Kenwood M2GD55, M1GD50 User Manual

DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER

M2GD55
M1GD50

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

ENGLISH FRANÇAIS DEUTSCH

NEDERLANDS

ITALIANO ESPAÑOL

© B60-5704-08 /01 (E)

Contents

Safety precautions ............................................3

Unpacking ...........................................................5

Flow for music playback .................................5

Read Before Use

Names and functions of par ts ......................6

Screen display items ........................................7

For first use

Connecting stereo headphones ..................8

Selecting the ear tips ...........................................8

Switching Power ON/OFF ..............................8

HOLD function ...................................................8

Recharging Battery/ Connecting a PC.......9

Recharging Battery ................................................ 9

Recharging and battery indication .............9

Connecting a PC .....................................................9

PC system configuration requirements ...9

Disconnecting the Player from the PC ...10

When the connection mode is MTP

mode ....................................................................10

When the connection mode is MSC

mode ....................................................................10

Capturing Music in PC ..................................11

The Player can play the following 2 types

of music files. ..................................................... 11

Using Windows Media Player 11/10/9 ... 11

Transferring Music from PC ........................13

Using Windows Media Player 11/10/9 ... 13

Data transfer by drag & drop .......................14

Deleting tracks ................................................15

Using Windows Media Player 11/10/9 ... 15

Formatting ........................................................ 16

When the connection mode is MTP

mode ....................................................................16

When the connection mode is MSC

mode ....................................................................16

Playing music tracks

Selecting music for playback ..................... 17

Display during playback ..............................18

Number of tag information display

characters ............................................................ 18

Operations available during playback ...18

Various play modes .......................................19

Adjusting the audio

Adjusting the audio ......................................21

Adjusting the volume ....................................... 21

Selecting the sound effects ..........................21

Setting and adjusting the Player

Sleep timer .......................................................22

Various setups .................................................23

Function items that can be set ................. 23

Setting the menu language .......................24

Initialization ...................................................... 25

Appendix

Connection of external components ..... 26

Connecting to the headphones jack ......26

Connecting to the USB connector ........... 26

Digital Audio Player Link .............................27

Glossary .............................................................28

Error messages ................................................ 28

Troubleshooting ............................................. 29

Specifications...................................................30

Notes on Disposal ..........................................31

Recycling the Built-in Battery ...................... 31

Removing the Rechargeable Battery

(Built-in Battery) Before Disposal:

M2GD55 ...............................................................31

Removing the Rechargeable Battery

(Built-in Battery) Before Disposal:

M1GD50 ...............................................................32

English2

Safety precautions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

¤ Caution:

Read this page carefully to ensure safe operation.

Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
product is operated.
Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
Heed Warnings – All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.

Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.

WARNING :

• Do not use headphones during riding/driving a vehicle or walking.

Otherwise, a traffic accident may result. Never use headphones when you ride a bicycle

or driving an automobile or motorbike. If the Player is used during walking, the ambient
sounds will be cut and you may have difficulties in hearing various warning sounds.

• Do not operate the Player during riding or driving a vehicle.

Do not operate the Player when you drive or ride an automobile, motorbike or bicycle.

Otherwise, a traffic accident may result. Be sure to stop the vehicle in a safe place before
operating the Player.

• Do not stare at the display screen during riding or driving a vehicle.

Otherwise, a traffic accident may result.

• Do not leave the ear tips provided with the Player in the reach of children.

There has been a case in which a child swallowing a small item was suffocated to death.

If a child swallows an ear tip by accident, immediately take the emergency measure to let
the child vomit it out and see a doctor.

Precautions :

• Do not insert or drop a metallic object or an easily flammable object inside the Player
through an opening. Otherwise, a fire hazard or battery leak may result.

• When connecting ancillary equipment to the Player, read the instruction for the
equipment, switch the Player off and connect the equipment as instructed. Also be sure
to use the specified cord for the connection. Inappropriate connection, use of a non­specified cord or extension of the cord may cause heat generation and a burn or other
injuries.

Do not use or place the product in the following locations:

• A place with high humidity, such as in a bathroom or shower room. Also do not use the
Player in a place subject to water splashes. Otherwise, a fire hazard or battery leak may
result.

• Do not approach the Player to heating equipment (a stove, iron, etc.). Otherwise, a fire
hazard or battery leak may result.

• Do not place the Player in a place subject to soot or vapor, for example in a kitchen or
near an air humidifier, or in a place subject to excessive humidity or dust. Otherwise, a fire
hazard or battery leak may result.

• Do not leave the Player in a place where the temperature may rise abnormally high, for
example in a closed automobile or under direct sunlight. Otherwise, the Player or its parts
may deteriorate or a fire hazard or battery leak may result.

Notes on using through headphones:

• Do not start listening with too high a volume. Otherwise, sudden output of a high­volume sound may cause hearing failure, etc.

• Do not listen to the audio with an extremely high volume for long hours. Otherwise, your
hearing ability may be damaged.

• Do not use headphones if an abnormality is felt on the skin. Otherwise, skin
inflammations may result. Should any abnormality be felt on the skin or ears during use
of headphones, immediately stop using them and see a doctor.

• A person with an ear disease is discommended to use headphones. Otherwise, the
disease may worsen. Should any abnormality be felt on the skin or ears during use of
headphones, immediately stop using them and see a doctor.

• Be sure to attach the ear tips firmly. If the ear tips are attached insufficiently to the
headphones, an ear tip may drop out, enter the deep of the ear and injure it. Should an
ear tip drop out inside an ear, see a doctor.

• Attach and detach headphones around the ears gently and slowly. Violent attaching or
detaching may injure the ear.

Notes on using through car stereo :

• Do not leave the products or batteries in the car, particularly above the dashboard, for
this may lead to malfunction or damage due to solar heat.

• If the unit is connected to a car stereo using an audio cord, noise may sometimes
interfere.

