Thread: Mp3Car USB adapter for XM Direct TOO LOUD!

Originally Posted by howellpeebles

I just installed the MP3CAR USB Adapter bought from MP3Car.com and it connects and decodes XM just fine. But the sound is terribly fuzzy. From my experience with this stuff I feel like the problem could be that the signal to the carputer via 1/8 inch connection to the sound card's microphone might be to "loud" for the soundcard's expected range.

So.. my next attempt was to run the signal straight from the XMD 1000 to my amp in hopes that I could run both the input from the carputer and XM as a merged signal to the amp. But the signal was far too strong to run to the amp without turning the amp down as low as possible. This proved to me that the signal from the XMD1000 was far too loud to be handled easily.

Has anyone had this problem and found a way around it?

P.S. I have my mic level as low as possible in windows and centrafuse. I have a Mini PC by AOpen.

Thanks!
Howell

This was my quick and dirty solution to the exact same problem with my tablets.
[media]http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2265311w345.jpg[/media]
Radio Shack part #42-2559. Install as close to the PC as possible and create a shared ground for the XMD-1000 to the PC's ground point. Works fairly well,no engine noise and adds the resistors necessary to bring the signal down to usable levels.

Originally Posted by howellpeebles

I just installed the MP3CAR USB Adapter bought from MP3Car.com and it connects and decodes XM just fine. But the sound is terribly fuzzy. From my experience with this stuff I feel like the problem could be that the signal to the carputer via 1/8 inch connection to the sound card's microphone might be to "loud" for the soundcard's expected range.

So.. my next attempt was to run the signal straight from the XMD 1000 to my amp in hopes that I could run both the input from the carputer and XM as a merged signal to the amp. But the signal was far too strong to run to the amp without turning the amp down as low as possible. This proved to me that the signal from the XMD1000 was far too loud to be handled easily.

Has anyone had this problem and found a way around it?

P.S. I have my mic level as low as possible in windows and centrafuse. I have a Mini PC by AOpen.

Thanks!
Howell

The mic in option is not the best way to get audio from XM but since it is all you have then be sure the "boost" feature is turned off in the recording control panel. Another option may be to make a cusom cable that connects to the CD in on the MB if it is available. Take an 1/8 audio cable and wire it to the 4 wire cable that comes with every CD drive ever made. That will keep it from being too loud as well.

Originally Posted by fixerofallthing

The mic in option is not the best way to get audio from XM but since it is all you have then be sure the "boost" feature is turned off in the recording control panel. Another option may be to make a cusom cable that connects to the CD in on the MB if it is available. Take an 1/8 audio cable and wire it to the 4 wire cable that comes with every CD drive ever made. That will keep it from being too loud as well.

I used the Mic-In port on my soundcard, you just really have to tweak the volume to get it to not sound distorted. My line-in port was too weak, so even with Master Volume all the way up, it only sounded half way. Putting it into the Mic-in fixed everything. In the end it all depends on your soundcard.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

I used the Mic-In port on my soundcard, you just really have to tweak the volume to get it to not sound distorted. My line-in port was too weak, so even with Master Volume all the way up, it only sounded half way. Putting it into the Mic-in fixed everything. In the end it all depends on your soundcard.

I agree. I used my mic in for HD until I bought Mitch's line in device. It was very sensitive and always gave me trouble which is why I said it is not the best solution but you are right that it depends on your sound card. The OP obviously has a sensitive mic in since his complaint is too loud.

Originally Posted by fixerofallthing

I agree. I used my mic in for HD until I bought Mitch's line in device. It was very sensitive and always gave me trouble which is why I said it is not the best solution but you are right that it depends on your sound card. The OP obviously has a sensitive mic in since his complaint is too loud.

What sound card do you use? I was using the SounbBlaster Live 24 USB. I also use Mitch's line selector and i had the same issue, I have to use it in the Mic-Port and leave the line-in empty. I have upgraded to a SB X-FI Xtremegamer PCI card, but since my MoBo isnt back, I havent tested it yet.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

What sound card do you use? I was using the SounbBlaster Live 24 USB. I also use Mitch's line selector and i had the same issue, I have to use it in the Mic-Port and leave the line-in empty. I have upgraded to a SB X-FI Xtremegamer PCI card, but since my MoBo isnt back, I havent tested it yet.

I am using the onboard sound from the Intel D201GLY board. No problem with audio level. I have HD and XM with no problems.

I am using the D201GLY with this adaptor and the Line-in plug. A little adjustment to the volume and it sounds just fine, neither too weak or too strong.

@howellpeebles - have you tried the Line input or CD in?

I suppose you could also put a resistor on the line or better yet a stereo potentiometer.