Sony MDR-EX31BN User Manual

Help Guide

1

MDR-EX31BN

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Use this manual if you encounter any problems, or have any
questions.

Contents list

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

2

MDR-EX31BN Top >

Getting Started

Getting Started

Before First Use

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

Before first use

Features and location of parts

Features
Location and function of parts

Power

Charging the headset

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

3

MDR-EX31BN Top >

BLUETOOTH

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

What is BLUETOOTH wireless technology?
What you can do with BLUETOOTH function
Steps to BLUETOOTH function

BLUETOOTH connection

Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone
Connecting with a paired Android smartphone
Pairing and connecting with an iPhone
Connecting with a paired iPhone
Pairing and connecting with other BLUETOOTH

devices
Connecting with a paired BLUETOOTH device
Indications of BLUETOOTH function

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

4

MDR-EX31BN Top >

One-touch connection (NFC)

Getting Started

One- touch connection (NFC)

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

Compatible smartphones
Preparation on the smartphone
About “NFC Easy Connect” App

One- touch connection

Connecting with a smartphone by one - touch
functions

Disconnecting the smartphone by one - touch
functions

Switching the device by one-touch functions

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

5

MDR-EX31BN Top >

Music

Getting Started

Listening to music

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

Listening to music
Selecting the sound quality mode of music playback
Using the noise canceling
Using the AI noise canceling
Controlling the audio device

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

6

MDR-EX31BN Top >

Phone calls

Getting Started

Phone calls

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

Making a call
Receiving a call
Controlling the smartphone or mobile phone

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

7

MDR-EX31BN Top >

Multi point connection

Getting Started

Multi point connection

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

Connecting the headset with a music player and a
smartphone (mobile phone)

Connecting the headset with 2 Android smartphones
Connecting the headset with an Android smartphone

and an iPhone

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

8

MDR-EX31BN Top >

Troubleshooting

Getting Started

To deal with a trouble

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

What can I do to solve a problem ?

Possible causes of symptoms

Table of contents for symptoms and possible
causes

Power and charging
BLUETOOTH connection
One-touch connection (NFC)
Music
Phone calls

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

9

MDR-EX31BN Top >

Important information

Getting Started

Important information

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

License and trademark notice

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Help Guide

10

MDR-EX31BN Top >

Contents list

Getting Started

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Contents list

Before First Use

Before first use

Features and location of parts

Features
Location and function of parts

Power

Charging the headset

BLUETOOTH

BLUETOOTH

What is BLUETOOTH wireless technology?
What you can do with BLUETOOTH function
Steps to BLUETOOTH function

BLUETOOTH connection

Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone
Connecting with a paired Android smartphone
Pairing and connecting with an iPhone
Connecting with a paired iPhone
Pairing and connecting with other BLUETOOTH

devices
Connecting with a paired BLUETOOTH device
Indications of BLUETOOTH function

One-touch connection (NFC)

One- touch connection (NFC)

Compatible smartphones

Preparation on the smartphone

About “NFC Easy Connect” App

Table of contents for symptoms and possible

11

One- touch connection

Connecting with a smartphone by one - touch
functions

Disconnecting the smartphone by one - touch
functions

Switching the device by one-touch functions

Music

Listening to music

Listening to music
Selecting the sound quality mode of music playback
Using the noise canceling
Using the AI noise canceling
Controlling the audio device

Phone calls

Phone calls

Making a call
Receiving a call
Controlling the smartphone or mobile phone

Multi point connection

Multi point connection

Connecting the headset with a music player and a
smartphone (mobile phone)

Connecting the headset with 2 Android smartphones
Connecting the headset with an Android smartphone

and an iPhone

Troubleshooting

To deal with a trouble

What can I do to solve a problem ?

Possible causes of symptoms

© 2013 Sony Corporation

12

causes
Power and charging
BLUETOOTH connection
One-touch connection (NFC)
Music
Phone calls

Important information

Important information

License and trademark notice

Help Guide

13

MDR-EX31BN Top > Getting Started > Before First Use >

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important

Before first use

In addition to this Help Guide, read the printed manuals supplied:
“Quick Start Guide” and “Reference Guide.”

Quick Start Guide

This covers initial settings and basic operations.

Reference Guide

This includes information about using your wireless stereo headset
safely, and specifications of your wireless stereo headset.

For information about the customer support Web site, access:

http://www.sony.net/

About battery charging

See “Charging the headset” on how to charge the battery.

information

Contents list

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Features

Help Guide

14

MDR-EX31BN Top > Getting Started > Features and location of parts >

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important

Features

Digital noise canceling headphones with Sony’s unique DNC
Software Engine
Creation of a high-precision canceling signal delivers outstanding
noise canceling performance.
Automatic AI (Artificial Intelligence) Noise Canceling function.
Automatic selection of the optimal noise canceling mode based on
intelligent analysis of environmental ambient noise.
Enjoy music from BLUETOOTH Stereo–enabled music players
and mobile phones.
Embedded microphone enables hands–free conversation from
BLUETOOTH-enabled mobile phone.
AAC, aptX Codec supported
Plays music with high quality sound.
One-touch connection (NFC)

information

Contents list

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Location and function of parts

Help Guide

15

MDR-EX31BN Top > Getting Started > Features and location of parts >

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important

Location and function of parts

Functions of buttons, indicators, and other parts on your wireless
stereo headset are explained here.

information

Contents list

Stereo mini jack
Indicator

Lights up in red or blue to indicate the power or communication
status of the headset.

