Customer Reviews

Soundfly BT Ultimate Bluetooth Car Fm Transmitter WMA/MP3 Player for SD Card, USB Charger, iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS & 3G, iPod, Zune

5 star:		(148)
4 star:		(73)
3 star:		(29)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

To get a bluetooth hands free device that also plays my music through my car's sound system for only 80 bucks I think is a sweet deal! I've had it for about a week, it's been working great and I love it! The sound quality seems the same as any other radio station. That includes the fact that when people call and I hear them through my speakers, they sound like someone calling into a radio station, which is kind of cool. :) Haven't made many calls using bluetooth yet, but so far the person on the other line says they can't even tell I'm using a hands free device.

Pros:
- It's a great idea that works well.
- The price is reasonable.
- I love being able to play music from a flash drive or an SD card.
- It remembers the last song that was playing when I turned the car off and picks back up with that song when I start driving again.
- The music pauses automatically when a call comes in and it shows the number of the incoming call on its screen.
- You can either clip the mic on to your shirt or seat belt when you want to use it, or it comes with a different clip that attaches to your visor so it's always ready to go. They provide two adhesive clips for the wire to fit into so you can guide the wire along a non-obtrusive path.

Cons:
- You need to use your phone to make a call; pressing the call button on the device redials the last number, rather than activating voice command.
- When playing from USB/SD card, it only supports 1999 songs and 20 folders. The music also must be in a folder named MP3 or Soundfly. This means that if you sync with Windows Media player, you will need to select the option for it to not create a folder hierarchy (otherwise it creates a folder for each artist) and then copy the songs from the root directory on the drive to the MP3/Soundfly directory.
- It can't read songs with any digital rights info (though I think this is pretty common).
- The users manual and packaging have a bunch of grammatical mistakes. The English was clearly either translated with some mistakes or written by someone who is not fluent.
- Most of the buttons and functionality are through the remote, which must be pointed directly at the device (I don't find it necessary to use it very often, though).

I haven't found any of these cons to be a big deal, though, just minor things that leave some room for improvement. I would say this a great product, which I am recommending to my friends and family.

Length:: 6:58 Mins

Through the years I have used several FM modulators and I have used several Bluetooth devices, but the Soundfly BT is the first Bluetooth/FM modulator that is completely integrated. What this means is that you have one device that will allow you to play your iPod/iPhone over your car's speakers and also have the ability to make hands free calls. The Soundfly BT also comes with a handy little remote control that can help you change FM stations on the modulator, answer phone calls, and give you total control over your music.

Before we go into the review - some people are not familiar with how a FM modulator works. What it does is that it transmits a signal form a device to a static-filled FM station. What this means is that you find a station that does not have anything broadcasted on it ...say... 87.9 (depending on where you live)... and you set both the FM Modulator and your radio to that station. The FM Modulator then *broadcasts* a signal to the previously static filled station.

A couple of caveats to this review. I am reviewing this exclusively as an accessory to an iPod Touch/iPhone (Gen 4). I did not try using the SD card for playing music...since I really don't have a need since we store all of our music on our iPods.

Features

+Excellent FM Modulator. While no FM modulator is *perfect* this one is the closet that I have come across.

+ The remote control offers a lot of functionality. It allows you to answer calls, change stations on the FM Modulator, change the volume (which is a neat trick), shuffle through folders, advance and skip songs. I am REALLY surprised at how often I use the remote

+ Sound quality for phone calls is very good. Much better than I expected. The person you are talking to knows that they are on speaker phone, but the interference seems to be minimal.

+ Well-designed - everything seems to make sense - such as the way the Soundfly BT can pivot to fit into almost every 12V power source.

+ It has a USB power source! This allows you to charge/power any device that plugs into your computers USB port.


Areas of Concerns

- Don't lose the manual! I looked (briefly) and wasn't able to find a copy of the manual online... it may be there...if so could you leave me a comment?

- About 25-50% of the time the Bluetooth does not seem to sync with my iPod. While my iPod shows that it is paired with the Soundfly BT I am unable to get music to play. I am able to solve the problem by powering my iPod off and back on. It is a bit of an annoyance, which is why I am taking off 1/2 star.

- Not overly intuitive on how to operate (outside of the remote) or to pair the Soundfly BT with your iPod/iPhone. For reference - press the *Green* phone key until you hear an audible beep over your speakers. Once the Soundfly BT is found by your device use the code "0000" to pair the devices.

- I wish that the Soundfly BT had an integrated microphone. The wired microphone works well, but I prefer not having extra wires hanging around my dashboard.

