Roberta Aguirre
Apple's AirPort Express is a device that allows users to play audio from their computers. It can access music or audio streamed from a computer or an iPhone, iPad, or iPod via iTunes and AirPlay. It can also be used to play audio from a stereo system, though this requires an in-between device, such as a computer, to communicate with the AirPort Express. It's important to note that AirPort Express audio streaming is buffered, resulting in a delay that may not be suitable for real-time activities like gaming or video chats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Audio source | Computer, iPhone, iPad, iPod, stereo system, CD/tape decks, iTunes, Airfoil, oAEP, AirPlay-enabled device |
| Audio format | Any |
| Audio delay | Yes, there is a delay of a few seconds |
| Connection type | Wireless, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mini-jack port, RCA connection adapter, Ethernet/LAN port, USB port |
| Power source | AC power |
| Size | 3.85-inches wide, 3.85 inches deep, 1-inch high |
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What You'll Learn
Playing audio from a computer with AirPlay
AirPlay is a useful feature that allows you to stream audio and video from your Apple device to a compatible device. This includes streaming music, podcasts, and other audio to Apple TV, HomePod, or AirPlay-compatible speakers or smart TVs. You can even play audio across multiple speakers throughout your home, either in sync or with different audio in each room.
To use AirPlay with a Windows PC, you will need to install a third-party application. One of the easiest ways to do this is by installing iTunes, which has built-in support for basic AirPlay audio streaming. You can then connect to the Wi-Fi network hosting your AirPlay devices and send music to your PC. Alternatively, you can try apps such as Tuneblade, AirParrot, AirServer, AirMyPC, X-Mirage, Airfoil, or AirPlay Client for Windows Media Center. These apps allow you to mirror your Windows PC screen, stream media, and cast to AirPlay-enabled devices.
If you are using a Mac, the process is more straightforward. Open the Apple Music app, click AirPlay in the playback controls, and select the speaker or multiple speakers you want to play audio on. If you don't see the AirPlay icon, go to the menu bar, select Control Center, click AirPlay under Sound, and choose your desired speaker.
It's important to note that AirPort Express audio streaming is buffered, resulting in a delay. While this may be acceptable for listening to music, it is not suitable for real-time activities like gaming or video calls.
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Using iTunes to play audio
Apple's AirPort Express allows you to play audio from iTunes on any stereo. AirPort Express is a small, self-contained unit that you plug into your wall. It allows you to stream music from your computer to anywhere within your house (within 150 feet).
To use AirPort Express, you need a Mac running Mac OS 10.3 and an AirPort or AirPort Extreme Card. For Windows, you need Windows 2000 or XP and a Wi-Fi-certified IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g wireless card.
Here's how to set up AirPort Express to play audio from iTunes:
- Plug the leftmost ethernet connector on the AirPort Express (the one with the circular symbol) into your ADSL modem or Ethernet hub.
- Plug your stereo into the AirPort Express audio-out jack. This is a small 3.5mm jack on the bottom right with a loudspeaker symbol above it.
- Connect your speakers or stereo to AirPort Express's audio port.
- On your computer, go to System Preferences, then Sound, and select your AirPlay device from the Output options.
Once set up, you can use AirPort Express to stream music from iTunes on your computer to multiple locations at once, including your computer speakers and the AirPort Express simultaneously. However, note that AirPort Express audio streaming is buffered, resulting in a delay of a few seconds. While this is fine for listening to music, it may not be suitable for real-time activities like gaming, audio/video chat, or watching videos, as the audio will be out of sync.
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Connecting to AirPort Express
Apple's AirPort Express is a Wi-Fi device that allows you to wirelessly share speakers and printers with other computers. It is simple to set up and can be a useful addition to any home or office setup.
To set up an Apple AirPort Express, you will need to use AirPort Utility software, which comes loaded with Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) through 10.13 (High Sierra). For newer Macs, you can download the software.
First, plug the AirPort Express into an electrical outlet in the room where you want to use it. Give the AirPort Express a name and password and select Continue. Next, decide what kind of Wi-Fi connection you want to set up. Choose whether you are connecting the AirPort Express to an existing Wi-Fi network, replacing another, or connecting via Ethernet. Select an option and then select Continue. A list of the available wireless networks will display. Select the appropriate network and click Continue. When the changed settings are saved, the AirPort Express will restart. Once it restarts, the AirPort Express will appear in the AirPort Utility window with the new name and will be ready to use.
