Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers

 (81 customer reviews)

Works out of the box. It draws power from the USB port and definitely gives a stronger signal when connected to a powered USB hub than an unpowered one.

The included software is very easy to use on a Mac and lets you set the broadcast frequency in increments of 0.1 MHz, which is useful if you live in an area with lots of radio stations, as I do. However, the signal strength is pretty low, so you're relying on your receiver to achieve adequate discrimination between bands.

In my area, I had to go to an in-between frequency (.4MHz) from the regular stations to cut down on interference. My two big receivers (Sony & Panasonic) can handle this. My boombox picks it up, but gets lots of interference from the neighbouring stations. My portable radio doesn't get anything. I did appreciate the fact that the frequency is selectable anywhere in the standard FM range. Something like the Line X USB FM Transmitter with four selectable frequencies would not stand a chance in my...Read more

This device is extremely easy to set up and use. My problem with it is that no matter where I place the unit, which receiver I use, or which station it's tuned to, I cannot get a completely clean signal -- there is always a hiss of static underneath the music. This is especially annoying if you're listening to the music loud -- in between tracks and during quieter moments in the music, the static is quite noticeable and irritating.

I wouldn't exactly call the signal weak -- I was actually able to pick it up on the opposite end of my house, through at least one closed door, on an ancient Walkman. It's disappointing, though, that I can pick it up in that scenario, but not get a perfect signal when it's in the same room as my stereo.

Another problem might be that here in New York it's really hard to find an empty station. Everything seems to have a station or a remnant of a station on it.

Having said all that, this is a really convenient device that's...Read more

Very easy to install. As other reviewers noted, it's important to make sure that you appropriately set Windows' volume levels. The received sound quality is fairly good, in the low to medium fidelity range. You can signicantly improve the range and quality of the transmiited signal by carefully prying open the case and bending the antenna so that it comes out of the top of the case in a vertical position. (I'm sure that this will void the warranty).