Sony MDR-RF880RK User Manual

3-263-524-32(1)

Wireless Stereo
Headphone System

Operating Instructions

MDR-RF880RK

© 2005 Sony Corporation

WARNING

Welcome!

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
place objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, on the apparatus.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.

Do not install the appliance in a confined
space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

Hereby, Sony Corp., declares that this equipment is
in compliance with the essential requirements and
other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.

For details, please access the following URL :
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Disposal of Old Electrical &
Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the European
Union and other European
countries with separate
collection systems)

This symbol on the product or
on its packaging indicates that

this product shall not be
treated as household waste. Instead it shall be
handed over to the applicable collection point for
the recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed
of correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and
human health, which could otherwise be caused
by inappropriate waste handling of this product.
The recycling of materials will help to conserve
natural resources. For more detailed information
about recycling of this product, please contact
your local city office, your household waste
disposal service or the shop where you
purchased the product.

Thank you for purchasing the Sony
MDR-RF880RK Wireless Stereo Headphone
System. Before operating the unit, please read
this manual thoroughly and retain it for future
reference.
Some features are:

• Wireless system that allows you to listen to a
programme free from the restriction of a cord.

• High fidelity sound reproduction.

•A compact transmitter with an AC power
adaptor (supplied) enables simple charging of
the headphone batteries. Just by placing the
headphones on the transmitter, headphone
batteries can be charged.

• Auto power on/off function to automatically
turn on the headphones when they are worn,
and turns them off when they are taken off.

• Self-adjusting headband mechanism
eliminating the need for headband adjustment.

• Single VOL control adjusts both the right and
left volume of the headphones.

• Either rechargeable nickel-metal hydride
batteries (supplied) or commercially available
(size AAA) dry batteries can be used to power
the headphones.

• Vibration function to vibrate the built-in
vibration motor by detecting low frequency
(approx. 100 Hz and lower) of audio signals.

• SRS headphone surround function*
reproduces realistic surround sound through
the headphones.

* is a trademark of SRS Labs Inc.

SRS Headphone technology is incorporated
under license from SRS Labs. Inc.

2

Notes on receiving
performance

This system utilizes very high frequency signals
in the 800 MHz band so the receiving
performance may deteriorate due to the
surroundings. The following examples illustrate
conditions that may reduce the reception range
or cause interference.

• Inside a building with walls containing steel
beams.

• An area with many steel file cabinets, etc.

• An area with many electrical appliances
capable of generating electromagnetic fields.

• The transmitter is placed on a metal
instrument.

• An area facing a roadway.

• Noise or interfering signals exist in the
surroundings due to radio transceivers in
trucks, etc.

• Noise or interfering signals exist in the
surroundings owing to wireless
communication systems installed along
roadways.

Table of contents

Getting started

Unpacking ...................................................... 4

Charging the supplied rechargeable

batteries ....................................................4

Setting up the transmitter ............................ 7

Operating the system

Listening to a programme ............................ 9

The effective areas of the transmitter ....... 11

Replacing the ear pads ...............................11

Additional information

Precautions ...................................................12

Troubleshooting ..........................................12

Specifications ...............................................14

3

N Getting started

Charging the supplied

Unpacking

Check that you have the following items before
using the headphones:

• The headphones MDR-RF880R (1)

• The transmitter TMR-RF850R (1)

• AC power adaptor (1)

• Unimatch plug adaptor (1) (stereo mini jack
y stereo phone plug)

rechargeable batteries

The supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride
batteries are not charged from the first time you
use them. Be sure to charge them before use.
To charge the headphones, place them on the
transmitter.

1 Press the button of the left housing

to open the battery compartment
lid.

The battery compartment lid comes off.

Button

2 Insert the supplied rechargeable

nickel-metal hydride batteries into
the battery compartment matching
the 3 terminals on the batteries to
the 3 marks in the compartment.

Do not use rechargeable batteries other
than the supplied ones.

• Connecting cord (1) (phono plugs y stereo
mini plug), 1 m (3.3 ft.)

• Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries (2)

4

3 Close the battery compartment lid.

4 Connect the supplied AC power

adaptor to the transmitter.

Transmitter

to an AC outlet

AC power
adaptor
(supplied)

Right
housing

Left housing

When the indicator does not light in
green

Check if the right and left headphones are rested
on the transmitter correctly. The indicator will
not light up if the headphones’ contact point does
not meet the transmitter’s contact pin. Remove
the headphones and replace them on the
transmitter again so that the indicator lights in
green.

To recharge the headphone battery
after use

Place the headphones on the transmitter after
use. Since the built-in timer recognizes when
charging is complete, there is no need to remove
the headphones from the transmitter after
charging.

to DC IN 9V jack

5 Rest the headphones on the

transmitter so that the
headphones’ contact point meets
the transmitter’s contact pin while
making sure that the charging
indicator lights in green.

Charging is completed in about 16
hours and the charging indicator goes
off.

When placing the headphones on the
transmitter, be sure to hold them level
with both hands and that the right and
left housings are placed straight down
on the transmitter, and then tilt them
back as illustrated above.

Notes

• The transmitter automatically turns off while charging
the batteries.

• This system is designed to charge only the supplied
rechargeable batteries type BP-HP550 for safety. Note
that other types of rechargeable batteries cannot be
charged with this system.

• If dry batteries are installed, they cannot be charged.

• Do not attempt to use the supplied BP-HP550
rechargeable batteries for other components. They are
for use with this system only.

• Charge in an environmental temperature of between
0˚C and 40˚C (between 32˚F and 104˚F).

continue to next page

5

Charging and usage hours

Approx.
charging hours

1 hour

16 hours*

2

*1at 1 kHz, 1 mW+1 mW output when the

VIBRATION switch is set to OFF

*2hours required to fully charge empty batteries
*3Time stated above may vary, depending on

the temperature or conditions of use.

Approx. usage

1

time*

50 minutes*

10 hours*

3

3

Using the headphones with dry
batteries (sold separately)

Commercially available (size AAA) dry batteries
can also be used to power the headphones.
Install the batteries in the same manner as
described in steps 1 through 3 of “Charging the
supplied rechargeable batteries.”
When dry batteries are installed, the battery
charge function is not activated.

Battery life

Battery

Sony alkaline battery

Approx. hours*

17 hours*

LR03/AM-4(N)

*1 at 1 kHz, 1 mW+1 mW output when the

VIBRATION switch is set to OFF

*2 Time stated above may vary, depending on

the temperature or conditions of use.

1

2

Notes on Batteries

• Do not charge a dry battery.

• Do not carry a dry battery together with coins

or other metallic objects. It can generate heat if
the positive and negative terminals of the
battery accidentally come into contact with
metallic objects.

• If you are not going to use the unit for a long

time, remove the battery to avoid damage
from battery leakage or corrosion.

Checking the remaining battery
power

Pull up the self-adjusting band and check the
power indicator located on the upper part of the
right housing. The batteries are still serviceable
when the indicator lights in red.
Charge the rechargeable batteries or install new
dry batteries if the power indicator light dims,
flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.

Note

The rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries should
be replaced with new ones when they last only half the
expected time after a proper recharging. The
rechargeable batteries type BP-HP550 are not
commercially available. You can order the batteries from
the store where you purchased this system, or at your
nearest Sony dealer.

6

Setting up the transmitter

1 Connect the transmitter to audio/

video equipment.

Select one of the hookups below
depending on the jack type:

A To connect to a headphones jack

Transmitter

1

CHANNEL

2
3

ON

NOISE FILTER

OFF

INPUT

to INPUT B
jacks

A

L

INPUT

B

R

DC IN 9V

!

Connecting cord
(supplied)

Left channel
(white)

Right channel
(red)

B To connect to LINE OUT or REC OUT

jacks

Transmitter

1

CHANNEL

2
3

ON

NOISE FILTER

OFF

INPUT

A

L

INPUT

B

R

DC IN 9V

!

