Thank you for purchasing this Audio-Technica product.
Before using the product, read through this user manual to ensure that you will use the product correctly.
Please keep this manual for future reference.
Safety precautions
Cautions for the product
Read these cautions before using the product.
To ensure safety, observe all warnings and cautions while using the product.
• Do not use the product near medical equipment. Radio waves
may affect cardiac pacemakers and medical electronic
equipment. Do not use the product inside medical facilities.
• When using the product in aircraft, follow airline instructions.
• Do not use the product near automatic control devices such as
automatic doors and fire alarms. Radio waves may affect
electronic equipment and cause accidents due to malfunction.
• Do not disassemble, modify or attempt to repair the product to
avoid electric shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact to avoid electric
shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not handle the product with wet hands to avoid electric shock
or injury.
• Disconnect the product from a device if the product begins to
malfunction, producing smoke, odor, heat, unwanted noise or
showing other signs of damage. In such a case, contact your
local Audio-Technica dealer.
• Do not allow the product to get wet to avoid electric shock or
malfunction.
• Do not put foreign matter such as combustible materials, metal,
or liquid in the product.
• Do not cover the product with a cloth to avoid fire or injury by
overheating.
• Follow applicable laws regarding mobile phone and headphone
use if using headphones while driving.
• Do not use the product in places where the inability to hear
ambient sound presents a serious risk (such as at railroad
crossings, train stations, and construction sites).
• To prevent damage to your hearing, do not raise the volume too
high. Listening to loud sound for an extended period may cause
temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Store the eartips out of the reach of small children.
• Discontinue use if skin irritation results from direct contact with
the product.
• If you begin to feel unwell while using the product, discontinue
use immediately.
• When removing the product from your ears, check to make sure
the eartips are still attached to the main unit. If the eartips
become lodged in your ears and you are unable to remove them,
consult a physician at once.
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Safety precautions
Cautions for rechargeable battery
The product is equipped with a rechargeable battery (lithium polymer battery).
• If battery fluid gets into eyes, do not rub them. Rinse thoroughly
with clean water such as tap water and consult a doctor
immediately.
• If battery fluid leaks, do not touch fluid with bare hands. If fluid
remains inside the product, it may cause malfunction. If battery
fluid leaks, contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
– If fluid gets in your mouth, gargle thoroughly with clean water
such as tap water and consult a doctor immediately.
– If your skin or clothing comes in contact with fluid,
immediately wash the affected skin or clothing with water. If
you experience skin irritation, consult a doctor.
• Never heat, disassemble or modify the battery, nor dispose of it
in a fire to avoid leakage, generation of heat or explosion.
• Do not attempt to pierce with a nail, hit with a hammer or step
on the battery to avoid generation of heat, damage or ignition.
• Do not drop the product or subject it to strong impact to avoid
leakage, generation of heat or explosion.
• Do not get the battery wet to avoid generation of heat, explosion
or ignition.
For customers in the USA
FCC Notice
Warning
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.
Caution
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC 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. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 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.
– Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Do not use, leave or store the battery in the following places:
– Area exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures and
humidity
– Inside of a car under the blazing sun
– Near heat sources such as heat registers
• Charge only with the included USB cable to avoid malfunction or
fire.
• After using the device, be sure to switch it off. Leakage often
occurs due to battery drain caused by a failure to switch off
device.
• The internal rechargeable battery of this product cannot be
replaced by the user. The battery may have reached the end of
its service life if the usage time becomes significantly shorter
even after the battery has been fully charged. If this is the case,
the battery needs to be repaired. Contact your local
Audio-Technica dealer for repair details.
• When the product is disposed of, the built-in rechargeable
battery needs to be discarded properly. Contact your local
Audio-Technica dealer to learn how to properly dispose of the
battery.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
RF Exposure Statement
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter used in
other systems. This device complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and
meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines. This
equipment has very low levels of RF energy that is deemed to
comply without testing of specific absorption rate (SAR).
For customers in Canada
IC statement
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
This device complies with INDUSTRY CANADA R.S.S. 247.
Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference
which may cause undesired operation.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may
only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or
lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the
antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the
equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more
than that necessary for successful communication.
This device complies with RSS-102 radiation exposure limits
set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
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Notes on use
• Be sure to read the connected device’s user manual before use.
• Audio-Technica will not be liable in any way for any loss of data in
the unlikely event that such losses should occur while using the
product.
• On public transportation or in other public places, keep the volume
low so as not to disturb other people.
• Minimize the volume on your device before connecting the product.
• When using the product in a dry environment, you may feel a
tingling sensation in your ears. This is caused by static electricity
accumulated on your body, not by product malfunction.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact.
• Do not store the product in direct sunlight, near heating devices, or
in hot, humid, or dusty places. Additionally, do not allow the
product to get wet.
