PXC 550 Wireless headphones Instruction Manual
2 | PXC 550
Contents Contents Important safety instructions....................................................................................2 The PXC 550 Wireless headphones............................................................................4 Package includes...........................................................................................................6 Product overview..........................................................................................................
Important safety instructions Important safety instructions XX Read this instruction manual carefully and completely before using the product. XX Always include this instruction manual when passing the product on to third parties. XX Do not use an obviously defective product. Preventing damage to health and accidents XX Protect your hearing from high volume levels. Permanent hearing damage may occur when headphones are used at high volume levels for long periods of time.
Important safety instructions Intended use/Liability These wireless headphones are designed for use with mobile devices (e. g. mobile music players, mobile phones, tablets) that support wireless communication via Bluetooth. Compatible Bluetooth devices include those that support the following profiles: Hands Free Profile (HFP), Headset Profile (HSP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), and Device ID profile (DIP).
The PXC 550 Wireless headphones The PXC 550 Wireless headphones The PXC 550 Wireless headphones lead the next generation of business and travel headphones from Sennheiser. Utilizing the fastest and energy-efficient Bluetooth 4.2 wireless standard, the PXC 550 Wireless headphones are packed with innovative features. One such feature is Adaptive NoiseGard™ active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a NoiseGard option that varies in strength according to the ambient noise level.
The PXC 550 Wireless headphones Bluetooth The PXC 550 Wireless headphones comply with the Bluetooth technology 4.2 standard and are compatible with all Bluetooth 1.1, 1.2, 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 devices with the following profiles: • Headset Profile (HSP) 1.2 – provides the basic functionalities used by the headphones to interact with a Bluetooth smartphone. • Hands-Free Profile (HFP) 1.6 – provides extra functionalities as compared to the HSP.
Package includes Package includes Headphones Carry case Audio cable with answer/end button (2.5 mm and 3.5 mm jack plug) USB cable with micro-USB connector In-flight adapter 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter Quick guide Quick guide Safety guide Safety guide (with Compliance Information sheet) A list of accessories can be found at www.sennheiser.com. For information on suppliers, contact your local Sennheiser partner: www.sennheiser.com> “Sales Partner“.
Product overview Product overview Overview of the headphones Right R 1 2 3 4 7 Right R see 6 Left L 5 6 9 Right R 0 00 0 8 1 Headband 7 Bluetooth on/off switch 2 Ear pads 8 Touch pad (right ear cup) 3 Ear cups 9 Audio input 4 ANC microphones (4 qty) 0 Micro-USB input 5 NFC panel A LED display 6 Speech microphones (3 qty) B Effect Mode Control button C NoiseGard/ANC control switch PXC 550 | 7
Product overview Overview of pictograms Pictograms for tapping the touch pad Pictogram Meaning 1x Tap once and immediately release your finger 2x Tap twice and immediately release your finger 2s Tap and hold for 2 seconds Pictograms for the LEDs Pictogram Meaning Blurred light indicates that the LED is flashing Clear light indicates that the LED is lit steadily 2s 5s 3x The LED flashes x times in x seconds Example: The LED flashes 3 times in 2 seconds The LED flashes continuously for x seconds
Product overview Overview of LED indicators LED indications during operation LED 0.55s 0.55s 0.55s 0.
Product overview Overview of buttons and switches NoiseGard/ANC control switch Position Function Page NoiseGard is off 25 NoiseGard is on 25 NoiseGard is in Adaptive mode 25 Effect Mode Control button Press Function Page 1x Toggles you to the next sound effect (except when making calls) 27 1x Activates/deactivates the Call Enhancement feature for more comfortable calls 28 Advises you of the active sound effect mode (while playing/streaming audio) 27 4s Activates the manual Bluetooth pa
Product overview Overview of gesture controls Basic gesture controls Switch on Switch off Gesture controls on the touch pad Tap once on the touch pad Tap twice on the touch pad 1x 2x Tap and hold for 2 seconds 2s Tap and hold for 3 seconds 3s Horizontal swipes Vertical swipes Horizontal swipes and hold Vertical swipes and hold + HOLD + HOLD + HOLD + HOLD PXC 550 | 11
Product overview Overview of CapTune CapTune CapTune is a music and device customization app designed to optimize the performance of your PXC 550 Wireless headphones. Using the app allows you to control the features and the sound of the headphones from your smartphone.