English3

Safety precautions

Handling

• Do not apply an excessive force to the display part. Otherwise, it may be damaged.

• Avoid storing the player in a bag together with a hard object. Otherwise, the player may
be damaged when the bag is pushed.

• Do not expose the player to an insecticide or other volatile substance or bring the player
in extended contact with a rubber or vinyl material. Otherwise, discoloration or peeling of
the surface finish may result.

• Do not put the player in a pocket of trousers. Otherwise, it may be damaged due to a
strong impact when you sit down, etc.

• Protect the player against sweat and moisture.

Do not use the player by putting it in a breast pocket for long hours in the summer or

during exercise. Otherwise, penetration of moisture or sweat may cause malfunction or
failure.

Operating conditions

Temperature: 5 to 35°C. (without condensation)

Caution on condensation

Condensation (of dew) may occur inside the unit when there is a great difference in
temperature between this unit and the outside. This unit may not function properly if
condensation occurs. In this case, leave the unit for a few hours and restart the operation
after the condensation has dried up.
Be specially cautious against condensation in the following circumstances:
When this unit is carried from one place to another across a large difference in temperature,
when the humidity in the room where this unit is installed increases, etc.

Maintenance of the unit

When the front panel or case becomes dirty, wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
Do not use thinner, benzine, alcohol, etc. for these agents may cause discoloration.

In regard to contact cleaner

Do not use contact cleaners because it could cause a malfunction. Be specially careful not
to use contact cleaners containing oil, for they may deform the plastic component.

Note on the built-in battery

• For the replacement of the built-in battery, contact your dealer.

• The battery built into the player discharges spontaneously even when the player is not
used. This means that the built-in battery may be exhausted completely when the player
is left unused for a long period. If this happens, recharge the battery before using the
player.

• The battery recharging time is variable depending on the condition of the battery and
ambient temperature.

• The available playback time reduces when the player is used under low temperatures.

• The built-in battery can be recharged for about 500 times. (This is a reference value and is
not guaranteed.)

• The built-in battery is a consumable part, and the available playback time reduces
gradually after repeated use. If the available playback time becomes very short even after
the battery has been recharged fully, the battery may be degraded; replace it with new
one.

• Kenwood will not assume any liabilities for the alteration or loss of data caused due to
complete discharging of the built-in battery.

• The built-in battery is a lithium ion battery.

It is free from the memory effect of Ni-Cad and nickel-hydrogen batteries, with which the

capacity decreases if the battery is charged or discharged incompletely for several times.

The built-in battery therefore accepts additional charging before it has exhausted

completely.

English4

Unpacking

M2GD55
M1GD50

QUICK ST

AR

T MANU

AL

DIGI

TA

L A

UDIO PLA

YER

Flow for music playback

Connecting stereo headphones (page 8)

Preparation

Cancelling the HOLD function (page 8)
Switching Power ON (page 8)
Recharging Battery/ Connecting a PC (page 9)

Player (M1GD50)

Preparation of

music files

Player (M2GD55)

Capturing Music in PC (page 11)
Transferring Music from PC (page 13)

Playing music tracks

Playback of music

Selecting music for playback (page 17)
Operations available during playback (page 18-19)

USB cable

Quick start manual

Volume and tone

adjustments

Headphones

(Ear tip: M size)

Adjusting the audio

Adjusting the volume (page 21)
Selecting the sound effects (page 21)

Ear tip (L size, S size)

English5

HOLD

RESET

HOLD

RESET

Names and functions of parts

HOLD

RESET

HOLD

RESET

HOLD

RESET

HOLD

RESET

Read Before Use

M1GD50

Display

Power/Menu button

Up button

Down button

Play/Pause button

Phones jack

M2GD55

Display

Power/Menu button

Up button

Down button

Play/Pause button

Phones jack

• Do not pass a metallic hook or like (a key holder, etc.) through the strap eyelet. Otherwise, the
player may be damaged.

USB jack

USB jack

HOLD switch

VOLUME button

Reset button

HOLD switch

VOLUME button

Reset button

Strap eyelet

Strap eyelet

/ Power/Menu button

• Press and hold to switch the power
ON/OFF.

• Press shortly to open the menu.

• Press shortly while the menu is open
to return to the previous display page.

• Press when the display is turned off
(screen saver mode) to turn on the
display.

• Status indicated by the indicator

During play During USB

connection

Steady lighting Power is ON. Recharging…
One blink per
3 sec.
Two blinks per
3 sec.

Screen saver mode.

Screen saver
mode under Hold

–

–

function activated.

Blink

–

Transferring
data…

Extinguished Power is OFF. Recharging

completed.

5 Up button

• Press to move the cursor upward.

• Press during playback to skip to
the beginning of the current track.
Pressing the button at the beginning
of a track skips to the beginning of the
previous track.

• Press and hold to fast reverse the track.

∞ Down button

• Press to move the cursor downward.

• Press during playback to skip to the
beginning of the next track.

• Press and hold to fast forward the
track.

6 Play/Pause button

• Press to play a track or let it pause.

• During playback, press and hold for
more than 1 second to set the A-B
Repeat points.

• Press while the menu is displayed to
enter a selected item.

VOLUME button

• Press to increase (+) or decrease (-) the
volume. Pressing and holding a button
segment varies the volume gradually.

HOLD switch

• Press to defeat all other buttons. This
helps prevent erroneous operation of
the Player when it is carried in a bag,
etc.

Phones jack

• Connect the provided stereo
headphones.

USB jack

• Connect to a PC using the provided
USB cable to transfer music files or
recharge the battery.

Strap eyelet

• Pass the strap through this hole.

Reset button

• In case of irregularity, first consult
<Troubleshooting> (page 29). If an
optimum remedy is not found, try
pressing the reset button with the tip
of a clip or ballpoint pen.

