static / crackling noise when using EQ

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Level 1

0 points

static / crackling noise when using EQ

I see I'm not the only person having this problem here ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5815488). I just got a Classic 80gb for Christmas and was very disappointed to discover that it distorts some songs with crackling / static noise in certain parts of the songs. This is my first iPod, and I expected better from Apple. I prefer listening to my music with the EQ on but am finding that I'm having to turn it off to avoid being annoyed by the intense distortion on certain songs. Please Apple, can you fix this in a firmware update?????

Powerbook G4 15", Mac OS X (10.5.1), iPod Classic 80gb

Posted on Jan 19, 2008 7:06 AM

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Answer 1

Donkuok

Level 1

10 points

Jan 19, 2008 7:08 AM in response to Catman77

Some of your mp3 songs may not be encoded properly.

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Answer 2

Catman77 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 19, 2008 7:43 AM in response to Donkuok

Don't think so. If this is the case, then Apple needs to re-encode a good number of it's iTunes Store songs - as it happens on several of my recent purchases including tracks from a wide range of artists from All Angels to Mika, etc.

In addition, on all of the songs where I've noticed the problem, it plays perfectly when playing through iTunes on my computer, but distorts in the same areas each time when played through the iPod with the EQ on.

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Answer 3

GLNHP

Level 3

850 points

Jan 19, 2008 4:40 PM in response to Catman77

You may want to download MP3Gain and run some of the offending songs through it. You will probably see that they are clipping, which means that the headphone amp in the iPod will produce distorted sound. Using the EQ only makes the distortion worse.

MP3Gain allows you to reduce the overall gain of tracks, thereby reducing (or eliminating) clipping. The program allows you to analyze the tracks first, then make changes if desired.

I've run MP3Gain and applied the suggested changes to most of my library. I had many songs that sounded awful until I applied the gain reduction. Be sure to read the help file after installing it so that you understand what all of the options are.

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Answer 4

Catman77 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 19, 2008 5:18 PM in response to GLNHP

Thanks for that. As I'm using a mac, is this the best program for me to do this:
http://homepage.mac.com/beryrinaldo/AudioTron/MacMP3Gain/
Also, is there a program that will enable me to work with the protected AAC files I've downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store - at the moment as if they might be the greatest offenders!!

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Answer 5

Jan 19, 2008 8:37 PM in response to Catman77

I've used MP3Gain on my entire library of music, with a target of 89dB. I still get clipping on my iPod (6G) 160GB when using EQ. I've also tried the SoundCheck feature.

I'd say that's probably the most disappointing thing to me about the iPod -- sucky EQ. There's really no excuse for this, even though it may not have hardware EQ they can still implement a limiter to soften the clipping noises so they are not so obvious. RockBox has great EQ and it's open source (i.e. FREE), so why can't they do just as good for something I'm actually paying for? It's a pity RockBox doesn't work on the 6th Generation (yet)..

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Answer 6

Jan 19, 2008 9:30 PM in response to MatthewK_78

I've MP3Gain'd my entire library. Albums are grouped and changed to 89db. Individual songs by Various Artists are also individually changed with a target of 89db. It does make a huge difference when applying EQ to songs on the iPod as there is no clipping produced making for a richer audio experience. The only caveat is not having as much volume to the songs. But really, it all balances out in the end when EQ is applied.

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Answer 7

Jan 19, 2008 9:41 PM in response to SithLordDarth

I agree that it makes a huge difference, but it does NOT eliminate all clipping.

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Answer 8

Jan 19, 2008 9:45 PM in response to MatthewK_78

Agreed. It will eliminate clipping after a user perusal of the sound file discovers it still clips. Then the threshold can be dropped even further to say 87db or lower.

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Answer 9

Jan 19, 2008 10:58 PM in response to SithLordDarth

Back to my original point, Apple should take care of this. Not everyone knows how to use MP3Gain and stuff. It would be a mostly simple fix for them to implement. A hardware EQ would have been preferable, but I guess it's too late for that (at least with current iPods anyway).

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Answer 10

Catman77 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 20, 2008 7:07 AM in response to MatthewK_78

Back to my earlier question: has anyone got any experience with a similar program for the Mac, and is there a way of dealing with these issues on AAC Protected files downloaded from the Apple Store? I'm new to this so thanks for any help.

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Answer 11

GLNHP

Level 3

850 points

Jan 20, 2008 7:40 AM in response to Catman77

I believe there is a version of AACGain for the Mac. Since I'm a Windows user, I can't vouch for its effectiveness nor its safety. I also do not know if it will work on DRM protected files. Sorry I can't be of more help.

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