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Alpine CDE-HD138BT CD receiver

Item # 500HD138BT

If you're looking for a do-it-all car stereo or have eyes on building a system, Alpine's CDE-HD138BT CD receiver...

Find what Fits your vehicle

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If you're looking for a do-it-all car stereo or have eyes on building a system, Alpine's CDE-HD138BT CD receiver...

Item # 500HD138BT

Shop all Alpine Car Stereos

About the Alpine CDE-HD138BT

Zak Billmeier

Meet Alpine's fully-loaded receiver

If you're looking for a do-it-all car stereo or have eyes on building a system, Alpine's CDE-HD138BT CD receiver packs a serious punch. You'll get features like an HD Radio® tuner, built-in Bluetooth®, and Pandora® Internet radio control. Alpine's legendary sound quality rounds out the package, along with plenty of audio adjustments.
Alpine Authorized Online Dealer

Meet Alpine's fully-loaded receiver

If you're looking for a do-it-all car stereo or have eyes on building a system, Alpine's CDE-HD138BT CD receiver packs a serious punch. You'll get features like an HD Radio® tuner, built-in Bluetooth®, and Pandora® Internet radio control. Alpine's legendary sound quality rounds out the package, along with plenty of audio adjustments.

Alpine CDE-HD138BT

Built-in HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging

Alpine's HD Radio tuner lets you tune in digital AM/FM broadcasts, significantly pumping up the sound quality. Participating FM stations sound about as good as a CD, while AM stations sound like traditional FM. Plus while your iPod®'s connected and you've got an HD Radio station tuned in, you can "tag" songs you like for later purchase from the iTunes® store.

Bluetooth: it's not just for calling hands free

You may already know that Bluetooth offers a hands-free calling solution while you're on the road. That's still true, but now it gives you a whole lot more. If your phone or another device supports Bluetooth music streaming, you can beam your tunes and control playback with the CDE-HD138BT. You won't get full control this way, but you can perform some basic functions like track up and track down. Best of all, no wires are needed.

But of course, you can still talk hands-free, and Alpine helps make sure you and your callers can understand each other. First, you can mount the included microphone in a good spot in front of you so it'll have no problem picking up your voice. Next, the receiver lets you adjust the mic's gain to best match your speaking voice. You can also tweak the phone output and ring volume, so you won't go diving for the volume knob every time someone calls. And, last of all, this Alpine downloads up to a thousand names from your phonebook, and allows you to search by alphabet to find the number you want.

Put Pandora® in your dash

Alpine gives you Pandora right where you want it — in your dash. You can change stations, skip tracks, and rate songs just like you do online. Your smartphone and a free Pandora app are the key. Android™ and BlackBerry® users get full control through the Bluetooth® connection, while iPhone® lovers get basic control (play, pause, track up) over USB. connection.

Add satellite radio

Satellite radio lovers, you're in luck — the CDE-HD138BT works with SiriusXM's SXV200 tuner, which lets you dial in your favorite programming plus get some cool features. You can pause and rewind live programming, get game and music alerts, and even tag songs you like while your iPod's connected.

Want to keep your steering wheel controls?

In most vehicles, you can use an adapter to connect your vehicle's steering wheel controls to this Alpine stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and the CDE-HD138BT, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls. Check the "Accessories" tab for compatible adapters.

Bluetooth note: Use of this receiver's Bluetooth features will depend upon your phone's Bluetooth capabilities. Learn more in our article explaining Bluetooth profiles.

iPod note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for specific iPod model compatibility.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

    General features:
    • CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
    • built-in MOSFET amplifier (18 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
    • built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
    • built-in HD Radio tuner
    • full Pandora® control for Android and BlackBerry over Bluetooth
    • basic Pandora control for iPhone
    Audio features:
    • 5-band parametric/7-band graphic equalizer with ten presets
    • built-in high- and low-pass filters
    Expandability:
    • works with SiriusXM SXV100V1 tuner and SXV200V1 tuner
    • works with Alpine's KTP-445 Power Pack plug-in amplifier (45 watts RMS x 4)
    • inputs: front USB port, front auxiliary input
    • outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer)
    Other features and specs:
    • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
    • CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
    • warranty: 1 year
    • MFR # CDE-HD138BT

