Internet Radio Playing with Left or Right Channel Missing?

[Sasqui]

This has happened inconsistently on two devices. I had an Aluratek internet radio player (that died after 10 years) and now an Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen.

So here's the deal: I'm listening to a rock station out of Orlando, WMMO. On the Echo Dot, one channel (either left or right) is missing from the audio stream. I know this from knowing the songs, and for example, the lead guitar riff is barely audible or accompanying vocals are all but gone during certain parts of a given song.

I had the same thing happen on the Aluratek. I've messed around with settings, and could not find anywhere to set the playback to mono. That would have been a solution with FM radio / receiver / amp, to get around having only one speaker.

In both cases, no external speakers are connected to either device. Is it a problem with the source?

 

[Bill_Bright]

Is it a problem with the source?

Could be. Did you try another? What about Pandora or Spotify?

 

[Sasqui]

Could be. Did you try another? What about Pandora or Spotify?

No, I haven't. I have a free account on Pandora, it needs a paid account to play on the Echo. The Aluratek was a dedicated internet radio device.

I listen to Pandora all the time on my phone, never encountered that, but then again it's going through stereo headphones.

Edit: I have a spare pair of stereo PC speakers. I'm going to try plugging those into the Echo. If they work, then it's a problem with the Echo playback.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Yeah, I suspect if it was the source (WMMO) there would be a lot of people complaining - not here at TPU - but at least in Florida.

 

[Sasqui]

Yeah, I suspect if it was the source (WMMO) there would be a lot of people complaining - not here at TPU - but at least in Florida.

Just to be clear, I meant the internet feed transmission, not OTA ...and I'm curious how and who does that across the country too.

 

[Bill_Bright]

and I'm curious how and who does that across the country too.

Not sure the question but lots of OTA stations also broadcast over the Internet for national (even global) audiences.

 

[Sasqui]

but lots of OTA stations also broadcast over the Internet

Yes, the question is who does the feeds and maintains the metadata, directory services.

Here's a simplification on how to DIY: https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/internet-radio2.htm

 

[Bill_Bright]

There are many service providers for this. It just depends on how much hands-on you want, and what you are willing to pay for others to do it for you.