• When the product is used for a long time, the product may become
discolored due to ultraviolet light (especially direct sunlight) and
wear.
• If the product is placed in a bag or pocket while the USB charging
cable is still connected, the USB charging cable may become
caught, severed, or broken.
• Make sure to hold the plug when connecting and disconnecting the
USB charging cable. The USB charging cable may become severed
or an accident may occur if you pull on the cable itself.
• When you are not using the USB charging cable, disconnect it from
the product.
• This product can be used to talk on the phone only when using a
mobile telephone network. Support for telephony apps that use a
mobile data network is not guaranteed.
• If you use the product near an electronic device or transmitter (such
as a mobile phone), unwanted noise may be heard. In this case,
move the product away from the electronic device or transmitter.
• If you use the product near a TV or radio antenna, noise may be
seen or heard in the television or radio signal. In this case, move
the product away from the TV or radio antenna.
• To protect the built-in rechargeable battery, charge it at least once
every 6 months. If too much time passes between charges, the life
of the rechargeable battery may be reduced, or the rechargeable
battery may no longer be able to be charged.
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Part names and functions
■ Headphones
Housing
The left bushing has a
protruding part.
Eartips
LEFT/RIGHT
(L/R) indicator
Bushing
■
Bluetooth
® and NFC
transmitter/receiver
N-Mark
Shows the
location for
detecting NFC.
Battery jack
Connect the included USB
charging cable to charge.
■ Remote control with mic
Control button
Use to play/pause music
and videos and answer/end
phone calls.
Indicator lamp
Displays the operating
status of the product.
Volume button (−)
Use to turn the volume down.
Volume button (+)
Use to turn the volume up.
Power switch
Turns the power on/off.
Microphone
Use to make a phone call.
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Charging the battery
• Fully charge the battery when using for the first time.
• When the rechargeable battery is running low, the product will sound 2 sets of 2 beeps through the headphones, and
the indicator lamp will flash in red. When these beeps sound, charge the battery.
• It takes about 3 hours to charge the battery fully. (This time may vary depending on usage conditions.)
• While the battery is charging, the product’s
used.
1. Open the battery jack cover.
2. Connect the USB charging cable (micro USB terminal side) to the battery jack.
Computer
Bluetooth
USB port
connection remains disabled and therefore the product cannot be
Battery jack
Type A
Micro USB terminal
USB charging cable (included)
3. Connect the USB charging cable (Type A side) to the computer to start charging.
• You can also use a USB-compatible AC adapter (sold separately) to charge the battery by using a power outlet.
4. During charging, the indicator lamp lights as follows:
Lit in red : Charging
Lit in blue : Charging complete
5. When charging is complete, disconnect the USB charging cable (Type A side) from the computer.
6. Disconnect the USB charging cable (micro USB terminal side) from the battery jack and close the cover firmly.
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Connecting via
About pairing
Bluetooth
wireless technology
To connect the product to a
you do not need to pair them again.
However, you will need to pair again in the following cases:
• If the product is deleted from the
• If the product is sent out for repair.
• If the product is paired with 9 devices or more.
(The product can be paired with up to 8 devices. When you pair with a new device after pairing with 8 devices, pairing
information for the device with the oldest connection date will be overwritten by the information for the new device.)
Pairing a
• Read the user manual for the
• Place the device within 1 m (3.3') of the product to perform pairing correctly.
• To confirm the progress of the pairing process, wear the product while performing this procedure and listen for sound.
1. Starting with the product turned off, slide the power switch to the “ON”
position.
• The indicator lamp will light in blue, and then flash in red and blue.
• If wearing the product, you will hear a beep indicating the pairing process
has begun.
2. Use your
• For information about using your
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device, the product needs to pair (register) with the device. Once they are paired,
Bluetooth
device’s connection history.
device
Bluetooth
device to begin the pairing process and search for the product.
device.
Bluetooth
device, refer to the device’s user manual.
3. When your
displayed on the device.
Select “ATH-CKS550BT”.
• Some devices may ask for a passkey. In this case, enter “0000”.
• The passkey may also be called a passcode, PIN code, PIN number, or
password.
• The product beeps when pairing is complete.
Bluetooth
device finds the product, “ATH-CKS550BT” will be
Settings Bluetooth
Bluetooth
MY DEVICES
ATH-CKS550BT
Select
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Connecting via
Bluetooth
wireless technology
Using NFC when pairing
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology that allows for short-range wireless communication between various
devices, such as mobile phones and IC tags. It allows two devices to communicate when you simply touch them to each
other. You can use NFC to pair your
Bluetooth
device with this product.