    What's in the box:

    • AM/FM/CD receiver (with 10A ATC fuse inserted in chassis)
    • Face (attached)
    • Sleeve (installed)
    • Trim ring (installed)
    • Wiring harness
    • Microphone (with attached 13' cable terminated by a right-angle 3.5mm connector)
    • Visor clip
    • Hard plastic face case
    • 4 Flat-head ISO-DIN screws (M5 x 8mm)
    • 2 Radio removal tools
    • Face-fixing screw
    • Owner's Manual CD-ROM
    • Quick Reference Guide (Eng/Fre/Spa)
    • System Requirements (for CD-ROM)
    • Online Product Registration card

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    Customer reviews for Alpine CDE-HD138BT

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    38 reviews

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    More details on the Alpine CDE-HD138BT

    Stacey B.

    Features & specs

    Expandability
    AUX Input Front
    Audio/video Input ---
    USB Input Front
    USB Port Power ---
    Backup Camera Input No
    Second Camera Input No
    CarPlay No
    Android Auto No
    Siri Control No
    Alexa Voice Control
    Android Control Yes
    Memory Card Slot USB memory
    Bluetooth Compatible Built-in
    Satellite Radio Ready SiriusXM
    HD Radio Built-in
    Navigation ---
    iPod Compatibility
    Full size Classic/5Gen
    Nano 7/6/5/4/3/2/1
    Touch 5/4/3/2/1
    iPhone 5/4S/4/3GS/3G/2G
    General
    RMS Power (CTA-2006) 18 watts
    RMS Power (Manufacturer) ---
    Peak Output 50 watts
    RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
    Preamp Outputs 6-channel
    Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
    Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs No
    Video Screen No
    Navigation App Compatible (iOS)
    Navigation App Compatible (Android)
    Preamp Voltage 4 volts
    Screen Size ---
    Screen Type ---
    Display Color White
    Key Button Color Blue
    EQ Bands 7
    Wireless Remote Optional
    Steering Wheel Control Compatible Adapter required
    Parts Warranty 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 1 Year
    Tuner
    FM Sensitivity 9.3 dBf
    European Tuning No
    Seek/Scan Seek
    Radio Data System No
    File Playback
    Music File Playback MP3, WMA, AAC
    High-res Playback
    The Alpine CDE-HD138BT replaces these items:

    Product Research

    HD Radio + SiriusXM Ready
    Built-in Bluetooth
    Pandora App Control for Android/Blackberry
    USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
    Disc Playback
    Audio Section
    Display Features
    Remote Control

    HD Radio + SiriusXM Ready

    HD Radio: With the built-in HD Radio tuner, you can receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from local stations where available. HD Radio lets you listen to the radio with the same fidelity as your digital music. HD Radio features high quality audio, FM multi-casting, and data services. With HD Radio, your FM stations offer near CD-quality sound, AM stations provide FM-like sound, and there is crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion. Best of all, HD Radio is 100% subscription free. HD Radio is the system for digital AM and FM broadcasting in the U.S. More than 2,000 radio stations are broadcasting their primary signals in digital HD Radio technology, as a free service. Go to HDRadio.com to check for HD Radio stations in your area. The unit's tuner also supports analog AM/FM broadcasts.

    Station Text: AM/FM digital stations can offer text and data such as artist names and song titles. The built-in HD Radio tuner displays song title, artist and station information on the display of the Alpine CDE-HD138BT.

