MP3 option?

[MShreve]

So what's the deal with the stock Mazda MP3 option? I've tried multiple bit rates and file types, but can't seem to get it to recognize the audio tracks. The manual doesn't really give you any input either.

Does it require an index file (m3u) or a specific file type and bit rate? What am I doing wrong?

 

[tunersteve]

The MS6 head unit is NOT mp3 compatible.

I believe Mazda sells an MP3 compatible reader, but it's not a cheap fix. You're better off looking into an iPod adaptor.

 

[MShreve]

My stock radio (Bose upgrade) is supposed to be MP3 compatible, as in it will read MP3 files off of CD's...but I can't get it to work.

 

[tunersteve]

My stock radio (Bose upgrade) is supposed to be MP3 compatible, as in it will read MP3 files off of CD's...but I can't get it to work.

Who told you that? The Bose system was standard equip. in the MS6.

 

[MShreve]

The dealership and the owners manual told me that.
It wasn't a standard option.

 

[tunersteve]

The dealership and the owners manual told me that.
It wasn't a standard option.

Bose stereo was not an option on the MS6. It was standard on both models.

From a ford press release:

The MAZDASPEED6 will be available as a Sport or Grand Touring model. Both versions feature extensive interior appointments, including stainless steel scuff plates, sport-type front seats, a BOSE audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and an alloy pedal set. The MAZDASPEED6 Grand Touring edition also will receive black leather-trimmed seat upholstery, eight-way adjustable heated front seats, heated door mirrors, an advanced keyless entry system and optional power moonroof.

Source: Ford Media release

 

[tunersteve]

Here's the accessory available from Mazda:

Mazda's Modular Audio System makes it easy to upgrade the factory audio system with an In-Dash 6-Disc CD/MP3 Changer.

Rollover or Click to see a Larger image

Description

Part Number

Price

QTY

with Bose audio

GP9A-79-EGX

$525.00

 

[MShreve]

I'm not looking for info on what I do or don't have, I'm looking for info on how to make MP3's play on the MP3 enabled Bose stereo.

From my owners manual:

"This unit can play MP3 files that have been recorded on CD-R/CD-RW/CD-ROMs. This unit handles MP3 files conforming to the MP3 format containing both header frames and data frames. This unit can play multi-session recorded discs that have up to 99 sessions."

 

[MShreve]

BTW, I'm not saying that Bose isn't standard equipment, what I'm saying is the MP3 enabled Bose was not standard equipment.

 

[Blendercloud]

There are two Bose head units for the MS6. One of them with the ability to play MP3's, one without.

On the top left of the head unit, where it says 6-Disc changer if yours has the ability to play MP3's, it should say "MP3" there. If it doesn't, yours won't play it.

All MS6 owners manuals say what you've said in the previous post MShreve. However, that only applies if your head unit is badged with that MP3 logo explicitly on the face of the unit.

Now, on to your question... If you do indeed have a MP3 Bose head unit, the reason they may not be playing could be the software you're using to burn the CD's. What software are you using?

 

[MShreve]

It's the MP3 version.

I've been using Windows Media Player to burn the disks.

They seem to be pretty flexible on the formats and bit rates, which is why I was wondering if it expects an index file?

 

[Blendercloud]

Are you sure that you're burning them in .mp3 and not .wma?

 

[MShreve]

Are you sure that you're burning them in .mp3 and not .wma?

Yep. Although I also tried wma just in case Bose was following iTunes lead. But no go. It either thinks the audio is all one track or it says "check disk" and ejects it.

 

[Blendercloud]

Do you have anything like Easy CD Creator or Nero Burn?

 

[MShreve]

I'll look for some other options.

I tried burn4free too, but I'm not suprised it didn't work since it's fairly limited. I'll try WinAmp this weekend while I'm up at my brothers, since he has a licensed copy.

 

[Blendercloud]

Probably about 5-6 years ago, when MP3 head units were first coming around, I had a MP3 CD head unit from Kenwood. That thing was a pain in the ass about what programs I could use to burn with and what I could not.

Another thing to think about is trying them on CD-R's and CD-RW's. Also, sometimes (depending on the software) you'll have to close out the disc fully before any CD player will recognize them.

 

[MShreve]

Thanks Blendercloud, I'll keep trying.

I have also noticed that the Bose unit doesn't like some audio CD's either, which I also haven't figured out. I can take a standard audio CD (that I burned) and play it in any CD player in the house, but the MS6 Bose won't play it.

I'm thinking this thing's just too finicky to deal with. I'll probably just get an iPod hookup and be done with it.

 

[Blendercloud]

The route I'm probably going to go is a USB port and external hard drive. Whichever you do, keep us posted and good luck!

 

[tunersteve]

I'm not looking for info on what I do or don't have, I'm looking for info on how to make MP3's play on the MP3 enabled Bose stereo.

From my owners manual:

"This unit can play MP3 files that have been recorded on CD-R/CD-RW/CD-ROMs. This unit handles MP3 files conforming to the MP3 format containing both header frames and data frames. This unit can play multi-session recorded discs that have up to 99 sessions."

Sorry if my posts were confusing, I was just trying to make sure that your dealer didn't feed you a line of BS when you bought your car.

BTW, I'm not saying that Bose isn't standard equipment, what I'm saying is the MP3 enabled Bose was not standard equipment.

That is correct. Can you take a pic of the front of the head unit, near where the CD slides in to show the MP3 enabled one.

There are two Bose head units for the MS6. One of them with the ability to play MP3's, one without.

I'm a little surprised by this one. I've got one of the last built MS6's according to VIN, and my HU does not have any MP3 markings on it.

I'm interested to get this figured out. Have you tried burning with iTunes?

 

[Neofolis]

I'm probably mentioning stuff you already know, but you also have to stick to a specified folder structure on the disc, as the head unit won't read any deeper than two folder levels. File names are also important, depending on the disk write format you used, there will be different restrictions to the number of characters allowed in the file/folder names and the disk label, if you used one. It may also be worth checking which mp3 codecs you have installed on your PC. Encoding using the Fraunhoffer codec is generally the most standards compliant, but many people use the Lame codec, because it offers a greater choice of bitrates to encode at.