Airport Express for whole home audio

Hello, newbie here. Question on using a single airport express instead of multiple for whole house audio.
We are building a new home and still have the ability to easily run hardwire for speakers. Looking for inexpensive way to get itunes content to whole house audio.
Will this work? imac/itunes > airport express(via airtunes) > multiple output amplifier(via rca minijack) > multiple ceiling speakers throughout home via hardwire.
Wouldn't this work without having to buy multiple airport expresses to place throughout home? Don't care about listening to different music in different rooms-want the same music playing in all rooms.
Thanks so much.

smokeater1 wrote:
Will this work?
don't see why not.
JGG

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Airport Express over All Home Audio Tuner

I have an Airport Express hooked up to our all home tuner and trying to get the icon to show up in iTunes allowing me to choose between 'computer' and 'All Home Audio'. I have the green LED lit on the Airport Express, I have the right box checked to look for remote speakers, but can not get the icon to show up in iTunes. Any ideas?

Duane,
Thanks for the reply. I beleive so.... I was in applications/utility/airport express setup and ran through the wizard there. however, it appeared as if the end result was to connect my airport card in the iMac to my home wireless network. I did not see set up information asking me to configure the remote device that is plugged into the tuner???

How do I use my airport express as my default audio for a laptop?

I can stream music from iTunes to our airport exoress no problem, but I'd like to be able to use the speakers connected to our Airport Express as the default audio output for my MacBook Pro - i.e for all sounds, aps, etc. This would allow me to wirelessly stream music or any other audio (not just iTunes) and then have it played through the speakers. I've googled and looked here, but cannot seem to find a clear cut answer that isn't two plus years old in all the clutter.
Thank you in advance.
(PS - I'm working on a MacBook Pro with the latest and currently up to date OS X 10.7.2)
Message was edited by: kldietch - ANSWER FOUND - USE AN IPAD/IPHONE TO STREAM THE AUDIO TO AIRPORT EXPRESS OR BUY AIRFOIL FOR MY LAPTOP TO CIRCUMVENT APPLE'S DECISION TO WALL OFF AUDIO OUTPUT FROM LAPTOPS TO THE AIPORT EXPRESS.

The bottom line is that you will need an application like Airfoil for Mac to be able to stream any audio source on your Mac to the AirPort Express.
Rogue Amoeba | Airfoil for Mac: Wireless Audio Around Your House

Will the Airport Express pass 24/96 audio?

Does the airport express support 24 bit audio? Anything higher? I've looked all over and can't seem to get a definitive answer.

I wrote:
"...the AE works only with iTunes v4.6 or later
and
is limited to music files that iTunes can read;
i.e.,
16-bit data only." Hope this helps
Ewen wrote:
You are partially correct in your answer. It is true
that iTunes 4.6+ atm is limited to 16-bit (strange as
other Apple music apps., e.g. logic express, can
easily perform 24-bit/ 32-bit!), however, the
third-party application Nicecast (RogueAmoeba) can
provide a 24-bit stream to an Express.
Thanks Ewen,
Now, what do you make of this statement which comes from the same article:
"When you play 32kHz or 48kHz data, iTunes sample-rate-converts the data in real time before sending it to the AE. I tried using the Nicecast utility for OSX ($40) to feed iTunes with 24-bit data and 88.2kHz data from the inexpensive but excellent Amadeus audio-editing program for OSX. High-speed files were played back at half speed and hi-rez data were truncated to 16 bits, according to RME's useful DigiCheck utility for the PC."
Not sure what original poster is interested in, but his/her post caught my attention as I am looking to put together a home theater system.

How to connect a 2nd airport express in a home network?

I'm triying to connect a second airport express in my home network but when I plug in and go to Airpot Utility says :
"This version of AirPort Utility doesn’t support this base station. Go to AirPort Service and Support for more information."
I don't know what to do to get connect the second airport exprees?, Do I miss something ?

You need AirPort Utility 5.6 to configure that model Express. The problem with that version is that Mountain Lion will refuse to let you install it.
This dilemma is easily solved. You simply need to extract the app from the installer package using a package extractor like Pacifist or unpkg. Pacifist is shareware, unpkg is free.
Download Pacifist here: http://www.charlessoft.com/
Download unpkg here: http://www.timdoug.com/unpkg/
Download AirPort Utility 5.6 here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
When the AirPort Utility .dmg file finishes downloading, open it to expand and reveal the AirPortUtility56.pkg package installer file.
Directions for Pacifist (I do not have screenshots for unpkg but the idea is similar):
Open Pacifist and from its File menu, navigate to the package and open it.
Click the "reveal triangles" until you see AirPort Utility 5.6.app:
Select it and then click Install from Pacifist's toolbar. It will then be installed in your Utilities folder, and you can quit Pacifist.
Mountain Lion will not allow you to delete its existing version of AirPort Utility. Just ignore it. It and the older version (which will bear the unique name "AirPort Utility 5.6") can peacefully coexist.
If you happen to have an archived copy of the AU 5.6 app somewhere, such as a Time Machine backup or equivalent, you can simply restore it or drag the app to your Mountain Lion system's Utilities folder instead of resorting to the above procedure. It will run without complaint. It is only the package installer that is the problem.
If you have an older computer with a version of AirPort Utility earlier than 6.0, you can administer it that way as well.

