Optical out on Airport Express

Can i use ANY min-optical cable to use the optical out, or does it HAVE to be the Apple/Monster cable?
I don't need the whole kit they sell, just the ONE cable, so i'd like to save a few bucks if i can.

Yes, you can use any optical cable, with a TOSLINK-to-minijack adapter. You are not limited to the one offered by Apple.

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Usb audio out from airport express

Hi,
If I want to put a DAC with USB input between Airport Express and my stereo, will I be able to do so? I'm thinking about using the NuForce Icon-2 DAC. So Itunes>>Airport Express>>NuForce DAC>>stereo receiver.
Thanks in advance,
Dave

Sorry, but no.
You will have to use the optical audio output on the AirPort Express if you want a digital out.
The USB port will only support a compatible printer.

MacBook Pro sound out to airport express other than iTunes

Is there any way to get sound to link to my airport express other than iTune files?
I've gotten iTunes to connect to my airport express and then toslink it to my preamp but is there any way to get audio other than in iTunes to connect wirelessly to my airport express e.g. a movie sound track or a you tube audio? I listen to internet radio through iTunes all day and it's great, but other audio, only comes out either from the MacBook Pro speakers or vie hard wire (or optical) to my sound system. Sounds so simple, and it might be, but... how?

Sure, it's easy. Check out airfoil at http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/
I use it with 2 airport express and also my ipod touch. The "hijack" application they pair with airfoil lets me listen remotely to just about anything I can play on my Mac. Wish I could use the ipod touch as a remote as I do with iTunes.

Can't figure out my Airport Express problem...

I can't connect to the internet with my Airport Express. I've tried every option but none seem to work.
I have a RCA Digital Broadband box, which has a ethernet cable that I plug into my Airport. This is a sublease apartment so the internet was already set up and I just want to make it wireless.
When I go through the setup I choose "I don't have a wireless network and I want to create one" and then I am confronted with the "Bridge Mode" or "Single IP address using DHCP and NAT." I've tried both to no avail. When I choose "Single IP address using DHCP and NAT" it actually tells me that the light will blink amber and asks me to ignore, skip or cancel. The "Bridge Mode" goes straight to the screen I am confronted with if I skip the amber light warning.
It asks for: Configure IPv4, IP address, Subnet Mask, Router Address, DNS Server, Domain Name and DHCP Client ID. I leave it all as is so only IP and Subnet have information filled in.
Anyways, this fails as usual. I get the error saying that the "Apple wireless device does not have a valid IP address." I can pull the ethernet from the Airport and plug it into my laptop and I am connected in seconds... it's very annoying. Any idea of what I am doing wrong?
Sometimes, actually, I get the light to turn green and it says I am connected but the internet still doesn't work. Figures.

Hi,
Well, I went through the entire process (selecting bridge) and ignored the last problem where it said that Airport didn't have a valid IP. The light on my Airport is green and my Airport icon on my mac gives me full bars; however, there is still no internet.
I went into the internet options as you suggested and here are the results:
Connect using: Ethernet
Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
IP Address: 169.254.18.108
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Routher: (blank)
DNS Server(s): (blank)
Domain name: (blank)
DHCP Client ID: (blank)
Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode)
When I press the airport tab and click status, which says normal and is green, it brings me to a new section. This section says there is an issue with my internet connection and the cause is that my "Apple wireless device does not have a valid IP address."
That seems to be the issue. I don't know how to fix it though. One thing that looks out of place is that when Airport Utility is searching for my Airport Express network, it reports that the IP address is fe80::21f:f3ff:fef9:fe54%en1.

Noise on optical output from Airport Express

I have an almost new Airport Express (actually as an extension of my old AE) which I use for streaming music to my HiFi. At first I used the analogue output for my amplifier, without any problem. But now I have installed a HiFi D/A converter (Rega) and started using the optical output from my AE. It plays fine, but now and then (like 2-3 times per track) there is a noise appearing, like a pulse of 3-6 beats. Could be external noise, but it is only there when I play music. Anyone have any idea ??

Hi, nice to know I am not the only one with this problem (did not log on for a while...)
The problem is also that one doesn't really know which part to blame. I guess anywhere you go with your problem they would say it is something else. And the guys in the Apple store don't have knowledge at this level, they are just trained to sell.
I am sorry to hear that you had to give up and return to the analogue input. Which means that you are using the D/A converter built into the Airport.
Are you saying that you were using the digital output from your old Airport into your Rega DAC without any problem ? If you feel sure about that it must be the new type of Airport that has a problem.

Music cuts in and out using Airport Express

This has been happening for the longest time, and driving me crazy and I just haven't gotten around to doing anything about it other than get ****** at Apple..which doesn't really help...maybe it's not even Apple's fault!
Basically, I stream music to two different Airport Expresses, either from my iPhone, my laptop, or my desktop...and the music cuts out sporadically... It also seems to get a lot worse in the evenings...to the point where it cuts out about once every minute or two for at least a few seconds....making me think there might be some kind of interference going on.
But I don't know much about networking... Does anyone have any idea what I can try to resolve this problem?
Thanks!!

The solution?? I upgraded my router to an airport extreme. Works like a charm now.

Possible to connect hub or bridge out from Airport Express?

Sorry if this is redundant; I've looked for a post like this but not specifically found it.
I'm running a network that is comprised: DSL Modem -> Cisco Wired VPN Firewall/Router -> Airport Extreme (via Ethernet) -> Two Airport Express (One in Living Room, One in Bedroom), via wireless and set to extend the network (connecting the AX to the AE via wire is not possible). The entire network works just fine; both AX work fine, connect fine, good signal, etc. My dilemma is that as it sits, the AX ethernet out can be connected to either +(choose one)+the television OR the DirecTV receiver OR the AV receiver.
+*Obviously, I'd like to connect to all three.*+ I'm considering two options, and wondering about their viability.
1. Connect a hub or bridge to the ethernet out of the AX, and connect the TV, DirecTV and AV Receiver to the hub/bridge.
2. Replace the AX in the bedroom with an AE, which would be set to extend the network and use the ethernet ports on it.
I would appreciate comments on this; if both will work, is one approach necessarily better than the other? Also, if appropriate, any tips on settings as well. *Thanks in advance!*

I added a Cisco switch ( I trust their stuff for reliability...even though it's just s awitch, I'd rather pay the $12 more to buy Cisco vs. Fry's house brand), and it is working like a charm. Netflix is streaming to our Flat Screen, internet radio is streaming to our AV Receiver, we're able to stream our iTunes from several computers in the house to our AV Receiver, and we are receiving on demand DirecTV. Thanks for the help!

Locked out of Airport Express

Hi all
I've managed to lock myself out of my Airport Express. I've just arrived at uni and I'm having trouble configuring the Airport to connect to the PPPoE network. I've managed to do it a couple of times but it then means that I can't play music with AirTunes.
Anyway, I've tried the WDS setting in an attempt to make the Airport a "bridge" and now I just can't access it at all. The reset button doesn't seem to be doing anything and I'm completely shut out.
Would really appreciate any help that can be given.
Many thanks
Jack

Hi,
Read the following article that explains the 3 type of Airport Express reset. If your issue is that you no longer have the password to log on the AE, maybe you will have to perform a factory reset.

Airport Express or Airport Extreme better for Apple TV

I currently have an Airport Express router (1st gen). Among items used on it are two iPhones, two Macs, and an iPad in addition to Apple TV. Load times for Apple TV are just so-so. Thus far, I've been connecting to my Macbook Air to watch things downloaded from iTunes, as it's much faster to download contact via Macbook. I would prefer faster loading and whatnot and have Comcast Blast internet. Would switching out the Airport Express for an Airport Extreme make a difference in Apple TV performance? Let me know - thanks.

I was getting lousy connection speeds (between 3 Mbps and 7 Mbps) when I had the Airport Express in another room. After moving it to the same room as the Apple TV, I get speeds of between 25 Mbps and 33 Mbps. It seems as though the Airport Express just broadcasts a very weak signal through walls and into adjacent rooms. Would the Airport Extreme broadcast a much stronger signal?
Now, the performance of the Apple TV is much better, but still not flawless. For instance, last night, I was trying to watch a TV episode, and it wouldn't load. I got a message saying that iTunes experienced an error. At 9am this morning, it works perfectly. Does iTunes just get overloaded with users at peak times?