Compatible devices : NFC-compatible
Compatible OS : Android
Pairing an NFC-compatible
1. Prepare your NFC-compatible
• Refer to your NFC-compatible
2. Starting with the product turned off, slide the power switch to the “ON” position.
3. Touch your NFC-compatible
• Touch your NFC-compatible
• For the location of your NFC-compatible
• Follow the instructions displayed on your NFC-compatible
process.
• The product beeps when pairing is complete.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device.
Bluetooth
device to the product to begin pairing.
device to the N-Mark on the product.
devices
device
device’s user manual as necessary.
Bluetooth
device’s NFC antenna, refer to the device’s user manual.
Bluetooth
device’s screen and complete the pairing
Disconnecting a device
Touch your NFC-compatible
product from your device.
Bluetooth
device to the part just above the N-Mark on the product again to disconnect the
Switching the device
• If the product is connected to a
product will connect to the second device.
• If you have an NFC-compatible
compatible
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device.
device, the device will disconnect from the product and connect with the second NFC-compatible
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
transmitter/receiver
device connected with the product and touch that device to another NFC-
and NFC
device and you then touch an NFC-compatible
Bluetooth
device to it, the
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Indicator lamp display
The indicator lamp of the product indicates the product’s status as explained below.
Status
PairingSearching for device
Waiting to be connected
Connecting
Battery levelBattery level low
Charging
Charge
Fully-charged
Indicator lamp display pattern
Red Blue
FlashingConnection
Lit
Lit
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Using the product
The product can use
Use the product for whichever of these purposes suits your needs.
Note that Audio-Technica cannot guarantee compatible operation with connected
Bluetooth
wireless technology to connect to your device and play music, receive phone calls, etc.
Power supply
Slide the power switch to the ON or OFF position.
Power
supply
*1
ON
*1
OFF
Power switch operationIndicator lamp
Lights in blue, then flashes in red and
Lights in blue, then turns off
Bluetooth
blue*
devices.
2
*1 You can hear a sound indicating the switching between on/off when wearing the product.
*2 It may take several seconds for the indicator lamp to light.
Wearing the product
Bluetooth
transmitter/receiver
Remote control
with mic
• Insert the side of the product marked “LEFT” into the
left ear and the side marked “RIGHT” into the right ear,
and then adjust the eartips.
• Wear the product so that the
transmitter/receiver rests on your back.
and NFC
Bluetooth
Neck band
• Adjust the width of the neck band for the most
comfortable fit.
and NFC
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Using the product
Listening to audio
• To connect for the first time, pair the product and your device by using either the
NFC. If you have already paired the product and your
Bluetooth
• Use your
connection.
Bluetooth
device to start playback, referring to the device’s user manual as necessary. You can perform the
Bluetooth
device, turn on the product and turn on your device’s
following operations using the product.
Control button
PressPlay/pausePlays or pauses music and video playback.*
Volume buttons
PressVolume upIncreases the volume by 1 level.*
+ button
Press and hold (for
about 2 seconds)
Skip forwardPlays the next track.*
Bluetooth
1
1
wireless technology or
2
PressVolume downDecreases the volume by 1 level.*
− button
*1 Play and pause control may not be available for music and video playback on some smartphones.
*2 A beep is heard each time you press the button. A low beep is heard when the volume is at the maximum or minimum level.
Press and hold (for
about 2 seconds)
Skip backPlays the previous track.*
1
2
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Using the product
Taking a phone call
• If your
• When your
• If a call is received while you are listening to music, music playback is paused. When you finish the call, music playback
When
Receiving a call
Talking on a call
* When you hear a beep, release the button.
Bluetooth
resumes.
device supports telephone features, you can use the product to talk on the phone.
Bluetooth
device receives a phone call, the product sounds a ring tone.
OperationFunction
Press the control button.Answers the call.
Press and hold the control button
(for about 2 seconds).
Press the control button.Ends the call.
Press and hold the control button
(for about 2 seconds).*
Press a volume button (+ or -).Adjusts the volume of the call.
Rejects the call.
Each time you press and hold the button (for about
2 seconds), you switch the call to your mobile
phone or to the product.
Other functions
Auto power off function
The product automatically turns off after 5 minutes of not being connected to a device that has its power turned on.
Reset function
If the product does not work or other malfunctions occur, refer to “Charging
the battery” and connect the USB charging cable. Make sure the cable is
carrying power.
Disconnecting and then reconnecting the USB charging cable will reset the
product and should resolve any problem you are experiencing. If the problem
persists, please contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
Battery
jack
Micro USB
terminal
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Cleaning
Get into the habit of regularly cleaning the product to ensure that it will last for a long time.
Do not use alcohol, paint thinners or other solvents for cleaning purposes.
Headphones, remote control with mic, and
To clean, wipe with a dry cloth.
Natural oils from the skin are particularly likely to build up on the areas where the
eartips attach to the headphones (see figure at right). If these areas are not cleaned,
the eartips can become detached. Clean them regularly. Do not touch the areas where
sound is produced, as they are delicate, and touching them could cause damage.