POWER ( ) (play/pause) button

Controls various call and playback functions.
Microphone

Micro-USB port [Details]

Connect a computer to this port with the supplied micro-USB

cable to charge the headset.

16

Built-in antenna
The BLUETOOTH antenna is built into the headset.

RESET button [Details]
Press the button with a pointing object, such as a pin, to reset the

headset.
Strap hole

Clip
N mark [Details]

/ buttons

Controls various functions when listening to music.
VOL (volume) +/– buttons

The + button has a tactile dot.
Noise canceling switch

© 2013 Sony Corporation

You can set the noise canceling function [Details] or the AI noise
canceling function [Details].

Charging the headset

Help Guide

17

MDR-EX31BN Top > Getting Started > Power >

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

Charging the headset

The headset contains a lithium ion rechargeable battery, which should
be charged before using the headset for the first time.

System requirements for battery charge using USB

Personal Computer with pre-installed with any of the following
operating systems and USB port:

Operating Systems

(when using Windows)
Windows® 8 / Windows® 8 Pro
Windows® 7
Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Ultimate
Windows Vista® (Service Pack 2 or later)
Home Basic / Home Premium / Business / Ultimate
Windows® XP (Service Pack 3 or later)
Home Edition / Professional / Media Center Edition 2004 / Media
Center Edition 2005

Contents list

(when using Macintosh)
Mac OS X (version.10.3 or later)

Charging the headset

1. Open the cover of the micro-USB port.

2. Connect the supplied micro-USB cable to the headset, and then

connect the other end to a computer booted.
Make sure that you connect the plug of the micro-USB cable in
the direction as shown in the illustration below.

Charging starts when the headset and the computer are connected.

Make sure that the indicator (red) lights up. Charging is completed in

If the computer enters into hibernation mode while connected to

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about 2.5 hours* and the indicator (red) goes off automatically.
* Time required to charge the empty battery to its full capacity

Notes

Use the micro-USB cable supplied. You may not be able to charge
the headset with other cables.
If the headset is not used for a long time, the indicator (red) may
not light up when you connect the micro-USB cable to charge the
headset. In this case, do not disconnect the micro-USB cable from
the headset and wait until the indicator (red) lights up.

Tips

If the micro-USB cable is connected to a computer while the
headset is turned on, the headset will be turned off automatically.
The headset cannot be turned on while charging the battery.

Caution

If the headset detects a problem while charging, the indicator (red)
may turn off, although charging is not complete.
Check for the following causes:

Ambient temperature exceeds the range of 5 °C – 35 °C (41 °F –
95 °F).
There is a problem with the battery.
In this case, charge again within the above-mentioned
temperature range. If the problem persists, consult your nearest
Sony dealer.

Notes

If the headset is not used for a long time, the battery may be
quickly depleted, however, after a few recharges, the battery life
will improve.
Even if you do not intend to use the headset for a long time,
charge the battery to its full capacity once every 6 months to
maintain its performance.
If the headset is not used for a long time, it may take longer to
charge the battery.
If the life of the built-in rechargeable battery drops to half the
normal length, the battery should be replaced. Consult your
nearest Sony dealer for replacement of the rechargeable battery.
Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, moisture,
sand, dust or mechanical shock. Never leave the headset in a car
parked in the sun.

the headset, charging will not be completed properly. Check the

19

setting of the computer before charging. The indicator (red) will go
off automatically even if the computer enters into hibernation
mode. Charge the headset again in this case.
Use the supplied micro-USB cable only, and connect directly to a
computer. Charging will not be completed properly by an indirect
connection, such as via a USB hub.

Usage hours

Status

Approx. usage hours
NC On NC Off

Music playback time (SBC/AAC) (up to) 9.0 hours 10.5 hours
Music Playback time (aptX) (up to) 6.0 hours 7.0 hours
Communication time (up to) 6.5 hours 7.5 hours
Standby time (up to) 30 hours 100 hours

Time stated above may vary, depending on ambient temperature or
conditions of use.

Checking the remaining battery

When you turn on the headset by pressing the

POWER button, the
indicator (red) flashes. You can check the remaining battery by the
number of times the indicator (red) flashes.

Indicator (red) Status

© 2013 Sony Corporation

3 times Full
2 times Mid
1 time Low (needs to charge)

When the battery is almost empty

The indicator turns red. When the battery becomes empty, the
headset sounds a beep and turns off automatically.

