This has been reported by several people, so I thought I should post it here. The issue is with intermittent, random bursts of static when using an iPod through the USB ports (1 or 2). Here is a video demonstrating the problem (most evident around the 2:00 mark):

I tested with 3 different 6th Gen iPod Classics (160GB Fat, 120GB, 80GB with flash memory conversion), as well as a 30GB iPod Video (5.5 gen). All exhibit the problem. Tested with both the Pioneer CD-1U201V (iPod cable) and a genuine Apple 30pin/USB cable.

The noise only occurs with the iPod, not with any other source (Android phone/radio/CD etc).

The unit (shown above, manufactured March 2015) was sent in for repair under warranty, and came back with the same problem. It was then replaced with a new unit by Pioneer (manufactured July, 2015). The new unit also has the issue. The head unit was tested outside the vehicle, as well as installed.

Not sure if it occurs with iPhone or iPod Touch, or on other recent NEX models.

Curious.  What format is the song encoded?  Encoder?  Version?  Bitrate?  All the good stuff we typically don't care about until there's a compatibility problem....????

I noticed you used only the one song.  Does it occur with other specific song?  Any song?  Compare encodings, encoders, versions, etc.

If I recall, the song above is a 192 VBR mp3, encoded using iTunes. I used this track because it was easy to hear the static/noise over it (the noise can be obscured somewhat by a louder track), but the problem seems to occur on any other music played as well, regardless of bitrate/encoding (there's a bit of a mix of them in my collection).

I have same problems with AVH-X8700BT (european version of AVH-4100NEX). I  tested with 2 different 6th & 7th Gen iPod Classics (120Gb HDD and 128Gb SSD) with ALAC and AAC files only!!!

Just I have a problem with a low framerate from the rear camera. If I turn on the ignition and turn on the rear gear, until the unit is fully loaded (no warning signs) we have normal framerate. As soon as the unit loaded, the framerate drops and moving objects on the screen move jerkily.

None of these songs are 2nd or later generation encodings, right?

See if you get the same distorted sounds if you play just CBR songs.

I know the media charts list VBR as compatible, but they don't specify a maximum average bitrate.  Higher bitrates are given with (CBR) next to it, such as 320 kbps (CBR).  I take this to mean only 320 kbps CBR are compatible, since you can only encode 320 kbps mp3's in CBR mode.  I think the max for VBR is 256 kbps or thereabouts.

Oh, BTW...

This may be in part due to iPod firmware.  I don't believe the file itself is streamed to the head unit via USB connection but rather streamed as decoded audio (not certain whether analog or digital).  Just for proof of this is the fact that ALAC files can be played through the iPod... and ALAC files are not compatible with the head unit itself.

None of these songs are 2nd or later generation encodings, right?

 

See if you get the same distorted sounds if you play just CBR songs.

 

I know the media charts list VBR as compatible, but they don't specify a maximum average bitrate.  Higher bitrates are given with (CBR) next to it, such as 320 kbps (CBR).  I take this to mean only 320 kbps CBR are compatible, since you can only encode 320 kbps mp3's in CBR mode.  I think the max for VBR is 256 kbps or thereabouts.

No second generation encodings here. Not sure if it's strictly an iPod firmware issue, as the iPod Video 5.5 Gen uses different firmware than the 6th gen and later iPod Classics (due to different audio hardware), yet still exhibits the static problem.

I'll create a playlist of CBR files to check...but if the iPod is doing the decoding and passing the signal along, it sounds more like a head unit issue. I should also note that my previous setup (DEH-P800PRS/CD-IB-100II adapter via IP Bus) worked flawlessly with the same iPods.

On edit: with 320 kbps CBR playback, issue still occurs.  

Can't say for certain, but it sounds like the iPods are doing the decoding and passing digital stream to head unit. There's usually a synchronize signal or channel associated with the audio channel... at least there is in professional digital streaming....  or one unit acts as the "clock" and the other units patch into a "clock" signal for reference.  If a unit is are getting or sending a bad sync' signal, the result is  (I imagine) what you are hearing, with varying intensities and lengths.

I had two older Pioneer units also, both with the iPod ip-bus adapters, and every once in a great while, I'd get similar noise and even more rarely nothing but constant noise... using same iPod I use now (though iPod firmware has been updated a couple times).  The only fix was to physically disconnect iPod, display still showing under Pioneer control because iPod eject feature not working on head unit). let the iPod battery go dead enough th3e iPod turns itself off, charge and reboot... so IMO, it is the interface firmware of one, the other, or both the Pioneer and iPod units.

