What causes DAB radio interference?
DAB radio interference is usually caused by electrical noise affecting the signal going into your DAB receiver. Many electrical products emit some electromagnetic noise, including mobile phones and in‑car electronics. LED lights are one of the most common causes of DAB interference issues in modern vehicles.
Do Dash Cams cause interference?
Nextbase Dash Cams are tested to meet European (CE) and American (FCC) Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards, which limit how much electromagnetic noise devices can emit. In almost all cases, Nextbase Dash Cams emit significantly less interference than these limits allow.
However, DAB systems vary in how sensitive they are to external noise, so some vehicle setups may be more prone to problems than others.
Why am I experiencing problems with my DAB?
Some vehicles and DAB systems are more susceptible to interference than others, especially when multiple electrical accessories are installed. If you search online for your vehicle make and model together with “DAB interference”, you may find that other owners report similar issues when using various accessories, not just Dash Cams. They may also share vehicle‑specific fixes or routing suggestions that work well.
What can I do if I experience DAB issues?
If you notice DAB interference after installing a Nextbase Dash Cam, try these steps:
Fit a ferrite core suppressor to the Dash Cam power cable (a ferrite core is included with every Nextbase Hardwire Kit, or you can purchase a separate suppressor).
Contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealer to check for known DAB interference issues and recommended fixes for your specific model.
Re‑route the Dash Cam power cable so it runs away from the DAB antenna and its wiring. For example, if you originally routed the cable down the left side of the vehicle, try routing it down the right side instead.
Re‑route the rear camera cable (if you have one) so it does not run alongside DAB antenna cables or modules.
Extra tips
Keep Dash Cam and rear camera cables as short and tidy as possible, avoiding loops or coils near the DAB antenna.
Avoid running Dash Cam power or rear camera cables directly alongside factory aerial cables, amplifier modules, or LED light wiring where possible.
If you use aftermarket LED bulbs, try temporarily reverting to standard bulbs to see if interference improves, helping you isolate the cause.
If you hardwire the Dash Cam, use the supplied ferrite core on the hardwire lead close to the Dash Cam end for best effect.
Troubleshooting
If DAB signal drops only when the Dash Cam is powered: Temporarily unplug the Dash Cam. If the signal returns, fit a ferrite core and re‑route the cable, then test again.
If interference remains with the Dash Cam unplugged: The Dash Cam is unlikely to be the root cause; check other accessories (chargers, LED lights, in‑car Wi‑Fi).
If the ferrite core does not help: Move the core closer to the Dash Cam, add a second core if possible, and ensure the cable passes through the core as instructed.
If re‑routing cables is difficult: Ask a professional installer or your dealer to inspect the routing and identify where DAB and accessory cables run.
If you still experience problems after trying these steps: Contact Nextbase support with your Dash Cam model, vehicle make/model/year, and a description of when the interference occurs (e.g. specific stations, only with rear camera connected, only at motorway speeds).