Ice>Link Settings for Audiophiles

[lovetomotor]

Just curious what settings others are using with their i-pods and the Ice>Link. I have an i-pod mini a Dension Ice>Link and the BC3 comm system; Rather than set the i-pod equalizer to 'Flat' I use the 'Trebel Reducer' setting. Anything else seems to overdrive the input to the Ice>Link and muddies up the tunes. However when I use the i-pod with ear buds, I get the best sounds using various i-pod equilizer setting. I believe I have the Ice>Link volume set to 1V.

Anyone else have a combination of i-pod equalizer, Ice>Link and intercom settings that works for you?

[messenger13]

As an audiophile, and a sound engineer...I think I can answer with a great deal of confidence that when I get done, you'll be thoroughly confused. So...here goes nothing. :D

First of all, regarding the volume setting of the ice>Link. You want to adjust that parameter so that your iPod gives you the same relative volume as the FM tuner, or single CD player. Turn your radio on, listen to the volume of the music. Then, switch it to your iPod. The volume level should be as close as possible. If not, adjust.

As far as my iPod's EQ setting goes...I ALWAYS run my iPod flat. No matter whether I'm using it with my home system, in either cage, my LT, or with the OEM earbuds, or my $200 audio-technica headphones. I haven't noticed any clipping due to the iPod or ice>Link over-driving the LT's input...and/or the input of my intercom. Furthermore, I have experimented with the "Bass Booster", "Loudness", and "Treble Booster" while using the iPod on my LT...and I still don't recall any clipping issues like you're describing. I just prefer to run the iPod flat, and do all my "tone tweaking" with the amplifier controls (i.e. the LT's radio, my cage's radio, or my home stereo.).

Here's a question: How does your iPod sound through the LT's speakers? Are you still experiencing clipping. Or is this problem isolated only to your helmet headset?

[simoncharles]

This looks interesting.

[lovetomotor]

As an audiophile, and a sound engineer...I think I can answer with a great deal of confidence that when I get done, you'll be thoroughly confused. So...here goes nothing. :D

First of all, regarding the volume setting of the ice>Link. You want to adjust that parameter so that your iPod gives you the same relative volume as the FM tuner, or single CD player. Turn your radio on, listen to the volume of the music. Then, switch it to your iPod. The volume level should be as close as possible. If not, adjust.

As far as my iPod's EQ setting goes...I ALWAYS run my iPod flat. No matter whether I'm using it with my home system, in either cage, my LT, or with the OEM earbuds, or my $200 audio-technica headphones. I haven't noticed any clipping due to the iPod or ice>Link over-driving the LT's input...and/or the input of my intercom. Furthermore, I have experimented with the "Bass Booster", "Loudness", and "Treble Booster" while using the iPod on my LT...and I still don't recall any clipping issues like you're describing. I just prefer to run the iPod flat, and do all my "tone tweaking" with the amplifier controls (i.e. the LT's radio, my cage's radio, or my home stereo.).

Here's a question: How does your iPod sound through the LT's speakers? Are you still experiencing clipping. Or is this problem isolated only to your helmet headset?

Great perspective Joe, I appreciate it. My iPOD sounds terrific through the external speakers when I use one of the iPOD EQ settings, however I do experience severe clipping of the signal through the helmet speakers. The treble reducer EQ setting and 'Flat' EQ setting on the iPOD are the only settings where I don't experience clipping through the helmet speakers. I have the factory (for 2003) J&M intercom and headsets.

I am going to try your suggestion on the volume control. Stay tuned.

[messenger13]

Is there any kind of trim or input setting whatsoever on that intercom unit? Sounds to me like that's where the issue lies. Not in the ice>Link or iPod. If not, would it be possible to install an inline volume control between the LT's radio (amp) and the intercom unit? I have inline volume controls (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102975&cp=&kw=volume+control&parentPage=search) on all of my devices (GPS, cell phone, & music), because my IntaRide RP1 intercom does NOT have trim controls on the inputs. Those little gems work wonderfully.