For this discussion we will be focusing around using it in your vehicle since that is the most popular place where people use a FM Modulator. Of course you can install a FM Modulator in homes and other places but by in large a car is the most common.
Also, for this discussion when we talk about FM Transmitters we are referring to the personal ones that you can buy in stores not the big ones used commercially.
MP3 FM Modulator |
MP3 FM Transmitter |
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Powering a Modulator |
Powering a Transmitter |
A FM Modulator is typically hardwired into the car's electrical system. This means you won't have to use batteries and the connection will be "hidden".
However, that means the connection is permanent and can't be removed easily. Also, you must know what you are doing or else you may screw up your car's electrical system or even hurt yourself. |
A typical FM Transmitter is designed to be mobile you can use it in your car one day and then move it to another car the next. If it offers other power options like batteries or AC you can even use it in your home, office, etc.
No need to worry about messing up your car's electrical system or getting yourself hurt with a MP3 Transmitter |
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Connecting Audio to a Modulator |
Connecting Audio to a Transmitter |
Similar to connecting power you will need to know what you are doing so as to not mess up your car's audio system and it is also intended to be a permanent setup.
This again may require you to hire someone which can be expensive |
Connecting audio by FM Transmitter is much simpler because it is designed to be mobile you can easily connect your MP3 player by an audio cable an you are done.
Also, you have the ability to change your audio source at will so one day it may be your MP3 Player and then the next day it is your satellite radio. |
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Transmitting Audio by Modulator |
Transmitting Audio by Transmitter |
| A FM Modulator is designed to take an audio source and transmit it to a FM Radio. However, it is designed to only go a few inches or a foot or two at most. Because of that you will need to have it very close to your Car's FM Radio is why you will need to remove your car radio and have it installed properly or else run the risk of messing up your car's electrical and audio systems. |
A quality FM Transmitter will let you achieve the same thing since a good one can go much further than only a few inches. In fact a good FM Transmitter can go 100 feet. This means you won't have to remove the car's FM Radio, do any installation or pay someone to do it for you. |
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Frequency Options With A Modulator |
Frequency Options With A Transmitter |
Because a Modulator transmits it will need a FM frequency to pick from. This isn't usually a problem except for the fact that since it's hardwired in to your car and is usually place out of sight it can be difficult if not impossible to change the frequency.
You also may run into the problem that Modulators may only give you 1 or a few options at most.
What that means is you have to either use a frequency that is not a common public frequency (i.e. is is outside the 88.0 to 108.0 FM range) for example most car FM Radio's also let you tune in 87.7 and 87.9 FM. Otherwise you will be forced to hijack a FM Radio station which could cause problems if a commercial station is trying to broadcast on that as well. |
The FM Transmitter is designed to again, be more flexible. a Good FM Transmitter will let you cover the entire public FM Band of 88.0 to 108.0 FM and you can easily change frequencies so if you were to run into a commercial station broadcasting on that same frequency you can change it by a simple click of a button. |
Most people when they say they want a MP3 Modulator are really meaning a MP3 FM Transmitter. Below is the Whole House FM Transmitter 2.0. read more about it and see for yourself why its one of your best choices for a MP3 FM Modulator (i.e. FM Transmitter) on the market today!
