Airport Express AirTunes Singal Dropout

Good Day All,
I recently added an AirPort Express to my graphite AirPort network and connected it to my stereo to stream music. The problem is, the signal keeps dropping out (not a problem for internet connectivity because the graphite AirPort provides that), and the music to the stereo stops briefly. This happens every few minutes, and lasts about 5 seconds.
Any ideas as to what might be causing this and how I might fix it?

This is a common problem - see this long running discussion on the topic for a lot of hints and tips:
Muhannad Al-Khurafi, "Audio Drop while using airtunes", 10:38pm Jul 21, 2004 CDT

Similar Messages

  • Airport Express - Airtunes Audio Dropouts in client mode

    The last week I spend trying many tips from this and other forums to get my Itunes running without dropouts, without any results. Heres a list what I did:
    Firmware downgrade to 6.1.1.
    Disabled IPv6
    Increased Buffer Size in Itunes to BIG
    Let OnyX runover
    Disabled Dashboard
    I works fine in Network Mode, but I cannot connect to Internet, and I would like to listen and surf...
    My config: Netgear Wireless router, Airport Express and MacBook 2Ghz Intel Core Duo.
    Sometimes it seems that playing directly from CD causes less dropouts - allthough the amount of data is much higher.
    I also noticed that my windows XP laptop produces much less dropouts than MacBook, it reconizes even the remote speakers in Itunes, allthough there is no Airtunes software installed. I tried to install Airtunes there, but it didnt recognize AE, allthough it found the new network, well..
    The system itself is rather new and with 1,5 GB of Ram it should be running like a rocket...
    I think the problem is either that there is not enough bandwith, maybe Airport reserves an amount for netsurfing, or there is a hardware problem with the build in Aiport, that cannot stream continously audio in client mode.
    No neighbor networks here, no microwave however there is a satelite dish cable, but this must disturb Aiport even when running in Single Mode, do I think wrong ?
    Some users report that the dropouts occured when updating Itunes...what should I do ?
    Send back to apple or wait for an update ?
    Will apple take care for the few MacBook Core Duo Users or invest more in the newer series ( Core 2 Duo ) ?
    Any help much appreciated. Greetings, Walter
    Mac Book Intel Core Duo 2Ghz 1,5 GB   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

    After further testing it figures out that the problem seems to be at the Hardware of the Airport Express.
    When running in client mode, the green light is flashing always, so data seems to be sent correctly from MacBook - also from a PC Laptop. So MacBook´s Airport is OK. The dropouts appear, allthough the light is continously flashing.
    When running the seperate Network MAC and PC stream perfectly.
    Now I´m sitting here, listen to music from PC and surfing with my MacBook...
    I also tried to connect the second Network via WDS and configure the Internet Connection to my existing Network via WDS and use the AE as a remote Base Station - doesnt work, because it doesnt like the dynamic IP Adress of my Netgear Router, I think AE needs a fixed one, I wonder why AE could not handle a dynamic IP...
    The other question is, if configuring Internet with WDS would solve the problem ? - I think that is the same problem just from another side, Airtunes and Internet on one AE, and the AE could not handle that...what do you think ?
    If the Internetconnection breaks for 1 second it doesnt matter, but you hear that when airtuning music...
    Thanks for any statements.
    Mac Book Intel Core Duo 2Ghz 1,5 GB   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

  • Regarding an Apple TV and an existing Airport Express/AirTunes setup

    alright, i think i'm going to make the jump now for the new Apple TV. but i do have a few questions, particularly re: my existing Airport Express/AirTunes and wiring since i'm really maxed out in terms of open ports that i have left.
    —my HDMI will have to go through a new HDMI smart switch hub into my older plasma that has one HDMI input. no problem, i've researched the smart switch, and realize the Apple TV may go in the low priority input since it seems to throw a continous current. if anyone LOVES their smart switch, throw me a bone here.
    --however, i will need to go audio optical out into my receiver based on my current setup. and my receiver's optical inputs are all currently used. however, one is in use by a nearby Airport Express. since that AE has been used for AirTunes for years, i assume i can now safely ditch it's optical out since i will now be running my music through the Apple TV instead, correct? and therefore i will have my receiver's optical input now freed up, and there goes my Apple TV wire instead. just looking for verification here.
    --since this AE is right there, will I get any speed advantage to the Apple TV by dropping an Ethernet cable from the AE's output into the Apple TV's Ethernet input, rather than relying on a pure wireless signal? my assumption is no, since they are both receiving the signal from my Airport Extreme on the other side of the house, but i thought it was still a worthwhile question.
    --this particular AE has also been acting as a WiFi range extender (it's b,g,n). so i guess i will still just leave it plugged into the wall, but turn off it's AirTunes sharing, correct?
    --(side note: if i wind up not needing the AE's optical out, and i don't need it's Ethernet out, i will then be moving it across the room since i'm ridiculously tapped out of electrical outlets by my entertainment center. and that's where the Apple TV power cord will go. just a boring fyi)
    --i truly think i had another important question, but i cannot remember it. so i'll repost when it comes to me.
    so i think i know my answers, but i always learn in these forums. so any thoughts or feedback is greatly appreciated.
    thank you!

