Sony NW-A55 Help Manual

Sony NW-A55 Help Manual

Digital music player
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Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Use this manual when you have trouble or when you need to know how to use your player.
The color of the player sold in some countries/regions may differ from those shown above.
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
Getting Started
Customer registration websites
Before first use
Manuals and general information
Checking the contents of the package
Using the supplied accessories
Switching the earbuds
Attaching the clip
Configuring the initial setup
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Summary of Contents for Sony NW-A55

  • Page 1 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Use this manual when you have trouble or when you need to know how to use your player. The color of the player sold in some countries/regions may differ from those shown above. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
  • Page 2 Installing Music Center for PC (Windows) Installing Content Transfer (Mac) Power and Charging Turning the power on or off Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD) Charging the battery Reducing the battery consumption Notes on charging the battery microSD Cards Using a microSD card Notes on microSD cards Basic Operations Parts and controls...
  • Page 3 Preparing music content Purchasing High-Resolution Audio content Using a Windows computer Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring content using Windows Explorer Importing content from the player to Music Center for PC Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer Using a Mac computer Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer...
  • Page 4 Enjoying music from a smartphone (Bluetooth receiving mode) Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time Connecting the player to a paired smartphone One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC) Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth receiving mode) Notes on the Bluetooth function Various Functions Enjoying music content on a computer using the sound quality of the player (USB-DAC function) Adjusting the sound quality settings...
  • Page 5 Notes on handling the player Notes on the headphones Notes on the built-in battery Notes on the sample data General Information Maintenance Customer support website Specifications Specifications Battery life Maximum recordable number of songs Supported formats System requirements 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 6: Customer Registration Websites

    For customers in Europe: http://www.sony.eu/mysony/ For customers in China: https://www.sonystyle.com.cn/b2c_sony/b2c/productRegister.do For customers in other countries/regions: https://extra.sony-asia.com/dmpwalkman/register/ The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 7: Before First Use

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Before first use Thank you for purchasing a player. For information on laws, regulations, and trademark rights, refer to “Important Information” in the internal memory of your unit. To read it, open the following folders in the system storage after you connect the unit to your computer.
  • Page 8 System requirements Charging the battery Notes on handling the player Notes on the headphones Notes on the built-in battery Notes on the sample data General Information Maintenance Customer support website 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 9: Help Guide

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Manuals and general information Sony provides the following manuals and information regarding the player. The provided manuals explain the following operations and functions. Basic operations. Unique functions that require explanations. Complicated operations that require instructions.
  • Page 10 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 11: Checking The Contents Of The Package

    Earbuds (1 set) Clip (for Headphones) (1) Note A microSD card is not supplied with the Walkman. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 12 To prevent the earbuds from detaching or getting stuck in your ears, be sure to attach the earbuds correctly. Hint When the earbuds become worn, contact the nearest Sony dealer or Sony Service Center. If the earbuds get dirty, remove them from the headphones. Then, hand-wash the earbuds with a neutral detergent. After washing, drain off the water and reattach the earbuds.
  • Page 13 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 14: Attaching The Clip

    Using the clip may reduce noise from the cord rubbing against your clothes. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Checking the contents of the package 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 15: Configuring The Initial Setup

    The player does not display a clock. The clock setting is used for data management. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 16 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Preparing music content Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC System requirements 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 17: Installing Content Transfer (Mac)

    The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Preparing music content Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer System requirements 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 18: Turning The Power On Or Off

    The player does not display a clock. The clock setting is used for data management. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD) Configuring the initial setup 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 20: Preventing Unintentional Operations (Hold)

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD) You can lock the player to prevent accidental button operation. Slide the switch ( The HOLD function is enabled. You cannot operate the buttons on the player or the touch screen. Only the button ( ) is active and you can use it to perform the following operations.
  • Page 21 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 22: Charging The Battery

