AMBEO Soundbar SB01 Instruction manual This instruction manual contains all information on the current firmware version. Firmware updates can be downloaded free of charge from the Internet (> 51).
Important safety instructions Important safety instructions 1. Read these safety instructions. 2. Keep these safety instructions. Always include these safety instructions when passing the product on to others. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use the product near water. 6. Only clean the product when it is not connected to the power supply system. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Ensure circulating ventilation. The product generates heat which is dissipated through the housing.
Important safety instructions Hazard warnings on the bottom of the product The product generates heat which is dissipated through the housing! Do not touch when in use or directly after use! The following label is attached to the bottom of the product. The symbols on this label have the following meaning: Read and follow the safety and operating instructions contained in this instruction manual.
Important safety instructions Remove the batteries if the product will not be used for extended periods of time. Pack/store batteries so that the terminals cannot contact each other – danger of shorting out/fire hazard. Only use batteries specified by Sennheiser. Store the products in a cool and dry place at room temperature (approx. 20 °C/68 °F). Do not continue to use defective batteries. Do not heat above 70 °C/158 °F, e.g. do not expose to sunlight or throw into a fire.
Important safety instructions Before putting the product into operation, please observe the respective country-specific regulations. Notes on data collection and processing and on firmware updates This product stores individual settings such as volume, sound and UI settings (e.g. LED brightness), selected input and designations, Bluetooth addresses of paired devices, WiFi settings and usage data (e.g. power-on cycles and operating times).
Package contents Package contents SB01 AMBEO Soundbar Power cable, country-specific High Speed HDMI® Cable, length approx. 1 m SB01-RC remote control (incl. 1x CR2032 battery) SB01-MS microphone for room calibration with microphone holder, cable length approx. 5 m Quick guide Safety guide Online you can find: • this detailed instruction manual and additional information (www.sennheiser.
Product overview Product overview SB01 AMBEO Soundbar Front 1 2 0 3 4 5 67 8 ABC 9 0 D Control panel MUTE button Volume button - (volume down) Volume button + (volume up) AMBEO button for activating AMBEO (pressing for 4 seconds activates the room calibration) Multi-function button • for controlling the media playback Bluetooth pairing (by simultaneously pressing the multi-function button and the input source button for 2 seconds) SOURCE button (input source selection) NFC antenna On/off button
Product overview Back 0 E 0 Cooling vents F G H I J K AUX IN SW PRE OUT OPT IN HDMI 3 IN L M N O Q 5 V⎓ 1 A P HDMI 2 IN HDMI 1 IN HDMI TV (eARC) OUT ETHERNET USB POWER Bottom 6 R S T Connections IEC mains socket POWER 100 - 240 V~, 50/60 Hz, 250 W USB input (for updates only) type B, USB 5 V⎓, 1 A Ethernet input RJ45, ETHERNET HDMI output HDMI TV (eARC) OUT 5 V⎓, 1 A HDMI input HDMI 1 IN HDMI input HDMI 2 IN HDMI input HDMI 3 IN S/PDIF input, optical, OPT IN Output for connecting a
Product overview Cable tie for bundling and strain-relieving the connected cables RESET button SETUP button for WiFi setup (WiFi Protected Setup; WPS) SB01-RC remote control U V W _ X ] Y SOURCE VOL MOVIE MUSIC NEWS SPORTS NEUTRAL NIGHT Z [ \ Infrared transmitting diode On/off button AMBEO button for activating AMBEO (pressing for 4 seconds activates the room calibration) Multi-function button Volume buttons Sound profile button Night mode button Battery compartment (for 1x CR2032 battery) I
Product overview SB01-MS microphone for room calibration a b c Microphone head, omni-directional pick-up pattern Microphone holder Cable with 2.5 mm jack plug Overview of the displays Status LED Color white blue yellow Status Meaning lights up 1x Status change e.g.
Product overview AMBEO display AMBEO display Meaning lights up white AMBEO mode is on off AMBEO mode is off pulses white Room calibration in progress The brightness of the AMBEO display and the OLED display can be adjusted via the Smart Control app. Messages on the display Message on the display Meaning/possible errors Possible solution TV Speakers On The Soundbar mutes itself when the TV speakers are selected as the audio output.
Product overview Message on the display Meaning/possible errors Network Off The Soundbar is in standby mode and all network connections Switch the Soundbar are switched off off via the normal (including remote constandby mode (> 35). trol). Standby power consumption is minimized (> 36). Please contact Service 12 | AMBEO Soundbar The Soundbar has detected a serious error. Operation is not possible. Possible solution Disconnect the Soundbar from the power supply system (> 30).