Product overview Sample screen Functions Sound adjustments • Equalizer • Presets • SoundCheck • Select and configure sound effect modes (PXC 550 Wireless only) Profiles • Customize profile settings • One-click reload of previously configured playlists and sound settings tailored for specific applications such as sports While the PXC 550 Wireless is optimized for use with CapTune, you can still play content from other music players/streaming apps as usual.
Getting started Getting started The following steps assume that the headphones are straight out of the packaging, or that the features of the headphones have not been enhanced using CapTune. The response of the headphones on the procedures specified in this instruction manual may change if some features have been activated or deactivated in CapTune. Charging basics * * * * Accessories not included. 3h A complete charging cycle takes about 3 hours.
Getting started Charging the headphones You can charge the headphones regardless of their power state (on or off). 1. Connect the micro-USB plug of the charging cable to the micro-USB input of the headphones. 2. Connect the USB plug to the USB port of your computer. If you are using an external power adapter, connect the USB plug to the power adapter or to the USB car charger adapter, and connect to the power source. The LEDs flash/light up depending on the battery life of the headphones.
Getting started Installing CapTune CapTune To make full use of all the features of your PXC 550 Wireless headphones, install the free CapTune app from the App Store or Google Play. XX Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Optionally, depending on your smartphone, you can scan the following QR code. iPhone CapTune Android CapTune Connect your smartphone to the PXC 550 Wireless headphones using Bluetooth (see page 17). XX Start CapTune.
Getting started Pairing the headphones CAUTION Danger of malfunction! The transmitted radio waves of mobile phones can impair the operation of sensitive and unprotected devices. XX Only make calls with the headphones in locations where Bluetooth is permitted. To pair your headphones with a Bluetooth device, you can use NFC or the Bluetooth search function.
Getting started Pairing the headphones with a Bluetooth device using NFC The following sections describe, using a smartphone as an example, how to pair your PXC 550 Wireless headphones with a Bluetooth device using NFC. If the instructions provided do not work on your device, proceed as described in the instruction manual of the device. Switch the headphones on and ensure that Bluetooth is activated on the headphones when performing this procedure. 1. Activate NFC on your smartphone. 2.
Getting started Pairing the headphones with a Bluetooth device Ensure that the headphones are within the 20 cm range of your smartphone and that Bluetooth is activated on the headphones when performing this procedure. 1. Switch the headphones on (see page 22). –– If you pair the headphones to the device for the first time, they automatically go to the pairing mode.
Getting started Disconnecting the headphones from your Bluetooth device XX Deactivate Bluetooth on your smartphone. The headphones are disconnected from the smartphone, and you hear the voice prompt “phone x disconnected”. The headphones then search for previously paired devices. If no device is found, you hear the voice prompt “no device found” after a few minutes.
Getting started Adjusting the headband For good sound quality and best possible wearing comfort, you can adjust the ear pad location on the headband to properly match the size of your head. Wear the headphones so that the headband runs over the top of your head.
Using the headphones Using the headphones Switching the headphones on WARNING Danger due to high volume levels! Listening at high volume levels for long periods of time can lead to permanent hearing defects. Before putting the headphones on, set the volume to a low level. XX Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume levels. XX 1. Unfold the ear cups away from the headband. 2. Twist the ear cups outward until you hear a click sound from both hinges.
Using the headphones Switching the headphones off 0.55s 3x 1. Hold the headphones so that the left hand holds the right ear cup and the right hand holds the left ear cup. 2. Twist the ear cups inward until you hear a click sound from both hinges and the touch pad faces toward you. You hear the voice prompt “power off” after a few seconds. The first LED flashes red 3 times. The red dot displayed on the hinge of the right ear cup also indicates that the headphones are switched off.
Using the headphones Adjusting the volume WARNING Danger due to high volume levels! Listening at high volume levels for long periods of time can lead to permanent hearing defects. Switching between audio sources may cause enormous volume jumps that can permanently damage your hearing. Before putting the headphones on and before switching between audio sources, adjust the volume to a low level. XX Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume levels.