    Multicasting: Multicasting is the ability to broadcast multiple program streams over a single AM/FM frequency. this increases the amount and diversity of content choices. A maximum of eight multicast station channels (HD1-HD8) can be selected on this unit.

    iTunes Tagging: It is possible to save the song's information (tag) from and HD Radio broadcasting station to your USB-direct connected iPod/iPhone. The songs will show up in a playlist called "Tagged" in iTunes the next time you sync your iPod/iPhone. Then you can directly buy the songs you want from the iTunes Music Store. You can "tag" up to 50 songs.

    Note: Your iPod/iPhone must have at least 50MB of free space to "tag" and transfer songs. iTunes 7.4 or later is required to purchase "tagged" songs.

    Preset Tuning: The built-in tuner provides 12 FM and 6 AM preset stations. Stations can be preset manually or automatically.

    Note: Sub-program services of multicast stations are not included in the automatic memory search.

    Search Functions: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT offers various search functions to help you find the analog or digital AM/FM stations you are looking for.

    • Seek Modes: You can search for only digital AM/FM stations (Digital mode), or both analog & digital AM/FM stations (Hybrid mode).
    • Local/Distance Tuning: Local seek tuning lets you tune in only those radio stations with sufficiently strong signals for good reception. Distance seek tuning allows both strong and weak stations to be tuned.
    • Frequency Search: You can search for a radio station by its frequency, using the head unit's rotary encoder.

    Listening Modes: The head unit provides four reception methods in order to receive Digital & Analog AM/FM signals according to your own preference and signal strength.

    • Hybrid: Receives both digital and analog stations. If the digital signal is weak, this mode will switch to receive the analog radio signal automatically.
    • Digital: Receives only digital radio signals, even when the digital signal is weak.
    • Digital MC: Receives the digital radio signal while listening to a sub-program service of a multicast station.
    • Analog: Only receives the analog radio signal, even when the digital signal is strong.

    Live Mode: While receiving a live AM/FM broadcast, you can select an optimized receiving method according to your own preference and the signal strength.

    • Analog: While receiving a live broadcast, this unit will only receive the analog radio signal even when the digital signal can be received.
    • Digital: While receiving a live broadcast, this unit will keep receiving the digital radio signal even when the digital signal is week.
    • Listen: While receiving a live broadcast, this unit will use one of the Listening Modes (Hybrid, Digital, Digital MC, or Analog).

    FM Tone Quality: You can set your preferred tonal quality, when listening to FM analog radio stations. You can choose between HiFi (high-quality sound), Normal (standard setting), or Stable (noise control).

    SiriusXM Ready: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT comes ready for SiriusXM programming with access to XM and Sirius Satellite Radio stations. Thanks to its proprietary SiriusXM Connect port, you can add the optional SXV200V1 SiriusXM Connect tuner and receive more than 150 channels of exclusive programming directly from SiriusXM, via the "SiriusXM All Access" package (subscription required). Visit SiriusXM.com for a complete list of subscription options and channel guide. Additional features of the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect tuner include:

    • Text Display: Text information, such as the channel name, artist name, feature and song/program title is displayed on the in-dash receiver.
    • Search Function: You can search for SiriusXM programming content by Category or by Channel.
    • SiriusXM Presets: Feature 3 Satellite Radio preset bands. You can store 6 SiriusXM stations to each preset band (a total of 18).
    • Jump Recall: You can save your absolute favorite radio station and access it with the press of a single button for easy recall.
    • Instant Replay: Supports the SiriusXM Instant Replay function, so you can pause, rewind, and replay up to 30 minutes of live content. Listen to your favorite programming over again.
    • Game Alert: GameAlert will display an on-screen message if your favorite teams' games are being broadcast. Jump to that station with the push of a button so you can listen to the game play by play. You can also get the latest score updates while you are listening to other stations.
    • Song/Artist Alert: With Song/Artist Alert you can get notified when your favorite songs or artists are being broadcast on any SiriusXM station. With the push of a button, you can jump right to that broadcast and catch the songs you want to listen to.
    • iTunes Tagging: The iTunes Tagging feature lets you Tag songs (up to 50) you hear on SiriusXM and stores the info on your iPod/iPhone. The next time you connect your iPod/iPhone to iTunes, you will be able to preview your selections and then purchase and download them directly from iTunes.
    • Parental Lock: This function restricts the listening of channels for children of certain age levels and is protected by a 4-digit "lock-code".

