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Level 1

25 points

Poor sound quality when using iPhone 4 in car via aux lead

Anybody who knows about aux inputs and headphone jacks have any idea on this?

I use my iPhone to listen to podcasts and music in the car while I'm travelling. Done this with my iPhone 3G for a couple of years with no problems at all. Use one of these cables to connect the headphone jack of the iPhone to an aux input on my car stereo (a standard BMW 'business' head unit).

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=5150

Sound quality has always been excellent.

Got my iPhone 4 last week, and today plugged it into my car stereo. Immediately noticed that the sound quality is much, much poorer than my old 3G.

There is a continual hiss in the background, with random crackles and pops. So poor in fact that I cannot listen to speech radio (which most of my podcasts are.)

Same car stereo, same aux cable - it's just the iPhone that is different.

Has anybody else got this problem, or should I get the phone checked out?

I've tried aircraft mode, which makes no difference. If you turn the iPhone volume right up, it is slightly better (better signal-to-noise I guess), but still not good.

Also if I pause a song, the hiss continues for a short while, followed by a few pops then silence. Headphone circuitry being powered off?

Found an old spare aux cable - no better (or worse).

Finally, got my 3G out - and as I remember, the sound quality is perfect.

Another issue with the iPhone 4? Hope not.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.4), MacBook, iPhone 3G and 4, Apple TV

Posted on Jul 29, 2010 1:42 PM

Best reply

gazzerbrown

Level 1

5 points

Posted on Jul 29, 2010 2:01 PM

Hi found the same issue with my BMW Logic 7 stereo. Previous NANOs and IPODs are fine but the iphone results in background hiss and crackles. Have yet to find a reason why this occurs. Bugger.

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53 replies

Livers

Level 1

0 points

Nov 3, 2011 6:50 AM in response to slim142

So, the Fii0 L3 arrived and unfortunately, the cable was so short (8cm) I knew without opening the package that it wouldn't be suitable for use in my car. Ordered the L10 instead with a longer cable and I'm please to announce this (as stated) has fixed the problem. All sound is now controlled by the car audio volume rather than using the ipod touch (4th gen) and I no longer get that hissing noise even with the volume on loud.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Nov 4, 2011 3:49 AM in response to JamzeFisher

Fellow UK BMW owners.

Suggest you all buy this http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004LNVTUM

2mtrs long for 5.99£

i will report back. but have just ordered one in desperation to find a cure.

Regarding Aux level setting from menu. whilst i have an aux in, i don't see the setting on my 6 series from 2007.

Hopfully will can ride this infliction of low-Fi ;-)

Laters

Nov 7, 2011 3:49 AM in response to gazzerbrown

ISSUE SORTED FOR ALL

Ordered cable Fridays arrived Sat.

PROBLEM TOTALLY RESOLVED .

AUDIO FEDELITY MUCH BETTER THAN EXPECTED ;-)

HAPPY DAYS

Simple order the required £5.99 Cable from the link below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004LNZJ8K/ref=sc_pgp__m_A3DVFL8NUSFQQL_3?ie= UTF8&m=A3DVFL8NUSFQQL&n=&s=&v=glance

If you need it for another apple device simply look at the other products they sell and search for "Better Sound - Extra Long" a cable is available for all apple devices ;-)

Laters

bofriis

Level 1

0 points

Nov 8, 2011 12:51 PM in response to JamzeFisher

I noticed the same thing after getting iPhone 4S (replacing iPhone 4) in my BMW 330D. I managed to get the hiss'ing sound to go away by turning the volume up to max output. Im not sure what the problem is but i have never experienced this using the iPhone4. It could be the output amp from the phone, maybe some impedance matching between the iPhone output and the BMW amp. Anyway, workaround works fine.

I noticed one thing with the bluetooth headset in the BMW. It works with SIRI which is really awesome!

Nov 12, 2011 1:11 PM in response to JamzeFisher

I got an iphone 4s for a few weeks, I have 11 plate fiesta, which has a 3.5mm Aux connection. I have a Nokia N8, HTC Desire and iphone 4. All sound good when connected with 3.5mm audio cable in to cars AUX. When I use the same cable on the 4s there is so much hissing noise. Its is really bad. I have used the phone in a porsche mercedes that have the bigger dock connection, sounds perfect. Only issue is The AUX. Any help??? This is my 2nd Iphone 4s same issue

Nov 15, 2011 1:25 AM in response to MudassirRochdaleDeeplish

Buy the iphone 35pin to Aux 3.5mm jack connector. See earlier message. Tis the only solution

Dec 12, 2011 11:11 AM in response to MudassirRochdaleDeeplish

Im an electical engineer & I drive a 2011 Ford Transit. The connection is a 3.5mm jack to 3.5mm jack to connect to the sound system. My old 3GS was also fine but my new 4s hisses (same cable).

The hiss that every one refers to is better known as "ground feedback loop" on the old 3GS you'ed typically get it when the 12v charger is connected; however on the iPhone 4s it seems to be the opposite. I pluged in the 12v charger and the hiss had gone !!!

Try it .... Let me know how you get on.

Feb 27, 2012 4:03 AM in response to JamzeFisher

Dear all, I have BMW 1 serie from 2009 and i had similiar problem with my Iphone 4S. I have solved problem and my iphone 4S is also charging during listening music. I have bought cheap

3.5mm Car AUX Audio Lineout USB Cable Charger For Apple iPod iPhone 3GS 4G

from ebay and this is compatible with Iphone 4S as well....I paid 3.19 dollar (Free shipping) so good luck!

Poor sound quality when using iPhone 4 in car via aux lead