Final Verdict - While there are a couple of minor issues I am very happy with the Soundfly BT. There are tons of positive features with the Soundfly BT that makes it well worth the purchase price!

4 to 4 1/2 Stars

I bought this product after seeing the review over here. I had VR3 USB-SD transmitter for over 4 years and was looking for new one after it broke.
First and foremost, the Satechi Customer service is excellent, very prompt response and prompt delivery. I Could give 10 stars for their support.

Pros on this product,

i) Bluetooth and MP3 Player with stereo FM transmitter
ii) The remote works for folder froward and track forward (lagged in VR3)
iii) Quality of FM transmission, constant stereo transmission with good signal.

CONS:

i) Limited folder level, Satechi should bring some Firmware to recognise more folders (VR3 has unlimited folder level)
ii) Remote power is weak, should plan to improve on this. works only line of site, maximum 3 feet away (in car it doesnt matter, but you have to have your hand pointed towards the unit, depending on model, could be painful).

iii) Not all the functions available in the unit, if you loose remote you loose,
- Save or book mark option
- A-B option
- Folder switch option

When I received the product, I was surprised with the quality of the sound in FM, it was near CD quality, when I used VR3, I could see a huge difference in the audio quality using SD and USB disks. When I connect external source (cd player or computer and transmit, the volume is much better and the range of reception is about 35 feet with walls in between. I plugged this unit with wall power adapter, and used portable player to transmit, then I could receive signal in basement and second floor without any problems.

After 4 days, using bluetooth in car, the receiver could not hear me clearly and the remote I received I had to hold very close to the unit (literally less than 2 inches). I was little upset due to this considering the price I paid. (may be mine was one of the unlucky one's)

Sent a mail to support in Satechi, less than two hours, received prompt response, with couple of mails, then arranged for replacement unit. for some reason it got delayed, but the Customer serveice repsentative was curteous and helpfull tracking the package and made sure it is picked up on following day. Due to their response, I even kind of forgot on the issue and cooled down. was looking forward the new unit. It arrived two days ago and testing. So far so good, the MP is working really good and remote works about 3 feet from the unit (useful when I connect this at home). On bluetooth connectivity I am still need to test fully, so far it appears to be okay, the receiver is able to hear me okay. have to try during long drive and check. will update my posting soon on this.

Over all great product, if they over come the short falls (directory recognition and increased power on remote,) I would give them 5 Stars.

Compare to Vr3, much better product, there is very low interference and static. I would recommend this product.

As promised, I am updating my experience with Bluetooth

So far so good, when I drive in city the bluetooth quality is good at the receiving end, but when I drive in Highway at 70 to 75 MPH, the receiver complained I am breaking. It appears that mic is too sensitive and picking up the vehicle vibration, I am still trying to get an optimum location for the mic to reduce outside noise. Since within city limit, the quality is good I am not worried much.

Also, the sound quality on my radio in the car is really really good. So Bluetooth works for me. I am not planning to return this product, I recommend this to any one looking for great quality of sound and a versatile product.

On FM transmitter, the power is sufficient enough to suppress a moderate radio signal (88.5 is NPR station in Dayton, I am able to suppress this thru this unit). So as far as static is concerned it is virtually null if use free or moderate station channel.

Return on Cost is good compare to options I explored like Parot and other dealer supplied Bluetooth units.

Over all I will give 4.5 for this, giving room for other improvements suggested earlier.

Satechi, Great product, looking for advanced one in future from you. Your customer service Rocks!!!!!!!! Great and thanks a ton for a good product.

- Manual is horrible. Just says few things about basic operation.

- Make two annoying loud bell sound (through your car FM radio) when you start the car (Assuming you left this device in cigarette lighter socket while turning off your car last time). Not sure why this is needed. Manual does not seem to say anything about it.

- Bluetooth connects fine with cellphones equipped with bluetooth. Microphone picks up my voice fine. It is a wired microphone(provided) There is no built in microphone on this device. Place it near your speedometer panel (or visor). Do not place it near the car fan vents. You will have to run the wire using some tiny wire clips or glue. Without the microphone you can't use cellphone bluetooth.

- DO NOT COUNT ON headphone out when using SD card or USB Port to play music. Headphone out is ONLY FOR THE BLUETOOTH usage from cellphone. I wrote to Satechi/Soundfly tech support to confirm this. It would have made a great device if I could play music from SD card and connect the headphone out to my car's AUX-in port. It WOULD have given me better quality sound than FM.

- Customer support: They respond (but slow). They do not understand english well (or your problem well). Simple sentences and examples will get you answer in one or two sentences.