    Note: SiriusXM Satellite Radio operates on XM Network. If you already have a Sirius Satellite Radio subscription, this radio can not be added as a discounted second unit. If you have an existing XM Satellite Radio subscription, you can add this unit as a discounted second unit.

    Built-in Bluetooth

    Bluetooth Technology (powered by Parrot): The Alpine CDE-HD138BT features built-in Bluetooth technology (v3.0), powered by Parrot. Parrot is the global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, for expanded compatibility for many Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cell phones. The head unit's built-in Bluetooth allows you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit.

    Bluetooth Profiles: In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:

    • Hands-Free Communication: HFP (Hands Free Profile), HSP (Head Set Profile), OPP (Object Push Profile), PBAB (Phone Book Access Profile).
    • Audio Streaming: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).

    Pairing: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT can be paired to up to five Bluetooth enabled mobile devices (only one device can be used at a time). Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Alpine CDE-HD138BT. Parrot software updates provide support for future phones.

    External Microphone with Noise Cancellation: The included external microphone (with visor-clip) allows you to speak to the other party on the telephone call hands-free, while the other party's voice is played through your car stereo speakers. The external microphone is tuned and engineered to reduce noise interference and feedback. This allows optimal placement in your car, for the best possible sound quality. You can adjust the microphone's volume level; and even mute the microphone, so your voice will not be heard by the caller. The external microphone measures 0.5625" (diameter) x 1.625" (deep); and features an attached 13' cable terminated by a right-angle male 3.5mm connector.

    Receiving Calls: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT provides a couple ways to answer your phone calls without picking up your mobile phone. Incoming calls are announced by a caller ring tone through your vehicle's speakers (music will be muted) & a Caller ID message across your Alpine head unit's display.

    • Manual Answer: Manually answer an incoming call by pressing the "Phone" button on your Alpine head unit.
    • Automatic Answer: Set the Alpine head unit to answer the incoming call automatically; when a call is received, it is answered automatically after approximately 5 seconds.
    • Call Waiting: If a second call is received during a current call, you can have the first caller wait momentarily while you take the second call. When you are finished with one call, you can switch to the other.

    Placing Calls: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT provides a variety of functions for placing a phone call without using your mobile phone. The Alpine CDE-HD138BT features full phone book access, call history, voice tag dialing, and redial with compatible phones.

    • Voice Dialing: If you have a voice-dial capable phone, you can dial a phone contact by simply speaking the name of your contact.
    • Phonebook (with ABC search): Up to 1,000 entries (5 telephone numbers for each name) can be downloaded from your compatible mobile phone. You can select the first 3 call letters (ABC) to search for a desired name in your phonebook.
    • Preset Dialing: You can assign phone numbers that you dial frequently to presets (1-6) for quick recall. You can assign up to six frequently called phone numbers. A total of 18 phone numbers can be stored in the preset memory (6 numbers for each mobile phone paired).
    • Call History: The 80 previously dialed, received, or missed numbers can be retrieved and dialed from memory.

    Call Switch: This function allows you to initiate the transfer of audio between your mobile phone and your car's speakers.

    Text Message Alert: The CDE-HD138BT can give you a notification on the display with a blinking mail icon indicator for 30 seconds while receiving a text message on your Bluetooth-enabled phone. The mail icon indicator will remain on if there is an unread message on a connected mobile phone. You must still read or create a text message from your mobile smartphone.