Help Guide

20

MDR-EX31BN Top > BLUETOOTH > BLUETOOTH >

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important
information

What is BLUETOOTH wireless
technology?

Bluetooth® wireless technology is a short-range wireless technology
that enables wireless data communication between digital devices,
such as a computer or digital camera. BLUETOOTH wireless
technology operates within a range of about 10 meters (about 30
feet).
Connecting 2 devices as necessary is common, but some devices can
be connected to multiple devices at the same time.
You do not need to use a cable for connection, nor is it necessary for
the devices to face one another, such is the case with infrared
technology. For example, you can use such a device in a bag or
pocket.
BLUETOOTH standard is an international standard supported by
thousands of companies all over the world, and employed by various
companies worldwide.

Communication System and Compatible BLUETOOTH
Profiles of the headset

Contents list

Profile is standardization of the function for each BLUETOOTH device
specification. The headset supports the following BLUETOOTH
version and profiles:
Communication System :
BLUETOOTH Specification Ver. 3.0
Compatible BLUETOOTH Profiles:

A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): Transmitting or
receiving audio content of high-quality.
AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile): Controlling A/V
equipment; pausing, stopping, starting playback, etc.
HSP (Headset Profile)*: Talking on the phone/Operating the
phone.
HFP (Hands-free Profile)*: Talking on the phone/Operating the

phone by hands-free.
* When you use a BLUETOOTH mobile phone supported by both
HFP (Hands-free Profile) and HSP (Headset Profile), set it to

HFP.

© 2013 Sony Corporation

21

Notes

To use the BLUETOOTH function, the BLUETOOTH device to be
connected requires the same profile as that of the headset. Even if
the device has the same profile, functions may vary depending on
the specifications.
Due to the characteristic of BLUETOOTH wireless technology, the
sound played on the headset is slightly delayed from the sound
played on the BLUETOOTH device during talking on the telephone
or listening to the music.
Do not use the BLUETOOTH function on an airplane. The radio
waves may cause malfunction of the airplane and result in
hazardous accidents.

What you can do with BLUETOOTH function

Help Guide

22

MDR-EX31BN Top > BLUETOOTH > BLUETOOTH >

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important

What you can do with BLUETOOTH
function

The headset uses BLUETOOTH wireless technology. You can enjoy
music wirelessly from a smartphone, mobile phone, or music player.
Also, you can make or receive a call by operating the headset.

Listening to music

You can enjoy music wirelessly from a smartphone, mobile phone, or
music player. [Details]

Talking on the phone

You can make and receive a call with your hands free, while leaving
your smartphone or mobile phone in your bag or pocket. [Details]

information

Contents list

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Steps to BLUETOOTH function

Help Guide

A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): Transmitting or

23

MDR-EX31BN Top > BLUETOOTH > BLUETOOTH >

Getting Started

BLUETOOTH

One-touch
connection (NFC)

Music

Phone calls

Multi point
connection

Troubleshooting

Important

Steps to BLUETOOTH function

To listen to music played, or make a call on a BLUETOOTH
smartphone or mobile phone, you must establish a BLUETOOTH
connection between the headset and the BLUETOOTH device.
There are following 2 ways to establish a BLUETOOTH connection:

One-touch connection (NFC): You can connect the headset with

a device by one touch using the NFC function. [Details]

Paring the headset with a BLUETOOTH device by operating the

BLUETOOTH device [Details]

In the case of the one-touch connection, you can perform steps 1 and
2 below by a one-touch operation.

1. Register (pair) a BLUETOOTH device (smartphone, mobile
phone, etc.) and the headset with each other.

information

Contents list

2. Use the BLUETOOTH device to make a BLUETOOTH
connection.

3. Listen to music played on the BLUETOOTH device, or make and
receive a call by operating the headset.

The headset supports the following BLUETOOTH version and
profiles:
Communication System :
BLUETOOTH Specification Ver. 3.0
Compatible BLUETOOTH Profiles:

receiving audio content of high-quality.

24

AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile): Controlling A/V
equipment; pausing, stopping, starting playback, etc.
HSP (Headset Profile)*: Talking on the phone/Operating the
phone.
HFP (Hands-free Profile)*: Talking on the phone/Operating the

phone by hands-free.
* When you use a BLUETOOTH smartphone or mobile phone
supported by both HFP (Hands-free Profile) and HSP (Headset
Profile), set it to HFP.

Notes

To use the BLUETOOTH function, the BLUETOOTH device to be
connected requires the same profile as that of the headset. Even if
the device has the same profile, functions may vary depending on
the specifications.
Due to the characteristic of BLUETOOTH wireless technology, the
sound played on the headset is slightly delayed from the sound
played on the BLUETOOTH device during talking on the telephone
or listening to the music.
Do not use the BLUETOOTH function on an airplane. The radio
waves may cause malfunction of the airplane and result in
hazardous accidents.

© 2013 Sony Corporation

Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone