[Burger]

The output from my iRiver MP3 player is a little low for the aux input on the bikes stereo. Even with the MP3 volume full up, it is still a little quieter than say the FM radio. Full volume on the MP3 player is not a good idea because this means a lot of the dynamic range is missing from it and the on board amp is working at overload. Does anyone know of a suitable pre-amplifier?

I found an old 12V magnetic cartridge preamp which I've wired in together with a ground loop isolator from a car accessory store, but the preamp is non adjustable and so now I have the opposite problem lol... the MP3 player is turned right down to a volume of 5 on a 40 scale and therefore is boosting the bass to unacceptable levels.

Anyone help please?

Thanks,

 

[JimRo]

Well,

I think the first thing you need to do is look at the volume that the indiv tracks are recorded at. I reset all my tracks at 96-97Db and run a Sansa 140 2 gig player. The player works fine and at about 21 Vol output setting on the bike at 80MPH music sounds super.

Have to remember the system is 35W with 15W speakers. on anything less than a 2006.

Go to google and type "MP3 Gain" download the software (Its Free), install it then take a few of your files and do a quick track analysis to see what you have for music. After that you can reset the output level on your tunes to whatever you want. Only works on MP3 if you run WMA or MP4 or Apple, you either have to convert to MP3 or it won't work

 

[Burger]

Thanks, I have many pieces of MP3 software, some free, some not, including normailzers and gain adjusters. That's not really the solution though. All my MP3's are set to around 89/90 db, so to re-adjust to 97 db would only give a 7db increase and I would still require the MP3 player to run at full volume into the Goldwings aux.

I would like to run the MP3 player at around 1/2 to 2/3 volume as this is best for dynamic range using it's built in amp. To do this into the Goldwings aux and still be able to equalize the volume with other sources such as FM would require a 20 to 25db gain.

I live in hope of finding a suitable pre-amp.

Thanks again,

 

[Bobb Todd]

I have been using a $20 Boosteroo that runs on 2 AA batteries. I don't see it as a long term solution but it boosts it enough that I can hear well.

I also have an FM signal sender for my iPod and I'm wondering, if I pump the iPod sound through the FM radio will that provide louder sound ?

 

[Burger]

Thanks but I'm not after boosting the output of the audio system. The standard system is plenty loud enough through the speakers or headsets. I want to balance the sources. One being my MP3 player so that:

1. When I switch from MP3 to FM there isn't a large difference.

2. I don't have to run the MP3 player at full volume (on the MP3 player not the audio output).

Thanks,

 

[Bobb Todd]

I don't have to run the MP3 player at full volume (on the MP3 player not the audio output).
..............................
That is the point of the Boosteroo. I run my iPod at about 2/3 volume and get the same at the speakers as if I was running the FM.

 

[Burger]

OK thanks Bob, I misread your first reply and it sounded like you were just trying to get more volume completely. I'd still like to think there must be a suitable bike powered preamp out there somewhere.

Regards,

 

[KenH]

Bob Todd, this "boosteroo" you have - where did you get it? I have a similar item from Radio Shack that works "pretty good", but not great. My system just doesn't have have the full volume I'd like (I'm about half deaf I think) - and my headset speakers don't fit right over my ears correctly with the helmet I have is one of the BIG problems.

Thanks,

Ken H.

 

[KenH]

OK, I should have did a quick google on that boosteroo - I just found it at several places and it exactly like the Radio Shack item I have.

Thanks, I should have did the search before my quick post.

Ken

 

[Burger]

Well I think I've just found the exact unit I need from a guy in Germany. Found it on the UK ebay site and have been in comms with him. He makes it with an external 12V power socket too although he says the sound quality is better off the internal battery. He's making me one that will work either way. Not real cheap, but it looks perfect. 3.5mm jack connections, volume control to set the level correctly etc etc.

Click here

Regards,

 

[JimRo]

set to around 89/90 db, so to re-adjust to 97 db would only give a 7db increase

I don't want to be insulting, but I don't think you realize what a 7db increase really does as far as volume. You might also consider switching mp3 players. I don't run my player at full volume.

Im have adjusted and converted over 1100 CD's to play on my player and I have had 5 different ones. So I have seen the movie and read the book.

Good luck

 

[Burger]

I don't want to be insulting, but I don't think you realize what a 7db increase really does as far as volume. You might also consider switching mp3 players. I don't run my player at full volume

I realise very well what 7db does as far as volume and, without wishing to be insulting to you of course, perhaps you don't realise what a bad idea it is to set all your MP3's to peak at 97db. It doesn't just change the volume of the sound you hear but it also damages the dynamic range of the music and increases greatly the harmonic distortion and frequency imbalances.

While a Goldwing is far from the ideal listening environment I don't want to hear over or under powered hi and low frequency ranges in my music. I also don't wish to switch MP3 players as I purchased this one taking into account a lot of factors not least of which was ease of control with gloved hands. As you'll see from my last post before this, I believe I have found the ideal solution but thanks for your suggestions - I appreciate you trying to help.

Regards,

 

[Cotton]

have you looked at one of these?
http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplirider.html
It helped the volume in my headsets with the mp3 player at 2/3 volume.