English6

Screen display items

Artist

Album
Genre
Track

Settings

Settings

Soundmode

Playmode
Sleeptimer

Settings

Brightness

Autopoweroff
Screensavers

Settings

Language

Initialize
System

Genre

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Album

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Artist

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Artist

Playall

Albumtitle

Albumtitle

Track

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Album

Playall

Albumtitle

Albumtitle

Genre

Playall

Genrename

Genrename

Artist

Playall

Artistname

Artistname

Genre

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Album

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Artist

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Artist

Playall

Albumtitle

Albumtitle

Track

Playall

Tracktitle
Tracktitle

Album

Playall

Albumtitle

Albumtitle

Genre

Playall

Genrename

Genrename

Artist

Playall

Artistname

Artistname

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

USB

connecting

Read Before Use

Home screen

This is the initial display page for use in selection of
the music selection method and in various setups.

USB connecting message
screen

Message screen indicating
that the Player is connected
to a PC (page 9).

Control buttons

Cursor movement Screen switching

Settings menu screen

Menu screen for use in various settings including the tone
adjustment and playback modes.

Sound mode (page 21)

Normal, Bass, Pops, Rock, Jazz, Dance, Voice

Play mode (page 19)

Normal, Repeat all, Repeat one, Random,
Repeat random

Sleep timer (page 22)

Off, 10Min, 20Min, 30Min, 40Min, 50Min,
60Min

Brightness (page 23)

High, Mid, Low

Auto power off (page 23)

1Min, 3Min, 5Min, 10Min

Screen savers (page 23)

3Sec, 5Sec, 10Sec, 30Sec, 60Sec

Language (page 24)

ENGLISH, 日本語, DEUTSCH, FRANCAIS,
ESPAÑOL, ITALIANO, NEDERLANDS

Initialize (page 25)

No, Yes

System (page 23)

Library screen

This is the music selection display page with 4 types of selecting method. (page 17)
Selecting "Play all" during playback starts playback of all the music tracks belonging to the last
selected item.

Selecting by artist name

Artist name

∞

Album title

∞

Track title

Selecting by album title

Album title

∞

Track title

Selecting by genre name

Genre name

∞

Track title

Selecting by track title

Track title

Display during playback

(page 18)

English7

Connecting stereo headphones

HOLD

RESET

HOLD

RESET

HOLD

HOLD

. (

Connect the provided stereo headphones to the Player.

For first use

Switching Power ON/OFF

1 Switch the Player ON.

Press and hold the Power/Menu button until the
KENWOOD logo is displayed.
The Player enters the mode before the last time it was
switched OFF.

Entanglement-prevention slider

Hold the headphone body and insert into each
ear. The optimum condition is when the ear hole
is stopped completely by the ear tip.

Selecting the ear tips

The headphones are shipped from the factory with the M-size ear tips attached. If the M­size ear tips do not match your ears, replace them with the provided S-size or L-size ear tips.

S-size

M-size

L-size

• Always hold the headphone bodies when attaching or detaching headphones. Pulling a cord
may result in malfunction.

• To clean the ear tips, remove them from the headphone bodies and wash with a neutral
detergent solution. After washing, wipe them dry before use.

• The ear tips may deteriorate after a long period of use or storage.

• To prevent the headphone cord from being entangled, slide the entanglement-prevention
slider to fix the headphone bodies in position.

2 Switch the Player OFF.

Press and hold the Power/Menu button until the pattern
shown on the left is displayed.

• The display is turned off automatically when the Player has not been operated for a certain
period of time (screen saver mode). The Power/Menu button blinks every 3 seconds in the
screen saver mode. The time until the screen saver mode is activated can be changed (page

23).

HOLD function

The HOLD function defeats all of the Player’s buttons and helps prevent erroneous
operation when the Player is carried in a bag, etc.
The HOLD function should be canceled before using the Player.

HOLD canceled

HOLD

• When the HOLD function is switched on and the display is in the screen saver mode, the
Power/Menu button blinks twice every 3 seconds. " " is displayed when the display is turned
on.

English8

Recharging Battery/ Connecting a PC

The Player incorporates a rechargeable battery (hereinafter referred to as "the battery"),

For first use

which can be recharged by connecting the Player to a PC through a USB cable.

Recharging Battery

Open the USB cover.
Using the provided USB cable, connect the Player to a PC.

Recharging is complete when the indicator of the Power/Menu button turns off.
Recharging completes in about 3.5 hours.
The method for disconnection from the PC after recharging is variable depending on the
connection mode. For details, see <Disconnecting the Player from the PC> (page 10).

• Start up the PC before connecting the Player.

• The Player is switched ON automatically at the moment it is connected to the PC.

• When the USB connection, always use a supplied USB cable.

• The player should be connected directly to the USB port of the PC. We cannot guarantee the
operation if the player is connected via a USB hub.

Recharging and battery indication

On-screen icons

➞ ➞ ➞
➞ ➞ ➞

Power/Menu button’s indicator (during USB connection)

ON The indicator lights during recharging.
OFF The indicator is extinguished when recharging completes.
Blink Data is being transferred between the player and the PC.

Shows the remaining power of the battery.
Indications during recharging.
The battery is nearly exhausted. Recharge it if it is rechargeable.
The battery is not inserted or not rechargeable.

Connecting a PC

Connect the Player to a PC to transfer music from the PC to the Player and to recharge
its battery.

The connection mode varies according to the OS running on the PC and the version of
Windows Media Player.

OS

Windows Media Player

11 10 9

Windows Media Player not installed

Windows Vista MTP — — MSC
Windows XP (SP1/SP2) MTP MTP MSC MSC
Windows 2000 — — MSC MSC

• When the OS is Windows XP, it is recommended to patch Service Pack 2. The descriptions in
this manual assume that Service Pack 2 is used.

• Update the OS and Windows Media Player to the latest conditions by means of the Windows
Update facility.