    If this happens, charge the battery fully. It may take about 10 minutes before the screen of the player turns on again. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Reducing the battery consumption Notes on charging the battery Specifications 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 23 Sound quality setting screens One-touch connections with a Bluetooth device (NFC) Using the Noise Canceling function Using Ambient Sound Mode Using shortcut buttons from the quick setting panel Notes on the built-in battery Displaying lyrics Battery life 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 24: Notes On Charging The Battery

    When the battery is sufficiently charged but the battery life has dropped to about half of its normal span, the battery may be worn out. Contact the nearest Sony dealer or Sony Service Center. The computer may not recognize the player in the following situations.
  • Page 25: Using A Microsd Card

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Using a microSD card This topic includes instructions for the following operations. Inserting a microSD card into the player. Removing a microSD card from the player. Formatting a microSD card on the player. To use a microSD card on the player, you first need to format the microSD card on the player.
  • Page 26 Formatting a microSD card will delete all data stored on the microSD card. Save a back up copy of important data. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Notes on microSD cards Formatting a microSD card 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 27: Notes On Microsd Cards

    NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Notes on microSD cards Use a microSD card that has been formatted on the player. Sony does not guarantee the operation of other microSD cards. Sony does not guarantee all operations for microSD cards that are used on multiple devices.
  • Page 28: Parts And Controls

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Parts and controls Touch screen Tap icons or items on the screen to operate the player. Headphone jack (Stereo Mini) Push in the headphone plug until it clicks into place. Connect the headphones properly. Otherwise, the output sound will be impaired.
  • Page 29 + button. The tactile dots can help you operate the buttons without looking at them. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 30 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 How to use the various screens This topic explains the layout of the various screens with the playback screen ( ) at the center. Flick the playback screen ( ) to switch to other screens (up/down/left/right).
  • Page 31 Play Queue screen You can check the list of tracks that the player will play with the current settings. Bookmark List screen You can listen to tracks that you have registered to a bookmark list beforehand. You can add tracks to bookmark lists on the playback screen, etc. The following operations can be performed from this screen.
  • Page 32 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Library screen Playback screen Play Queue screen Bookmark List screen Sound quality setting screens Playback methods FM Radio screen Language Study screen USB-DAC screen Bluetooth Receiver screen 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 33: Library Screen

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Library screen You can select tracks from the library screen. Tracks are classified into various categories (such as [All Songs], [Album], [Artist], etc.). You can also switch to functions other than music playback (FM radio, language study, USB-DAC, and Bluetooth Receiver).
  • Page 34: Option/Setting Menu

    Subcategories After you select a music category, select a subcategory until you find the desired track. You can check the codecs for tracks, such as FLAC. Codecs for High-Resolution Audio formats appear in color. Option/setting menu to display the menu. Available menu items may differ depending on the screen or settings.
  • Page 35 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 36: Playback Screen

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Playback screen You can confirm a variety of information for the currently selected track. To display the playback screen at the bottom of the screen. Cover art Track number / Total numbers of tracks...
  • Page 37 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Playing music Playback methods Displaying lyrics Adjusting the sound quality settings 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 38 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Play Queue screen You can check the list of tracks that the player will play with the current settings. To display the play queue screen Flick the playback screen to the right. Current track...
  • Page 39 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Playing music Playback methods Managing playlists on the player Managing bookmarks on the player 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 40: Bookmark List Screen

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Bookmark List screen You can listen to tracks that you have registered to a bookmark list beforehand. You can add tracks to bookmark lists on the playback screen, etc. To display the bookmark list screen Flick the playback screen to the left.
  • Page 41 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Playing music Playback methods Managing playlists on the player Managing bookmarks on the player 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 42: Sound Quality Setting Screens

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Sound quality setting screens You can adjust various sound quality settings. To display the sound quality setting screen Flick the playback screen up. To navigate the sound quality setting screens Flick the screen left or right to select the sound quality setting that you want to adjust.
  • Page 43 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Adjusting the sound quality settings 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 44: Fm Radio Screen