Getting started Getting started 1. Setting up the Soundbar The correct placement and setup of the AMBEO Soundbar is important for an optimum sound experience. You can place the AMBEO Soundbar on a piece of furniture (> 16) or mount it directly to a wall using the wall mount (optional accessory) (> 19). 2. Connecting a TV and/or audio devices Connect your TV to the Soundbar. You can also connect other audio/ video devices (> 20) or play wireless audio via Bluetooth or WiFi (> 41). 3.
Getting started power supply system Connect the AMBEO Soundbar to the power supply system - the AMBEO Soundbar comes to life and guides you through the initial switch-on process (> 30). 4. Starting the room calibration For an optimum spatial sound experience, the AMBEO Soundbar must perform a room calibration. Connect the microphone for the room calibration and start the calibration. The calibration takes only a few minutes and leads to the best possible 3D spatial sound (> 31).
Getting started 5. Installing the Google Home app on your smartphone The Google Home app allows you to configure the WiFi settings of the AMBEO Soundbar. Via the Internet connection/WiFi, you receive the latest firmware updates for the AMBEO Soundbar and you can use the Chromecast built-in functionality. In the Google Home app, follow the setup process for the AMBEO Soundbar. 6.
Installing the AMBEO Soundbar Installing the AMBEO Soundbar Placing the Soundbar on the device feet CAUTION Material damage due to overheating Inadequate ventilation may cause the Soundbar to overheat. ▷ Do not place any objects on the Soundbar, keep the minimum clearances and ensure circulating ventilation. CAUTION Risk of staining of furniture surfaces! Varnish or furniture polish may degrade the feet of the product, which could stain your furniture.
X Installing the AMBEO Soundbar X X • The distance of the Soundbar to the TV should be at least 10 cm. • The seat (optimal point “sweet spot”) should be positioned centrally in front of the Soundbar and have a distance of at least 2 meters to the Soundbar. 18.5 kg >10 cm ≥2 m ▷ Ensure circulating ventilation. The product generates heat which is dissipated through the housing.
Installing the AMBEO Soundbar Optimum positioning Schematic structure of the sound waves from the Soundbar, which are reflected by walls and objects and thus reach the optimal point (“sweet spot”). Thus, a virtual surround sound can be created with a Soundbar.
Installing the AMBEO Soundbar Object Meaning Sound waves of the loudspeakers Sound waves from the top-firing loudspeakers to the ceiling When positioning the Soundbar, keep in mind that the sound is reflected by the walls and ceiling. Many curtains, thick carpets and other rough surfaces can affect the 3D spatial sound. Mounting the Soundbar to a wall To mount the Soundbar to a wall, you require the SB01-WM wall mount (optional accessory, > 6).
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar ▷ Put a protective material (e.g. the foam parts of the packaging or a blanket) between the piece of furniture and the Soundbar. ▷ Carefully turn the Soundbar on its front.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Connection diagram (example) Connect your audio sources to the AMBEO Soundbar and your TV according to the following diagram (example). Sennheiser recommends connecting the audio sources for high-resolution surround formats directly to the AMBEO Soundbar using a High Speed HDMI® Cable.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Preparation Adjust the sound settings on the TV and on the audio/video device. ▷ On your devices, adjust the sound settings for the HDMI and optical output from “Downmix/Stereo” to “Auto/Bypass/PassThrough”. (The menu of the devices may use different names depending on the manufacturer). This ensures that the audio signals for 3D spatial sound from the source (e.g. TV) are passed on to the AMBEO Soundbar.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Connecting a TV Connection to the HDMI eARC socket (recommended) • Required cable: High-speed HDMI cable (supplied) To connect the Soundbar to a TV with an HDMI IN socket labeled “ARC/eARC”: ▷ Connect one connector of the supplied high-speed HDMI cable to the HDMI TV (eARC) OUT socket on the Soundbar. ▷ Connect the other connector of the cable to the HDMI (eARC) IN socket of your TV. ▷ Please note the settings of your devices, > 22.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Connection without HDMI eARC socket • Required cable: optical cable (recommended length: max. 5 m) To connect the Soundbar to a TV without an HDMI IN socket labeled “ARC/eARC”: ▷ Connect one connector of an optical cable (to be ordered separately) to the OPT IN socket on the Soundbar. ▷ Connect the other connector of the cable to the OPTICAL OUT socket of your TV. ▷ Please note the settings of your devices, > 22.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Connecting an audio/video device Digital connection • Required cable: HDMI To connect the Soundbar to an audio source (e.g. Blu Ray player, DVD player): ▷ Connect one connector of an HDMI cable (to be ordered separately) to one of the three HDMI sockets (HDMI 1 IN, HDMI 2 IN, HDMI 3 IN) on the Soundbar. ▷ Connect the other connector of the cable to the HDMI OUT socket of your audio source. ▷ Please note the settings of your devices, > 22.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Analog connection • Required cable: stereo RCA cable To connect the Soundbar to a TV or an audio source (e.g. CD player): ▷ Connect the red connector of an RCA cable (to be ordered separately) to the red AUX IN socket and the white connector of the same cable end to the white AUX IN socket on the Soundbar.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Connecting a subwoofer (optional) Optionally, you can connect a subwoofer to the Soundbar. ▷ Recommended settings: Adjust the volume on the subwoofer to “approx. 50%” and set the crossover to “Max”. ▷ Connect one connector of the mono RCA cable (to be ordered separately) to the SW PRE OUT socket on the Soundbar. ▷ Connect the other connector of the cable to the socket LOW LEVEL IN/MONO of the subwoofer. ▷ Calibrate the Soundbar (> 31).