    kevinopp wrote:
    —my HDMI will have to go through a new HDMI smart switch hub into my older plasma that has one HDMI input. no problem, i've researched the smart switch, and realize the Apple TV may go in the low priority input since it seems to throw a continous current. if anyone LOVES their smart switch, throw me a bone here.
    Older AppleTV did not play well with some switches, so it'd be sensible to get advice about one that definitely works with the new unit. They may have ironed out HDMI glitches but too early to tell.
    --however, i will need to go audio optical out into my receiver based on my current setup. and my receiver's optical inputs are all currently used. however, one is in use by a nearby Airport Express. since that AE has been used for AirTunes for years, i assume i can now safely ditch it's optical out since i will now be running my music through the Apple TV instead, correct? and therefore i will have my receiver's optical input now freed up,
    Yes, the AppleTV will replace the Airport for optical audio duties from your iTunes library. Add an iPhone/iPas Remote app and it should work very nicely as it did with the 1st gen.
    --since this AE is right there, will I get any speed advantage to the Apple TV by dropping an Ethernet cable from the AE's output into the Apple TV's Ethernet input, rather than relying on a pure wireless signal? my assumption is no, since they are both receiving the signal from my Airport Extreme on the other side of the house, but i thought it was still a worthwhile question.
    I doubt it would be of any benefit as AppleTV has wireless n anyway.
    --this particular AE has also been acting as a WiFi range extender (it's b,g,n). so i guess i will still just leave it plugged into the wall, but turn off it's AirTunes sharing, correct?
    In that case if it's an extender you may need it on for AppleTV to pick up the wireless, though I think I'd try and see if it receives the main signal adequately first.
    --i truly think i had another important question, but i cannot remember it. so i'll repost when it comes to me.
    I know that feeling.

  • Airport Express/AirTunes Not Working with New Verizon FIOS Connection

    I was just set up with the new Verizon FIOS high speed internet, and now my Airport Express/AirTunes will not connect to my remote speakers like it did previously. The option for them is still there on iTunes, however when I select them, I get the horizontal barber pole for a minute, then the speaker selction goes back to computer.
    In more detail:
    Previously I had a Comcast internet connection which went through a Linksys wireless router. My Mini picked up the internet with this connection. Then I had an Airport Express hooked up to some remote speakers. They worked fine. Now, I have the Verizon wireless router hooked in directly to my Mini through the ethernet cable. I see the wireless network created by the Verizon router. I still see the wireless network created by the Linksys router. However, my iTunes can not connect to my AE/AirTunes speakers.
    Note, I did reset the AE and then using Airport Setup Assistant, tried to locate it again, but it came up with nothing (other than my neighbor's new Verizon router).
    Any help would be appreciated.
    Thanks!

    Still no luck. The green light is on for the AE.
    Thanks in advance for the help.

  • Regarding a 2nd gen. Apple TV and existing Airport Express/AirTunes setup

    alright, i think i'm going to make the jump now for the new Apple TV. but i do have a few questions, particularly re: my existing Airport Express/AirTunes and wiring since i'm really maxed out in terms of open ports that i have left.
    —my HDMI will have to go through a new HDMI smart switch hub into my older plasma that has one HDMI input. no problem, i've researched the smart switch, and realize the Apple TV may go in the low priority input since it seems to throw a continous current. if anyone LOVES their smart switch, throw me a bone here.
    --however, i will need to go audio optical out into my receiver based on my current setup. and my receiver's optical inputs are all currently used. however, one is in use by a nearby Airport Express. since that AE has been used for AirTunes for years, i assume i can now safely ditch it's optical out since i will now be running my music through the Apple TV instead, correct? and therefore i will have my receiver's optical input now freed up, and there goes my Apple TV wire instead. just looking for verification here.
    --since this AE is right there, will I get any speed advantage to the Apple TV by dropping an Ethernet cable from the AE's output into the Apple TV's Ethernet input, rather than relying on a pure wireless signal? my assumption is no, since they are both receiving the signal from my Airport Extreme on the other side of the house, but i thought it was still a worthwhile question.
    --this particular AE has also been acting as a WiFi range extender (it's b,g,n). so i guess i will still just leave it plugged into the wall, but turn off it's AirTunes sharing, correct?
    --(side note: if i wind up not needing the AE's optical out, and i don't need it's Ethernet out, i will then be moving it across the room since i'm ridiculously tapped out of electrical outlets by my entertainment center. and that's where the Apple TV power cord will go. just a boring fyi)
    --i truly think i had another important question, but i cannot remember it. so i'll repost when it comes to me.
    so i think i know my answers, but i always learn in these forums. so any thoughts or feedback is greatly appreciated.
    thank you!

    I received my apple tv yesterday (wednesday the 29th). I bought a new computer on september 2 and also ordered the ATV and i got next day air. I think that why i got mine so quick. the tracking said i wouldnt get it until october first. But besides that the new apple TV is so awesome. i quickly viewed all my pictures and movies from my mac, used my netflix account, you tube, and a few other features. i also got my iphone to work as the remote which is way better than the standard remote. my only problem is i want to pair my wireless keyboard and cant find out how to do it...

  • Using Airport Express / Airtunes to play audio from Safari / OSX?

    Just bought my first Airport Express. Can I use Airport Express / Airtunes to play out audio from Safari / OSX (or other applications) to my home stereo?

    Hi Fenneberg:
    Welcome to Apple Discussions and congrats on your AE purchase!
    You'll need a 3rd application to stream music to your AE from other applications like Safari. It's called Airfoil and it can be found at: http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/
    I hope this helps!

  • HOWTO: Linux Audio Players and the Airport Express (Airtunes)

    Hi,
    I've written a description on how I got amaroK (Linux audio player) to stream audio to my Apple Airport Express (Airtunes):
    http://www.jroller.com/page/nwinkler?entry=amarokand_the_airportexpress
    Nils
    Other OS Fedora Core Linux

    Here is a link comparing all of the Express versions - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort_Express
    Here is an article on Airtunes vs Airplay - http://answers.oreilly.com/topic/2169-apples-airplay-what-it-is-and-how-its-diff erent-from-airtunes/

  • MacBook core duo Sept. 2006  - the audio is a mystery.  Any analogue out has bass boost with bass distortion.  With digital out, by USB or Airport Express Airtunes, the frequency response is normal.  Somewhere, Apple put in an analogue bass boost.. why?!

    Since new, my Macbook core duo has sent all audio to all analogue outputs with frequency distortion.  Some physical hardware or firmware in the analogue section adds a bass boost to the frequency response of the audio....  And, this boost adds bass frequency distortion to most, if not all, of the audio analogue output.
    This happens for all audio sources, players, iTunes, videos, streaming audio/video, movies...  any sound source available to the Macbook.  No-one with whom I have talked about this problem, has ever heard of it.  Not elegant ideas for reducing it are to use equalisers on players and iTunes.  iTunes even has a preprogrammed "bass reduce" on its equaliser, as if it knows already that this inherent bass boost "feature" has been built into the Macbook, and cannot be defeated by the user.
    The digital audio is of sufficiently high quality to play well on a very good to excellent sound-system;  so, it's a shame someone has mucked around with the frequency response of the analogue conversion, by designing the frequency distortion right into the computer.  This motherboard, (which includes the sound-section), has been replaced, along with the speakers, and everything sounds exactly the same as it was before.
    To receive a flat frequency response and no frequency distortion, I listen on one receiver using Airtunes, (it doesn't matter whether or not the analogue or digital output jack is wired analogue or connected via optical cable....  the freq. response is flat);  and I listen on a high-end stereo system using an USB output port to an A/D converter, passing the analogue result using long patch-cords connected to the "line-in" jacks of the stereo.  The bummer is that most of my audio sources are not derived from iTunes...  hence, I cannot use Airtunes with Airport express for them.  I've tried using "Airfoil" without luck.  The sound becomes distorted with sibilance and other frequency anomalies.
    Question:  has anyone else discovered this sound imperfection in any Mac product?  And, does anyone know if Apple is aware of it?  Finally, has anyone found an Apple fix for the problem;  or, at least, come up with better solutions than I have?
    Thanks heaps for any impute and answers you may supply!!  junadowns