If you encounter any issues, you can reset the AirPort Express by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the device. This may require a paper clip or other items with a small point. Hold the button for about a second until the light flashes amber. This will reset the base station password, allowing you to set it up again using the AirPort Utility. Alternatively, you can try a hard reset, which will erase all data from the AirPort Express and let you start anew. To perform a hard reset, hold the reset button for 10 seconds, then set up the base station again.
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Airfoil as an alternative to iTunes
Airfoil is a software that allows users to stream audio from their computers to Airport Express units, Apple TVs, and other devices. It is compatible with multiple devices, including Apple TV, Airport Express, Bluetooth speakers, Chrome Casts, iOS devices, and PCs (both Mac and other models). Airfoil can stream audio from any program (but only one at a time) or full system audio to multiple locations simultaneously. However, Airfoil can only play audio files supported by iTunes, meaning that it cannot play unsupported file formats such as Windows media files.
As an alternative to iTunes, Airfoil offers several advantages. Firstly, it enables users to stream audio from any audio source, giving them the freedom to choose the gadget on which they play their music. Additionally, Airfoil allows users to modulate the sound production of their devices. The Airfoil Satellite feature lets users access music remotely from an iPod or PC and play it on any device of their choice. This flexibility in streaming audio from various sources and the ability to control sound output make Airfoil a compelling option.
Another advantage of Airfoil over iTunes is its compatibility with multiple devices and operating systems. Airfoil supports not only iOS devices but also works with Mac and other PC models. This cross-platform compatibility sets it apart from iTunes, which is primarily designed for Apple devices. Airfoil's ability to stream audio to Airport Express units, Apple TVs, and even other Macs and PCs, all in sync, further showcases its versatility.
While Airfoil offers a range of benefits, it is important to consider potential limitations. One notable drawback is its dependency on iTunes for supported file formats. If an audio file is not compatible with iTunes, Airfoil will not be able to play it. This restriction can be inconvenient for users who have audio files in various formats, especially Windows media files, which are not supported by iTunes and, consequently, Airfoil.
Despite this limitation, Airfoil presents a viable alternative to iTunes for users seeking flexibility in audio streaming across multiple devices. Its ability to route audio from diverse sources to the user's chosen medium, along with features like Airfoil Satellite, make it a powerful option for managing audio playback. However, users should be mindful of file format compatibility issues when using Airfoil as an iTunes alternative.
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Streaming audio from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod
For Apple devices running iOS 12 and 13, the AirPlay icon can be found in the Control Center. To access it, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen and press the signal icon in the top right corner of the Music tile. Select your preferred AirPlay speaker from the list, return to the desired audio app, and press play.
For Apple devices running iOS 11: Access the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. Press the AirPlay icon in the top-right corner, select the desired speaker(s), and return to the audio app.
For Apple devices running iOS 10: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center. Press the AirPlay icon, select the speaker(s), return to the audio app, and press play.
For Apple devices running iOS 7, 8, or 9: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. Press the AirPlay icon, select the speaker, return to the audio app, and press play.
For Apple devices running iOS 6 and earlier: If the app is AirPlay compatible, press the AirPlay icon within the app, select the Wireless Music System, and press play. If the AirPlay icon is not visible within the app, open the Music app and locate the AirPlay icon. iPod touch and iPhone users will need to navigate to the Now Playing screen by selecting a song to play.
It is important to note that AirPlay audio streaming is buffered, resulting in a delay. While this may be acceptable for music playback, it is not suitable for real-time activities such as gaming or audio/video chat.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can play audio from your computer using AirPlay.
You can play audio from iTunes or audio from any other program or full system audio.
To stream audio from your computer, open iTunes. In the bottom right corner of the iTunes window, there is a drop-down menu that lists the available AirPlay devices. Choose AirPort Express from the list and play the audio.
Yes, you can play audio from your computer with AirPlay to multiple devices. You can add more than one AirPort Express to your home network and stream to all of them simultaneously.
No, AirPlay audio streaming is buffered, so there is a delay. This means it is not suitable for real-time activities like gaming or audio/video chat.