    Audio Streaming: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT can stream music from you Bluetooth A2DP/AVRCP mobile device. Not only can it control & stream your music through Bluetooth, it can process your music using its built-in DSP Sound Expansion to ensure you get the best sound. Basic playback functions include - Play, Pause, & Skip (Previous/Next). The head unit will also display your stored music's song information; such as Artist name & Song/Album title. The CDE-HD138BT also supports audio streaming of music apps on your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, but without control or metadata. You will continue to use your Bluetooth enabled smartphone to view and control streaming music apps. When an incoming call or outgoing call is in progress from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, audio streaming will be paused so you can take your call. Once the call is finished, your streaming music will resume.

    Note: Bluetooth Firmware Update v01.27.00 is required for Bluetooth control and song information display from an Apple iOS 6.0+ device. 

    Bluetooth Sound Quality Adjustments: You can customize the sound of your Bluetooth hands-free experience to fit your own preferences. You can adjust the CDE-HD138BT's mic gain, phone output, & ring tone volume. If that's not enough, there are 5 sound quality settings to choose from to get the balance just right for you. This flexibility will make your phone calls a pleasurable experience.

    • Volume Adjustments: You can emphasize or weaken the volume level of phone call, the ring tone, and the microphone input to fit your own preference. The Phone Talk Level, Ring Tone, & Mic Gain are all adjustable between -5 to + 5 dB.
    • Sound Types: This unit provides 5 methods to improve the sound quality of your calls. You can choose the type according to your own preference - Type 1 (standard mode), Type 2 (enhances noise reduction), Type 3 (enhances echo-cancellation), Type 4 (enhances both noise reduction & echo cancellation), & Type 5 (weakens both noise reduction & echo-cancellation).

    Speaker Output: You can select which car speaker outputs the audio from your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone/device.

    • All: The audio will be output from all of the speakers in the car
    • F-L: The sound is only output from the front left speaker.
    • F-R: The sound is only output from the front right speaker.
    • F-LR: The sound is output from the front left and front right speakers.
    Pandora App Control

    Pandora Internet Radio for your Android or BlackBerry: Pandora is the leading Internet Radio music service in the United States, giving people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations. The Alpine CDE-HD138BT CD receiver lets you playback and control the Pandora Internet Radio music service that is being streamed to your Android or BlackBerry smartphone. Your Android or BlackBerry smartphone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. In addition, you will need an active Pandora music service account.

    Pandora via Bluetooth: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT lets you playback and control Pandora Internet Radio streamed from your Android or BlackBerry smartphone, via Bluetooth (no hard-wired connection required). To access Pandora from the Alpine head unit, your Bluetooth-enabled Android or BlackBerry smartphone must have the latest version of the Pandora App from the Android Market or the BlackBerry App World. Your Android or BlackBerry smartphone must support A2DP, AVRCP, and SPP Bluetooth profiles. Pandora control via USB-connection is not available for Android or BlackBerry.

    Note: Access to the Pandora service will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone or smartphone to connect to the Internet. Pandora is not supported in Canada and only available in the United States.

    Pandora Control: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT will provide control over the Pandora music service streamed to your Bluetooth-enabled Android or BlackBerry smartphone. 

    • Station List: You can select Pandora stations from your Station List by date or alphabetically (A-Z).
    • New Station: Based on a currently playing track or artist, you can create a new station and save it to your Pandora account.
    • QuickMix: QuickMix allows you to listen to songs played on one or more Pandora stations in your Station List randomly. You will need to edit your QuickMix station selections on the phone before connection.
    • Skip Songs: You can skip song tracks within a station. You cannot skip back to a previous song. Pandora limits the number of skips allowed.
    • Thumbs Up/Down: You can give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down to help Pandora personalize stations to suit your preferences.
    • Bookmarking: The song or artist currently being played can be bookmarked & stored in your Pandora account.

    Information Display: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT will display Artist, Album, & Song information provided by the Pandora app on your Android or BlackBerry smartphone.

    USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity

    Front-Panel USB Port: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT features a front-panel USB (type-A) port, so you may connect a USB mass storage class memory device to this head unit. Your connected USB memory device may contain MP3 (8-320 kbps), WMA (32-192 kbps), or AAC (16-320 kbps) music files formatted in FAT 12/16/32. This unit will recognized up to 100 folders and 100 files per folder. ID3 tags (v1, v2) and WMA tags are supported; track title, artist name, and album name ID3/WMA tag data can be displayed. The head unit will play back files on a USB memory devices with the same controls and modes as playback of CDs containing MP3, WMA, and AAC audio files. USB portable audio players that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.

    Note: You can only play back non-copy protected MP3/WMA/AAC files.

    iPod/iPhone Direct Connection: You can connect your iPod or iPhone to the head unit's front-panel USB port using the Alpine KCU-445i iPod/iPhone cable (500KCU445i, sold separately) or the iPod dock-connector cable which came with your iPod/iPhone to get access to all of your iPod/iPhone's stored music, right from the head unit. If you have an iPod nano (7th gen), iPod touch (5th gen), or iPhone 5; use the Lighting-to-USB cable that came with your Apple device to connect to the head unit. The Alpine CDE-HD138BT offers audio playback, music navigation, information display, & charging of select iPod/iPhone models.

    iPod/iPhone Audio Playback (with DAC bypass): The Alpine CDE-HD138BT supports audio playback of music, podcast, and audiobook files stored on your iPod or iPhone; as well as music apps streamed to your iPod/iPhone. The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's large music libraries to be loaded instantly to the Alpine head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 1-bit D/A converter (bypassing iPod/iPhone DAC), allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 105dB.

    iPod/iPhone Control: Once your iPod/iPhone is connected, you get convenient control of your iPod/iPhone's music library from the head unit. You can also choose to control your iPod/iPhone from its clickwheel or touchscreen.

    • Head Unit: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT lets you navigate your iPod/iPhone's music library by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Genre, Composer, Podcast, or Audiobook. You can then search each category alphabetically (A-Z). For especially big music libraries, the Percentage Search function uses the head unit's preset buttons for quick jumps to specific parts of the a Category (Preset 1: 0% to 16%, Preset 2: 17% to 32%, Preset 3: 33% to 49%, Preset 4: 50% to 66%, Preset 5: 67% to 82%, Preset 6: 83% to 100% of the song library). The head unit also offers three Shuffle playback functions (All/Album/Category) and Repeat playback function (song).
    • iPod Passenger Control: In iPod Passenger Control mode, you can navigate the stored music on your iPod/iPhone from its clickwheel or touchscreen. You can also listen to your favorite music apps (such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Last.fm, Rhapsody, & Slacker) from your iPhone (iOS 3.0+) through the Alpine head unit and your vehicle's speakers, while controlling basic play back functions (such as Play/Pause & Previous/Next). You will continue to use your iPhone's touchscreen to navigate advance functions of your  musicapps. Not all apps will be compatible.

    Note: Access to your iPhone's downloaded applications will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone to connect to the Internet.

    iPod/iPhone Display: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT will display your iPod/iPhone's stored music file information in Head Unit or iPod Passenger Control mode. The head unit will display Track number, Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song title, & Album label. The unit will not display music app information.

    iPod Charging: The head unit's USB connection provides 1A of current to power and charge your connected iPod/iPhone when your vehicle's ignition switch is set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position. This unit does not charge the iPad. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it.

    iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 9/27/2012):

    Apple Device Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type iTunes Tagging Charge
    Audio Video Head Unit iPod/iPhone Artist/Song Text Track Info
    iPhone 2G 3.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    3G 4.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    3GS 5.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4S 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    5 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    touch 1st 2.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    2nd 4.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    3rd 5.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4th 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    5th 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    nano 1st 1.3.1 Y N Y N Y Y N Y
    2nd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y N Y
    3rd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4th 1.0.4 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    5th 1.0.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    6th 1.1 PC Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    7th 1.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    120GB 2.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    160GB 2.0.4 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y
    video 5th 1.3 Y N Y N Y Y N Y
    iPad 1 5.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N
    2 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N
    3 6.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N
    Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.