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 FM Radio screen You can listen to FM radio. To switch to the FM radio function on the library screen. button Tap the button to switch back to the music playback function. FM radio switch (On/Off) Connect a pair of headphones to turn on the switch.
  • Page 45 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Library screen Listening to FM radio broadcasts Presetting FM radio stations 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 46 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Language Study screen The language study function provides the useful functions for learning languages. DPC (Digital Pitch Control) A-B Repeat Quick Replay You need to transfer tracks from the computer to the [LEARNING] folder for using the language study function.
  • Page 47 Select a track from the desired category. to switch back to the music playback function. Play queue screen for the language study function You can check the list of tracks that the player will play with the current settings. Playback screen for the language study function Useful learning functions are available.
  • Page 48 How to use the various screens Library screen Using the language study function Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer Transferring language study content using Mac Finder 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 49 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 USB-DAC screen You can use the player as a USB-DAC device. Use this function to listen to music on a computer. To switch to the USB-DAC function on the library screen. button Tap the button to switch back to the music playback function.
  • Page 50 Related Topic How to use the various screens Library screen Enjoying music content on a computer using the sound quality of the player (USB-DAC function) 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 51 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Bluetooth Receiver screen You can use the player to enjoy music content stored on a smartphone (Bluetooth Receiver function). Use headphones with the player. The sound quality settings on the player apply to the output sound.
  • Page 52 How to use the various screens Library screen Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time Connecting the player to a paired smartphone One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC) Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth receiving mode) 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 53: List Of Icons Displayed In The Information Area

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 List of icons displayed in the information area You can check the playback status and various settings using the icons displayed in the information area. The icons vary depending on the status of the player.
  • Page 54 Related Topic Adjusting the volume 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 55: Adjusting The Volume

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume On the player: Press the button ( ) to adjust the volume. On the screen: Tap the area ( ) on the playback screen to display the volume dialog. Turn the knob ( ) to adjust the volume.
  • Page 56 [AVLS (Volume Limit)] does not work while there is an active Bluetooth connection. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Volume operation in compliance with European and Korean Directives 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 57 The alarm will not sound when there is an active Bluetooth connection. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Adjusting the volume 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 58 You can browse the operating guide to take a quick tour of the operations on the player. On the library screen or the playback screen, tap and then [View Help]. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 59: Preparing Music Content

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Preparing music content Before you transfer music content to the player, you need to prepare the music content. This topic includes instructions for the following operations. Importing music content from an audio CD to Music Center for PC.
  • Page 60 Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring content using Windows Explorer Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer Transferring content using Mac Finder Adding lyric information using a computer Playing music 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 61: Purchasing High-Resolution Audio Content

    Installing Music Center for PC (Windows) Installing Content Transfer (Mac) Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring content using Windows Explorer Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer Transferring content using Mac Finder 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 62 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC You can transfer music content that is stored on a Windows computer to the player via Music Center for PC. Illustrations and operational procedures are examples when using Music Center for PC Version 2.0.
  • Page 63 Preparing music content Purchasing High-Resolution Audio content Transferring content using Windows Explorer Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer Playing music Supported formats 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 64: Transferring Content Using Windows Explorer

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Transferring content using Windows Explorer You can transfer music content directly by dragging and dropping it from Windows Explorer. Note If you connect the player to a battery-powered computer, the battery of the computer will deplete. When you connect the player to a computer for a long period of time, connect the computer to an AC power supply.
  • Page 65 Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer Playing music Supported formats 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 66 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Importing content from the player to Music Center for PC Illustrations and operational procedures are examples when using Music Center for PC Version 2.0. Note If you connect the player to a battery-powered computer, the battery of the computer will deplete. When you connect the player to a computer for a long period of time, connect the computer to an AC power supply.
  • Page 67 Do not shut down the computer. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Installing Music Center for PC (Windows) Playing music Supported formats 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 68 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC You can transfer language study content to the player using Music Center for PC. Illustrations and operational procedures are examples when using Music Center for PC Version 2.0.
  • Page 69 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Installing Music Center for PC (Windows) Preparing music content Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer Using the language study function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 70 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer You can transfer language study content to the player using Windows Explorer. Note If you connect the player to a battery-powered computer, the battery of the computer will deplete. When you connect the player to a computer for a long period of time, connect the computer to an AC power supply.
  • Page 71 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Preparing music content Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Using the language study function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 72: Transferring Content From A Mac Computer Using Content Transfer

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer You can use Content Transfer. Music content with copyright protection cannot be transferred. Note If you connect the player to a battery-powered computer, the battery of the computer will deplete. When you connect the player to a computer for a long period of time, connect the computer to an AC power supply.
  • Page 73 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Installing Content Transfer (Mac) Preparing music content Purchasing High-Resolution Audio content Playing music Supported formats 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 74: Transferring Content Using Mac Finder

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Transferring content using Mac Finder You can transfer music content directly by dragging and dropping it from Finder. Music content with copyright protection cannot be transferred. Note If you connect the player to a battery-powered computer, the battery of the computer will deplete. When you connect the player to a computer for a long period of time, connect the computer to an AC power supply.
  • Page 75 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Installing Content Transfer (Mac) Preparing music content Purchasing High-Resolution Audio content Transferring language study content using Mac Finder Playing music Supported formats 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 76 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Transferring language study content using Mac Finder You can transfer language study content to the player using Finder. Language study content with copyright protection cannot be transferred. Note If you connect the player to a battery-powered computer, the battery of the computer will deplete. When you connect the player to a computer for a long period of time, connect the computer to an AC power supply.
  • Page 77 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Preparing music content Transferring content using Mac Finder Using the language study function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 78 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Adding lyric information using a computer You can input lyrics to a text file (an LRC file). Transfer both the text file (LRC file) and the music file to the player. Creating lyrics in a text file (LRC file) Open the [Notepad] in Windows Accessories.
  • Page 79: Copyright Notice

    Use of LRC files for other purposes requires the permission of the copyright holders. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Obtaining lyric information Displaying lyrics 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 80: Notes On Transferring Content From A Computer

    Do not rename the following default folders. Otherwise, the player will not recognize the folders. MUSIC LEARNING The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 81: Playing Music

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Playing music To play tracks, first select a category. You need to transfer music content from a computer to the player in advance. On a Windows computer Use Music Center for PC to transfer content from a CD or the computer to the player.
  • Page 82 Preparing music content Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring content using Windows Explorer Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer Transferring content using Mac Finder Playback methods 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 83: Playback Methods

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Playback methods This topic includes instructions for the following operations. Selecting the playback mode. Setting the playback range. Selecting the playback mode Tap the area ( ) to select a playback mode. : Shuffle Playback...
  • Page 84 Tracks in other playlists will not be played even when [Playback Range] is set to [All Range]. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Playback screen Playing music 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 85: Using [Sensme™ Channels]

    Tracks are played in random order. Each time you select a channel, the order of playback will be different. Note The player only displays channels that contain tracks. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Library screen 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 86 Lyric information is limited to private use only. Use of lyric content for other purposes requires the permission of the copyright holders. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Displaying lyrics Adding lyric information using a computer 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 87: Displaying Lyrics