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Connecting an Ethernet cable To connect the Soundbar to a wired network: ▷ Connect one connector of a network cable (with RJ-45 connector, to be ordered separately) to the ETHERNET socket on the Soundbar. ▷ Connect the other connector of the cable to the network socket of AUX IN SW PRE OUT OPT IN HDMI 3 IN HDMI 2 IN HDMI 1 IN HDMI TV (eARC) OUT ETHERNET USB POWER your router. You may have to make settings to your router.
Connecting devices to the AMBEO Soundbar Using the cable tie To achieve strain relief on the sockets of the Soundbar: ▷ Bundle the cables. ▷ Place the cables in the cable tie and tighten it. ▷ Close the cable tie. Using the USB socket for updates If the Soundbar is not connected to the Internet, you can install a firmware update on the Soundbar using a USB flash drive. For more information on the update, > 51. A power supply of 5 V ⎓, 1 A for accessories (external devices) is possible.
Putting the AMBEO Soundbar into operation Putting the AMBEO Soundbar into operation Preparing the SB01-RC remote control To remove the transport protection of the battery: ▷ Use a suitable object (e.g. a coin) to open the battery compartment cover (located on the bottom side of the remote control) by turning one turn counter-clockwise. ▷ Remove the plastic strip. ▷ Close the battery compartment cover by turning one turn clockwise.
AUX IN SW PRE OUT OPT IN HDMI 3 IN HDMI 2 IN HDMI 1 IN HDMI TV (eARC) OUT ETHERNET USB POWER Putting the AMBEO Soundbar into operation Disconnecting the Soundbar from the power supply system ▷ Unplug the power plug of the power cable from the wall socket. ▷ Unplug the plug of the power cable from the POWER socket on the Soundbar. Starting the room calibration The room calibration is necessary for the measurement of the room in order to let you get the optimum spatial sound experience.
Putting the AMBEO Soundbar into operation Calibrating the Soundbar ▷ Straighten up the microphone in the microphone holder. ▷ Place the microphone with the microphone holder on the seat in front of the Soundbar. The microphone head should be located approximately at ear height during normal use. ▷ Connect the jack plug of the microphone cable to the microphone input on the Soundbar. 1 2 3 ▷ Press the AMBEO button on the top of the Soundbar or the AMBEO button on the remote control.
Putting the AMBEO Soundbar into operation 4 5 Press AMBEO Please step t 6 Please step to the side Press AMBEO to start callibration Press AMBEO Press AMBEO to finalize Calibration s Press AMBEO Calibration starts in 10 / 9 / .. Press AMBEO 1x Calibration 1x OR Processing Welcome Done! Error messages during room calibration Message on the display Possible error Possible solution Calibration failed. Please press AMBEO to cancel.