    Auxiliary Input: The unit is equipped with front-panel minijack (3.5mm) auxiliary input. You can input audio from an auxiliary source unit; such as a portable MP3 player. You can turn the Auxiliary Input on or off. In addition, you can change the name on the display to match the type of device connected to the front-panel input; Auxiliary, TV, DVD, Portable, or Game.

    Disc Playback

    Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs.

    MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: This unit can play CD-R, and CD-RW discs containing MP3, WMA, and AAC files recorded using the ISO 9660 Level 1 or Level 2 formats. MP3 files with bit rates from 8 kbps to 320 kbps, WMA files with bit rates from 48 kbps to 192 kbps, and AAC files with bit rates from 16 kbps to 320 kbps are supported. Up to a maximum of 255 folders and 510 files/folders can be read from one disc. ID3 tags v1 and v2, and WMA tags are supported; track title, artist name, and album name ID3 tag data can be displayed.

    Text/File/Folder Quick Search: When you are playing a disc with CD Text or ID3/WMA/AAC tags, you can easily search for a track, file, or folder by its title. Once you have activated the search mode, you can use the rotary encoder to quickly scan through the titles to locate the desired track. For discs without CD Text or ID3/WMA/AAC tags, searches are made using the track numbers associated with each song.

    Playback Modes: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT offers Repeat and Random playback modes.

    • Repeat: Repeat Play (repeats playback of current track/file), Folder Repeat (repeats only files in current folder).
    • Random: Random Play (all tracks/files on disc are played in random order), Folder Random (only files in current folder are played back in random order).

    Off Insert/Eject: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with the power off. When a disc is inserted with the power off, the unit will automatically power up and begin playback.

    Auto Reload: When a CD is ejected and left sticking out of the CD slot for 20 seconds, the unit automatically reloads the CD to protect if from damage.

    Angle Mounting: For proper CD playback, Alpine recommends mounting the CDE-HD138BT no more that 35° above horizontal.

    Audio Section

    CEA-2006 Compliant: The specifications given by Alpine for the built-in amplifier comply with the CEA-2006 mobile amplifier power testing and measurement standards from the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association). All manufacturers who comply with the standard can display the CEA-2006 logo on their product.

    • CEA-2006 Power Rating: 18 watts x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
    • Max Power Output: 50 watts x 4 channels

    6ch/4V Preouts: The CDE-HD138BT has three sets of 4-Volt RCA pre-outs (Front/Rear/Sub) for connection of external amplifiers. The unit's front and rear preamp output can be faded (front/rear), while the subwoofer preamp output is non-fading.

    Note: When an external amplifier is connected sound quality can be improved by stopping the power supply of the built-in amplifier.

    Subwoofer Control: When the non-fading subwoofer preamp output is activated, you can adjust the subwoofer's volume, low-pass filter, & phase.

    • Volume: There are two volume (system) modes for the unit's subwoofer output.
      • System 1: Subwoofer level changes according to the main volume setting.
      • System 2: Subwoofer level change is different from the main volume setting (0-15); even at low volume settings, the subwoofer is still audible.
    • Low Pass Filter: The unit's subwoofer output low-pass filter can be set to 60Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz, or Off (through).
    • Subwoofer Phase: The subwoofer output phase can be set to Normal (0°) or Reverse (180°).

    High Pass Filter: The Alpine head unit is equipped with a high-pass filter for its speaker-level output and front-channel preamp output (when activated). You can set the unit's high-pass filter to 60Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz, or Off (through).

    Equalizer: The CDE-HD138BT makes all of your music sound great with its extensive tuning capabilities. Choose from a 5-band parametric or 7-band graphic equalizer, to get the best from your car audio sound system. You can modify the EQ settings to create a response curve more appealing to your personal taste.