    [Display Lyrics]. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Obtaining lyric information Adding lyric information using a computer 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 88 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Managing playlists on the player You can collect your favorite tracks and save them as playlists on the player. This topic includes instructions for the following operations. Adding tracks to playlists on the player.
  • Page 89 Even if you delete a playlist, the tracks in the playlist will not be deleted from the player. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Library screen Playback screen Play Queue screen Bookmark List screen 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 90 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Managing bookmarks on the player You can add your favorite tracks to bookmark lists. Up to 10 bookmark lists are available. Up to 999 tracks can be added to a bookmark list. This topic includes instructions for the following operations.
  • Page 91 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Library screen Playback screen Play Queue screen Bookmark List screen 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 92 When you delete tracks using Windows Explorer or Mac Finder, do not delete or rename the root folder (such as [MUSIC]). Otherwise, the player will not recognize the content. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Library screen 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 93 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Connecting the player to an unpaired Bluetooth device for the first time The BLUETOOTH® function enables wireless connections between devices. The devices need to support Bluetooth wireless technology. A wireless connection is possible at a range of up to 10 meters in an open area.
  • Page 94 While the Bluetooth device is connected, tap the menu items in the following order. – [Settings] – [Connect to/Add Audio Device] ([Bluetooth]). Tap the name of the Bluetooth device from [Added Devices]. Hint You can pair the player with only one Bluetooth device at a time. To pair with multiple Bluetooth devices, repeat the procedure in this topic for each device.
  • Page 95 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 96 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Connecting the player to a paired Bluetooth device If the player and a Bluetooth device have been paired before, the Bluetooth device is registered to the player. You can connect the player and the Bluetooth device easily.
  • Page 97 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Connecting the player to an unpaired Bluetooth device for the first time One-touch connections with a Bluetooth device (NFC) Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth transmitting mode) Notes on the Bluetooth function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 98 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 One-touch connections with a Bluetooth device (NFC) If a Bluetooth device supports the NFC function, you can connect the player and the device easily. You can simply touch the device to the player to pair the devices and establish a Bluetooth connection.
  • Page 99 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Turning the power on or off Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth transmitting mode) Notes on the Bluetooth function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 100 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth transmitting mode) This topic includes instructions for the following operations. Selecting the playback quality for Bluetooth streaming. Selecting the volume setting for Bluetooth streaming. Checking Bluetooth information. Selecting the playback quality for Bluetooth streaming You can select the combination of codecs and preferences for Bluetooth streaming.
  • Page 101 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 102 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time You can use the player to listen to music from a smartphone through a Bluetooth connection (Bluetooth Receiver function). Connect headphones to the player to listen to the music.
  • Page 103 To erase the registration of a smartphone Perform the following operations on the Bluetooth Receiver screen. You can erase the registration of a smartphone from the player. Tap the menu items in the following order. – [Settings] – [Added Devices - Bluetooth Receiver] ([Bluetooth]). next to the name of the smartphone whose registration you want to erase.
  • Page 104 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Connecting the player to a paired smartphone One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC) Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth receiving mode) Notes on the Bluetooth function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 105 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Connecting the player to a paired smartphone If the player and a smartphone have been paired before, the smartphone is registered to the player. You can connect the player and the smartphone easily. On the library screen of the player, tap Confirm the message and tap [OK].
  • Page 106 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC) Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth receiving mode) Notes on the Bluetooth function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 107 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC) If a smartphone supports the NFC function, you can connect the player and the smartphone easily. You can pair the devices and establish a Bluetooth connection simply by touching the smartphone to the player.
  • Page 108 Turning the power on or off Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time Connecting the player to a paired smartphone Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth receiving mode) Notes on the Bluetooth function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 109 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time Connecting the player to a paired smartphone One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC) Notes on the Bluetooth function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 110: Notes On The Bluetooth Function

    The player supports security functions that comply with the Bluetooth standard. Sony bears no responsibility whatsoever for information leaks that occur as a result of your Bluetooth connection. Even if a Bluetooth device conforms to the standard, all connections and correct operations are not guaranteed.
  • Page 111 Music Center for PC: To install the application, access the customer support website. (https://www.sony.net/smc4pc/) Refer to the appropriate topic under [Related Topic]. Sony Audio USB Driver for Windows: Access the customer support website to install Sony Audio USB Driver for Windows. Follow the onscreen instructions.
  • Page 112 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Adjusting the sound quality settings Installing Music Center for PC (Windows) How to use the various screens USB-DAC screen Customer support website 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 113: Adjusting The Sound Quality Settings

