Sony MDR-RF4000K Manual

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like for a long time.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

As the main plug of AC power adaptor is used to disconnect the AC power adaptor from the mains, connect it to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in it, disconnect it from the AC outlet immediately.

Thank you for purchasing the Sony MDR-RF4000K Wireless Stereo Headphone System. Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. Some features are:

• Wireless stereo headphone system for music and movies
• 2.4 GHz digital transmission with high quality sound
• Impressive sound reproduction with 40 mm driver unit equipped high quality closed type headphones
• 2 way transmitter design for convenient setting
• Easy battery charging system
• Lightweight headphones for long time listening comfort
• Real-time automatic tuning on headphones for best reception of signal
• Up to 30 meters reception range*
• 7 hours playback with supplied Ni-MH rechargeable battery
• Easy connection with TV/DVD/audio equipment with supplied audio cable
• Automatic On/Off function on headphones to preserve battery life
• Free adjustable headband for precise and comfortable fit
• Volume control function on the headphones

* Transmission distance varies depending on conditions of use.

Preparation

Checking the components and accessories

Before setting up the system, check that all of the components are included.

Inserting the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery

The supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery is not charged from the first time you use it. Be sure to charge it before use.
To charge the headphones, place them on the transmitter.

1. Press the PUSH button of the left housing to open the battery compartment lid.
   The battery compartment lid comes off.
   
2. Insert the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery into the battery compartment, matching terminal on the battery to the mark in the compartment.
   Do not attempt to charge any other kind of battery with this unit.
   
   Note
   The battery compartment has a tab on the side which holds the rechargeable battery in place. Insert the terminal first when installing the rechargeable battery.
3. Close the battery compartment lid.
   
   1. Insert the tab in the hole at the top left.
   2. Close the lid until it clicks.

Charging

1. Connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the transmitter.
   
   Notes
   • Be sure to use the supplied AC power adaptor. Using AC adaptors with different plug polarity or other characteristics can cause product failure.
     
   • Be sure to always use the supplied AC power adaptor. Even AC power adaptors having the same voltage and plug polarity can damage this product due to the current capacity or other factors.
   • Connect the AC power adaptor to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in the AC power adaptor, disconnect it from the AC outlet immediately.
2. Put the stand to the transmitter.
   You can place the transmitter horizontally or vertically, using the stand.
   
   Notes on the transmitter with stand and installation surface
   • The stand should not be placed on a surface that is cloth- covered, textured, dirty or dusty.
   • Peel off the protection films (transparent) on the adhesive sheets (4 corners) of the stand. The stand cannot be installed with the protection films on the adhesive sheets.
   • When placing the transmitter, press it down softly to steady the stand.
     If the power of the adhesive sheets becomes weak
     Use a soft cloth slightly moistened to remove dust. A soft cloth with mild detergent solution may be used to remove finger marks or grease. The power of the adhesive sheets will be restored for repeated use.
     To change the installation place
     Move the stand slowly with your fingers on the edge of the stand. The adhesive sheets will not be detached with a sharp move.
3. Turn the left and right headphones so as to be flat.
   
4. Insert the headphones in the transmitter so that the headphones' contact point meets the transmitter's contact pin, and make sure that the CHG indicator lights up.
   It takes approximate 16 hours to fully charge the battery (the CHG indicator goes off when charging is complete). When placing the headphones on the transmitter, be sure to insert the left and right housings completely. When the transmitter's contact pin meets the headphones' contact point, the CHG indicator lights up in red.
   

If the CHG indicator is not lit

• Be sure to close the battery compartment lid. The battery charge function is not activated when the lid is not fully closed.
• Check that the left and right headphones are inserted in the transmitter correctly.
• The indicator will not light up if the headphones' contact point does not meet the transmitter's contact pin. In this case, remove the headphones and insert them in the transmitter again so that the indicator lights up.
• Make sure that the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery is installed in the battery compartment.
• You cannot charge any rechargeable battery or dry-cell battery other than the supplied battery.

To recharge the headphone battery after use

Place the headphones on the transmitter after use. The CHG indicator lights up, and then charging starts.
Since the built-in timer recognises when charging is complete, there is no need to remove the headphones from the transmitter after charging has completed.

Notes

• The transmitter automatically turns off while charging the battery.
• This system is designed to charge only the supplied rechargeable battery, type BP-HP550-11, for safety. Note that other types of rechargeable battery cannot be charged with this system.
• You cannot charge any rechargeable battery or dry-cell battery other than the supplied battery.
• Do not attempt to use the supplied BP-HP550-11 rechargeable battery with other components. It is for use with this system only.
• Charge in an environmental temperature of between 0°C and 40°C. Otherwise, the battery may not be fully charged.
• Do not touch the contact pin of the transmitter. If a contact pin becomes dirty, charging may not be possible.
• Charging may not be completed if the transmitter's contact pin and headphones' contact point are dusty. Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

Charging and usage time

*¹ at 1 kHz, 1 mW + 1 mW output

*² hours required to fully charge an empty battery

*³ Time may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.