Cable for digital output on airport express?

what cable do I need to use the digital optical output on airport express? Can I use it to feed a DAC upsampling converter such as the DACMAgic? Thanks

Hello
I have just set up this as described.
I've noticed though that on the Dacmagic, the incoming sample rate, when connected via the Mini Toslink adapter to a Airport express is 44.1 - where as if I connect the Dacmagic directly to my Mac via USB, it jumps to 96.
Why is that and is it likely to affect the sound quality? Haven't had a chance to do a side by side comparison yet.
Andrew

Audio from Airport Express

Someone told me they thought the new Airport Express has a fiber optic toss link audio jack as opposed to the standard audio jack for better sound quality. Any truth to this? Doesn't look like if on the apple store website but thought maybe I'm missing something.
The old jack just doesn't offer good sound quality like fiber optic.
Thanks

The AirPort Express (AX) has always had an optical audio output as well as an analog output.
www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html states "3.5-mm audio minijack for analog or optical digital sound".

Coding audio streams to Airport Express?

Not even sure where to post this question, so my apologies if this is too far off topic.
I'm very curious about the audio coding that happens when streaming music from iTunes to an Airport Express, or, a 2nd gen AppleTV? Is there any additional code-decode going on when streaming? Playing a 44.1 kHz .wav file, uncompressed, and capture that waveform at the electrical out of Airport Express... will it be identical to the original .wav file (ignoring some minor D/A artifacts)??
Many thanks in advance.

Can you reference a link or 2 where I can read a bit further?
I'll see what I can find as Apple has provided very few details on this. The links I had to some material I had reviewed earlier, unfortunately, are no longer valid.
For example, what happens with an uncompressed .wav file that is an 11kHz sample rate? Does the AX have a D/A that supports all of the supported sample rates? Or, is that part of the compression "on the fly" into Apple Lossless that everything is coded / converted into a single sample rate (44.1 kHz??).
Great question!
The AX works only with iTunes v4.6+ and is limited to music files that iTunes can read; ie, 16-bit data only. (An exception is you can use a third-party product like Rogue Amoeba's AirFoil to stream other non-iTunes sources.) These data, though, can be in any file format that iTunes recognizes, from lossy MP3s at the low-quality end of the spectrum to Apple Lossless and lossless AIFF or WAV files at the high end. To more directly answer your questions, the AX functions only at a 44.1kHz sample rate. When you play, for example: 11kHz, 32kHz or 48kHz data, iTunes sample-rate-converts the data in real time before sending it to the AX. As you figured this is a limitation of the QuickTime Codec that is the heart of iTunes.
One operational glitch, that primarily affects the analog side, is the fact that the AX doesn't have a local clock circuit. When the incoming data is interrupted, as it is when you change songs in iTunes, there is no longer a digital output to feed the DAC, which loses lock as a result. Provided you can live with its limitations the combination of iTunes and an AX provides an easy way to pipe CD-quality music around your home.
FYI. For the 802.11b/g version of the AX, the analog audio is handled by a Texas Instruments PCM2705 digital-to-analog converter. I don't know if they used the same DAC for the newer 802.11n model. Some audiophiles use an external DAC in an attempt to overcome any of the AX's shortcomings.

Using Airport Express for wireless printing and possibly streaming music

I have had the toughest time figuring out this Airport Express. It seems there are so many different ways to set it up. I've tried to read forums but just can't seem to wrap my head around what I need to do. I tried awhile back to join my network wirelessly but was having problems.
I don't really care about extending my current network. My internet service is through Verizon Fios and the router they provided works just fine and don't have any issues with connecting anywhere in the house. I bought the AE to be able to print wirelessly and stream music from my iMac in another room.
So to print wirelessly obviously the printer has to be plugged in to the AE, but does the AE have to be plugged into my router? Or can I have the AE anywhere in the house wherever the printer is? When I print, am I using my existing network or do I have to disconnect a computer from the wireless network and access a 2nd network to be able to print?
My first priority is to print wirelessly. If I can get it to work It'd be cool to stream music from my iMac. Obviously the AE needs to be where the speakers are, but again, does the AE have to plugged in to the router? And again, is this done through my existing network? Or do I have to stream music through a 2nd network? I apologize if i'm asking the same questions that have been asked in previous forums, I just haven't been successful thus far so wanted to see what response or tips I could get. Thanks.
My existing network has "WPA Personal" security set up on it if you need to know that.