Bluetooth
and NFC transmitter/receiver
Eartip attachment part
Sound
reproduction
part
Cable and USB charging cable
Wipe away any perspiration or dirt with a dry cloth immediately after use.
Failure to clean the cable may cause it to deteriorate and harden over time, resulting in malfunction.
Eartips
Remove eartips from the headphones and clean them with a diluted mild detergent. After cleaning, dry before using
again.
• If the product will not be used for an extended period of time, store it in a well-ventilated place free from high
temperatures and humidity.
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Eartips
Eartip size and position
The product includes silicone eartips in 4 sizes (XS, S, M, and L). At the time of purchase, the M-size silicone eartips are
attached in the standard position. The eartips can also be adjusted to 2 different positions.
To ensure the best sound quality, select the eartip size and position that is best suited for you, and adjust the eartips
inside your ears for a snug fit. It may be difficult to hear bass sounds if the eartips do not fit snugly in your ears.
2-position post
You can set the eartips to either of 2 positions as desired.
A snug fit prevents sound from escaping and improves the reproduction of low frequencies.
(1)
Eartip cross-section
view
No gap
(2)
Eartip is
removed
(1) Standard position
The eartip is positioned
closer to the headphone.
(2) Deep position
The eartip is positioned
closer to the ear than (1).
Gap
(when using M-size
eartip)
Replacing the eartips
Remove the old eartip and attach the new eartip by pushing it on to the headphone at
an angle (see figure). Push firmly on the eartip so that the inside of the eartip expands,
and push the eartip onto the post as far as it will go. Adjust the position to either of the 2
positions shown in the figure above and to the right.
• The eartips are designed to be difficult to remove, therefore the fit is very tight when
attaching them.
• Periodically remove and clean the eartips as they become dirty easily. Using dirty eartips may cause the headphones
themselves to become dirty, resulting in deteriorated sound quality.
• Eartips are consumable parts that degrade through storage and use. If the eartips are loose and easily removed or if
they appear to have degraded, purchase replacements.
• When reattaching eartips that were previously removed, be sure to check that they are securely attached. Injury or
illness may occur if the eartips become detached and are left inside the ear.
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Troubleshooting
ProblemSolution
Power is not supplied.• Charge the product.
Unable to pair.• Devices that communicate using
with the product.
• Place the product and the
• Set the profiles for the
refer to the
No sound is heard / Sound is faint. • Turn on the power of the product and the
• Turn up the volume of the product and the
• If the
connection.
• Remove obstacles between the product and the
closer together.
• Switch the output of the
Sound is distorted / Noise is heard
/ Sound cuts out.
Cannot hear the voice of the caller
/ Voice of the caller is too quiet.
• Turn down the volume of the product and the
• Keep microwaves and other devices such as wireless routers away from the
product.
• Keep TVs, radios, and devices with built-in tuners away from the product. These
devices can also be affected by the product.
• Turn off the equalizer settings of the
• Remove obstacles between the product and the
closer together.
• Turn on the power of the product and the
• Turn up the volume of the product and the
• If the
connection.
• Switch the output of the
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device is set to the HFP/HSP connection, switch to the A2DP
device is set to the A2DP connection, switch to the HFP/HSP
Bluetooth
device’s user manual.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device within 1 m (3.3') of each other.
device. For procedures on how to set profiles,
device to the
Bluetooth
device to the
Ver. 2.1+EDR or higher can be used
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device.
device.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device.
Bluetooth
device.
device.
Bluetooth
device and place them
connection.
device.
device and place them
connection.
Unable to pair using NFC.• Make sure your device is an NFC-compatible
• Set your NFC-compatible
• Touch the product to the correct location of your NFC-compatible
device.
• Depending on the NFC-compatible
sensitivity may not be strong enough to connect to the product with just one
touch. In this case, refer to the NFC-compatible
• Depending on the NFC-compatible
some time to communicate via NFC. Keep the product and your NFC-compatible
Bluetooth
• Remove your NFC-compatible
communicate via NFC.
The product cannot be charged.• Securely connect the USB charging cable and charge the product.
For details about how to operate your
•
•
If the problem still remains, reset the product. To reset the product, refer to “Reset function” in “Other functions”.
Bluetooth
device touching until the connection is completed.
device, refer to the device’s user manual.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device so that the NFC function can be used.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device you are using, the NFC
device you are using, it may take
device from its case so that it can
device.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
device’s user manual.
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Specifications
Communication specifications
Communication system
Output
Maximum communication range
Frequency band
Modulation method
Supported
Supported codecs
Supported content protection method
Bluetooth
profiles
Headphones
Type
Driver
Sensitivity
Frequency response
Transmission band
Impedance