PC system configuration requirements

OS Microsoft® Windows® Vista/XP/2000
USB connector Compliant to USB 1.1/2.0 (Full Speed) standard

• All of the above specified PC environment does not guarantee full operation of the Player.

• Not supported by 64 bit version OS.

• Use a PC in which either OS mentioned above is preinstalled. Operation is not guaranteed on a
PC running an upgraded OS or a PC assembled by yourself.

English9

Disconnecting the Player from the PC

For first use

When the connection mode is MTP mode

(When "Kenwood M_D5*" or "M_D5*" is displayed on Windows)

1 Unplug the USB cable from the Player.

Ensure that the indicator of the Power/Menu button is not blinking before
unplugging the USB cable.

When the connection mode is MSC mode

(When "KENWOOD_DAP" is displayed on Windows)

1 Click the [Safe To Remove Hardware] icon.

Display the indicator on the task tray if it is not
displayed.

Windows Vista Windows XP Windows 2000

2 Click [Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device].

When the message showing that the

(Vista)

(XP)

(2000)

Player can be disconnected safely,
disconnect it from the PC.

English10

Capturing Music in PC

To play music files as tracks of this Player, first rip music files in the PC.

For first use

The Player can play the following 2 types of music files.

• MP3 (*.mp3) : MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3

Sampling frequency 32/ 44.1/ 48 KHz
Transfer bit rate 16k – 320 kbps
Variable Bit Rate (VBR) 16k – 320 kbps
ID3 tag Ver. 2.2/ 2.3/ 2.4

• WMA (*.wma) : Windows Media Audio

Sampling frequency 32/ 44.1/ 48 KHz
Transfer bit rate 32k – 320 kbps
Variable Bit Rate (VBR) 32k – 355 kbps

Using Windows Media Player 11/10/9

A music CD can be ripped into the PC using the Windows Media Player 11/10/9.

(The following steps describes the operation with the Windows Media Player 11/10.)

Using Windows Media Player 11

1 Launch the Windows Media Player.
2 Click the [Rip] button on the top.

3 Place a music CD in the CD-ROM driver of the PC.
4 Check the checkboxes of the CD tracks to be ripped.

Checking the checkbox at the top of the list checks or unchecks all the track
names listed below it.

5 Click the [Start Rip] button.

When the [Rip Option] dialog box is displayed:

Select "Do not add copy protection to your music", check "I understand that
music… I have copied." and then click [OK].

• For the operating procedures of software including the Windows Media Player, refer to the
manuals and help information for the software.

• If copy protection is set, when capturing tracks of a music CD into the PC using the Windows
Media Player, transferring the music file to the Player is limited only to the Windows Media
Player. The music files which are transferred using drag & drop or copy & paste cannot be
played.

• Before transferring a music file, view it with the Windows Media Player to confirm that the
genre, artist name, album title and track title are set correctly.

• For selecting a destination folder or a file format, go to [Tools] menu > [Options] > [Rip Music]
tab.

English11

Capturing Music in PC

Using Windows Media Player 10

For first use

1 Launch the Windows Media Player.
2 Click the [Rip] button on the top.

3 Place a music CD in the CD-ROM driver of the PC.
4 Check the checkboxes of the CD tracks to be ripped.

5 Click the [Rip Music] button.

• For selecting a destination folder or a file format, go to [ Tools] menu > [Options] > [Rip music]
tab.

English12

Transferring Music from PC

The obtained music files can then be transferred to the Player.

For first use

Using Windows Media Player 11/10/9

(The following steps describes the operation with the Windows Media Player 11/10.)

Using Windows Media Player 11

1 Connect the Player to a PC.
2 Launch the Windows Media Player.
3 Set up the device.

When MTP: [Kenwood M_D5*] or MSC: [KENWOOD_DAP] device name is
displayed, click [Finish].

When the [Device Setup Manage Existing Files on Device] dialog box is
displayed:

Search for the music files to be added to the library.

3 Click the [Sync] button on the top.

4 Select the MTP player (Kenwood M_D5*) or the removable disk

(KENWOOD_DAP) corresponding to this Player.

5 Add the music files to be transferred in the Sync List.

Drag & drop the music file selected from the library into the sync list on the right.
Alternatively, right-click to open a pop-up menu and select [Add to ‘Sync List’]
from it.

6 Click the [Start Sync] button.

Using Windows Media Player 10

1 Connect the Player to a PC.
2 Launch the Windows Media Player.
3 Click the [Sync] button on the top.

English13

Transferring Music from PC

For first use

4 Select the MTP player (M_D5*) or the removable disk (KENWOOD_

DAP) corresponding to this Player.

5 Add the music files to be transferred in the Sync List.
6 Click the [Start Sync] button.

Data transfer by drag & drop

Open the Windows Explorer and drag & drop the desired file from the PC’s hard
disk drive to this Player (expressed as MTP: [Kenwood M_D5* ], [M_D5* ] or MSC:
[KENWOOD_DAP] on Windows). Copy & paste can also be used for data transfer.

1 Open the MTP player or the removable disk corresponding to

this Player.

Click [Start] – [Computer] – MTP: [Kenwood M_D5*], [M_D5*] or MSC:
[KENWOOD_DAP].

2 Open the folder storing the desired music file.
3 Drag & drop the music file into the MTP player or the removable

disk.

English14

Deleting tracks

The music files transferred from the PC to the Player can be deleted from the Player.

For first use

Using Windows Media Player 11/10/9

(The following steps describes the operation with the Windows Media Player 11/10.)

Using Windows Media Player 11

1 Connect the Player to a PC.
2 Launch the Windows Media Player.
3 Click the [Sync] button on the top.
4 Select the MTP player (Kenwood M_D5*) or the removable disk

(KENWOOD_DAP) corresponding to this Player.

5 Select the music file to be deleted, right-click to open a pop-up

menu, and select [Delete] from it.