    VPT (Surround) This function applies a surround effect and enriches the sound reproduction quality of the audio playback. VPT (Virtualphones Technology) is a proprietary sound processing technology developed by Sony. Dynamic Normalizer You can moderate the change in volume between tracks to minimize differences in volume level.
  • Page 114 The sound quality settings do not apply to FM radio. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Sound quality setting screens 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 115: Using The Noise Canceling Function

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Using the Noise Canceling function The Noise Canceling function reduces ambient noise. You can enjoy music at a low volume. You need a pair of headphones equipped with the Noise Canceling function. The following headphones are compatible with the player.
  • Page 116 The Noise Canceling function is disabled while the following functions are active. The USB-DAC function Ambient Sound Mode The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Using the [Clear Phase™ ] function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 117: What Is Ambient Sound Mode

    The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Using Ambient Sound Mode 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 118: Using Ambient Sound Mode

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Using Ambient Sound Mode You can enjoy music while monitoring ambient sounds. Use the IER-NW500N/NW500NE when you use Ambient Sound Mode. Do not use headphones that are incompatible with Ambient Sound Mode. Select the headphones that are compatible with Ambient Sound Mode.
  • Page 119 The FM radio function The Noise Canceling function The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic What is Ambient Sound Mode? 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 120 Noise Canceling function or the [Clear Phase™ ] function. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Using the Noise Canceling function Adjusting the sound quality settings 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 121 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer Transferring language study content using Mac Finder Using the language study function 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 122 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Using the language study function The language study function provides the following useful functions for language learning. DPC (Digital Pitch Control) A-B Repeat Quick Replay On the library screen, tap The player will switch to the language study function. Then, the library screen for the language study function will appear.
  • Page 123 Library screen Language Study screen Preparing language study content Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer Transferring language study content using Mac Finder 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 124 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Listening to FM radio broadcasts Connect a pair of headphones to listen to FM radio. The headphone cord works as an antenna. Connect a pair of headphones to the player. On the library screen, tap The player will switch to the FM radio function.
  • Page 125 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic How to use the various screens Library screen FM Radio screen Presetting FM radio stations 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 126: Presetting Fm Radio Stations

    Tapping [Auto Preset] clears all previous presets. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic FM Radio screen Listening to FM radio broadcasts 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 127: Using Usb Mass Storage Mode

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Using USB Mass Storage mode When you connect the player to a Windows computer, the following modes are available. USB Mass Storage mode The computer uses the player as a USB storage device. Data can be transferred between the computer and the player.
  • Page 128 On the computer screen, confirm that the data has finished transferring properly. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Charging the battery 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 129 ) for 8 seconds until the player restarts. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player Formatting a microSD card 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 130 Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player This topic includes instructions for the following operations. Resetting the player. Formatting the memory of the player. Rebuilding the database on the player. Initializing the player. Confirm the details of each function. Then, select the appropriate menu item for your needs.
  • Page 131 Sony does not guarantee performance if you format the memory of the player using a computer. If you perform one of the following menu items, pairing information for Bluetooth devices will be deleted from the player. [Restore to Factory Configuration] [Reset All Settings] If you rebuild the database, the following information will be erased.
  • Page 132: Formatting A Microsd Card

    Format the microSD card on the player. Otherwise, some functions of the player may be limited. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Restarting the player Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 133 On the library screen, tap the menu items in the following order. – [Settings] – [Unit Information] ([Other]). The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Updating the system software 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 134: Updating The System Software

    The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Customer support website Restarting the player Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player Checking information on the player 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 135: Using Shortcut Buttons From The Quick Setting Panel

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Using shortcut buttons from the quick setting panel Shortcut buttons for some functions are available in the quick setting panel. You can activate certain functions directly without scrolling in the [Settings] menu. and then [Settings].
  • Page 136 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. Related Topic Connecting the player to an unpaired Bluetooth device for the first time Using the Noise Canceling function Using Ambient Sound Mode 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 137: Settings Menu

