Audio Technica CKR300BT User Manual

ATH-CKR300BT

User Manual

Wireless Headphones

Introduction

Before using the product, please read through the Quick Start Guide and Caution Guide, as well as this user manual
when necessary, to ensure that you use the product correctly.

Safety precautions

Although this product was designed to be used safely, failing to use it correctly may result in an accident. To ensure
safety, observe all warnings and cautions while using the product.

Cautions for 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).

• The product effectively shields external sound, so you may not
hear sound around you clearly while wearing the product.
Adjust the volume to a level where you can still hear
background sound and monitor the area around you while
listening to music.

• Store the eartips out of the reach of small children.

• When charging, make sure to use the included USB charging
cable.

• Do not charge with devices that have quick-charge
functionality (with a voltage of 5 V or more). Doing so may
cause the product to malfunction.

• 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.

• 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.

• If you develop an itch from wearing the product, discontinue
use.

1

Safety precautions

The equipment complies with RF radiation exposure limits
set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This device and its antenna must not be co-located or
operation in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

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.

• To avoid leakage, generation of heat or explosion:

– Never heat, disassemble or modify the battery, nor dispose

of it in a fire.

– Do not attempt to pierce with a nail, hit with a hammer or

step on the battery.
– Do not drop the product or subject it to strong impact.
– Do not get the battery wet.

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.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for

help.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

2

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.

• 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.

• If the product is placed in a bag while the USB charging cable is
still connected, the USB charging cable may become caught,
severed, or broken.

• When you are not using the product, store it in the included pouch.

• 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) which is not connected with the product,
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.

For a more comfortable Bluetooth® communication experience

The effective communication range of this product varies depending
on obstructions and radio wave conditions.
For a more enjoyable experience, please use the product as close
as possible to the Bluetooth device. To minimize noise and sound
disruptions, avoid placing your body or other obstacles between the
product’s antenna and the Bluetooth device.

Antenna

3

Part names and functions

L/R (Left/right) indicator

Power supply/Control button

Use to turn the power supply ON/OFF,
play/pause music and answer/end
phone calls.

Volume buttons

Adjust the volume using +
and –.

Indicator lamp

Displays the operating status and

battery level of the product.

Bushing

Housing

The left bushing
has a protrusion
for distinguishing
between the left
and right.

Battery jack

Used to connect
the included USB
charging cable and
charge the product.

Accessories

• USB charging cable
(30 cm (12"))

* At the time of purchase, the M-size eartips are attached to the main unit.

• Eartips* (XS, S, M, L) • Pouch

4

Charging the battery

• Fully charge the battery when using for the first time.

• When the rechargeable battery is running low, the product will emit a low battery level warning sound through the
headphones, and an indicator lamp will flash in red. When these beeps sound, charge the battery.

• It takes about 2 hours to charge the battery fully. (This time may vary depending on usage conditions.)

• While the battery is charging, the product’s Bluetooth connection remains disabled and therefore the product cannot
be used.

1. Open the battery jack cover.

2. Connect the included USB charging cable (USB-Type-C side) to the battery jack.

• The included USB charging cable is designed for exclusive use with the product. Do not use any other USB
charging cable.

• When inserting the USB charging cable into the USB port or battery jack, check that the jack is facing in the
correct direction before inserting it directly (horizontally).

USB port

Computer

3. Connect the included USB charging cable (USB Type-A side) to the computer to start charging.

• During charging, the indicator lamp lights as follows: *
Lit in red: When charging
Off: Charging complete

* It may take several seconds for the indicator lamp to light.

4. When charging is complete, disconnect the USB charging cable (USB Type-A side) from the computer.

5. Disconnect the USB charging cable (USB-Type-C) from the battery jack and close the cover firmly.

USB Type-A

USB charging cable
(included)

Battery jack

USB-Type-C

5

Connecting via Bluetooth wireless technology

About pairing

To connect the product to a Bluetooth device, the product needs to pair (register) with the device. Once they are paired,
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 Bluetooth device’s connection history.

• If the product is sent out for repair.

Pairing a Bluetooth device

• Read the user manual for the Bluetooth device.

• Place the Bluetooth 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 the
confirmation tone.

1. Starting with the product turned off, slide the power switch to the “ON” position.

• The indicator lamp will light in purple, and then flash in white.

2. Use your Bluetooth device to begin the pairing process and search for the
product.
When your Bluetooth device finds the product, “ATH-CKR300BT” will be
displayed on the device.