Using Windows Media Player 10

1 Connect the Player to a PC.
2 Launch the Windows Media Player.
3 Click the [Sync] button on the top.
4 Select the MTP player (M_D5*) or the removable disk (KENWOOD_

DAP) corresponding to this Player.

5 Click the [Delete] icon.

English15

Formatting

Formatting can be used to delete all of the music and other files stored in the Player.

For first use

Caution

• Formatting deletes all of the files in the Player. It also deletes demonstration music,
which cannot be restored later. It does not alter the settings made with the Settings
menu.

• Once formatted, the memory cannot be restored to the previous condition. Be
cautious when performing formatting.

When the connection mode is MTP mode

(When "Kenwood M_D5*" or "M_D5*" is displayed on Windows)

Using Windows Media Player 11

1 Connect the Player to a PC.
2 Launch the Windows Media Player.
3 Click the [Sync] button on the top.
4 Select the MTP player (Kenwood M_D5*) corresponding to this

Player.

5 Click the arrow below the [Sync] tab to open a menu, and select

[Kenwood M_D5*] – [Format].

Using Windows Media Player 10

1 Connect the Player to a PC.
2 Launch the Windows Media Player.
3 Click the [Sync] button on the top.
4 Select the MTP player (M_D5*) corresponding to this Player.
5 Click the [Format] icon.

When the connection mode is MSC mode

(When "KENWOOD_DAP" is displayed on Windows)

1 Connect the Player to a PC.
2 Open the removable disk corresponding to this Player.

Click [Start] – [Computer] – [KENWOOD_DAP].

3 Format the Player.

Right-click to open a pop-up menu, and select [Format] from it.

File system
: FAT32
Allocation unit size
: Default allocation size

English16

Selecting music for playback

Artist

Album
Genre
Track

Artist

Album
Genre
Track

Artist
Playall

Artistname

Artistname

Artist
Playall

Albumtitle

Albumtitle

Artist
Playall

Tracktitle

Tracktitle

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Playing music tracks

Select and play the desired track.

Artist Select Artist name = Album title = Track title.
Album Select Album title = Track title.
Genre Select Genre name = Track title.
Track Select Track title directly.

4 Select an intermediate item ("Artist name", for example).

The list for the intermediate item is
displayed.

When a major item is selected, the list of intermediate items located below it is displayed.
Selecting "Play all" plays all of the currently selected music tracks.
When a track is selected from "Artist" or "Album", the tracks are played in order of track
numbers. When a track is selected from "Genre" or "Track", the tracks are played in order of
track titles.

1 Connect headphones and switch the Player ON.

See page 8.

2 Open the home screen.

The home screen opens.

3 Select a major item ("Artist", for example).

The list for the major item (intermediate
items) is displayed.

5 Select an intermediate item ("Album title", for example).

The list for the intermediate item is
displayed.

6 Select a track ("Track title", for example).

• A track that does not contain tag information is classified as "Unknown".

• The music tracks are played back in either order described below.
Track number: Order of track numbers in the tag information. When there is no track number,

the tracks are played in order of track titles or file names.

Track title: Order of track titles or file names in the tag information.

• Press the Menu button to return to the previous display page.

English17

Display during playback

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Playing music tracks

The display shows various information during playback.

Artist name

Mode

3 : Play
8 : Pause

Track title

Elapsed play time/
Play time

Track No./
Number of
selected tracks

Operations available during playback

Power/Menu button

Displays the menu.
Press in screen saver mode to turn the display on.

Up button

Each press skips to the beginning of the
current track or of the previous track
(Skip-down).
Press and hold to fast reverse the track .

A-B Repeat
(page 19)

File format
MP3: Playback of MP3 files.
WMA: Playback of WMA files.

Sound mode
(page 21)

Play mode
(page 19)

Number of tag information display characters

The following table shows the maximum number of characters that the Player can use to
display each item of tag information.

Tag information Artist name Album title Track title Genre
Number of characters 46 44 78 18

Sleep timer
(page 22)

None: Timer off

Remaining battery
power
(page 9)

HOLD switch
(page 8)

: HOLD

None: HOLD canceled

: Sleep timer on

Down button

Each press plays the next track (Skip-up).
Press and hold to fast forward the track.

Play/Pause button

Play mode:

Lets playback pause temporarily.

Pause mode:

Resumes playback.

Pressing and holding for more than 1 sec.:

Sets an A-B repeat point (page 19).

• The Player switches OFF automatically after it has been left in pause mode for a certain period
of time (Auto power-off). The time until Auto Power-OFF occurs can be changed (page 23).

English18

Various play modes

Artist

Album
Genre
Track

Settings

Settings
Soundmode

Playmode

Sleeptimer

Playmode
Normal

Repeatall

Repeatone

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Playing music tracks

One of the following six play modes can be selected.

Normal Playback stops after having played the tracks in the list.
Repeat all Playback of all of the tracks in the list repeatedly.
Repeat one Playback of the same track repeatedly.
Random Playback of all of the tracks in the list in a random order, playing every track once.
Repeat random Repeated playback of all of the tracks in the list in a random order.

A-B Repeat Repeat playback of the section between points A-B set within a track.

The tracks in the list vary depending on the item used for selecting the track being played.
(page 17)

4 Select the desired play mode.

The display during playback resumes in
about 30 seconds.

• Press the Menu button to return to the previous display page.

To select "A-B repeat"

Modes other than "A-B Repeat"

1 Open the home screen.

2 Select "Settings".

3 Select "Play mode".

The home screen opens.

1 Advance music until the point you want to set as the A-B Repeat

start point.

Press and hold the Up or Down button to
fast forward or fast reverse the music.

2 Set the start point (point A).

After pressing and holding the button for
more than 1 second, release the button.

1sec.

"A↔" is displayed.
Even during pause, the start point can be
set by pressing and holding the button for
more than 1 second.

