have to drill a hole in the back of a small compartment so I could run the cable to the front. I am not handy and am nervous I'd break something.

New radio: I could purchase a new radio with a front aux jack, have it installed. I just don't know what to buy and who to trust for installation. Plus, well, wouldn't this route cost hundreds of dollars?

My limited mental faculties lead me to believe I have the following options:

1. A better FM transmitter for the iPod.

2. Paying for a cheap radio, having it installed by Big Box and hoping for the best.

3. Getting out the drill (rrrrr, rrrrr). (I'd also have to hunt down the old instructions I put SOMEWHERE on that old Scion forum...)

Help Me Stop Watching My iPod With My Glasses Off, Please

interrobang — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:04:04 -0800

Audio and video are out of sync on mp4s downloaded from Google Video about 80% of the time. Is there anything simple that I can do about this? OSX, by the way, and it's mostly for watching on my iPod.

How can I make all the songs in a playlist be the same volume?

k8t — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:24 -0800

Is there a way in iTunes (or another application) to make all of the songs on a playlist be approximately the same volume? I am making a wedding/iPod DJ playlist. I get annoyed when a song was ripped at a low volume. Is there a way to fix this so that all songs are at the same volume?

Help my mother get into MP3s

Rolandkorn — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:08:15 -0800

Looking for a way to get my 60 year old mother into the mp3 generation. My mother is 62 once a hippy now a conservite. Her viewing pleasure on tv include CNN, Greys atonomy, Heroes, and Lost to name a few other things. She is addicted to audio book cassettes (alot of mystery stuff growing up she like murder she wrote but the climate of tv has changed and so has her taste) and i am trying to find her some podcast that might be up her alley (she likes to garden, cook, drink and is a dog and cat lover ) since i am not a 62 year old woman and have no idea what podcast most would find interesting i have decide to consult the hive mind for answers. I am doing this in hopes to get her to abandon the tape format of audio books and move into the digital information age of podcasting i think she might enjoy it more since she typical spends large amounts of time traveling for her job. I think it will be easier and more beneficial in the long run to get her moving on this technology while she is flexible enough to adapt to it.

How do people listen to audio in the shower?

zaebiz — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:09:01 -0800

One Ipod. One shower. One man. How can this man listen to his audio in the shower without damaging his Ipod or his ear cavities, using only household (or otherwise inexpensive) items. IMPORTANT : Must be able to hear the words. Ok feel free to add any waterproofing accessories that you know of but I feel certain I can do this safely with a bit of creative thought. Im open to not using the Ipod and using the computer instead, and Im open to not needing to wash my hair/face in the shower at the time.

How do I get long audio files onto my iPod?

ruwan — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 06:47:14 -0800

I have series of lectures that I'd like to listen to on my ipod. Each lecture is about 60-65 minutes long, and there are about 35 of them. But for some strange reason, I can't get them to transfer to my ipod... I have them all loaded up on a playlist on iTunes and I can listen to them on my computer (MacBookPro) just fine. It seems that iTunes will not let me sync these lectures (or the playlist) to my ipod (30 gig, 5th gen). I'm sure there's enough space (the files are 350mb total, and I have 4gb free), and I've even tried it by clicking "manually update my songs", and even if I drag the lectures one by one from my library to my ipod, the lectures will not transfer.

(I have not experienced any other problems with transferring any other songs to or from my ipod.) Any ideas?

Help me find a clear frequency for my Ipod.

rongorongo — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:23:35 -0800

I hook my Ipod to my car stereo using an FM transmitter. Before setting out I'd like to choose a frequency that's not going to compete with local radio stations en-route. Is there a simple list of frequencies likely to be safe from interference? Alternatively has anybody done yet built some kind mash-up website that would give me a frequency for a given journey? I am in the UK but would be interested if this has been done anywhere. This existing thread is related but does not cover the issue of frequency choice.

SoundPlaybackDeviceFilter: I need to play back audio for a specific purpose. Please tell me what devices (mp3 player, sampler, etc.) have worked for you!

gaiamark — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:26:33 -0800

I'm looking for something that will be able to play back either an uncompressed WAVE file or that will record an actual audio signal for later playback. It has to be totally shock/shake-proof, and it must be able to automatically stop after every track/file and wait for input to start again. Preservation of sound quality is absolutely essential. If any of you have experience with such a device, please share. So, this device would be used to play a track of audio to a mixing board to be mixed in with a live performance. Obviously, it needs to stop at the end of each track so that it can be restarted at the band's convenience.

It would have to output to 1/8" or 1/4" stereo, RCA, or XLR (preferably not XLR).

It could be a CD player, but I think that would probably cause too much trouble, and they never seem to be totally shock-proof.

It could be an mp3 player that supports WAVE files. Once again, it would have to be able to stop at the end of each track and wait for the "play" button to be pressed to start the next track.

It could be a sampler, but I know nothing about them. If it is a sampler, it would need to hold at least 40 minutes of sound.

I don't trust CD players for this, and I really have no experience with either mp3 players or samplers, so I don't know if any of them could do the job. I trust the hive mind to point me in the right direction!

