I just got my new 2007MCSa on Monday. In messing around with all the new toys, I have found that the sound quality using my ipod via the aux in port is really terrible (it is like in "mono" mode or something). Anyone else having this problem? FYI, I have the nav and hi-fi/sirius package.
Thanks,
Melissa

 

My iPOD sounds fine through the AUX port. Are you using the headphone jack or the bottom line out? It makes a HUGE difference!

 

Make sure that you are using a stereo mini plug to mini plug cable. Sounds like you may be using a mono cable.

Also, because the cable is connected to the headphone jack on the Ipod, you are sending a low impedance speaker level signal to the aux input on the MINI. If you have the volume on the Ipod set too high, you will overdrive the Aux input on the MINI, causing distortion.

 

+1 to what the others said. My iPod sounds great with the bottom line out cable.

 

DITTO!!

 

For the technically declined (that would be me), what is the difference between the cables? I am currently using an i-cable specifically for use with aux input and the headphone port. Is there another type of cable that provides better sound quality?
Thanks,
Melissa

 

Yes. There's a cable that plugs into the bottom of your iPod instead of the headphone jack.
Here's an example:
http://www.provantage.com/cables-go-35508~7CBTY00H.htm

 

Perfecto! I just ordered one from proadvantage. Thanks for the help.
Cheers,
Melissa

 

Convenient retractable versions here:
http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/...%20Accessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/iPod-Car-Stereo-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Like they said above it will sound twice as good, I know mine does. Remember that the cable will ignore the volume that the iPod is set to but it will use whatever EQ setting is on the iPod and you'll hear that setting in the car.

 

muchas gracias,
Melissa

 

or you could get something like this:

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=193794

to keep your ipod charged while driving.

 

Sorry for raising an old thread, but is this the line out cable you guys are referring to?

 

Yep, that's what you want for best audio from an iPod.

 

I've never seen one of those before, where do you get it and what is it called please? I have a lot of music on my iPhone.

 

Google "ipod dock line out cable". There are many choices.
I have a retractable cable similar to this, but in black:

 

Ok , my 07 only has the aux port ( 3.5mm) not a USB port . So I always use a 3.5 to 3.5 cord and just run my iPod on via the headphone jack .
If I use one of these iPod Dock to 3.5mm then will I still control the iPod from the iPod itself and use the auxilary setting of the stereo ? Btw it's an iPod Classic , and I have the Hifi 10 speaker setup - no nav or Bluetooth .

 

That's correct, nothing would change as far as how you would control it. You would just benefit from much better sound. I have one of these and the difference is night and day! Good luck!

 

I have an aux input? I'm using the dealer installed iPod cable in the secret compartment. It's nice because it keeps it charged, but don't have very good control over the iPod (classic). Yeah, I know, RTFM!

 

I had a 7S .. yep, the AUX input is standard equipment ....

feel around below the toggle switches at the bottom of the centerstack

it is over on the right hand side ... faces down so you don't see it. If you decide to use it know that there is an AUX level setting on the radio and you may need to play a bit to find the best setting between your radio AUX setting and your device volume/out setting and the radio volume setting. I used an Ipod Nano and it took some playing around to get decent sound. {not talking BEST sound ... I'm talking about getting rid of HUGE distortion . . . I'm NO music expert ... I can accept A LOT!!!!}

 

Cool! Thanks Cap. Learn something every day.

 

Yes I know where the aux input is, like I said - that's how I use my iPod .
HOWEVER I find no aux level setting on the radio anywhere , is it possible they all don't have it ???!??!
And , if I use my dock connector in the secret compartment then it automatically takes control of my iPod ( I believe it's through the disc changer setting ) and plays the iPod alphabetically ( when there's 12000 songs on my iPod it's not an option to hear them in order !) .
So my question is this - instead of using the secret compartment dock cable ( since it gives me no control over playlists etc ) and instead of using the aux jack under the console and connecting to iPod via headphone jack ( because you say the sound is inferior that way ) - then if I buy a cable that connects the iPod at the dock connection ( instead of headphone jack ) and then run the other end to the aux input under console , then will I still be able to control the iPod with the iPod or is it going to take over control and just play it alplhabetically ??? I'd love to be able to see the iPod info on the speedo display and control song play with the steering wheel controls but I think I'm going to have to buy an aftermarket hu to do all that

 

Which year is your MINI? Its changed around a bit. The earlier ones, I think it was on the note button (possibly needing a long press to find it). The later ones have a "Lev" button on the main screen.
You should have 1,2,3,4,5 buttons, they all do different things. One for playlists, one for artists, one for albums, etc.

Edit to add: Unless you have the really early version, which I didn't think worked on 2nd gen cars. Then the 1,2,3,4,5,6 buttons played specific playlists, I think they had to be called MINI_1, MINI_2 etc.