3 Advance music until the point you want to set as the A-B Repeat

end point.

Press and hold the Up or Down button to
fast forward or fast reverse the music.
If the blank between tracks is reached, the
A-B Repeat setting is canceled.

English19

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Various play modes

Playing music tracks

4 Set the end point (point B).

1sec.

5 To cancel A-B Repeat.

After pressing and holding the button for
more than 1 second, release the button.
"A↔B" is displayed.
Even during pause, the end point can be
set by pressing and holding the button for
more than 1 second.

1sec.

English20

Settings

Settings

Soundmode

Playmode
Sleeptimer

Soundmode
Normal

Bass

Pops

Adjusting the audio

Artistname
Tracktitle

MP3

Artistname
Tracktitle

10

Artist

Album

Genre

Track

Adjusting the audio

Adjusting the volume

Adjust the listening volume as follows.

1 Select the volume level.

Pressing and holding a button segment varies the
volume gradually.

(side)

2 Select "Settings".

3 Select "Sound mode".

Selecting the sound effects

Select one of the 7 modes.

1 Open the home screen.

Normal Playback in normal tone.
Bass/ Pops/

Rock/ Jazz/

Dance/ Voice

Playback in a tone matching the genre of music.

4 Select the desired sound mode.

The display during playback resumes in
about 30 seconds.

The home screen opens.

• If the headphone volume is increased too much, you will be unable to hear the sounds from
outside. Be careful not to increase the volume too much.

• With the default condition set at the factory, Sound mode is set to "Normal".

• Press the Menu button to return to the previous display page.

English21

Artist

Album
Genre
Track

Settings

Settings
Soundmode
Playmode

Sleeptimer

Sleeptimer
Off

10Min

20Min

Setting and adjusting the Player

Sleep timer

The sleep timer makes it possible to switch the Player OFF after the set period of time.

1 Open the home screen.

2 Select "Settings".

3 Select "Sleep timer".

4 Select the timer to be set.

The home screen opens.

The sleep timer period can be set in 10­minute steps between 10 and 60 minutes.

The display during playback resumes in
about 30 seconds.

• To deactivate the timer, select "Off " in step 4.

• The timer setting is canceled when the Player is switched OFF.

• Press the Menu button to return to the previous display page.

English22

Artist

Album

Genre

Track

Settings

Settings

Brightness

Autopoweroff
Screensavers

Brightness
High
Mid

Low

Setting and adjusting the Player

Various setups

Function items that can be set

The functions such as the button illuminations, display resume function and Auto
Power OFF function can be set up as required.

1 Open the home screen.

The home screen opens.

2 Select "Settings".

3 Select the item to be set.

To decrease the display brightness, for
example, select "Brightness" to view
its options.

4 Select the desired option.

After the desired option is set, the Settings
menu appears again.

The display during playback resumes in
about 30 seconds.

• Sound mode

Playback in a tone matching the genre of
music.
Refer to <Selecting the sound effects>
(page 21).

• Play mode

One of the following six play modes can
be selected.
Refer to <Various play modes> (page 19).

• Sleep timer

The sleep timer makes it possible to switch
the Player OFF after the set period of time.
Refer to <Sleep timer> (page 22).

• Display brightness (Brightness)

Select the brightness level of the display
panel.

High High
Mid* Medium
Low Low

(* indicates the factory setting.)

• Auto power off

Select the time until the Player is switched
OFF when no operation including playback
is performed.

1 min/ 3 min/ 5 min*/ 10 min

(* indicates the factory setting.)

• Display power-save setting (Screen
savers)

Select the time until the display is turned
off when no operation is performed.

3 sec/ 5 sec/ 10 sec*/ 30 sec/ 60 sec

(* indicates the factory setting.)

• Language

Select the language used for the displayed
menus, etc.

ENGLISH*/ 日本語/ DEUTSCH/ FRANCAIS/
ESPAÑOL/ ITALIANO/ NEDERLANDS

(* indicates the factory setting.)

• Initialize

Initialization resets the settings made using
the Settings menu, etc. to the default
settings made at the factory.
Refer to <Initialization> (page 25).

• System information (System)

The system information of the Player
(total memory capacity, available memory
capacity and version No.) is displayed.
Press the Play/Pause button to hide the
system information display.

• Press the Menu button to return to the previous display page.

English23

Artist

Album
Genre
Track

Settings

Settings

Language

Initialize
System

Language

ENGLISH

日本語
DEUTSCH

Setting and adjusting the Player

Setting the menu language

Select the language used for the display.

1 Open the home screen.

2 Select "Settings".

3 Select "Language".

4 Select the desired language.

The home screen opens.

The display during playback resumes in
about 30 seconds.

• Press the Menu button to return to the previous display page.

English24

Initialize
No

Yes

Setting and adjusting the Player

Artist

Album

Genre

Track

Settings

Settings
Language

Initialize

System

Initialization

Initialization resets the settings made using the Settings menu, etc. to the default
settings made at the factory.

Caution

• Initialization resets the Settings menu to the default settings. It does not delete
music files, etc.

1 Open the home screen.

The home screen opens.

2 Select "Settings".

3 Select "Initialize".

4 Select "Yes".

• Even after the Player is reset, the tracks stored in it are not deleted. Deletion of individual tracks
(page 15) and formatting (page 16) of the Player should be executed from the PC.

• Press the Menu button to return to the previous display page.

English25

Connection of external components

The headphone jacks can be used to connect an external component such as a speaker

Appendix

with built-in amplifier.
The USB connector can be used to connect an external component such as a stereo set
with USB capability.

Connecting to the headphones jack

Speaker with built-in amplifier

Stereo amplifier

Connecting to the USB connector

USB-compatible stereo

USB-compatible car stereo

USB cable

Cable with stereo mini-

FM transmitter

Car stereo

plugs

• Prepare an optimum audio cable (commercially available) according to the input terminal of
the connected external component.