• For information about using your Bluetooth device, refer to the device’s user
manual.

3. Select “ATH-CKR300BT” to pair the product and your Bluetooth device.

• 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 sounds a confirmation tone when pairing is complete.

Bluetooth ON

ATH-CKR300BT

100%12:00

6

Using the product

The product can use Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your device and play music, receive phone calls, etc.
Use the product for whichever of these purposes suits your needs.
Note that Audio-Technica cannot guarantee the operation of displays, such as the battery level display, or applications
via Bluetooth devices.

Power supply ON/OFF

Power
supply

ON*

1

Power supply / Control button operation Indicator lamp

Lights in white, then flashes in

2*3

white*
Press and hold
(Approx. 3 sec)

1

OFF*

*1 If you are wearing the product, you will hear a beep to indicate when the product has turned on and off.
*2 It may take several seconds for the indicator lamp to light.
*3 For details, please refer to “Indicator lamp display” (p.10).

Lights in white, then turns off*

Wearing the product

• Insert the side of the product marked “L” (LEFT) into the
left ear and the side marked “R” (RIGHT) into the right
ear, and then adjust the eartips.

3

7

Using the product

Listening to music

• To connect for the first time, pair the product and your device via Bluetooth wireless technology. If you have already
paired the product and your Bluetooth device, turn on the Bluetooth device’s Bluetooth connection before turning on
the product.

• Use your Bluetooth device to start playback, referring to the device’s user manual as necessary.

Power supply/Control button

Press Plays or pauses music playback.*

Press (twice)

The speech recognition function (such as Siri, which is installed on iOS devices) may start
depending on the connected device.

Volume buttons

Press Volume up Increases the volume by 1 level.*

+ button

- button

*1 Some controls may not be available for music playback on some smartphones.
*2 A confirmation tone is heard each time you press the button. A low beep is heard when the volume is at the maximum or

minimum level.

• The volume control of some devices may not work well with the product.

Press and hold (for
about 2 seconds)

Skip forward Plays the next track.*

Press Volume down Decreases the volume by 1 level.*

Press and hold (for
about 2 seconds)

Skip back Plays the previous track.*

1

2

1

2

1

8

Using the product

Talking on the phone

• If your Bluetooth device supports telephone features, you can use the product to talk on the phone.

• When your Bluetooth device receives a phone call, the product sounds a ring tone.

• If a call is received while you are listening to music, music playback is paused. When you finish the call, music
playback resumes.*

1

When

Receiving

acall

Talking on

a call

*1 Depending on your Bluetooth device, music playback may not resume.
*2 When you hear a confirmation tone, release the power supply/control button.

• The phone call controls explained above may not be available on some smartphones.

Operation Function

Press the power supply/control button. Answers the call.

Press and hold the power supply/control
button (for about 2 seconds).

Press the power supply/control button. Ends the call.

Press and hold the power supply/control
button (for about 2 seconds).

Press a volume button (+ or -). Adjusts the volume (+ or -) of the call.

*2

Rejects the call.

Each time you press and hold the button (about
2seconds), you switch the call to your mobile phone or
to the product.*

2

Auto power o function

The product automatically turns off after 5 minutes of not being connected to a device.

Reset function

If the product does not work or other malfunctions occur, refer to
“Charging the battery” (p.5) and connect the USB charging
cable to the headphones and to a power source. This will reset
the product.
Disconnecting and then reconnecting the USB charging cable
should resolve any problem you are experiencing. If the problem
persists, please contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
Resetting the product will not change any of your settings (pairing
information, volume setting, etc.).*

9

Indicator lamp display

The indicator lamp of the product indicates the product’s status as explained below.

Status

Pairing

Connection

Battery
level

Charging

Searching for device

Waiting to be
connected

Connecting

Battery level low

Charging

Fully charged

Indicator lamp display pattern

About voice guidance

The product provides English voice guidance in the following situations.

Situation Voice guidance

Power is turned on Power on

Power is turned off Power off

Red White

Flashing

: gradually lights up)

(

Flashing every 8 seconds
( : gradually lights up)

Flashing every 4 seconds

Flashing 3 times every 4
minutes

Lit

Off

Bluetooth is connected Bluetooth connected

Bluetooth is disconnected Bluetooth disconnected

Battery level low Low battery

10

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.

• To clean, wipe with a dry cloth.