    Army wrote:
    This might not help you a lot, but if you want a stable system, try using packages from the repo wherever possible, look at the news before you update your system and don't mess things up (like bad configuration etc.).
    When it comes to performance, you won't gain much by compiling linux by yourself! Just use the linux package from [core] or if you want a bit more performance, install the ck-kernel from
    [repo-ck]
    Server = http://repo-ck.com/$arch
    (this has to go to the bottom of /etc/pacman.conf)
    (use that one which is best for your cpu (in your case this might be the package linux-ck-corex).
    Hmmm, Linux-ck-corex doesn't even load.. I am now trying to install the generic one. Hope it works.
    Edit: I will first try linux-lqx...
    Last edited by exapplegeek (2012-06-26 18:33:31)

  • Airport network - multiple Macs + Airport Express/Airtunes

    Hello all - I am in need of some advice on how to correctly setup a home network.
    We have an Extreme base station (one of the older dome shaped ones) connected to our DSL modem - from this we operate 1 G4 Powerbook, 1 G5 iMac, 1 Intel iMac, 2 iPhones. All can currently access wireless internet with no problems. I am trying to add my old model Airport Express to this setup so that I can use Airtunes from the 2 iMacs - specifically so that we can use the iPhone Remote App to control the music coming though our living room stereo.
    I have managed to set it up so that I can use Airtunes from the Intel iMac, but it seems that i have to disconnect from the base station network to do so - i.e. I can either have internet on my iMac or Airtunes, but not both - as a result I cannot use the Remote App on my iPhone to control the music.
    I obviously have the network set up incorrectly - what do I need to do? Do I need to startover with the whole network design?

    Here are the basic steps for configuring the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) for AirTunes ...
    Perform a "factory default" reset of the AX
    o (ref: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108044)
    To set up AirTunes on the AX, either connect to the AX's wireless network or temporarily connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, use the AirPort Admin Utility to check these settings:
    AirPort tab
    o Base Station Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
    o Wireless Mode: Join an Existing Wireless Network (Wireless Client)
    o Wireless Network: <select the existing wireless network>
    Music tab
    o Enable AirTunes on this base station (checked)
    o Enable AirTunes over the Ethernet port (optional)
    o iTunes Speaker Name: <whatever you wish>
    o iTunes Speaker Password (optional)
    In iTunes:
    iTunes > Preferences... > Advanced > General
    o Look for remote speakers connected with AirTunes (checked)

  • AirPort Express Airtunes speakers

    I was thinking, now that Airtunes supports multiple speakers, I would like to get a set of portable speakers that could connect to an AirPort Express. It would be ideal if these speakers had a doc to hold the AirPort Express, it would really rock if they would route an AC power connector so the Airport express could plug right in!
    Does anything like this exist? It sure should I think. If you read this post and agree with me, leave a quick note so that maybe some manufacturer will get something like this on the market if it does not exist.
    And if you know of something like this PLEASE let me know!

    I've not seen such speakers with an Airport Extreme port. But if your problem is the lack of A/C ports or space for them on the strip, a simple extension strip attached to your wall can hold both. Also Radio Shack does have extension cords so brick power adapters don't get in the way of each other:
    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2348190
    As for good portable speakers, look at Radio Shack and Circuit City where lots of different speaker options exist. Be careful of those speakers than are less than 6 inches by 6 inches. Those don't give off much sound at all.

  • Airport Express - Airtunes Scratchy Sound

    Transmitting music via Airport Express to remote speakers via Airtunes produces scratchy sound. Not as good as connecting speaker to direct iTunes output via computer out-jack.
    I am using D-Link Router DIR-625 compatible with 802.11n
    Does Airport express have a sound fidelity limitation?
    John

    Does the coding and decoding produce some loss of sound fidelity?
    It is also important to note that the AX functions only at a 44.1kHz sample rate. When you play 32kHz or 48kHz data, iTunes sample-rate-converts the data in real time before sending it to the AX.
    iTunes uses a QuickTime CODEC to convert audio files to Apple Lossless, and then, uses AirTunes to send them to the AX. In turn, the AX uses built-in software that converts the Apple Lossless to an Encoded Digital Audio format. From there, digital audio is sent to a optical transceiver to convert the electrical signal to an optical one before sending it to the innermost part of the audio port. The digital output is a bit-for-bit match of the source stream. Little or no sound fidelity is "lost."
    However, for analog, the AX has a built-in DAC to convert the Encoded Digital Audio to Analog which is sent to the same audio port. In this case, some "loss" of fidelity can be expected. To overcome this, some folks incorporate an external DAC.