Putting the AMBEO Soundbar into operation • Use the Smart Control app. The app provides more detailed calibration options and an overview of the status of the calibration.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Using the AMBEO Soundbar Switching the AMBEO Soundbar on WARNING Danger of hearing damage due to high volume levels! Listening at high volume levels can lead to permanent hearing defects. ▷ Adjust the volume to a low level before selecting a source. ▷ Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume levels. If you want to switch the Soundbar on, you have the following options: • Press the on/off button on the Soundbar. • Press the on/off button on the remote control.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Switching the AMBEO Soundbar off (standby mode without network connection) You can switch the Soundbar off (standby mode) and also switch off all network connections. Please note that without network connections, Chromecast and Bluetooth playback is not possible, the Soundbar does not switch on automatically when HDMI signals are input and no automatic firmware updates can be installed. Operation via the remote control or the Smart Control app is also not possible.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar In addition to the ECO standby mode, you can switch off the Soundbar and at the same time switch off all network connections (> 36). In this mode, power consumption is minimal, but the Soundbar must then be switched on on the device itself. Auto standby If there is no playback for 20 minutes, the Soundbar automatically switches to standby mode.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar If you want to change the input source, you have the following options: • Press the SOURCE button on the Soundbar. • Press the SOURCE button on the remote control. • Use the Smart Control app. Source selection: • HDMI TV • HDMI 1 • HDMI 2 • HDMI 3 • AUX • Optical • Bluetooth • Streaming: – Casting Spotify – Casting TuneIn – Casting Soundcloud • Media The sources Streaming (e.g. Chromecast) and Media can not be selected via the input source buttons.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar • Press the volume button – (volume down) or + (volume up) on the Soundbar. • Press the volume buttons on the remote control. • Press the volume button on the TV remote control (if the TV is connected to the Soundbar via HDMI CEC). • Use the Smart Control app. • Use your connected Bluetooth device to adjust the volume. The volume can be adjusted from 0 - 50. If the volume is adjusted to 0, the mute function is activated (> 40).
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Activating/deactivating the mute function If you want to activate the mute function, you have the following options: • Press the MUTE button on the Soundbar. • Press the MUTE button on the remote control. • Press the mute button on the TV remote control (if the TV is connected to the Soundbar via HDMI CEC). • Use the Smart Control app. • Adjust the volume to 0. If you want to deactivate the mute function, you have the following options: • Increase the volume (> 38).
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Using the AMBEO Soundbar Connecting the AMBEO Soundbar to a Bluetooth/NFC device Information on the Bluetooth wireless connection The Soundbar is compatible with the Bluetooth standard 4.2. If your audio source supports one of the following high-resolution audio encoding methods, music is automatically played in high audio quality: AAC. Otherwise the Soundbar will play your music in normal audio quality (SBC).
Using the AMBEO Soundbar ▷ From the list of found Bluetooth devices, select “AMBEO Soundbar”. If necessary, enter the default pin code “0000”. If pairing was successful, the status LED lights up blue. If no connection is established within 3 minutes, pairing mode is terminated. If necessary, start the pairing mode again. Hold 2s ON < 20 cm Pairing Connected Stan‘s iPhone The device name of the Soundbar can be changed in the Chromecast app (e.g. “Soundbar family room”).
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Disconnecting the AMBEO Soundbar from an NFC device ▷ Place your paired NFC device close (distance < 3 cm) to the NFC antenna on the Soundbar. The Soundbar is disconnected from the NFC device. The display shows “Disconnected”. The status LED goes off. Installing the Smart Control app To control the Soundbar using a smartphone, Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE, at least version 4.2) is required.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Establishing a WiFi connection To establish a WiFi connection: ▷ Press the SETUP button for approx. 2 seconds to activate WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). The Soundbar searches for a connection. The display shows “WPS searching” and the status LED flashes orange. If no connection is established within 2 minutes, the search is terminated. ▷ Press the WPS button on your router. The Soundbar connects to the WiFi.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Multi-function button Result Press 1x Plays or pauses music Press 2x Plays the next track in the playlist Press 3x Plays the previous track in the playlist Using the sound profiles If you want to activate a sound profile, you have the following options: • Press the sound profile buttons on the remote control. • Use the Smart Control app.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar If the “Dolby Virtualizer” is activated, you cannot use the AMBEO modes (> 47). Using the night mode “NIGHT” To activate the night mode: ▷ Press the night mode button on the remote control. When the night mode is activated, the display shows an icon in front of the name of the sound profile. The bass is compressed (reduced). Movie The night mode can be applied to all sound profiles and modes, except AMBEO Boost.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Using the Dolby DRC You can use the “Dolby DRC” (“Dynamic Range Compression”) to play back Dolby audio content. This function compresses the dynamics of the audio signal, thus changing differences from soft to loud passages. The “Dolby DRC” function can be activated/deactivated in the codec settings of the Smart Control app.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar • automatic brightness (activated upon delivery) If “automatic brightness” is selected, the display and the AMBEO display automatically adjust to the ambient brightness. The brightness of the display and the AMBEO display can also be adjusted independently of each other via the app. Sound feedback The beep tones can be switched off via the app.
Using the AMBEO Soundbar Quick Guide, Safety Guide ▷ Close the packaging. ▷ Close the packaging so that it does not open during transport. ▷ The Soundbar in its packaging must be carried by at least two people.