Trying to connect my airport express to my home WIFI

Hi,
I have been trying to connect a airport express to my home WIFI connection for the purpose of wirelessly transmitting itunes to my Alfresco area using my iphone as a remote.
The problem i currently have is that the airport does not seem to pick up my wireless broadband.
My router is a Netgear dgnd3700.
The procedure i followed so far is : 1. Reset the airport back to factory settings.
2. Plug the ethernet cable in and open airport utility.
3. Tick the circle saying " join existing network ". Here's the problem, my wireless network does not show up.
I can type in the name of my network and also the password but the airport is not picking up the signal .... i cant choose a network.
I can create a new network no worries and connect devices to it but that's not what i'm after. I'd like to join my existing network so i can transmit itunes to my amp.
I've gone through the discussion forum but can't find an answer. I have also tried to manually set up the connection .. same result.
Any help would be great ... i'm about to give up and think it was abad idea ....

If it is the old G version Express you cannot use 6.3 utility.
You must use the 5.6 utility.
How to load 5.6 into ML.
1. Download 5.6 for Lion.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
Click to open the dmg but do not attempt to install the pkg.. it won't work anyway.
Leave the package open on the desktop so you can see the file. AirportUtility56.pkg
2. Download and install unpkg.
http://www.timdoug.com/unpkg/
Run unpkg on the desktop.. If your Mac refuses to run the software, because it wasn’t downloaded from the Apple store, go to security in preferences and allow other software to work.. this is limitation of trade methinks. You can set back later if you like.
Now drag the AirPortUtility56.pkg file over to unpkg.. and it will create a new directory of the same name on the desktop.. in finder, open the new directory, drill down.. applications, utilities .. there lo and behold is Airport utility 5.6 .. drag it to your main utilities directory or just run it from current location.
You cannot uninstall version 6 (now 6.3 if you updated) so don't try.. and you cannot or should not run them both at the same time.. although I have had no problems when doing so.
For screen shots see this post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4668746?tstart=0

Airport Express for AirTunes. Problems.

I have a Windows XP computer and Laptop with a Linksys G wireless router in my house. Laptop connects to the router wirelessly and the desktop is hard connected to the router. Everyone is talking to each other nicely and I decided to invest an Airport Express for the sole purpose of playing itunes from my computer on speakers in another room.
I bought the Airport Express and have had nothing but disaster. I don't want to use it to create another network, just to "join" my existing network. So the first thing I do is plug it in with only the speaker connection plugged in. I have not plugged in an Ethernet cable or anything else.
According to the "manual" it is supposed to go solid yellow, blink and then go solid green. Because my home network is PW protected, I would have thought it could not "connect" to it on its own, but from just plugging it in to the wall outlet, I never get solid green, just flashing yellow, which apparently is bad.
Anyways, I use the software (updated over the net of course) to set up and it is looking for a "base station" (which is confusing to me because I don't have an Apple base station, I have a linksys router and the stupid Airport Express box plugged into the wall). At any rate, it "finds" the Apple base station and appears to treat it as an unsecured Apple network, with some funny id. I do "manually configure" and I tell it I want to use it for AirTunes, and I don't want to create a new network, I want to join it to an existing network. I give it the SSID of my home network as well as the 64 bit encryption key (that is not autogenerated, but that I manually type in), and that's it.
While I am able to get a message that it is ready to use (and I no longer see "Apple XXXX" as one of the available networks when I scan for available networks) the light on the Airport Express never stops blinking yellow, and it has done something to my home network because my laptop now is unable to keep a wireless connection to the router. I checked all my settings and they all seem to be ok, my desktop which is hard wired connects fine, but my laptop either won't connect at all, or connects and then drops. I have re-started everything including the router (not re-set, just unplug and plug back in) but my laptop now is totally not connecting and the Airport Express still doesn't work.
Sorry for the rant, but any suggestions?

Hello Birdman325. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Because my home network is PW protected, I would have thought it could not "connect" to it on its own, but from just plugging it in to the wall outlet, I never get solid green, just flashing yellow, which apparently is bad.
Not necessarily. A flashing amber status light generally indicates that the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) is not connected to a network. Since the default configuration of the AX is a wireless Internet router, the flashing status light would be normal.
Anyways, I use the software (updated over the net of course) to set up and it is looking for a "base station" (which is confusing to me because I don't have an Apple base station, I have a linksys router and the stupid Airport Express box plugged into the wall).
The AirPort utilities are specifically designed to work only with AirPort base stations, so it would be normal for it to try to "find" base stations.
At any rate, it "finds" the Apple base station and appears to treat it as an unsecured Apple network, with some funny id.
Again, normal. Remember the default configuration of a powered AX is a wireless Internet router ... since you don't have it connected to the Internet, the utility will find it as a stand-alone wireless network that is unsecured.
While I am able to get a message that it is ready to use (and I no longer see "Apple XXXX" as one of the available networks when I scan for available networks) the light on the Airport Express never stops blinking yellow, and it has done something to my home network because my laptop now is unable to keep a wireless connection to the router.
Let's double-check your AX's settings ...
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 AirPort Express Base Station (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 Linksys 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)

Lots of existing threads, but no consistent answer - what settings need to be applied to the 2012 (new) Airport Express for it to work at hotels with an ethernet only connection? Any answers specific to Japan would be helpful.