    • 5-Band Parametric EQ: The 5-band parametric EQ function gives you more flexibility in covering problem areas in the vehicle's response curve. 
      • Center Frequencies: You can select from the following center frequencies for each band; Band 1 (63Hz/80Hz/100Hz/200Hz), Band 2 (160Hz/250Hz/400Hz/630Hz/1.0kHz), Band 3 (630Hz/1.0Hz/1.6kHz/2.5kHz/4.0kHz), Band 4 (1.6kHz/2.5kHz/4kHz/6.3kHz/10.0kHz), Band 5 (10.0kHz/1.25kHz/16.0kHz/17.5kHz).
      • Bandwidth (Width Q): You can change the boosted bandwidth between Wide 1, Medium 2/3, or Narrow 4. A wider setting will boost a wide range of frequencies above and below the center frequency; while a narrower setting will boost only frequencies near the center frequency.
      • Level: Each center frequency can be set to a desired level, between -6 to +6 dB.
    • 7-Band Graphic EQ: The 7-band graphic EQ is simpler to set up and use.
      • Bands 1-7: Band 1 (80Hz), Band 2 (250Hz), Band 3 (500Hz), Band 4 (1.0kHz), Band 5 (4.0kHz), Band 6 (8.0kHz), Band 7 (16.0kHz).
      • Level: Each band (1-7) can be set to a desired level, between -6 to +6 dB.

    Note: You can store a combined 6 EQ presets for the 5-band and 7-band EQ.

    Media Xpander Pro: Alpine's exclusive Media Xpander Pro is engineered to bring out the musical details lost in compressed media, and it is adjustable per source to get the most out of your digital audio media. The Media Expander Pro makes vocals or instruments sound distinct regardless of the music source. The FM radio, CD, USB memory, and iPhone/iPod will be able to reproduce the music more clearly even in vehicles with a lot of road noise.

    Source Volume Level: The output level (+/-5dB) of each source can be individually adjusted. For example, if the Tuner level sounds lower than CD, its output can be adjusted without affecting the other sources.

    Interrupt Feature: When a device having the interrupt feature (such as a cellular telephone) is connected to the receiver, the audio signal will be automatically muted whenever the interrupt signal is received from the device. The supplied wiring harness contains a pink/black Interrupt lead that needs to be connected to the device's interrupt signal connection.

    Display Features

    Detachable Face: The unit features a single front loading CD face that detaches from the chassis to deter theft. The CD player comes supplied with a hard plastic face case to protect the detachable face when you have it off the chassis. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.  An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can also be purchased for this unit.

    1-Line LCD Display: This unit is equipped with a 1-Line white-backlit LCD, so you can easily view AM/FM stations, CD-Text, & ID-3 tag information.

    Text Display: Text information, such as the disc name and the track name, will be displayed if playing a CD text compatible disc. It is also possible to display the folder name, the file name,& the tag information, while playing a MP3/WMA/AAC disc or USB memory device.

    Text Scroll: This unit can scroll the disc & track names recorded on CD-Text disc, as well as the text information of MP3 files, folder names, and tags. There are two Text Scroll settings.

    • Auto: The CD text information, the information of folder and file names, and the tags are scrolled automatically.
    • Manual: The display is scrolled when a disc is loaded or when a track is changed.

    Auto Dimmer: This unit is equipped with an illumination lead; when the unit's dimmer mode is set to Auto and the illumination lead is connected to your vehicle's headlight circuit, the display and button illumination will dim to a fixed, preset level whenever the headlights are turned on. If preferred, you may choose the Manual dimmer mode setting, so the display and button illumination is dim at all times.

    Demo Mode: This unit has a demonstration feature for its display which can be turned On or Off in the menu.

    Remote Control

    Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The unit also features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with the optional PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (541SWIRC, sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (120ASWC, sold separately).

    Note: Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.

    Optional Wireless Remote: The Alpine CDE-HD138BT is wireless remote control ready. Simply add on the Alpine RUE-4202 IR remote (500RUE4202, sold separately) to make it even easier to control the head unit's functions.

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