How To Set Up Your Perfect Bluetooth Audio Transmitter Network in 2023
| Reuben Howe
Bluetooth as a form of wireless communication technology has been around for years. Many will remember as the first push for wireless technology in general. While things like remote controls had been using infrared for basic interactions, Bluetooth would carve the way for wireless audio, data and media transfer.
From the get-go Bluetooth devices were being developed to connect our homes together as a “Smart home”, with technology reacting to your phone’s presence and commands. Bluetooth also enabled offline file sharing and device control which is paramount in some areas, especially once you leave your Wi-fi network (Or if you don’t have one).
These origins are what led us to the modern world of Bluetooth 5.2. The latest iteration of the network boasts double the speed of a Bluetooth 4.2 device. Where Bluetooth 4 supports 2MBps Bluetooth 5 can support 4MBps. There have been other advancements made in packet loss, security, and pairing methods too, all resulting in Bluetooth remaining a relevant and easy way to connect a whole host of devices.
Understanding this technology and choosing the set-up that’s right for your home will lead you to make the best decisions about your network
When considering a Bluetooth set-up there are many factors to take account of:
-
Do I need a Bluetooth Transmitter or Receiver?
-
Which Audio Devices Can Be Bluetooth-Enabled?
-
Can Modern Bluetooth Headphones Connect to Retro Devices?
-
Which Audio Codec is Best?
-
Does Bluetooth Have Good Sound Quality?
All these queries are necessary steps in making sure you establish a successful and fulfilling network of Bluetooth Audio Transmitters.
Do I need a Bluetooth Transmitter or Receiver?
Starting with a simple clarification, Bluetooth Adapters will either be Transmitters, Receivers, or sometimes switch between both. This section will explain which device plays which role within your audio device set-up.
Bluetooth Transmitters are Bluetooth adapters that broadcast audio and data from a source device out to the world. It’s all in the name, they transmit! Using Bluetooth audio transmitters, therefore, will allow you to listen to audio from the device the transmitter is connected to, wirelessly.
If you attach our MR250 Audio Transmitter to a TV, the TV will be able to connect to Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and any other audio devices. The device connects to your TV via 3.5mm jack and transmits that audio data over the Bluetooth network to paired devices!
Transmitter use example: Pair a Bluetooth Speaker or wireless headphones to a non-Bluetooth source device.
Bluetooth Receivers are Bluetooth adapters that will receive audio and data from another device. Unlike a Transmitter, a Receiver does not plug into the source device (TV, Record Player, etc), but into the speakers or headphones or Hi-Fi system.
Once connected to a receiver, our MR230 for example, a non-Bluetooth speaker or sound system will be able to receive Bluetooth! This means you could play your phone audio directly to a sound bar, speaker, or headset without needing wires. The device connects via 3.5mm jack and receives audio data from paired devices!
Receiver use example: Turn wired speakers into Bluetooth Audio Receivers for your smartphone to play to wirelessly.
Use this information to work out if your needs require a Bluetooth receiver or transmitter.
Which Audio Devices Can Be Bluetooth Enabled?
All August Bluetooth devices connect via a 3.5 mm audio jack, with some devices also supporting Optical Audio cables. This means that any device that originally transmitted any audio via cable can have Bluetooth functionality added!
Can Modern Bluetooth Headphones Be Connected To Retro Devices?
Yes! Now that you understand the difference between transmitters and receivers, it is easy to connect even your old and home-integrated systems. Simply identify which audio sources are not Bluetooth, and using their Audio Output connect an MR250 Transmitter. Now your CD player is modernised! Alternatively, identify which listening devices are non-Bluetooth and connect an MR230 Receiver to revolutionise the technology already inside your home.
Which Audio Codec is Best?
Every Bluetooth adapter will operate on certain specifications. The Audio Codec that is right for you will depends on your use:
If you want to make a TV Bluetooth-enabled you must use a Bluetooth device that supports aptX Low Latency. This technology eliminates perceptible lag between the visuals and the audio.
However, if you are not using visuals and only using audio, then a device running Bluetooth 5.0 is advised as it will transmit higher sound quality.
Of course, you can always use a Codec that supports both aptX LL and Bluetooth 5.0!
Does Bluetooth Have Good Sound Quality?
Bluetooth transmission operates incredibly quickly by separating data into packets and sending them across multiple channels to a target device. Essentially, the faster and more varied the Bluetooth waves are, the better sound quality can be carried. All Bluetooth can carry the data, but newer versions (4.2 +) will be able to cope with more detailed sound and deliver a better experience.
The Bluetooth connection is rooted in your Audio Output, so is using the same data that your 3.5mm audio output or Optical Audio output would, just wirelessly. In summary, there’s no reason the sound quality should be inherently worse over Bluetooth than over cable.
Things to Remember
- Your phone almost certainly already has Bluetooth, check to see if you can start operating your devices via Bluetooth already!
- Any device with a 3.5mm Audio Jack can be converted using an MR230 Receiver or MR250 Transmitter, check even your oldest devices and see the compatibility.
- Bluetooth Audio can be controlled within 10 meters, allowing you to play music or other media from a sound device or TV even a room away, while cooking for example.
- Bluetooth Adapters use power, but August devices are fully rechargeable and will last around 8 hours of playback, more advanced models reaching 10. Even without a recharge this is enough for a day or night of entertainment.
- The MR260 can be switched with the press of a button between Transmission and Receiver modes. This can be useful for testing which devices should have which type of Bluetooth adapter if you are still unsure.
Once you have checked your devices and got your adapters charged it’s as simple as plug and play. Setting up your perfect Bluetooth audio network is a breeze with these small adapters. Play music wirelessly from your kitchen, bedroom, or even as you walk up the lawn coming home.
Revitalise old technology with modern wireless connectivity and save money on a Smart Speaker by turning your current speakers into Bluetooth ones! Now, that’s a smart speaker…
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published.