DIY The Original Apple 30 Pin Audio Line Out Adapter

Before you started reading this post, I suggest you also read my previous post about when I bought this original Apple AV cable here and also my first attempt to modify it here. Still until today, for myself it is a nostalgic moment to stacking the iPod with the portable amplifier. It is a tempting effort and of course the great way to have a hi end affordable portable music player. But the most difficulty now days is to get the 30 pin Apple compatible adapter. This adapter function is to get the true audio line out from the inside iPod DAC directly, uncolored sound and direct audio line without passing path on digital volume control or amplifier inside the iPod itself. The result for this is the sound more dynamic, crisp, detail though out your ears. In this project, I want the original Apple 30 pin dock, then modify it to have the true audio line out. So here it is.

Please be caution. In this DIY project, we are dealing with very small parts to work on and some slicing and braking the Apple adapter is required, so the skills playing important rule to make this project finished as intended. The first step, I am using the guitar pick to break the front cover of the adapter. It require to slicing from the gap on the side, continues to all around until it can be push the inner connector out.

Now take closer look of the inside of this adapter is have 2 side. The one side on the top cover is for AV connector.

The bottom side is covered with metal plate is for USB connector. This bottom section is the one I will work on the first place. I need to remove all the cable connector to make it clean.

Removing the steel plate cover is an easy job, just pull it using flat screw-driver and it pop out immediately. Now you can see the inner plate is actually a digital ground for USB data transfer and charging. It is separate with the audio ground. Remove the ground wire and slowly take out the metal plate by soldering the bottom plate joined with the adapter board.

Once it is removed then it is clearly see the microchip inside this adapter. This what makes the original Apple different with the OEM 30 pin adapter.

Now I can continue to the front board which on the right side is for audio line out and the left side is for components video out. I will replace the cable with higher quality cable, then the Apple cable need to be remove as well.

Closer look to the pin out need to be connected as audio line out.

Closer look at the bottom side of the board. I make sure no short in the circuit then I can close all the metal plate together again.

So here I am, all the original Apple 30 pin adapter parts need to be join together after attaching the audio cable.

I am using 8-braided cable usually use for the headphones cables. It is very flexible and small, really fit for this purpose.

Once it is done, all I need is put the board inside the adapted cover. Actually it has a groove inside the cover, it is hard to capture by camera, but following the groove align with the adapter board makes inserting the board firm and precise.

Then the last steps is attaching the front plastic cover and glued all together. It is completely done now.

This is the holy setups for the iPod. The Apple original 30 pin audio line out connected to CMOY headphones amplifier. Going around with them, listening great music all day, what a lovely moments I had. I remembering the old days with this great device:)

Disclaimer: Any statement and photos in this article are not allowed to copy or publish without written permission from the writer. Any injury or loss from following tips in this article is not under writer responsibility.