iPod as USB soundcard?

[jesse_w]

I'm not quite sure which forum this belongs in, but there seems to be more traffic here (than comp as a source) so this will do. Anyway, the title of this post basically covers the question. My laptop soundcard has a horrific hiss and some humming that sounds like interference of some sort. I usually have my iPod with me when I have the laptop, and the former sounds much better. For music I just use the iPod, but movies and games etc it would be nice if I could somehow use the iPod as a USB soundcard. Is this possible? I'm thinking probably not, but theoretically it could be done so you never know...

thanks,

jesse

 

[Orestes]

this is not possible.

 

[fr4c]

yes, its like trying to right click with a mac mouse.

 

[crypt@]

It is "theoretically" possible as long as there is a device driver/firmware available that can interact with the iPod's digital/analog codec. I guess you are wondering if it can function as the Headroom Bithead does?

However, I doubt that. As the iPod will need firmware routine to interact with external commands:
- Read digital stream from usb/firewire port instead of via usb-ide interface of internal hard disk
- pass this digital stream onward to the d/a codec

 

[blessingx]

If you want to use the iPod for 'serious' listening like music, pick up a $50 Xitel (or something similar) for those extra uses. You'll need an amp though in the Xitel case as it's a line out.