Airport Extreme + airport express - problem outputting to multiple speakers

Hello,
I have set up my airport express by joining my existing Airport Extreme base station wireless network. When I play my music in iTunes, I am able to select either the Computer or Airtunes for the output in the drop down box in the lower right of iTunes. When I select Airtunes, the music streams no problem to my remote speakers connected to Airport Express. However, when I try to select Multiple Speakers in the drop down menu in iTunes, a pop up Remote Speakers box opens - when I select both the Computer and Airtunes in this box, I get an error message - "An errror occurred while connecting to the remote speaker "Airtunes". An unknown error occurred (-3256)." Since the error occurs only when I try to selct both the computer internal speakers and the remote speakers, but I am able to connect to the remote speakers by themselves, I am really confused. Any thoughts?
Charly

Just to clarify, the goal is to play iTunes on both the computer's internal speakers and my remote speakers at the same time.
Charly

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Airport Express choppy when using multiple speakers

Had a big New Year's party. I setup my recent Mac mini in one room wired directly to a stereo, and my Airport Express (latest model that looks like a white Apple TV) in another room connected to another stereo. I use the Airport Express a lot and it works flawlessly when streaming from iPhone / iPad / iTunes on the Mac.
Everything is running the latest versions (iTunes 11.1.3 (8), Mavericks 10.9, newest firmware on Airport). My network uses an Airport Extreme 802.11n (flat model, not later tower model).
So... I wanted music to play in both rooms, something that I've done at previous parties with no issue - but the music would cut in and out from the Airport Express! Disappointing to say the least.
I troubleshooted all I could:
- Setup the Airport Express from Extend Wireless Network to Connect to Wireless Network
- Tried 2.4 GHz and 5.4 GHz networks
- Ensure CPU usage on Mac was low, and no other programs running
- Restart it all (Airport Extreme, Airport Express, Mac)
- Etc.
All signal strenghts were fine. Whenever I streamed from iPhone directly to Airport Express it was perfect. Only from iTunes to both speakers did I have issues.
Anyone seen this? This has worked perfectly for me before!

This is known to happen:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58543
Try a different broadcast channel on the wireless router.

Another Airport Express problem thread.

Hi Everyone,
I got a Powerbook recently and like many on these threads I am beset with Airport Express problems.
Here's my story. I purchased my Powerbook about a month ago and popped into the Apple Store to ask about the best way to have wireless internet access at home. They recommended the D-Link DSL-300T ADSL modem and Airport Express. I purchased these items and set everything up at home. This didn't work. After a week of talking to Apple, I got the answer to my problem from a Mac message board. Supposedly the ADSL modem recommended by Apple and stocked in their online store wasn't compatible with the lastest version of Airport Express 6.2.0. So I dowgraded the firmware to 6.1.1 and everything worked fine. My next problem was after running an OS X software update which I can presume also updated the Airport Express back to 6.2.0. So again I downgrade to 6.1.1 and it works again. Then I have to get my Powerbook replaced as the refurb Apple sold me didn't have the superdrive in it that Apple advertised, so I transfer my settings and files and i can go online for a couple of days and then it stops working again. I do the downgrade again but this doesn't help. So I take it to see a genius at Apple who performs the AE update 2005-001 which he says will solve the problem of incompatability with 3rd party modems. Take it home, it doesn't work. Powerbook almost gets thrown out of the window.
Why is something that should be so simple so difficult.
My questions are does anyone have a D-Link DSL 300T modem that works with the update 2005-001 ???
Why do Apple recommend an ADSL modem which doesn't work with their products ???
What ADSL modem for the UK does work with Airport Express ???

Hi Bollard, not sure whether this would work with the current model of the modem, but I ran into problems with the DSL300+ when first using it wit an airport extreme, back in 2003.
I eventually resolved the problems by using the modem in bridging mode. Not sure if this would be applicable with the new model, or whether it work if you are needing PPPoA rather than PPPoE, but for what its worth my experiences and solution can be found at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=607296&#607296 I've had a fair bit of positive feedback from people who found it worked for them, at least with similar equipment and connection protocol.
Cheers
Rod

HT1515 Just installed Airport Express on Mac 10.6.8 Can't see base station. Hard Reset the Airport. Rebooted machine. How can I tell if this is a Mac problem or Airport Express Problem?

I have a Mac 10.6.8. Just installed Airport Express. I can't see any base stations. I did a hard reset on the Airport Express, turned off all devices, turned them back on. I see plenty of Airport networks in the neighborhood. How can I tell if I have a Mac problem or an Airport Express problem? Airport Express blinks Amber.

Obviously, I'm still using ethernet to be able to reply to this.
Alright, use the same ethernet cable to plug directly into the airport express. This will FORCE the airport utility to now see it regardless of weak signals & interference. You can set it up that way.
BTW, what is the original intent on the express?

Sometimes I cannot select an airport express to output sound from a current model mac air/10.9.3. The output jumps back to internal speakers or apple tv. Any ideas?

Sometimes I cannot select an airport express to output sound from a current model mac air/10.9.3. The output jumps back to internal speakers or apple tv. Any ideas?

Hello Cloud19,
The article linked below provides some helpful information and troubleshooting that can help resolve issues with AirPlay and your Airport Express.
iTunes: Troubleshooting AirPlay and AirPlay Mirroring
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5209
Cheers,
Allen

Does airport express stream directly to wireless speakers or does it need to be connected through an audio cable to an amplifier before the speakers

Does airport express stream directly to wireless speakers or does it need to be connected through an audio cable to an amplifier before the speakers?

I got an additional question bout this topic:
is it possible to use both at the same time? in my case cable-connected speakers in the living-room and an Airplay-speaker in the bathroom and/or kitchen?
so I select the Airport Express as Airplay-Output on my iPad and from there it's shared via cable AND wireless? this would solve the problem of being able to only select ONE Airplay-Output on my iPad at the same time...

AirTunes using Airport Express - Low sounds level in speakers

Recently, I started having a problem with the sound level coming from the speakers connected to my Airport Express. The setup worked fine until a few weeks ago.
Actions I have tried:
(1) a hard reset of the Airport Express - no improvement
(2) connecting speakers directly to laptop - sounds level was great
Software I'm using:
- iTunes v7.1.1.5
- Airport Express Firmware v6.2
Thank you in advance for any help.
IBM Laptop ThinkPad Windows XP Pro

I suggest that you upgrade your AirPort Express Base Station's (AX) firmware to version 6.3.

Multiple Airport Express Problem

I have a set up using an Airport Extreme Base station and three Airport Express Units that I use for Itunes. They are named Kitchen, Library and SunRoom. All three of them have been updated to be using version 6.3. I can play Itunes on each of them individually without a problem. I can choose Multiple Speakers and select Kitchen and Library and they both play without a problem. However, any combination with SunRoom results in spotty playing (e.g. music starts and stops and starts and stops on either speaker). The only difference that I can discern between SunRoom and the other two is that SunRoom is about half again as far away from the Base Station as the other two and there is a Stone Obstruction which causes the reception in the area where SunRoom is located to be low (one or two bars on the Airport Measuring unit on my MacBook Pro. By the way I am using a MacBook Pro with Leopard, all up to date on updates.
Any advice to eliminate this problem? I have thought about putting in another Airport Express Unit to extend the range to that area to improve reception. But I figured since I am getting a solid green signal on the SunRoom unit that I probably did not need to do that?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.

If you don't have it already, I suggest downloading a copy of iStumbler. Use iStumbler's Inspector feature (select Edit > Inspector from iStumbler's menu) to determine the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) at the locations of the AirPorts, by performing a simple RF site survey. Within the Inspector, note the values for "signal" & "noise" at these locations. Start with your MBP near the AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS), note the readings, and then, choose the locations where the AirPort Express Base Stations (AX) are located.
SNR is the signal level (in dBm) minus the noise level (in dBm). For example, a signal level of -53dBm measured near an access point and typical noise level of -90dBm yields a SNR of 37dB, a healthy value for wireless LANs.
The SNR, as measured from the MBP, decreases as the range to the base station increases because of applicable free space loss. Also an increase in RF interference from microwave ovens and cordless phones, which increases the noise level, also decreases SNR.
SNR Guideline
o 40dB+ SNR = Excellent signal
o 25dB to 40dB SNR = Very good signal
o 15dB to 25dB SNR = Low signal
o 10dB to 15dB SNR = Very low signal
o 5dB to 10dB SNR = No signal
If the SNR is 20dB+ at each of these locations, then you should be getting reasonable performance from your AirPort. If less, either try to locate the source of the Wi-Fi interference or try relocating the base station until it's within a 20dB SNR range.