Lots of existing threads, but no consistent answer - what settings need to be applied to the 2012 (new) Airport Express for it to work at hotels with an ethernet only connection? Any answers specific to Japan would be helpful. I would prefer not to take my old Dell laptop and just be able to use my Ipad 2 via the wireless connection that the Airport Express creates. However, I can configure the Airport Express at home prior to leaving if that is the best thing to do.

I have a very similar problem with my AE! My MacBook, MacBook Pro & iPod Touch (1st Generation) all get a GREAT signal from our AE. BUT, our iPod Touch (2nd Generation) and new iPad (WiFi) get terrible signal strength unless we're right next to the AE!! Tech support at Apple is of no help! I'm ready to sell them all! This all started when we got the last OS update for iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad. So it must be a software issue not a hardware one..
Any ideas?

Hi i got a new airport express for christmas and i set it up as per instructions ,i even give a static ip and wpa2 security ..the problem is is when i come to want to use it it says its not on my network and a orange triangle shows .when i reboot it works

hi i got a new airport express for christmas and i set it up as per instructions ,i even give a static ip and wpa2 security ..the problem is is when i come to want to use it it says its not on my network and a orange triangle shows .when i reboot it works..then if i leave it a while and try iy agian its disapeared of my network...i have a bt hub 3 ....any help please ..im not sure if itsa faulty express

I really don't have an answer for that one. I guess that while trying to get things working correctly, I would use the most basic monitor I had which in your case would be the Eizon using the Thunderbolt port and adaptor.
When you boot into Safe Mode the startup is quite slow, but you should get the Apple logo and then the spinning gear below it (release the SHIFT key when it appears.) Then after a little more time you should see a gray progress bar appear below the spinning gear. When that disappears the computer will startup to a login screen.

Is it possible to plug in an external HDD to the USB connection on my Airport Express for backups?

Is it possible to plug in an external HDD to the USB connection on my Airport Express for backups? As a kind of cheapo Time Capsule?

Unfortunately no, because the USB port on the AirPort Express will only work with a printer and a Keyapan remote control. Hard drives are not supported.
You would need an AirPort Extreme for that type of functionality.

How to set up and configure AirPort Express for AirPlay and iTunes

Saw somewhere that supposedly there were some apple written guidlines on the above topic. I have searched all over for them. Anyone know where I can get a copy to read through. Just trying to educate myself a bit and sety up another room with access to itunes, radio, etc with high quality speakers and amp off my express.

Here you go ...
How to set up and configure AirPort Express for AirPlay and iTunes

Using Airport Express for External speakers and Apple TV. When I'm on MAC computer adn using internet sound from Internet does not go through external speakers. Instead it comes out of Mac computer speaker. Why?

Using Airport Express for External speakers and Apple TV. When I'm on MAC computer adn using internet sound from Internet does not go through external speakers. Instead it comes out of Mac computer speaker. Why?

As far as I know, the Airport Express only transmits sounds via Itunes. So every other sound (internet, but also incoming mail) will be coming out of your mac instead of your external speakers.

Can i take a wired ethernet cable from the airport express for my tv reciever ?

can i take a wired ethernet cable from the airport express for my tv reciever ?

Yes, you can.

Adding a second Airport Express for Internet Share?

I currently use an Airport Express for two reasons - either for Airtunes (which is wonderful) and also for Internet Sharing...
My ADSL modem is connected to my eMac via USB and if I turn on Internet Sharing to Airport (in the Sharing prefs pane) I can access the internet from my iBook or G5... but this way, I lose Airtunes... so it's Airtunes or Internet and not both at the same time.
I'm thinking of buying another Aiport Express so I can keep Internet Sharing turned on and use the other one for Airtunes. Is this possible?
Any ideas appreciated.
Jonny

You would be better off replacing your USB Modem with an ethernet modem wireless router and connecting your Macs to that network rather than use a Mac based software base station.
Having said that, your problem arises as you have two wireless networks, the eMac based network and one created by the Airport Express (AX).
You can re-configure your Airport Express to join (as a client) the eMac wireless network and then you can maintain internet sharing and use Airtunes.
Ensure that the eMac is working as the software base station.
Hard reset the AX.
Configure the AX (probably best to do this from the iBook or the G5) to join an existing wireless network and choose the eMac wireless network.
iFelix

Using the USP Port on Airport Express for Something Other Than a Printer

Can you use the Airport Express for, let's say, making a thumbdrive wireless? Or perhaps a wired keyboard wireless?
Will that work?
If not, is there a device that will make a USB product wireless?

You may want to invesitgate the Keyspan USB Server.
http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/server/
iFelix

Airport Express for whole home audio

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