Sony MDR-RF985RK Operating Instructions

Wireless Stereo

Headphone System

Operating Instructions
Mode d'emploi
©2012 Sony Corporation Printed in China
MDR-RF985RK
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
English Wireless Stereo Headphone System
from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for
WARNING help.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
apparatus to rain or moisture. (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
cause undesired operation of the device.
apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
For the state of California, USA only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply, See
Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries installed)
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like for a long time.
Perchlorate material: Lithium battery contains
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer perchlorate
servicing to qualified personnel only.
For the customers in the USA and
Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a
bookcase or built-in cabinet. Canada
As the main plug of AC power adaptor is used to disconnect the
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
AC power adaptor from the mains, connect it to an easily
accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in it,
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.
disconnect it from the AC outlet immediately.
You can help preserve our environment by
Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can returning your used rechargeable batteries to
cause hearing loss. the collection and recycling location nearest
you.
Information
For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable
batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
http://www.rbrc.org/
expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion
batteries.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Services Center
1-800-222-7669 or http://www.sony.com/
Checking the included
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
items
Model No.: MDR-RF985R
(Headphones Unit)
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127
USA
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Wireless stereo headphones
Note
MDR-RF985R (1)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
RF stereo transmitter
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
TMR-RF985R (1)
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Connecting cable (stereo mini
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
plug  pin plug × 2), 1 m (1)
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
AC adaptor (1)
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

How to use

1
Connect the AC adaptor.
3
Connect the A/V component, following hookup  or  below.
 Using the headphone jack of the A/V component
L (white)
R (red)
 Using the audio out (L/R) jacks of the A/V component
Stereo mini plug
4-429-926-12(1)
If you want to receive audio on the headphones while at the same time hearing audio from the television speakers:
connect the transmitter to your Cable Box/Satellite Box rather than your television.
4
Wear the headphones.
Before listening
To reduce the risk of hearing damage, first lower the volume.
Tactile dot
6
Adjust the volume.
Up Down
Tactile dot
If you cannot receive a clear audio signal
First change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter,
then briefly press the AUTO TUNING button on the headphones.
2
Charge the headphones.
To AC
outlet
(Red)
Complete when indicator
turns off.
Headphone jack
(Stereo mini jack)
Stereo mini plug
TV, Digital music player, etc.
Audio out
(L/R) jacks
L (white)
R (red)
Stereo system, Blu-ray Disc player, DVD player, TV*, etc.
* In case of no headphone jack.
5
Start playback of the A/V component.
After use If no signal or low signal is input
for about 4 minutes
Turn off the power of the headphones.
About sending RF signals
When no signal is input for about 4 minutes, the
transmitter turns off automatically*. The POWER
The transmitter starts sending RF signals automatically
indicator of the transmitter blinks for 60 seconds, then
when it detects an audio signal from the connected
turns off. The transmitter restarts after receiving an audio
component. Note that;
signal again.
– Noise may occur depending on the transmitter
The transmitter may also turn off if low signal is input for
position and room conditions. It is recommended to
about 4 minutes. In this case, raise the volume of the
place the transmitter in a location that produces the
connected A/V component within the range where the
clearest sound.
sound is not distorted, then lower the volume of the
– If the transmitter is placed on a metallic table, you may
headphones.
hear noise, or the reception range may decrease. Do
* If signal noise is output from the connected A/V
not place on a metallic table.
component, the transmitter may not turn off, even
when no audio signal is input.
Noise Reduction process
The transmitter compresses the audio signal and converts it to RF signal. The headphones convert
the received RF signal to an audio signal and decompresses it. This process reduces noise picked
up during transmission.
Transmitter unit Headphones unit
input signal
RF transmission output signal
noise level (low)
compression decompression
 The transmitter compresses the audio signals dynamic range, then converts it to RF signal.
 Noise may occur due to long distance transmission, etc.
 The headphones convert the RF signal to an audio signal.
 Noise may occur during conversion.
 Decompression of the audio signals dynamic range reduces the noise level and improves the
S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio.
Tips for charging Replacing the earpads
When the transmitter's contact pins meet the headphones' The earpads are replaceable. If the earpads become dirty or
contact points, the CHG indicator lights up red. If they do not worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The earpads are not
meet, the indicator will not light up. Confirm that the commercially available. You can order replacements from the
headphones make a "click" sound when you put them on the store where you purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony
transmitter. When the headphones are correctly placed on the dealer.
transmitter, the upper surface of the headphones becomes level
1
Remove the old earpad by pulling it out of the groove on the
with the transmitter.
(Off )
housing.
The CHG indicator turns off when charging is complete.
Charging and usage time
Approx. charging time Approx. usage time 1)
3.5 hours 2)
25 hours 3)
1) at 1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output
2) hours required to fully charge an empty battery
3) Time may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions
of use.
To recharge the headphone battery
2
Place the new earpad on the driver unit.
after use
Hang the edge of the earpad on one side of the driver unit's
Place the headphones on the transmitter after use. The CHG groove edge, then turn the edge of earpad around the driver
unit as illustrated below.
indicator lights up, then charging starts.
When charging is complete, there is no need to remove the When the earpad is securely inserted into the groove, adjust
the earpad to the vertical position.
headphones from the transmitter.
Remaining battery
To check the remaining battery charge of the headphones, turn
on the headphones, and check the power indicator near the
POWER switch. The battery is still serviceable when the indicator
lights up green.
Charge the headphones if the power indicator turns off, dims,
flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.
Notes
–
Insert the AC adaptor plug firmly.
– Be sure to use the supplied AC adaptor. Using AC adaptors
with different plug polarity or other characteristics can cause