- Looks well constructed. Display is complicated and takes time to learn.

The reason I purchased this item is a combination of wanting a hands free car phone for safety and having difficulty hearing the speaker phone on my cell phone in the car. The bluetooth transmitter fills these needs well. Since my car (Honda CRV) has only one cigarette lighter receptacle on the dash, I added another in the access door to the fuse box - an easy installation and out of the way location - thus leaving the original receptacle for the phone charging cord, a necessity to keep the phone illuminated while driving at night. The operating instructions are quite adequate and understandable. I do adjust the bass response down to make it easier to understand conversation broadcast through the radio. I think an earphone works best for this purpose, but I hate driving around feeling like a borg and I find an earphone uncomfortable, so this is the next best solution.

Before I get into the review, just let me say that I am a techie guy. I love gadgets. I love computers. I love cell phones. If this isn't you, you may have a different opinion of this device than I do.

I spent quite a bit of time looking at this (and other) devices to play MP3's in my car. I recently purchased little 2 seater that doesn't have much room and only a single CD player, but was use to having a CD changer in my Cadillac. I knew that I could get more music on an SD card than I could ever have in a CD changer and didn't want to replace the factory stereo in my car. I ran across several MP3 players that plug into the cigarette lighter and began to see who all offered them and what people were saying.

I read the reviews and then ran into this little gizmo that not only played MP3's but also connected to a cell phone via bluetooth. I looked at this and several other products for about two weeks before I purchased. Therefore, I was well aware of the pluses and minuses of this device.

The Good:
It plays MP3's well. I live in a rural area and the reception of the signal on my radio is great ... even if it is walking on a weak radio station signal. The only time I have noticed any additional static is when I am driving by one of those huge radio station antennas. Other than that, the sound is very good for being in a car. But, let's be honest: How good does the sound reproduction have to be in a car? There is road and wind noise most of the time while you are driving! In my case, I don't notice any difference between the MP3 reception and playing a CD.

The bluetooth implimentation has been flawless. The sound is great and the only time I have had difficulties having the person on the other end hear me well is when the my cell phone is flaking out.

The Bad:
It has been well documented in the other reviews that this product can only access 20 directories. However, it can see up to 1999 files. OK ... who really wants to put 100 MP3's in a directory? It would be great if there were more directories available, but I knew this going in. So ... if I want to organize my music by album (as is typical), I can only put 20 albums on an SD card. What CD changer does that? And, if I want to, I can always find space somewhere for a couple more SD cards in my car ... even if it is a 2 seater.

Also ... the battery on the remote was bad when I got it even though there was a plastic protector that had to be pulled out before use. I don't know how it could have been used up at that point, but I got another battery and it works great.

Everything else:
I have yet to try to use an MP3 player of any kind because that wasn't my goal. However, I do intend to try an IPod at some point in the future.

I put a little bit of velcro on the bottom of the remote and mounted it on my center console. It "almost" looks factory and works great there. I never have to search for it. The controls on the remote are much easier to use than to try to use the controls on the SoundFly BT itself.

I used the included sun visor mount for the microphone for the bluetooth, ran the cable behind the panels etc into the center console so the cord for the microphone is not visible except just before it goes into the SoundFly. Again, the sound is great and no one even knows it is there unless I point it out.

I played around with how I had my music organized and have come to a fairly good point with what I have on the card. Overall, I am very happy with the SoundFly BT. If lost it ... I'd buy another.

Soundfly BT Ultimate Bluetooth Car Fm Transmitter WMA/MP3 Player for SD Card, USB Stick, iPhone 3Gs & 3G, iPod, ZuneThis device worked exactly as reviewed by most of the reviewers. The Manual is short on details and contains many grammatical errors and mis-spellings. It linked to my iPhone 3G with no trouble and the Bluetooth stereo feature delivers more than adequate sound in my Toyota Highlander. The microphone wire is long enough that I was able to wire it from the device in the dash all the way to my visor where the mic sits in its cradle giving it a more "installed look". Call quality appears to be very good as well. My stereo is RDS capable and you can actually see the songs/artists being scrolled from the device when using the SD card. I ordered a bigger SD card and now, I wonder since the A2DP stereo profile works so well, why I should bother copying songs to a card. I always have my phone with me so when not listening to satellite radio, I can just start up the ipod app on my phone and listen away!

Using this now with an iPhone 3gs

1) Paired
2) Set it to 87.7
3) Played iPod, sounded great
4) Used Navigon GPS, music still routed to radio with driving instructions fading in.
5) Made a phone call, other party heard me fine, did not even know I was on a hands free device; they sounded great on the radio.

