Is your iPod too quiet?

I don't know about you by my iPod sometimes seems far to quiet! This is because the French (bah!) have restrictions and the EU enforces this! So our iPodâ₠¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s have a limit on the loudness of the iPod compared to the American ones. As the American laws are less strict on this issue

This setting is enforced in the firmware of the iPod. This can be changed to remove the EU cap.

http://gopod.free-go.net/index_en.htm

That program is easy to use (really! one click! screenshots below) and will remove the cap. So it is EXACTLY like the non-EU versions.

First of all remember that there is a reason the EU limited it. This is because it may be harmful to listen to the iPod on max volume with loud songs for long use. So donââ‚Âà ‚¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢t listen to loud songs for long periods of time on max volume.

Also remember this is changing a firmware setting. Although it is easy to use and I havenââ‚ƚ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t heard of one case were it damages the iPod just remember that this isnââ‚Âà ‚¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢t made by apple

1) Download from http://gopod.free-go.net/index_en.htm

2) Open program

3) Press Go, thatâ₠¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s it. The big 'go' button on the screenshot.

4) Enjoy your uncapped iPod


I have used it, took a mintue to download and use. Just press go, its that easy. (Note: This was all done on Mac)

This is not made or approved by Apple. As usual beware that this is hacking your hardware. The Programs read-me is attached for more information

A good find Damien, thanks.

[Halcyon]

That will not damage your pod at all, but as you mention it could damage your ears if used for long periods of time.
Its a good hack though if you use your pod on your hifi and the signal is too weak.

The usual warnings about unauthorised hacking of your hardware should apply of course, at your own risk and all that ....

[Jarandco]

Thats very useful, great info, just worried about using it, espcially as the Ipod isnt cheap! But would a complete reset wipe the firmware off of it? I take it it doesnt effect connectivity with Itunes or ipod updater?

It doesnt wipe the firmware it just changes the limit that the EU ipods have put into the firmware. There are no problems with connecting to iTunes. It works just as it used to. Other than the increased volume capcaity you would not know anythings been changed. The iPod works just like normal and connects like normal. This isnt a hack in the normal sense that it makes a radical change. It simply changes a option in the hidden settings. It doesnt not seriously overhaul or change code. Just one setting that can be de-activited at will

I havent used it with the iPod updater but i dont think it cause problems as other people havent had problems. Although every iPod firmware will properly put the cap back on so after you install an update (iPod updates come every few months) you may need to run the program again to remove the cap.

The program allows you switch the cap back on or back off, as many times as you like.
____________

Q : What exactly does this program ?
A : More or less, it modifies
the 2 bytes from iPod's firmware which are telling it if it is
capped or not. The firmware's partition being unreachable
(altered), this program uses low level libraries to access it.
Check the source for more details.

Q : F*** my iPod doesn't work anymore ! What can I do ?
A : Keep cool. Launch a restoration using the Apple tool available
here : http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

[SMHarman]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

That will not damage your pod at all, but as you mention it could damage your ears if used for long periods of time.
Its a good hack though if you use your pod on your hifi and the signal is too weak.

Shouldn't make a difference on your hifi as that is a line out at a set volume (if you are using the dock and the proper line out that is).
An alternative is to get noise reducing headphones, much better for your hearing.
This said. I've got a US iPod, so I'm not sure how much quieter the EU ones are though.

Originally Posted by SMHarman

Shouldn't make a difference on your hifi as that is a line out at a set volume (if you are using the dock and the proper line out that is).
An alternative is to get noise reducing headphones, much better for your hearing.
This said. I've got a US iPod, so I'm not sure how much quieter the EU ones are though.

Somes songs are awful because of it. 'Imagine' by Lennon for example is horrible as its tooo quiet. Some songs are loud enough anyway
____________

AS a side note, this was the 666th topic in this forum, Whahahaha!

[AndrewJ]

this thread should be made a sticky because I know alot of people with this issue about Ipods.


Useful thread mate.

[MadGamer]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

That will not damage your pod at all, but as you mention it could damage your ears if used for long periods of time.
Its a good hack though if you use your pod on your hifi and the signal is too weak.

Just to mention on this. Even on half volume, i find it too quiet. Is this legal to do though?

Originally Posted by Wayne A

Just to mention on this. Even on half volume, i find it too quiet. Is this legal to do though?

Yes, Although not in france for some reason. But even there is nothing anyone will care about. Its your product to do what you want with it

[MadGamer]

Originally Posted by Damien

Yes, Although not in france for some reason. But even there is nothing anyone will care about. Its your product to do what you want with it

Just downloading the new software update now, then i will download goPod.

[AndrewJ]

I reckon the limit in france is 100db brought in to stop hearing damage from personal audio equipment..can you imagine a chav having to live over there.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Wayne A

Just downloading the new software update now, then i will download goPod.

Let us know how it goes please !

Originally Posted by Mike

Let us know how it goes please !

I have done it and it worked fine. I was scared, and after it happens the apple logo appears (as per usual with updates/changes or a reset) but then it works as normal