AirPort Express (Problems with multiple remote speakers

I've been so far successfully using several AirPort Express base stations to stream music from Itunes to differant rooms in my house. A week ago I suddenly started getting an error message ("Unknown Error -3256) when attempting to stream to multiple rooms. Anyone else having this problem all of a sudden? I've gone thru the configuration for Airport and each base station and everthing seems to be in order.... Any ideas... Anyone? thanks

A lot of people including myself have been having problems with the airport. We think it's the AirPort update or the security update that is causing problems. If you're experiencing problems or slow downs with your internet then that's also part of the update. Wait till the next update or we find a workaround to this problem.

Multiple Airport Express problems

Hello all, I am trying to set up 2 airport express in my loft. My first airport express is connected to a trendnet router and is named Fortress of solitude or FOS located on my first floor. i have cat 5 from an open port on trendnet router on first floor going to my second floor which connects to a netgear switch where my second Airport exopress is connected Fortress of solitude 2 or FOS2. I ahve tried to extend the network with FOS2 but the distance and the layout of my home dont give a great signal upstairs. I have speakers plugged into each airport express and a printer via usb in FOS. Can i ever get this to work without creating 2 different wireless networks?

Can i ever get this to work without creating 2 different wireless networks?
Sure, you need to configure what is known as a "roaming" network.
Configure FOS2......
To "create a wireless network" using the exact same wireless network name, same wireless security and same passsword that FOS is using.
Just as important, FOS2 must be configured to operate in Bridge Mode. If you do not configure this setting correctly, as the last step before you click Update to save the settings for FOS2, the network will never function correctly.
Once FOS2 is configured and you have a green light, you need to power off the entire network
Wait a minute
Start the modem first and let it run a minute by itself
Start FOS the same say
Start the switch, the same way
Start FOS2
Keep starting devices until the network is back up
Now, you should be able to "walk" a laptop from one area to another and stay on the same network. The laptop will automatically switch to the Express with the stronger signal based on its location.

Airport Express only outputs sounds through left channel

Recently purchased a new airport express.
Sound is only audible through the left channel. Sound through the right channel is barely audible even at max volume (speakers and iTunes).
Speakers are fine (they work fine through the stereo, iPod earphones also only work through left channel).
If I turn sound enhance on and up to high, I can finally hear through the right channel, but only at about 40-50% of the left.
Is this a software issue, or bad hardware?
I've hard reset the airport express multiple times. Same issue whether wirelessly or connected via ethernet. This is running from iTunes 7 for Windows using a Linksys router.
Windows XP Pro

Doesn't sound promising for the AX. Since it was
recently purchased, do you have the option to visit
your local Apple Store to either return it for
replacement or, at least, have them verify the
problem?
The reason why I thought it might be software related was due to this effect of changing the sound enhancer, i.e by turning the sound enhancer on and setting it to high there was a considerable increase in sound output. If there was a loose connection somewhere I don't think I'd expect this behavior. It's almost as if the balance has been set all the way to the right.
Given that no-one seems to have seen this problem before (other than a unresolved single old post on the Airport Express board), it does seem that you're right and the AX needs replacing.

AirPort Express problem on MacBook Pro

I'm having problems connecting to the internet via work place LAN while booted up in Lion. Sometimes I can go into settings preferences or what ever that's called and get it to work by trial and error but it's very difficult. Right now I'm using AirPort Express connected to the LAN but I get the same problem when connecting directly to the LAN. And again I can sometimes get conection by trial and error but with great difficulty. What's strange though is that when I boot up into Windows 7 bootcamp I get a connection emediately with no problems.

