Question:

How can I convert a wired audio signal to a wireless bluetooth signal with minimal latency?

I have a digital keyboard that only has a headphone jack output, and I want to use wireless headphones to avoid the wire interference. What kind of device or adapter can I use to achieve this? What are the factors that affect the latency of the bluetooth transmission?

Answer:

If you have a device that only has a wired audio output, such as a digital keyboard, and you want to use wireless headphones or speakers, you might wonder how to achieve this without compromising the sound quality and synchronization. In this article, we will explain what causes the delay or lag in Bluetooth audio transmission, what kind of device or adapter you need to convert a wired audio signal to a wireless Bluetooth signal, and how to minimize the latency as much as possible.

What is Bluetooth latency and why does it matter?

Bluetooth latency is the amount of time it takes for the audio data to travel from the source device (such as your keyboard) to the destination device (such as your headphones) via Bluetooth. This delay can result in noticeable mismatch between the sound and the image, especially when watching videos or playing games. It can also affect the quality of the audio, as some sounds might be distorted or skipped.

The average Bluetooth latency is around 150 milliseconds (ms), which means there is a 0.15 second gap between the sound being generated and the sound being heard. This might not seem like a lot, but it can be very annoying and distracting for the listener. Ideally, the Bluetooth latency should be below 40 ms, which is considered acceptable by most users.

What factors affect Bluetooth latency?

There are several factors that can affect Bluetooth latency, such as:

• The distance between the devices: The farther apart the devices are, the longer it takes for the signal to travel between them, resulting in higher latency.
• The obstacles between the devices: Walls, furniture, and other obstacles can interfere with the Bluetooth signal and increase latency.
• The Bluetooth version and codec: Different versions of Bluetooth have different capabilities and speeds. Bluetooth 5.0 and above have a feature that automatically negotiates latency, while older versions might not. Similarly, different codecs have different compression and decompression rates, which affect the latency. For example, aptX Low Latency is a codec that reduces the latency to around 40 ms, while SBC (the default codec for most Bluetooth devices) has a latency of around 150 ms.
• The number of devices connected: If you have multiple Bluetooth devices connected to the same source or destination, it can create interference and increase latency.
• The battery level of the devices: If the battery level of the devices is low, it can affect the performance and stability of the Bluetooth connection, and increase latency.

What device or adapter do I need to convert a wired audio signal to a wireless Bluetooth signal?

To convert a wired audio signal to a wireless Bluetooth signal, you need a device or adapter that can act as a Bluetooth transmitter. A Bluetooth transmitter is a device that can plug into the headphone jack or other audio output of your source device, and send the audio signal wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

There are many Bluetooth transmitters available in the market, with different features and prices. Some of the things you should look for when choosing a Bluetooth transmitter are:

• The Bluetooth version and codec: As mentioned above, the Bluetooth version and codec can affect the latency and quality of the audio transmission. You should look for a Bluetooth transmitter that supports Bluetooth 5.0 or above, and aptX Low Latency or other low-latency codecs. You should also make sure that your Bluetooth headphones or speakers support the same version and codec as the transmitter, otherwise the latency reduction will not work.
• The battery life and charging options: You should look for a Bluetooth transmitter that has a long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of your listening session. You should also look for a Bluetooth transmitter that can charge via USB or other convenient methods, so you don’t have to rely on batteries or power outlets.
• The size and portability: You should look for a Bluetooth transmitter that is small and lightweight, so you can easily carry it around and use it with different devices. You should also look for a Bluetooth transmitter that has a clip or a strap, so you can attach it to your device or clothing.
• The multi-device pairing and switching: You should look for a Bluetooth transmitter that can pair with multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time, and switch between them easily. This way, you can use the same transmitter with different headphones or speakers, or share the audio with another person.

How to minimize Bluetooth latency as much as possible?

Even if you have a Bluetooth transmitter and headphones that support low-latency codecs, you might still experience some Bluetooth latency due to other factors. Here are some tips to minimize Bluetooth latency as much as possible:

• Keep the devices close to each other: The closer the devices are, the faster the signal travels, and the lower the latency. Try to keep the devices within 10 meters of each other, and avoid placing them behind walls or other obstacles.
• Reduce the number of devices connected: The more devices connected to the same source or destination, the more interference and latency. Try to limit the number of Bluetooth devices connected to your source device, and disconnect any devices that you are not using.
• Keep the devices fully charged: The lower the battery level of the devices, the worse the performance and stability of the Bluetooth connection, and the higher the latency. Try to keep the devices fully charged, or charge them while using them if possible.
• Adjust the audio settings of the devices: Some devices have audio settings that can affect the latency and quality of the audio transmission. For example, some devices have an audio delay or sync option that can compensate for the Bluetooth latency by delaying the video or audio accordingly. You can also try to adjust the volume, equalizer, or other audio settings of the devices to improve the sound quality.

Conclusion

Converting

a wired audio signal to a wireless Bluetooth signal can be a convenient and enjoyable way to listen to your music, videos, or games. However, it can also cause some Bluetooth latency, which can be annoying and distracting. To minimize Bluetooth latency, you need to choose a Bluetooth transmitter and headphones that support low-latency codecs, and follow some tips to optimize the Bluetooth connection. We hope this article has helped you understand what causes Bluetooth latency, and how to deal with it. Happy listening!