My commute to work is 32 miles and about 45 minutes. I really enjoy good music to and from work. The musice helps to set an energetic mood on the way in to the office and unwind on the way home. Unfortunately radio is not an option. In the area I live I lose stations about every mile. Besides, radio is about 60% commercials and jabber these days anyway. I really wanted a way to easily get the music from my iPhone to the car speakers. I've always resisted buying products in the past because I really don't like cords at all. I am a "get in and go" kind of guy and I don't like clutter. I'd also heard regularly that FM transmission devices have very poor quality sound.

The Soundfly unit really seemed to be the perfect answer. It was too perfect as a matter of fact and I was suspicious, but I went ahead and ordered it. I am _very_ glad I did.

It was a little difficult to figure out how to get it sync'ed up. I watched all the videos on their site. Unfortunately the supplied instructions leave something to be desired and it wasn't quite as easy as the trained tech in the video made it look. I did figure it out though and it has proven well worth the trouble.

Once connected it is almost completely hassle free. I start the car with the Soundly already in place, start the tunes on my iPhone with a couple swishes of my finger, set the iPhone in the cup holder and I am cruising to my tunes. No hassle. No clutter. I have had a couple of different folks comment about how the unit sounded "so much better" than other units they had experience with.

I consider the phone feature to be an added bonus. All I was looking for was a way to play tunes. I actually avoid using the phone at all if I can, but when I do need to take a call the system works flawlessly. The caller is clear over the car speakers and everyone I ask says I am clear to them on the other end as well.

The one thing I would like to see changed is to have the supplied microphone for use with the phone feature be made wireless. Satechi is 99% of the way there with wireless, clutterless ease of use. They already have Bluetooth technology in the Soundfly to take advantage of, a wireless microphone just seems like a logical next step. They might also create a new revenue stream replacing all the microphones people left attached to themselves and lost walking away from their cars. :^)

As a heads up... my favorite way to use the Soundfly is to play Pandora across the it. This works super well except that when I get a call Pandora doesn't come back after the call like iTunes does. This is not the fault of the Soundfly as this happens to Pandora whenever there is an incoming call whether hooked to the Soundfly or not.

This thing is amazing. Granted, I've never had a bluetooth hands-free device before but it works exactly as I want it to. Some key points:
1. Audio is near-CD quality or at worst, better quality than regular radio. I live in a highly populated urban center where every other frequency is used but this still works great.
2. Call quality is great. People can't even tell that I'm using it. When a call comes in, you hear a ring through the speakers. You can hit the green button on the device to take the call.
3. I use Pandora on my iphone with this. I also jailbroke my iphone so I can run Backgrounder (allows you to run multiple apps at the same time). This way I can keep Pandora playing, and use GPS at the same time, like the native ipod app on the iphone. I even get turn-by-turn voice navigation, so I can have Pandora playing and after a while the music will lower, the voice navigation will tell me when my next turn is, and the music will increase again. Very cool!!!
4. Also, if you have an iphone, it has a very cool and easy to use UI for switching between audio sources (Soundfly/iphone/headset).

My roommate initially said he's going to get a bluetooth headset. I told him this is so much better because you can stream everything through your car speakers. Another cool thing about this device is that it has a line-out so if you have a car radio that has a line-in jack, you can leverage that instead of broadcasting to an FM station.

In fact, that is one of the best things about this device. If you're shopping around for handsfree stuff, you should NEVER get proprietary, ipod/iphone-only devices. You'll have to buy a new one if some other cool device comes out! This device can take in audio through a standard line-in jack, output to a standard headphone jack, take in bluetooth, output to FM, it's extremely flexible!

I think it's been said before too, but customer service is definitely one of the best I've ever seen. They kept track of the order and asked me if I received it on time. They responded to my questions promptly too.

Some small negatives:
1. The microphone can be a little cumbersome but I have yet to find a good place to put it. Right now I put it on my seatbelt. Presumably I could get a wireless mic or something and plug it in. Haven't tried it though.
2. The USB port on the device doesn't allow charging a device when you're using bluetooth. So I can't charge my iphone while i'm using it. Not a big deal -- you can get this device: http://www.slashgear.com/car-charger-with-4-usb-ports-for-all-your-gizmos-1313806/ which will allow you to plug in the SoundFly and charge your iphone through USB.
3. Not sure if this is a negative, but the manual has been HORRIBLY translated. It's actually kind of funny, so yeah, not sure if it's a negative... It's not a big deal since the device itself is pretty intuitive.