• Noise may be interfered depending the installation environment, including the vehicle model,
devices in the surroundings and the antenna positioning.

• Do not use or leave the Player or connected component in an automobile compartment with
high temperatures. Otherwise, equipment failure may result.

• For the operating procedure and the playable files, read the instruction manual for the
connected stereo set.

• Do not use or leave the Player or connected component in an automobile compartment with
high temperatures. Otherwise, equipment failure may result.

English26

Digital Audio Player Link

When the Player is connected to a Kenwood audio component with the Digital Audio

Appendix

Player Link compatibility, playback of the Player can be controlled from the external
audio component.

Digital Audio Player Link­compatible stereo

Digital audio input

Special cable

1 Switch the Player ON.
2 Set the input selector of the connected stereo set to "Digital Audio".

• The Player operations including "Play/Pause" and "Skip Up/Down" can be controlled from the
main and remote control unit keys of the connected stereo.

* Examples of Digital Audio Player Link-compatible stereo models

: AX-7, K-501USB, R-K1 (as of October 2007)

• For details and operating method of the Digital Audio Player Link, refer to the instruction
manual for a Digital Audio Player Link-compatible audio component. This Player is not
compatible with the "folder skip" function.

English27

Glossary

Appendix

DRM 10 (Digital Rights Management 10):

A copyright protection technology of
Microsoft Corp., that was incorporated
since Windows Media Player 10. It is
compatible with fixed-rate distribution as
well as traditional copy protection.

MP3:

An international data compression
standard of MPEG, which is a working
group in ISO (International Standardization
Organization). It offers compression rates
between about 1/10 and 1/12.

MSC (Mass Storage Class):

USB device type that is classified as a large­capacity storage device, the examples of
which include a hard disk drive and CD
drive.
When an MSC device is connected to a
PC, the PC recognizes the device just like
a removable disk, with which files can be
exchanged easily using the standard drag
& drop operation.

MTP (Media Transfer Protocol):

Data transfer protocol developed by
Microsoft Corp. The data protected with
DRM10 can be transferred using the MTP.
Music files downloaded from a fixed­rate music distribution service can be
transferred to the Player using this mode.

Tag data:

Information on each audio file, including
the music title, artist name, album name
and genre name.

WMA (Windows Media Audio):

An audio compressed encoding format
developed by Microsoft Corporation. Also
the extension used with audio files created
using WMA.

Error messages

Message Remedy

Not enough memory, Need 4MB free space The memory capacity is low.

An idle space of 4 MB is required to store the system information of the Player.
Delete some files to increase the idle space.

File system error An error occurred in the file system of the Player.

Format the Player (page 16).

Unsupported file An attempt is made to play a file that is not supported by the Player.

For the file formats supported by the Player, see <Specifications> (page 30).

No playback license A music track with DRM cannot be played because the license is expired or a

music track with DRM has been transferred using an application other than
Windows Media Player.

No contents The Player does not store a playable music file such as the ones transferred

from the PC.

Please wait The music information in the memory is being updated. Wait until the

updating completes.

Low battery The remaining battery capacity is low. Recharge the battery.

English28

Troubleshooting

Appendix

The Player can often be recovered using the PC.
Try recovery from the PC in case of a trouble, for example, when the Player cannot be
switched ON, it switches OFF spontaneously or the display is erroneous.
For details, refer to the support information in our website by visiting:

http://www.kenwood.com/

Symptom Remedy

Power cannot be switched ON or pressing a
button does not start an operation.

The KENWOOD logo appears but
immediately disappears.

The remaining battery power drops soon
after recharging.

Audio is not heard. Headphones are connected improperly.

Battery cannot be recharged. USB cable is connected improperly.

The HOLD function is ON.
Cancel the HOLD function with the HOLD switch on the Player (page 8).

The battery is nearly exhausted.
Recharge it if it is rechargeable or replace it if it is an alkaline batter y.

The Player is being connected to the PC.
The Player is inoperable when it is connected to the PC in the storage mode.

The HOLD function is ON.
Cancel the HOLD function with the HOLD switch on the Player (page 8).

The rechargeable battery is degraded.
Replace it with a brand-new rechargeable battery.
For the battery replacement, contact your nearest Kenwood service agent.

Connect headphones correctly to the Player.

Check the connections on both the Player and PC sides.

The ambient temperature is outside the operating temperature range.
The battery should be recharged within the operating temperature range.
(page 30)

The player is connected to a USB hub.
The player does not function if connected to a bus power type USB hub.
Connect the player directly to the PC or to a self-powered USB hub.

PC does not recognize the Player. USB cable is defective.

Purchase and use another USB cable.

The Player is connected to the PC improperly.
Check the connection between the Player and PC.

The player is connected to a USB hub.
The player does not function if connected to a bus power type USB hub.
Connect the player directly to the PC or to a self-powered USB hub.

English29

Specifications

Appendix

Built-in flash memory

M2GD55: 2 GB *
M1GD50: 1 GB *

1

1

Headphone output

: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
: 3.5 + 3.5 mW/ 16 Ω

Interface

: USB 2.0 Full Speed

(USB 1.1 compatible)

Display

: 1 inch OLED *

2

Main unit dimensions (W × H × D)

M2GD55:

38.0 mm × 92.5 mm × 11.5 mm
(1-1/2 × 3-5/8 × 7/16 inch)

M1GD50:

38.0 mm × 92.5 mm × 12.5 mm
(1-1/2 × 3-5/8 × 1/2 inch)

Weight (Net)

: Approx. 38 g (Approx. 0.08 lbs)

Operational Temperature Range

: 5 °C – +35 °C

(without condensation)

Battery type

: Built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery

Battery operation time *

3

MP3 (128 kbps) : Approx. 21 hours
WMA (128 kbps) : Approx. 16 hours

Maximum number of files

: 1,000

Max. recording time/ tracks *

M2GD55: Approx. 32 hours/

Approx. 480 tracks

M1GD50: Approx. 16 hours/

Approx. 240 tracks

Playback format

MP3

Sampling rate: 32/ 44.1/ 48 kHz
Bit rate: 16 - 320 kbps
Variable bit rate *5: 16 - 320 kbps
ID3 tag: ver. 2.2/ 2.3/ 2.4

WMA (DRM 10 compatible)

4

Sampling rate: 32/ 44.1/ 48 kHz
Bit rate: 32 - 320 kbps
Variable bit rate *5: 32 - 355 kbps
(Not supported by Professional,

Lossless, or Voice.)