• Immediately wipe off any moisture such as sweat from the battery jack or operating
areas such as the buttons. Failure to do so may result in a malfunction due to
corrosion.

• Natural oils from the skin are particularly likely to build up on the eartip attachment
parts (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. Doing so may result in malfunction.

• Wipe away any perspiration or dirt from the cable with a dry cloth immediately after
use. Failure to clean the cable may cause it to deteriorate and harden over time,
resulting in malfunction.

• Wipe the cable’s USB plug with a dry cloth if dirty.

• Clean the eartips by removing them from the headphones and manually cleaning 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.

Eartip attachment

part

Sound

reproduction

part

Eartips

Eartip size

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.
To ensure the best sound quality, select the eartip size 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.

Replacing the eartips

Remove the old eartip and attach the new eartip by pushing it onto 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.

• 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.

11

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution

Power is not supplied. • Charge the product.

Unable to pair. • Confirm that the Bluetooth device communicates using Ver. 2.1+EDR or higher.

No sound is heard / Sound is
faint.

Sound is distorted / Noise is
heard / Sound cuts out.

Cannot hear the voice of the
caller / Voice of the caller is too
quiet.

The product cannot be charged. • Securely connect the included USB charging cable and charge the product.

• Place the product and the Bluetooth device within 1 m (3.3') of each other.

• Set the profiles for the Bluetooth device. For procedures on how to set profiles,
refer to the Bluetooth device’s user manual.

• Remove the pairing information for the Bluetooth device then pair the product
with this device again.

• Turn on the power of the product and the Bluetooth device.

• Turn up the volume of the product and the Bluetooth device.

• If the Bluetooth device is set to the HFP/HSP connection, switch to the A2DP
connection.

• Move away from obstacles between the product and the Bluetooth device, such
as people, metal or walls, and place the product and device closer together.

• Switch the sound output of the Bluetooth device to the Bluetooth connection.

• Turn down the volume of the product and the Bluetooth device.

• Keep this product away from devices that emit radio waves such as microwaves
and wireless routers.

• Keep this product away from TVs, radios, and devices with built-in tuners. These
devices can also be affected by the product.

• Turn off the equalizer settings of the Bluetooth device.

• Remove obstacles between the product and the Bluetooth device and place
them closer together. For details, please refer to “For a more comfortable
Bluetooth® communication experience” (p.3).

• Turn on the power of the product and the Bluetooth device.

• Turn up the volume of the product and the Bluetooth device.

• If the Bluetooth device is set to the A2DP connection, switch to the HFP/HSP
connection.

• Switch the sound output of the Bluetooth device to the Bluetooth connection.

• For details about how to operate your Bluetooth device, refer to the device’s user manual.

• If the problem still remains, reset the product. To reset the product, refer to “Reset function”(p.9).

12

Specifications

Headphones

Type

Driver

Sensitivity

Frequency response

Impedance

Microphone

Type

Polar pattern

Sensitivity

Frequency response

Communication specifications

Communication system

Maximum RF output

Maximum communication range

Frequency band

Modulation method

Compatible Bluetooth profiles

Support codec

Supported content protection method

Transmission band

Other

Power supply

Charging time

Operating time

Weight

Operating temperature

Accessories

Closed-dynamic

9.8 mm

102 dB/mW

5 to 40,000 Hz

16 ohms

Electret condenser

Omnidirectional

-42 dB (1 V/Pa, at 1 kHz)

50 to 4,000 Hz

Bluetooth version 5.0

10 mW EIRP

Line of sight - approx. 10 m (33')

2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz

FHSS

A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

AAC, SBC

SCMS-T

20 to 20,000 Hz

DC 3.7 V lithium polymer battery

Approx. 2 hours*

Continuous transmission time (music playback): Max. approx. 8 hours*

13.5 g (0.48 oz)

5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)

• USB charging cable (30 cm (12'') USB Type-A / USB Type-C

TM)

• Eartips (XS, S, M, L)

• Pouch

Sold separately

* The above figures depend on operating conditions.
For product improvement, the product is subject to modification without notice.

• The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audio-Technica Corporation is
under license. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

• “AAC” logo is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.

• Eartips

13

Audio-Technica Corporation

2-46-1 Nishi-naruse, Machida, Tokyo 194-8666, Japan

©2019 Audio-Technica Corporation
Global Support Contact: www.at-globalsupport.com