Maintaining the AMBEO Soundbar Maintaining the AMBEO Soundbar Cleaning the Soundbar ATTENTION 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 far away from the product. ▷ Do not use any solvents or cleansing agents. ▷ Clean the product only with a soft, dry cloth. The fabric of the Soundbar cannot be removed. ▷ Clean the fabric with a soft brush.
Maintaining the AMBEO Soundbar Installing firmware updates Firmware updates are available free of charge and serve to enhance product improvement and also function extension. You can update the Soundbar's firmware via a USB flash drive or using the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Update via the Smart Control app To update the firmware via the Smart Control app, the Soundbar must be connected to the Internet via WiFi or Ethernet (> 43). ▷ Start the Smart Control app on your smartphone.
AUX IN SW PRE OUT OPT IN HDMI 3 IN HDMI 2 IN HDMI 1 IN HDMI TV (eARC) OUT ETHERNET USB POWER Maintaining the AMBEO Soundbar ▷ Press the SETUP button for 5 seconds. 5 V⎓ 1 A The display shows “Updating” and the status LED pulses yellow. Hold 5s The Soundbar restarts several times during the update. The process can take up to 8 minutes.
Maintaining the AMBEO Soundbar Resetting the Soundbar ▷ Switch the Soundbar on. If you want to reset the Soundbar, you have the following options: • Insert a paper clip into the RESET recess on the bottom side of the Soundbar and press the paper clip for 2 seconds. • Use the Smart Control app.
Specifications Specifications SB01 AMBEO Soundbar Number of channels 5.1.4 Amplifier class D Total audio power 250 W (RMS) 500 W (peak) Total number of speakers 13 Low and mid-range speakers quantity: 6 ⌀ 10 cm/4 inches cellulose sandwich cones Tweeters quantity: 5 (sideways: right and left, front: right, center and left) ⌀ 2.5 cm/1 inch aluminum cones Top-firing broadband speakers quantity: 2 ⌀ 9 cm/3.
Specifications Inputs/outputs HDMI TV (eARC) OUT default: HDMI 2.0a, eARC (HDMI 2.1) control: CEC video formats: up to 4K (60 Hz), Full HD, MHL 2.1 encoding: HDCP 1.4 power supply for accessories (external devices): 5 V ⎓, 1 A HDMI 1 IN HDMI 2 IN HDMI 3 IN default: HDMI 2.0a encoding: HDCP 2.2 control: CEC video formats: up to 4K (60 Hz), Full HD, MHL 2.
Specifications Bluetooth Version 4.2, class 1, BR/EDR, BLE Transmission frequency 2,400 MHz to 2,483.5 MHz Modulation GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, GATT Output power 10 mW (max) Codec AAC, SBC Pairing option Near Field Communication (NFC) Network streaming Network Ethernet WiFi Services Chromecast built-in uPnP Playable audio formats 56 | AMBEO Soundbar Audio format/codec File extension MP3 .mp3 AAC/HE-AAC .m4a .aac .mp4 .3gp LPCM .wav FLAC .flac AIFF .aiff .
Specifications Supported audio formats/surround formats Format Audio source via: HDMI, HDMI eARC, network streaming* HDMI ARC** OPTICAL LPCM 2 Channel yes – yes LPCM 5.1 Channel yes – yes LPCM 7.1 Channel yes – yes Dolby Digital yes yes yes Dolby Digital Plus yes yes yes Dolby True HD yes – – Dolby Atmos - Dolby TrueHD yes – – Dolby Atmos - Dolby Digital Plus yes yes yes DTS yes yes yes DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.
Manufacturer Declarations Manufacturer Declarations Warranty Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months on this product. For the current warranty conditions, please visit our website at www.sennheiser.com or contact your Sennheiser partner. In compliance with the following requirements EU declaration of conformity • ErP Directive (2009/125/EC) • RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) Hereby, Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co.
Manufacturer Declarations This product includes software developed by the University of California, Berkeley and its contributors. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google play, Google play logo, Google Chromecast and Google Home are trademarks of Google Inc. The AAC logo is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is under license.
Appendix Appendix Open Source license terms and conditions The AMBEO Soundbar SB01 has a user interface to call up additional license terms and conditions for the open source software used. You can open the license terms and conditions on your computer or a mobile device in an Internet browser. This requires that the computer/mobile device is connected to the WiFi of the Soundbar (“AMBEO Soundbar [serial number]”). ▷ Open an Internet browser on your computer/mobile device and enter http://ambeo.