  • ITunes upgrade to 6.02 destroyed my Airport Express Airtunes network

    upgraded to 6.02 last night, opened iTunes this AM--lower RH corner no longer shows option to use computer speakers or my networked home theater speakers. Airtunes worked flawlessly in 6.01.
    is there any way to restore my airtunes network without downgrading to iTunes 6.01?
    would upgrading the OS to 10.4.4 fix this?
    not sure if this belongs in the iTunes for Mac thread or in the Airport Express thread--mods feel free to move
    thanks

    No answer from others but I seem to have fixed the problem by unplugging the Airport Express from the wall (i.e unpowering it), waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back in. Light went yellow for less then a minute,then back to green, and after restarting my Mac and reopening iTunes the Airtunes button was back, and I can now choose the multiple speakers option and thus hear music through my home theater and on my iMac in the other room.

  • Software Download for Airport Express/Airtunes?

    Hey all. I decided to hook my Sony speaker system up to my amplifier and hook back up my Airport Express. So I know I need to add the Airtunes software to my Macbook (iTunes) to be able to run it. Unfortunately I no longer can find the CD that Airport Express came with. How am I able to get the software now? I have searched alot of sites online and can't sem to find a download anywhere. Can someone help me out and point me to where I can get it. Thanks so much!!
    Jason

    Hi Duane
    I'm still having trouble. I did as you said. I have connected the Airport Express to my Sony amplifier and have plugged it in. Amber flashed for a minute or two and now it is solid green. I went to the Airport Admin Utility as it suggests in the help URL you posted. However no base station appears when it scans. It is not seeing it or some reason. Did I miss something? Is there a setting on my Macbook that needs to be adjusted?I havent used the Airport Express in a couple years. I did reset it with a paper clip as another help area suggested and then trued to rescan it but still doesnt show up as a base station. I am using it in conjunction with the existing wireless network in my house and my Macbook that I purchased the end of last year. I have no prob connecting to internet on my Macbook. Please help!
    Thanks
    Jason

  • Airport Express: AirTunes via ethernet?

    My current setup:
    Verizon DSL wireless router & an Airport Express on a WEP wireless network (the Airport Express is not wired to the router).
    MacBook streaming music to my stereo wirelessly via AirTunes.
    My question:
    If I connect a Mac Pro to my AirPort express via ethernet
    1) will I be online?
    and
    2) will I be able to stream music to my stereo from the Mac Pro?

    If I connect a Mac Pro to my AirPort express via ethernet
    1) will I be online?
    Only if the Verizon router supports ProxySTA. Normally when the AirPort Express (AX) is connected as a wireless client the Ethernet port is not active.
    2) will I be able to stream music to my stereo from the Mac Pro?
    Only if the Ethernet port on the AX is active.

  • Airport Express/AirTunes with Verizon Internet

    hi!
    i'm trying to set up my airport express with a verizon router. i only want to be able to use this to stream music/print wirelessly so i'm not trying to extend or replace the network.
    when i reset the airport express and go through the configuration process, pick a name, password and connect to the existing wireless network from verizon an error pops up saying:
    "AirPort Utility was unable to find your base station after restarting. The settings for this base station have been successfully updated, but there was a problem re-joining the wireless network or finding the base station. You may need to select your network from the AirPort menu and try again."
    the airtunes network isn't available to select from the airport menu and my existing wireless internet network stops working until i reset everything.
    any ideas how i can get airtunes to work? i'm not sure why the base station can't be found after set up.
    thanks!

    i'm not sure why the base station can't be found after set up.
    The AirPort Express is not joining your Verizon wireless network because it does not have the correct settings...probably security related.
    Can you tell us exactly what type of security your Verizon router is configured to provide? We can't tell you how to configure the Express until we have this information.
    You may need to get into the configuration pages for the Verizon router if you don't know the exact type of security that is being used on the network.

Maybe you are looking for