Checking the remaining battery power

Pull up the self-adjusting band and check the POWER indicator located on the right housing. The battery is still serviceable when the indicator lights in green.
Charge the rechargeable battery or install new dry-cell batteries if the POWER indicator light dims, flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.

Note
The rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery should be replaced with a new one when it lasts only half the expected time, after a full charge has been performed. The rechargeable battery, type BP- HP550-11, is not commercially available. You can order the battery from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

Using the headphones with alkaline batteries (sold separately)

Commercially available (size AAA) alkaline batteries can also be used to power the headphones. Install the batteries in the same manner as described in "Inserting the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery."
When dry-cell batteries are installed, the battery charge function is not activated.

Battery life

*¹ at 1 kHz, 1 mW + 1 mW output

*² Time may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.

Notes on Batteries

• Do not charge a dry-cell battery.
• Do not carry a dry-cell battery together with coins or other metallic objects. Heat can be generated by the battery if its positive and negative terminals are accidentally shorted.
• If you are not going to use the unit for a long time, remove the batteries to avoid damage from battery leakage or corrosion.

Connection

Setting up the transmitter

1. Connect the transmitter to an AV component.
   Select one of the hookups below depending on the jack type:
   1. To connect to a headphones jack
      
   2. To connect to LINE OUT or REC OUT jack
      

* "WALKMAN" and "WALKMAN" logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Operation

Listening to a programme

Before listening

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, first lower the volume.

1. Turn on the AV component connected to the transmitter.
   If the transmitter is connected to the headphone jack, set the volume control of the audio source component as high possible but not so high that the audio signal becomes distorted.
2. Remove the headphones from the transmitter.
   The transmitter's POWER indicator lights up in green.
   
3. Put on the headphones.
   When you put on the headphones, the headphones' power turns on automatically.
   The POWER indicator on the right housing lights up. Be sure to put the right housing on your right ear and the left housing on your left ear. Wear the headphones vertically on your head so that auto power on function is properly activated.
   There is a tactile dot on the hanger marked to distinguish the left side.
   
4. Adjust the volume.
   
   Notes
   • When watching films, be careful not to raise the volume too high in quiet scenes. You may hurt your ears when a loud scene is played.
   • You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC power adaptor from the transmitter before removing the headphones.

RF signal transmission area

The approximate RF signal transmission area from the transmitter is up to 30 m.
The transmitter detects the optimum frequency automatically when the headphones are removed from the transmitter. The sound may be interrupted if the headphones are out of RF signal transmission area or reception conditions deteriorate. In this case, move closer to the transmitter.

Notes

• Because this system transmits signals at 2.4 GHz, sound may be interrupted if interference occurs. This is due to radio frequency characteristics, and is not a malfunction.
• Any noise you hear through the headphones may vary depending on the transmitter position and room conditions. It is recommended that you place the transmitter in a location that produces the clearest sound.
• Sound may be interrupted if the transmitter is used with other wireless apparatus using 2.4 GHz frequency, or a microwave oven.

If an audio signal is not input for 10 minutes

RF signal transmission from the transmitter automatically stops when an audio signal is not input for 10 minutes. When the transmitter stops, the transmitter's POWER indicator blinks in green for 30 seconds and then turns off. The RF signals are automatically transmitted when an audio signal is input again. RF signal transmission may stop when an extremely low sound is input for about 10 minutes. If this happens, raise the volume of the connected AV component and lower the volume of the headphones. If signal noise is output from a component connected to the PHONES IN jacks, RF signal transmission may not stop.

The headphones automatically turn off when they are removed

• Auto Power On/Off function
  Do not pull up the self-adjusting band when not in use, as this will consume the battery power.
  

Replacing the earpads

The earpads are replaceable. If the earpads become dirty or worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The earpads are not commercially available. You can order replacements from the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

1. Remove the old earpad by pulling it off.
   
2. Place the new earpad around the housing.
   

Additional information

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using this headphone system, use the following checklist. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

No sound

• Check the connection between the transmitter and the AV component.
• Turn on the AV component connected to the transmitter, and start the playback.
• If you connect the transmitter to an AV component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected AV component.
• Make sure you are wearing the headphones correctly.
• Raise the headphone volume.
• The headphones' POWER indicator goes off.
  • Charge the rechargeable battery if it is weak, or replace alkaline batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging the battery, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.