Using the headphones Using NoiseGard You can activate or deactivate NoiseGard if your headphones are connected to the smartphone using Bluetooth, a USB cable, or an audio cable (provided that the battery is sufficiently charged). If you are in a noisy environment but would like to have your own quiet space, you can use the headphones by themselves, without cable and disconnected from any device, and simply benefit from NoiseGard.
Using the headphones Switching TalkThrough on/off TalkThrough allows you to communicate with other people without having to remove the headphones, even when NoiseGard is switched on. To switch TalkThrough on and off while playing music: XX Quickly tap the touch pad twice. TalkThrough is activated. –– If you are playing music using Bluetooth or the USB cable, the music pauses. –– If you are playing music using the audio cable, the music is muted.
Using the headphones Changing the sound effect The sound effect mode function is automatically activated when the headphones and the smartphone are connected using Bluetooth or the USB cable. You can use the Effect Mode Control button to enhance the quality of your audio according to its genre or category. Sound effect Meaning Off Movie Club Speech Effect mode is switched off. For more exciting entertainment. Best for movies. For more room impression. Best for music. For higher intelligibility.
Using the headphones Activating/deactivating Call Enhancement Call Enhancement is a voice-enhancing feature that utilizes Sennheiser’s VoiceMax™ technology. Call Enhancement reproduces voice calls naturally, giving you the impression that you are talking to another person from within the same room rather than on the other side of the line. You can activate or deactivate Call Enhancement during calls when the headphones and the smartphone are connected using Bluetooth or the USB cable.
Using the headphones Checking the battery life of the headphones You can check the remaining battery life at any given time except when playing music or making calls. XX Tap and hold the touch pad for about 4 seconds. You hear tones and the voice prompt stating the remaining battery life. The LEDs flash/light up depending on the battery level.
Playing music Playing music You can play music using Bluetooth or using the USB or audio cable. Playing music wirelessly If your audio source supports the aptX® audio codec, the PXC 550 Wireless automatically plays your music wirelessly in stunning aptX® audio quality. If your audio source does not support aptX®, PXC 550 Wireless plays your music in normal audio quality. Pair your headphones with the smartphone, see page 17. XX Play music on your smartphone.
Playing music Playing music using the USB cable With the supplied USB cable connected, you can play audio content from your computer directly through the PXC 550 Wireless headphones. The battery gets charged automatically when you connect the headphones to a computer using the USB cable. If you want to connect the USB cable and deactivate all wireless connections, deactivate Bluetooth on your headphones, see page 38.
Playing music Controlling music playback The following music functions are only available when the headphones and your device are connected using Bluetooth or the USB cable. Some smartphones or music players may not support all functions. Playing/pausing music XX Quickly tap on the touch pad. Gesture Function 1x Plays or pauses music Smart Pause is a feature that enables the headphones to respond to gestures.
Playing music Playing the next/previous track XX Quickly swipe the touch pad horizontally.
Making calls on the headphones Making calls on the headphones The following call functions are only available when the headphones and the smartphone are connected using Bluetooth or the USB cable. Some smartphones may not support all functions. Making a call XX Dial the desired number on your smartphone.
Making calls on the headphones While on a call, you can mute or unmute the microphone using these swipes. Gesture Function Voice prompt Mutes the microphone “Mute on” Unmutes the microphone “Mute off” Smart Pause is a feature that enables the headphones to respond to gestures. These gestures include taking the headphones off to put a call on hold and putting them back on to resume the call. By factory default, Smart Pause is inactive.
Making calls on the headphones Transferring a call to/from the headphones When a call has been established, you can transfer the call between the headphones and the smartphone. XX Tap and hold the touch pad for a second.
Making calls on the headphones Redialing The redialing function must be supported by your smartphone or Bluetooth device (with HFP profile). This function may be required to be activated on your smartphone. XX Swipe forward on the touch pad and hold. Press Function Voice prompt + HOLD Redials the last number called “redial” Cancels redialing “redial cancelled” 1x Voice control function The voice control function is only supported by Bluetooth smartphones with HFP profile.