PC system configuration
requirements *

6

OS

: Microsoft® Windows® Vista/

XP/2000 (Not supported by 64 bit
version OS.)

USB connector

: Compliant to USB 1.1/2.0 standard

• Kenwood follows a policy of continuous
advancements in development. For this
reason specifications may be changed
without notice.

*1 The actual available space may be

smaller than specified due to the
presence of the system file area.

*2 The organic EL display is fabricated with

high-precision technology. However,
there may be some pixels that are
permanently lit or extinguished. (This is
not a failure.)

*3 Typical value when the provided

headphones are used in the
"Normal" sound mode. This value is
not a guaranteed value. It may be
shorter depending on the ambient
temperatures and operating conditions.

*4 Assuming that each tracks is in the 128

kbps MP3/ WMA format with playback
time of about 4 min.

*5 Audio data with variable bit rate (VBR)

may sometimes go beyond the bit rate
range of the Player. In this case, the
Player cannot play the audio data.

*6 All of the above specified PC

environment does not guarantee full
operation of the Player.

*6 Use a PC in which either OS mentioned

above is preinstalled. Operation is
not guaranteed on a PC running an
upgraded OS or a PC assembled by
yourself.

English30

Notes on Disposal



























Recycling the Built-in Battery

Appendix

The Transmitter uses a lithium ion rechargeable battery cell as the built-in battery. The
lithium ion rechargeable battery is a recyclable resource. When disposing of the Transmitter,
take out the built-in battery and bring it to your local recycling business.

WARNING

• Do not heat excessively the built-in battery, open it, modify it or throw it in fire or
water.

Excessive heat generation, explosion or fire ignition may cause a fire.

• Do not leave the built-in battery near fire or under direct sunlight.

A fire, explosion or excessive heat generation may result.

• Attach insulating tape on the connectors of the built-in battery.

A fire or explosion may result if the battery electrodes are short-circuited.

• Do not leave the built-in battery within the reach of children.

Injury or other accidents may result.

• If the built-in battery fluid leaks and enters your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes
with fresh water and call a doctor.

If the fluid is left in your eyes, an eye injury may result.

Removing the Rechargeable Battery (Built-in Battery) Before Disposal:
M2GD55

IMPORTANT:

Never attempt to open the Player besides when disposing of it.
For replacement of the built-in battery, contact your nearest Kenwood service agent.

1 Open the USB cover.
2 Remove the 2 screws from the panel

using a precision Phillips screwdriver
(+).

3 Remove the back panel (by releasing

7 latches).

4 Disconnect the built-in battery from the

connector. Be careful not to apply an
excessive force on the connector.

• Remove the built-in battery after having confirmed that it is completely discharged.

• Once the built-in battery is disconnected, do not attempt to reconnect it to the connector on
the circuit board.

• Bring the removed built-in battery to a rechargeable battery recycling business as early as
possible.

5 Take out the built-in battery. Be careful

not to injure your nail or finger during
removal.

6 Attach a piece of insulating tape on

the connector at the end of the cable
from the built-in battery, and put it in a
plastic bag, etc.

English31















Notes on Disposal

Removing the Rechargeable Battery (Built-in Battery) Before Disposal:

Appendix

M1GD50

IMPORTANT:

Never attempt to open the Player besides when disposing of it.
For replacement of the built-in battery, contact your nearest Kenwood service agent.

1 Remove the rubber of back panel.
2 Remove the 1 screw from the panel

using a precision Phillips screwdriver
(+).

3 Remove the front panel (by releasing

8 latches).

4 Remove the 4 screws from the circuit

board using a precision Phillips
screwdriver (+).

5 Take out the circuit board.
6 Disconnect the built-in battery from the

connector. Be careful not to apply an
excessive force on the connector.

7 Take out the built-in battery. Be careful

not to injure your nail or finger during
removal.

8 Attach a piece of insulating tape on

the connector at the end of the cable
from the built-in battery, and put it in a
plastic bag, etc.

• Remove the built-in battery after having confirmed that it is completely discharged.

• Once the built-in battery is disconnected, do not attempt to reconnect it to the connector on
the circuit board.

• Bring the removed built-in battery to a rechargeable battery recycling business as early as
possible.

English32

Declaration of Conformity with regard to the EMC
Directive 2004/108/EC

Manufacturer:

Kenwood Corporation
2967-3 Ishikawa-machi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, 192-8525 Japan

EU Representative's:

Kenwood Electronics Europe BV
Amsterdamseweg 37, 1422 AC UITHOORN, The Netherlands

Information on Disposal of Old Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (applicable for EU countries that have adopted
separate waste collection systems)

Products with the symbol (crossed-out wheeled bin) cannot be

disposed as household waste.
Old electrical and electronic equipment should be recycled at a
facility capable of handling these items and their waste byproducts.
Contact your local authority for details in locating a recycle facility
nearest to you. Proper recycling and waste disposal will help
conserve resources whilst preventing detrimental effects on our
health and the environment.

Trademark Information

÷ "Microsoft" and "Windows Media" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the USA and other countries.

÷ "Adobe Reader" is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Other system names and product names are also trademarks or registered trademarks of

their respective developers. Note that the "™" and "®" markings are omitted in the text of
this manual.