FWIW, a similar event occurs occasionally when connected to my Kenwood DNN990HD.  Same [workaround] solution.

As for your situation... IDK.

Sure hope Pioneer comes up with some kind of fix for this....

I have the same problem. At first I thought it was my tracks, but repeated listening revealed that the static transients occurred at differing points during different plays of the same song. I tried a couple different cables with no joy. Very disappointing. Using an iPod Nano 8 gb Model A1320.

I replaced the old twisted RCA interconnect cables to the new shielded cables. Just purchased and connected Android navigation box http://ru.aliexpress.com/item/Android-4-4-NAVIGATION-GPS-BOX-for-AVH-4100NEX-with-3G-WIFI-WAZE-Google-Map/32425217442.html?isOrigTitle=true
Now the noise from the iPod is gone, but there was constant very quiet hiss of navibox

Only on port USB1 my iPod went to work without clicks and noise.

I have the problem on both USB ports (1 & 2).

I have the problem on both USB ports (1 & 2).

 

Maybe you are using the internal amplifier of Pioneer 4100NEX. You can check your unit with an external amplifier ?

 

Actually I use both. External for front and sub, internal for rear fill. Both had the iPod static. Also tested with external amp on workbench (no internal), also noisy. 

I've been going back again and again to Car Toys trying to figure out what has been causing this same issue for me. I have an iPod 160. I never had this problem with my Z130BT or with my factory stereo. Their tech finally called Pioneer Tech Support and they say it is a known issue and is caused by the 30 pin adapter, and I need to get a newer iPod. What the hell?

That's just ridiculous. Way to screw up again Pioneer.

This makes no sense. I occasionally have the same issue on my 8100NEX. Sometimes unplugging and restarting the iPod helps. I refuse to believe this to be an issue with the 30pin adapter for iPod; tons of OEM and aftermarket iPod-ready head units that input via USB do not have these issues, some of which actually made by Pioneer.

I've been going back again and again to Car Toys trying to figure out what has been causing this same issue for me. I have an iPod 160. I never had this problem with my Z130BT or with my factory stereo. Their tech finally called Pioneer Tech Support and they say it is a known issue and is caused by the 30 pin adapter, and I need to get a newer iPod. What the hell?

 

That's just ridiculous. Way to screw up again Pioneer.

I for one am not spending up to $400 on a new iPod Touch (with less storage capacity than my current one). Unless they can fix this issue, they should no longer advertise the units as being compatible with the 30 pin iPods.

I had the chance to test the 4100NEX with a friend's iPod Touch (6th generation, running iOS 8.4). I can confirm no static. The album art/song description on the HU display would hang up on occasion, though. 

Well, I solved the static issue with my Classic 160 while listening on my AVH4100. How? I finally got rid of the Pioneer and put in a Kenwood DDX9902S. It doesn't have quite the same functionality; I can't, for instance, have Android Auto and the iPod going at the same time, but given that every time I tried that with the AVH4100 I wanted to put a hole in the screen with my fist, it's probably a wash. As a bonus, I think the Kenwood sound is actually better.

Pioneer screwed up. There is no reason that you can't have an iPod Classic run without the static issue. They just don't want to admit they are incompetent.

I have the same problem too.  What works for me is, that I reboot or power cycle my iPod classic, then when it comes back, that same song plays back fine.  I really like this unti (NEX 4100), but I really don't like the idea that one speads $$$ on this unit and it doesn't work that way it should.  I used to have an Alpine W505, and it's iPod playback was way better, and the album art was not an issue.

I am having same problem. Went back to installer and exchanged for new unit. Got three blocks and heard it four times. Pioneer wanted to have me send files that had the issue. Well try a iPod 160. That is a lot of files. Anyways, now Pioneer wants me to send back unit and iPod with problem.They need to take some accountability and quit trying deny the issue. Anyone have this resolved?

Hey, does anybody know if this issue was fixed with the newer 4201 series? I need to replace my current Kenwood unit, and while I love the sound, I hate that I can't use Android Auto and the iPod at the same time. If the static doesn't happen with the 4201 I might consider it.

one user fixed the static issue doing a new warp snapshot with the ipod connected, so this may very well be a problem of the software, btw dont do this without the hardware mod, or you will be sorry.