I had the same problem. The Airport Express (used to provide ethernet access to a G5) would join my b/g 2.4Ghz network (from Dual Band Airport Extreme) instead of the 5Ghz "n" network (from same Airport Extreme)
Oddly, when I changed my Dual Band Airport Extreme from "802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g" to "802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g/n" my Airport Express would join the 5Ghz network fine.
This seems to be somewhat finicky, but i've got it working the way I want at the moment with the current settings:
Airport Extreme:
Create Wireless Network
802.11n only (5GHz) - 802.11b/g/n
Channel (Manual) 161, 1
Use Wide Channels
Airport Express:
Join Wireless Network

Airport Express - need to run multiple internet connections from it.

My systems:
iMac
Airport Extreme
Airport Express
Currently, I use my airport express to wirelessly "feed" an internet connection to my Vudu box (movie download box). Right next to that box I would like to connect my Wii and DirecTV boxes to the internet using the airport express. The problem is that the airport Express has only one LAN line.
How can I share this one port with all three devices? I don't want to keep adding Airport Express boxes nor do I want to add an Airport Extreme at that location as I use airtunes on my stereo and Airport Extreme doesn't offer that. As you can tell I am not very computer literate so go gentle on me
any help is much appreciated.
Guy

Ok I need everyone's help. I just bought the AirPort Express I am running Windows XP Service pack 3 I have the ethernet connected to the airport express from our wireless router at the same time my computer is connected to the internet the same way. My computer has Internet just fine. After installing AirPort utility it is saying it is unable to find any Apple wirelss device. I am wanting to use my AirPort express with my IPhone when I travel Internationally. I know it works because fellow employess have done this. I have tried unplugging my Airport Expess and the light keeps blinking amber. How do I get to to flash green and how do I get the Utility to detect the Express so I can set everything up?

Airport Express Speaker output very quiet with 60-cycle hum

I've previously hooked up my Airport Express to my stereo system via AirTunes, and it worked fine. But I just moved and set up my home network with my Airport Express connected to the stereo with the mini-stereo adapter. But now, when I play music over AirTunes, I can hear the music very faintly, but it's about the same volume as a 60-cycle electrical interference hum, and definitely not listenable. So I know the music is streaming and the AirPort is receiving, but I'm wondering if it's an electrical problem with the AirPort or output jack, or is there some software or hardware fit I can do myself. I've plugged in & out the cord, it works with an iPod, it's connected to a non-Phono jack of the stereo (AUX port), and I've reset the AirPort Express unit. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Hello AOSmith. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
To rule out your stereo or audio cable, try substituting a pair of stereo headphones plugged directly into the AX's audio port. Do you still hear the hum? If so, then the problem is either with the AX itself or the power source is not properly shielded. Try connecting the AX to a known good power strip; one that has surge protection and/or noise cancelling capability would be ideal, and then, plug this into the outlet that you had the AXn connected to. Did this help? If not, then unfortunately, the problem may be with either the AX's audio and/or power circuit.

Airport Express problem with Truphone

I use my AE at home to both extend my wireless network out to my deck and to use airtunes. It works perfectly, although the yellow light is always flashing - go figure. I also take it with me when I travel and the hotel has ethernet cord only. Again, perfect - I therefore always have my wireless network on the road. I then use this wireless network to make phone calls through Truphone and LOVE how well it has worked from many countries. Recently, however, I had a problem calling from the Cayman Islands to the USA - the parties I called heard my voice, but it was on-off-on-off-on-off with a rapid frequency - and they had great difficulty understanding me. When I called Truphone they suggested I perform their echo test and sure enough, I could hear exactly what my called parties were hearing. That confirmed that the problem was at my end. The condo in which I stayed had a DSL connection. Truphone's reply was: "...with your particular Wi-Fi set-up I suspect that the most likely cause of the problem is that a SIP ALG that is ‘badly mangling’ the SIP reply from us (In English; this is a function on some routers which needs to be disabled). Or if you have multiple routers on your network (as I guess you might have), you may be able to solve the problem by disabling DHCP/NAT on one of your devices." Does anyone have a possible suggestion for me to correct this problem? Thanks.

Or if you have multiple routers on your network (as I guess you might have), you may be able to solve the problem by disabling DHCP/NAT on one of your devices." Does anyone have a possible suggestion for me to correct this problem?
To disable both NAT & DHCP on the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), use the AirPort Utility to reconfigure it as a bridge. (ref: AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Internet > Internet Connection > Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode))

Airport Extreme + airport express - problem outputting to multiple speakers

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