but does the AE have to be plugged into my router? Or can I have the AE anywhere in the house wherever the printer is?
If you configure the Express correctly to "join" your FIOS wireless network, you can position it anywhere that it will receive a good, strong wireless signal.
The trick to setting the Express up to "join" is that you must choose exactly the same type of security for the Express as your main router is using. This is tricky when you are using devices from two different manufacturers because they often use different names for the same thing.
For example, when you say that the FIOS is setup to WPA Personal, we really need more information. There's usually a TKIP or AES associated with WPA. You have two choices on the Express for WPA settings, WPA2 Personal or WPA/WPA2 Personal. We can only guess which one might be the correct match for your FIOS network and if you don't choose the right setting, the Express cannot join the network and you have to start the configuration all over again from scratch and try the other setting.
Does your Fios have a setting for WPA2 Personal? Some manufacturers label this WPA2-PSK (AES). Or, maybe you find that your FIOS is using WPA-PSK (TKIP), which is the same thing as Apple WPA/WPA2 Personal. It's confusing. That's why we tell users to choose wireless gear from the same manufacturer. It's much easier when two devices talk the same language.
When I print, am I using my existing network or do I have to disconnect a computer from the wireless network and access a 2nd network to be able to print?
If you have a compatible printer plugged into the USB port on the AirPort Express and have "installed" the printer by setting it up, you will be able to print over your existing wireless network.
First things first. You need to get the Express setup to "join" correctly and get a green light. Then, tackle the printer setup.

Using Airport Express solely for airtunes question

I am letting my neighbor try out my airport express for airtunes but I ran into a problem setting it up. Her Mac mini Intel 1.5GHz connects to the internet through ethernet from a DSL modem. I want to put the airport express in her family room connected to a stereo. I first tested it by setting up wireless internet and airtunes (ethernet and audio cables plugged into the airport) and I was able to stream music. Then when I plugged the ethernet cable back into the mini I was no longer able to stream music. iTunes would attempt to connect for about a minute but would fail. I was also confused about what settings to use in Airport Admin Utility. I tried "wireless disabled" but then I couldn't even see it in Airport Admin Utility and I had to reset it (what is the point of that setting?!). What do I do?

Wait a second. They can't do it at the same time?
You can stream music and get on the Internet at the same time if (a) the AX is connected directly to the Internet or (b) the AX joins a wireless network which is connected to the Internet.
Can Airport Extreme overcome this limitation?
If you connect an AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) to the DSL modem then you could (a) connect the Mac Mini via Ethernet to the AEBS and (b) have the AX join the wireless network created by the AEBS. Then the Mac Mini could see the Internet and stream music at the same time.

Airport Express Base Station: DHCP and fixed IP?

I have some questions about the Airport Express Base Station.
Is it capable of providing fixed assigned IP addresses to certain specified clients, and simultaneously providing other clients with IP addresses using DHCP?
This would be in the context of also using MAC address control -- providing services only to clients whose MAC address is in specified list.
And finally, can it be set to not broadcast its ssid?
Thanks!

Thanks. This is one of those situations where my language needs to be clearer...
The question is, can the methods be mixed. Some clients manually assigned, and at the same time others configured with dynamic addresses via DHCP. I had another wireless router at one time that was either/or -- all one or all the other, but not mixed.
But as Doug pointed out, the Airport Express discussion group is a better place for this question, so I'll head over there.
FWIW, this question arose when I was using Retrospect Express to back up a wireless client. Retrospect was too dumb to find the client by hostname -- or I was too dumb to figure out how to get it to do it that way -- the only way I could Retrospect to find the machine was by IP address, which meant I needed a static address. Otherwise I'd have to go in and edit the Retrospect configuration every time the client changed IP, and even that wasn't easy.

Optical out on Airport Express

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