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Settings menu You can adjust various settings from the Settings menu. To enter the Settings menu, tap and then [Settings]. You can select the Settings menu on the following screen. Library screen Playback screen...
  • Page 138 Sound ClearAudio+ (On/Off) – Equalizer DSEE HX DC Phase Linearizer Sound Settings VPT (Surround) Dynamic Normalizer Vinyl Processor Headphones IER-NW500N/NE MDR-NW750N/NE – Other Headphones On/Off Noise Canceling Select Environment Adjust Noise Canceling On/Off Ambient Sound Mode Ambient Sound Level Clear Phase™ (On/Off) –...
  • Page 139: Function Settings

    Charge this player from the connected device Other Unit Information Model name, system software version, total number of tracks, etc. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 140 Consult a doctor if you become injured or burned from using the product. Contact the nearest Sony dealer or Sony Service Center if the player does not operate properly. Observe the following precautions. Otherwise, an explosion, fire, electric shock, burns, or injury may result.
  • Page 141 Content that you record is for personal use only. Under copyright law, the content cannot be used without the permission of the copyright holder. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 142: Notes On The Headphones

    Consideration for others Avoid using the player in environments where sound leakage will disturb others. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 143: Notes On The Built-In Battery

    If the liquid contacts your body or clothes, wash the liquid off immediately with clean water. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 144 Sample music is pre-installed on the player for trial listening. Sample data is not installed in some countries or regions. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 145: General Information

    This effect can be minimized by wearing clothes made from natural materials. Sony is not responsible for user data even if the following problems occur due to defects in the player or a computer. Recording or downloading of data is incomplete.
  • Page 146: Maintenance

    Clean the headphone plug occasionally with a soft dry cloth. Noise or sound skipping may occur if the plug is dirty. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 147: Customer Support Website

    For customers in other countries/regions: http://www.sony-asia.com/ For customers who purchased the overseas models: http://www.sony.co.jp/overseas/support/ The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 148: Specifications

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Specifications Display Size/Resolution 3.1-inch (7.8 cm), WVGA (800 × 480 Pixels) Panel type TFT color display with white LED-backlight Touch panel Supported Interface Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant) Headphone Stereo Mini-jack WM-PORT WM-PORT (multiple connecting terminal): 22 pins...
  • Page 149 (2.16 inches × 3.84 inches × 0.43 inches) Dimensions w/h/d Approx. 55.7 mm × 97.3 mm × 10.8 mm (2.20 inches × 3.84 inches × 0.43 inches) Mass Approx. 99 g (3.50 oz) Capacity NW-A55 16 GB NW-A55HN 16 GB NW-A56 32 GB NW-A56HN 32 GB...
  • Page 150 Available capacity may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 151: Battery Life

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Battery life Music (Approx.) Ambient Sound Mode ON Ambient Sound Mode OFF MP3 (128 kbps) 30 hours 45 hours AAC (256 kbps) 27 hours 39 hours FLAC (96 kHz/24 bit) 27 hours 39 hours...
  • Page 152 Battery life may vary depending on volume setting, conditions of use and ambient temperature. The battery is consumed considerably when the screen is on. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 153: Maximum Recordable Number Of Songs

    This product is confirmed to operate normally with up to a total of 20,000 tracks stored in the main memory and on the microSD card. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 154: Supported Formats

    Help Guide Digital Music Player NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 Supported formats Music MP3 ( .mp3) 32 kbps - 320 kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR)) / 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz WMA ( .wma) 32 kbps - 192 kbps (Supports variable bit rate (VBR)) / 44.1 kHz FLAC ( .flac)
  • Page 155 The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 156: System Requirements

    You need an Internet connection to download computer applications. We do not guarantee operation for all computers. The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications. 4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation...

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