Troubleshooting

product failure.
Unified
If you run into any problems using this system, use the following
polarity plug
checklist. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony
dealer.
– The battery capacity may decrease if the headphones are
turned on and placed on the transmitter with the AC adaptor No sound/Low sound
disconnected.
– Turn on the headphones.
– The transmitter automatically turns off while charging the
– Check the connection of the A/V component or the AC
headphones.
adaptor.
– If the headphones are used outside the recommended
– Check that the A/V component is turned on.
temperature range, the CHG indicator flashes and charging
– If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the
stops. Charge in an environmental temperature of between
headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V
5°C and 35°C (between 41 °F and 95 °F).
component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
– If you haven't used the headphones for a long period of time,
–
Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the
the life of the rechargeable battery may become short. This will
transmitter, then press the AUTO TUNING button on the right
improve when you repeat the charging and discharging
housing of the headphones.
process several times.
– Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the
– When the battery life reduces to half, this may be the end of
position of the transmitter.
battery lifetime. For how to change batteries, consult your
– Charge the headphones. If the power indicator is still off after
place of purchase or a Sony dealer.
charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
– Do not store the headphones in hot places for a long period of
– Raise the headphone volume.
time. When storing them for more than a year, charge the
battery once a year to prevent over discharge.
Distorted or intermittent sound
–
Do not touch the contact pins of the transmitter. If the contact
(sometimes with noise)
pins become dirty, charging may not be possible.
–
Charging may not be completed if the transmitter's contact
–
Charge the headphones. If the power indicator is still off after
pins and headphones' contact points are dusty. Wipe them
charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
with a cotton bud, etc.
– Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the
position of the transmitter.
– Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table.
Tips for volume setting
– If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the
headphone jack, lower the volume level on the connected A/V
component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
–
If you connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of the
– Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector switch
A/V component, set the volume of the A/V component as high
on the transmitter, then set to the same radio frequency with
as possible but not so high that the audio signal becomes
the AUTO TUNING button on the right housing of the
distorted.
headphones.
– When watching videos, be careful not to raise the volume too
high in quiet scenes. You may hurt your ears when a loud
Loud background noise
scene is played.
– If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the
headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V
component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
Tips for better reception
–
Charge the headphones. If the power indicator is still off after
charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
–
Receiving performance Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table.
– Use the headphones near the transmitter.
This system utilizes very high frequency signals in the 900 MHz
The sound cuts off
band so the receiving performance may deteriorate due to the
surroundings. The following examples illustrate conditions that
– The transmitter turns off if no signal or low signal is input for 4
may reduce the reception range or cause interference.
minutes. If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component
– Inside a building with walls containing steel beams
using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the
– An area with many steel file cabinets, etc.
connected A/V component within the range where the sound
– An area with many electrical appliances capable of generating
is not distorted.
electromagnetic fields
Battery cannot be charged/CHG
– The transmitter is placed on a metal instrument.
– An area facing a roadway
indicator flashes, or does not light up
– Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings due to
– Put the headphones on the transmitter correctly so that the
radio transceivers in trucks, etc.
– Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings owing to CHG indicator lights up.
– The transmitter's contact pins and headphones' contact points
wireless communication systems installed along roadways.
are dusty. Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.
Effective area of the transmitter
– You cannot charge while the CHG indicator flashes. Charge in
an environmental temperature of between 5°C and 35°C
The optimum distance is up to approximately 45 m (150 ft)
(between 41 °F and 95 °F).
without the system picking up some interference. However, the
– Check that the AC adaptor is connected to the transmitter.
distance may vary depending on the surroundings and
environment.
– If the system picks up some noise within the above mentioned
distance, reduce the distance between the transmitter and the
headphones, or select another channel.
– When you use the headphones inside the effective area of the
transmitter, the transmitter can be placed in any direction from
the listener.
– Even within the signal reception area, there are some spots
(dead spots) where the RF signal cannot be received. This
characteristic is inherent to RF signals, and does not indicate
malfunction. By slightly moving the transmitter, location of the
dead spot can be changed.
Precautions
– If the transmitter is not to be used for a long period of time,
disconnect the AC adaptor from the AC outlet by holding the
plug. Do not pull on the cord.
– Do not leave this system in a location subject to direct
sunlight, heat or moisture.
– This system is guaranteed for use in the temperature range of
5 °C to 35 °C (41 °F to 95 °F).
– You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC
adaptor from the transmitter before taking off the
headphones.
–
Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, direct sunlight,
moisture, sand, dust or mechanical shock.
Notes on headphones
To reduce the risk of hearing damage
Avoid using headphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise
against continuous, loud and extended play. If you experience a
ringing in your ears, lower the volume or discontinue use.
Caring for others
Keep the volume at a moderate level. This will allow you to hear
outside sounds and to be considerate to the people around you.
If you have any questions or problems concerning the system
that are not covered in this manual, please consult your nearest
Sony dealer.
Be sure to bring the headphones and the transmitter to the Sony
dealer when requiring repair work.
Features
Thank you for purchasing the Sony MDR-RF985RK Wireless
Stereo Headphone System. Before operating the unit, please
read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.
Some features are:
– Wireless system that allows you to listen to a program free
from the restriction of a cord
– Easy connection to TV and Hi-Fi Audio system component
– Fast recharging function with secure charging mechanism
– Noise reduction system to reproduce a clear sound with
minimum transmission noise
– Automatic tuning on headphones for optimum signal
reception
– 3 transmission channels available
– Up to 45 meters (150 feet) reception range*
– Long playback time (approx. 25 hours)
– High fidelity sound reproduction
– Volume control function on the headphones
* Transmission distance varies depending on conditions of use.
Specifications
RF stereo transmitter (TMR-RF985R)
Modulation FM stereo
Carrier frequency 915.5 MHz, 916.0 MHz, 916.5 MHz
Channel Ch1, Ch2, Ch3
Transmission distance
Approx. 45 m (150 ft) of longest
Audio inputs Pin jacks (left/right)
Stereo mini jack
Power requirements
DC 12 V (from the supplied AC adaptor)
Dimensions Approx. 120 mm × 264 mm × 120 mm
(4 3 / × 10 1 / × 4 3 / in) (w/h/d)
4 2 4
Mass Approx. 470 g (1 lb 0.58 oz)
Rated power consumption
3.0 W
Operating temperature
5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)
Wireless stereo headphones (MDR-RF985R)
Frequency response
10 Hz – 22,000 Hz
Power source Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Mass Approx. 320 g (11.29 oz)
Operating temperature
5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)
Included items
RF stereo transmitter TMR-RF985R
Wireless stereo headphones MDR-RF985R
AC adaptor (12 V) (1)
Connecting cable (stereo mini plug  pin plug × 2), 1 m (39
3 /
8
in) (1)
Card warranty (1)
Operating Instructions (this manual) (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.