And once again, preservation of sound quality is essential.

Oh, did I mention that I would like to spend less than $200? I wouldn't mind spending more if it is for something really worthwhile, but my gut tells me that the right device exists and can be found (Ebay? Craigslist?) for under $200.

Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

How to get an iPod to work in my car?

dearest — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:30:00 -0800

I'd like to buy another iPod, but only if I could get it work with my '99 VW Beetle. Has anyone had any experience fitting the iPod into a car that has no auxillary stereo option? Please, don't recommend iTrip, it works horribly in my area. Thanks in advance.

From Mini to Nano : will iTunes be a problem ?

XiBe — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 04:59:04 -0800

iPodFilter : In 2005, I bought her a Mini. Now, she has a Nano. Not sure how to deal with it the iTunes way. Knowing vaguely about the iPod limits and such, is there any problems she could encounter while just plugging her Nano is the PC she's been using her Mini with ? What should she do beforehand ?
Second : I inherit the Mini. Never had one before. Can I just install iTunes on my PC and roll with it ? What about the songs on the Mini - will they be deleted, or become mine, or...

Please hope !

Merry thinggies !

Awesome ipod -> car connector cable?

joshuaconner — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:34:44 -0800

I'm looking for a cable that has the ipod connector on one end and both a cigarette lighter adapter and two male RCA's on the other end. Does such a thing exist?

Just like the tag examples... but with a twist.

I EAT TAPAS — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:44:32 -0800

Are there really no in-dash hard-drive based car MP3 players (er, under $2000) or single-DIN 6-disc changers on the market anymore? Help me with my broken changer. So, I have a 2000 Isuzu Trooper. It's been great. It came with a neat little single-DIN in-dash 6 disc changer that's connected to its in-dash cassette player. That too was great. It just broke. I can't imagine servicing a 6 year old in-dash CD changer's a good idea economically. Looks like there haven't been any cheap salvaged replacements on eBay in quite some time, and car-parts.com doesn't show anything that close. The Trooper's still in fine shape and probably has many years left, so it looks like I'm shopping for a replacement.

Problem is, I'm a bit picky. But really, all I want to do, is switch between a library of around 10GB of music relatively easily.

Right now, I'm doing it the "old-fashioned way" -- hit the number of the disc in the CD changer, or find the disc I want to listen to out of a pile in my center console and do a quick disc swap. I can do this quickly, at a traffic light. But not any more, obviously, because my in-dash changer's broke, and there don't appear to be replacements out there that aren't those big old changers from the 90's that went in people's trunks. I can't quite imagine climbing over my seats to get at it at a stop light or while I'm a passenger.

Now, what would be wonderful to have is a modern equivalent of the Empeg/Rio Car. By which I'm saying -- why isn't there a modern equivalent of the Empeg/Rio Car? Is there, and I'm missing it? Give me a nice display and a hard drive in the dash and I'll be fine. Put an amp in it so I don't need an external amp and I'll be elated. But I just don't think there's anything out there. No, I don't also want to buy an iPod that will get broken and/or stolen and look ridiculous hanging somewhere in my car that I can't use without looking at it and not at the road thanks. (I would consider an Empeg-like device where the iPod actually gets devoured by the head-unit.)

Yes, yes, I do know there are single-disc CD players that play MP3s. Boy, do they all look bad, with poor navigation of what's on a disc, and I can't quite imagine being able to swap things quite like I do now with a bunch of hand-scrawled 700MB MP3 discs. Perhaps you can convince me otherwise, but they all look like a pain unless you have just one or two MP3 CDs. Yep, I've looked through Crutchfield's selection.

So, knowing that I don't mind the in-dash 6 disc, that I'd love an Empeg if I could find one at a reasonable price, that I think a single disc would drive me crazy and I'd prefer not to have anything hanging out of anything else... got a suggestion?

Make itunes fill up my ipod!

cschneid — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:02:18 -0800

How do I tell itunes to just do it's best at filling up my ipod? I have a 1 GB ipod nano, and my music collection is much larger than that. What I want to be able to do is to have a playlist like 'my top rated' and then another playlist with the rest of my music assigned to take up whatever remaining space is left on the ipod.

The other thing I want to happen is for this second playlist (the bulk of music playlist) needs to update when I add new music. That is a more general question really, how do I make smart playlists recalculate? They seem so nice when you make them, but they don't ever seem to update correctly.

Car Audio in Toronto?

jacquilynne — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:31:43 -0800

Where should I go in Toronto for car audio purchase/installation? I'm not looking for a high end place that will sell me a zillion dollars in new speakers for perfectly balanced audio. I'm so deaf from attending rock concerts that I can't hear the difference between a CD and an MP3 anyway. To this point, I've just had the stock stereo in my 2001 Honda Civic and I've been perfectly happy with that.

The only reason I want to change is that I've bought an iPod, and I'd like something with an audio in so I can plug my iPod in. I'd like it to be relatively cheap, and for the stereo to be installed for me, and for the salespeople not to try to oversell me, or rip me off. Can I just go to BestBuy or Canadian Tire? Or is there a better local choice?