Setting the headphones to flight mode Setting the headphones to flight mode During taxi, take-off, and landing, the use of portable electronic devices is allowed, provided that they are set to flight mode. You can use your headphones without violating civil aviation regulations by deactivating Bluetooth wireless transmission. There are 2 ways to set the headphones to flight mode: –– Deactivate Bluetooth on the headphones. –– Use the audio cable to listen to music.
Setting the headphones to flight mode Using the audio cable There are 2 connection modes when you use the audio cable: –– Active mode - the connection mode when the audio cable is used on the headphones with sufficient battery life. –– Passive mode - the connection mode when the audio cable is used on the headphones with empty battery. NoiseGard is inactive. Regardless of the position of the Bluetooth switch, Bluetooth is deactivated when the audio cable is plugged into the audio input of the headphones.
Setting the headphones to flight mode Using the headphones in flight mode 1. Insert the 2.5 mm jack plug into the audio input of the headphones. Bluetooth is deactivated. If you are playing music on the headphones using Bluetooth and the audio cable is plugged in, Bluetooth is deactivated and the music stops. 2. Connect the 3.
Care and maintenance Care and maintenance CAUTION Liquids can damage the electronics of the product! Liquids entering the housing of the product can cause a short-circuit and damage the electronics. Keep all liquids away from this product. XX Do not use any solvents or cleaning agents. XX Replacing the ear pads For reasons of hygiene, you should replace the ear pads from time to time. Spare ear pads are available from your local Sennheiser partner. 1.
Care and maintenance Storage and handling To keep the headphones in good condition and to avoid nicks and scratches, store the headphones in a carry case when not in use or when carrying them around. XX Follow the illustrations below to fold and store your headphones.
Care and maintenance Removing the rechargeable battery CAUTION Danger of damage to the product! During the warranty period, the rechargeable battery must only be replaced by an authorized Sennheiser service center, otherwise the warranty will be null and void. XX Contact your Sennheiser service center if the rechargeable battery needs to be replaced or removed. To find a Sennheiser service partner in your country, visit www.sennheiser.com.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Problem Possible cause Possible solution Page Headphones cannot be switched on Battery is empty Charge the headphones 15 Battery is completely exhausted/worn out Visit an authorized Sennheiser service center for battery replacement 43 Check if the headphones are paired.
Troubleshooting Problem Possible cause Possible solution Page Headphones and smartphone cannot connect using Bluetooth/NFC Headphones are switched off Ensure that the headphones are switched on during pairing 17 Smartphone does not support NFC pairing Pair the headphones and the smartphone manually using Bluetooth 19 Headphones are in flight mode or the audio cable is plugged into the audio input Activate Bluetooth on the 38, headphones and/or unplug 39 the audio cable from the audio input Blu
Troubleshooting Leaving the Bluetooth transmission range Wireless calling and streaming are only possible within the Bluetooth transmission range of your smartphone. The transmission range largely depends on environmental conditions such as wall thickness, wall composition etc. With a free line of sight, the transmission range of most smartphones and Bluetooth devices is up to 10 meters.
Troubleshooting Clearing previously paired devices Ensure that Bluetooth is activated on the headphones when performing this procedure. 1. Restart the headphones by switching them off and on again (see pages22 and 23). 2. Press the Effect Mode Control button for 4 seconds. You hear tones and the voice prompts “phone x disconnected” and “pairing” and the LEDs flash white in sequence. 3.
Specifications Specifications PXC 550 Wireless Ear coupling Frequency response Transducer principle Sound pressure level (SPL) Impedance THD (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL) Pick-up pattern (speech audio) Noise cancellation Total noise attenuation Input power Operating time Temperature range Relative humidity Charging time Weight (headphones) Bluetooth Version Transmission frequency Modulation type Profiles Output power Codec NFC Frequency Modulation type Output power 48 | PXC 550 around ear 17 Hz - 23 kHz dynamic,
Trademarks Trademarks Sennheiser and NoiseGard™ are trademarks of Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG. Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Apple, iPhone, iPod, iPod touch, iPad, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. The trademark “iPhone” is used with a license from Aiphone K.K.
Sennheiser Communications, A/S Industriparken 27, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark www.sennheiser.com Publ.