Distorted or intermittent sound (sometimes with noise)

• Charge the rechargeable battery if it is weak, or replace alkaline batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging the battery, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
• Check if there is any wireless apparatus using 2.4 GHz frequency, or a microwave oven in the vicinity.
• Change the position of the transmitter.
• If you connect the transmitter to an AV component using the headphone jack, lower the volume level on the connected AV component.

Low sound

• If you connect the transmitter to an AV component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected AV component.
• Raise the headphone volume.

Loud background noise

• Check if there is any wireless apparatus using 2.4 GHz frequency, or a microwave oven in the vicinity.
• If you connect the transmitter to an AV component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected AV component.
• Charge the rechargeable battery if it is weak, or replace alkaline batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging the battery, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.

The sound cuts off.

• The transmitter stops transmitting if no signal is input for 10 minutes.
  • If you connect the transmitter to an AV component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected AV component.

The battery cannot be charged.

• Check if the CHG indicator turns on. If not, put the headphones on the transmitter correctly so that the CHG indicator turns on.
• Dry batteries are installed.
  • Insert the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery.
• Rechargeable batteries other than the supplied are installed.
  • Insert the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery.
• The transmitter's contact pin and headphones' contact point are dusty.
  • Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

A repeated beep sounds.

• The headphones cannot receive the signal from the transmitter.
  • Move within the RF signal transmission area.
  • Check the connection of the transmitter, AC power adaptor, and AC outlet.
  • Check if there is any wireless apparatus using 2.4 GHz frequency, or a microwave oven around the transmitter and headphones.
  • Change the position of the transmitter.
• There is no audio signal input for about 10 minutes and RF signals are not transmitted.
  • Input the audio signal to the transmitter.

The unit does not operate properly.

• Reset the system.
  • Push a small pin, etc., into the hole of the transmitter until you feel a click.
    The POWER indicator on top starts blinking in green.
    
    Once the POWER indicator starts blinking, pull up and hold the self-adjusting band to turn on the headphones, and push a small pin, etc., into the hole of the right headphone until you feel a click.
    The POWER indicator of the transmitter stops blinking and stays lit in green.
    

Precautions

On safety

• Do not drop, hit, or otherwise expose the headphones to strong shock of any kind. This could damage the product.
• Do not disassemble or attempt to open any parts of the system.

On power sources and placement

• If you are not going to use the system for a long time, unplug the AC power adaptor from the AC outlet. When removing the plug, grip the AC power adaptor.
  Do not pull on the cord.
• Do not place the system in any of the following locations.
  • Location exposed to direct sunlight, near a heater, or other extremely high-temperature location
  • Dusty location
  • On an unsteady or inclined surface
  • Location exposed to large amounts of vibration
  • Bathroom or other high-humidity locations

On headphones

Act considerately
When the volume is too high, the sound leaks outside the headphones. Be careful not to raise the volume so high that it bothers people around you.
There is a tendency to raise the volume when using in noisy places. However, for reasons of safety, it is advised to keep the volume at a level whereby you can still hear sounds around you.

On cleaning

Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with mild detergent solution. Do not use solvents such as thinner, benzene or alcohol as these may damage the surface.

When the product breaks

• When the product breaks, or if a foreign object gets inside the unit, immediately turn off the power and consult your nearest Sony dealer.
• When taking the system to a Sony dealer, be sure to take both the headphones and transmitter.

Specifications

Wireless stereo transmitter (TMR-RF4000)

Modulation System
GFSK

Carrier wave frequency
2.400 - 2.4835 GHz

Transmission distance
Approx. 30 m of longest

Frequency response
10 - 22,000 Hz

Distortion rate
1% or less (1 kHz)

Audio inputs
Phono jacks (left/right)
Stereo mini jack

Power requirements
DC 5.2 V (from the supplied AC power adaptor)

Dimensions
Approx. 246 × 75 × 120 mm (w/h/d)

Mass
Approx. 430 g

Rated power consumption
1.3 W

Wireless stereo headphones (MDR-RF4000)

Playback frequency range
12 – 22,000 Hz

Power requirements
Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery (supplied) or commercially available (size AAA) alkaline batteries

Mass
Approx. 300 g (including the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery)

Supplied accessories
AC power adaptor (5.2 V) (1)
Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery BP-HP550-11 (550 mAh) (1)
Connecting cable (stereo mini plug ⇔ pin plug × 2), 1 m (1)
Unimatch plug adaptor (stereo mini jack ⇔ stereo phone plug) (1)
Stand (1)
Card warranty (1)
Operating Instructions (this manual) (1)

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.