Left channel
(white)

to LINE OUT or REC
OUT jacks

Connecting cord
(supplied)

to INPUT A
jack

Right channel
(red)

Unimatch plug
adaptor
(supplied)

to headphones
jack (stereo
mini jack)

to headphones
jack (stereo
phone jack)

WALKMAN*,
TV, VCR, etc.

* WALKMAN is a registered trademark of Sony

Corporation to represent Headphone Stereo
products.

Stereo system, VCR,
etc.

continue to next page

7

C To connect to TV, etc.

If noise occurs when the transmitter is
connected to your TV or VCR, set the
NOISE FILTER switch to ON.

to INPUT B
jacks

1

CHANNEL

2
3

ON

NOISE FILTER

OFF

INPUT

A

L

INPUT

B

R

DC IN 9V

!

to stereo mini jack

TV, etc.

Notes

• If you connect the transmitter to LINE OUT or
REC OUT jacks of an audio reproducer such as an
MD player or CD player, do not set the NOISE
FILTER switch to ON. Otherwise, volume will be
limited.

• The NOISE FILTER switch is active only in the
case of the connection shown in diagram A on
page 7 and C. In diagram B, the switch has no
effect.

• When the transmitter is placed on or near a TV, it
may pick up a noise.
In such case, place the transmitter away from the
TV.

Transmitter

Left channel
(white)

Right channel
(red)

Connecting cord
(supplied)

2 Connect the supplied AC power

adaptor to the transmitter.

Transmitter

AC power
adaptor
(supplied)

to DC IN 9 V jack

Notes

• Do not connect to the INPUT A jack and INPUT B jack
at the same time. If you connect two audio/visual
components to both jacks at the same time, both of the
audio signals may result in mixed output.

• Use only the supplied AC power adaptor. Do not use
any other AC power adaptor.

Polarity of the plug

• If the connected equipment has the AVLS (Automatic
Volume Limiter System) function, be sure to turn the
function off when using the transmitter. Otherwise,
you will have to turn up the volume of the
headphones, and that may cause noise.

• When you connect the connecting cord directly to an
earphone jack (monaural mini jack), the audio signal
may not be output through the right channel. In such a
case, use the separately sold PC-236MS plug adaptor
(stereo mini jack y monaural mini plug) between the
connecting cord and the earphone jack.

to an AC
outlet

8

N Operating the system

Listening to a programme

Before listening

To prevent your ears from being damaged, first
lower the volume.

1 Turn on the audio/video equipment

connected to the transmitter.

If the transmitter is connected to the
headphone jack, set the volume control
of the audio source equipment as high
as possible but not so high that the
audio signal becomes distorted.

2 Remove the headphones from the

transmitter.

The transmitter’s power indicator will
light in red.

4 Put on the headphones.

The power indicator on the upper part
of the right housing glows red. Be sure
to put the right housing (R) on your
right ear and the left housing (L) on
your left ear. Wear the headphones
vertically on your head so that auto
power on function is properly activated.

5 Turn up the volume to a moderate

level with the VOL control.

Press the TUNE button briefly for
automatic tuning of the headphones.

If you do not receive a clear audio
signal, press it again.

R

E

W

O

P

E

N

U

T

3 Select the radio frequency with the

CHANNEL selector switch.

CHANNEL

1
2
3

TUNE
button

VOL control

Follow steps 3 and 5 above until the
receiving performance becomes better.

continue to next page

9

Sending RF signals from the transmitter

The transmitter starts sending RF signals
automatically when it detects an audio signal
from the equipment connected.
If it does not detect an audio signal for more than
about four minutes, the transmitter will stop
sending RF signals, and the power indicator will
turn off.
When the transmitter receives an audio signal
again, it starts sending the RF signals, and the
power indicator will light in red again.
If the audio signal is very weak, the transmitter
does not send RF signals. If the transmitter is
connected to a headphone jack, make sure the
volume of the equipment connected is set to 5 – 6
or higher.
You may not hear the beginning of the sound
from the headphones until the transmitter starts
sending the RF signals after detecting an audio
signal.

The headphones automatically turn
off when they are taken off

— Auto power on/off function

Do not pull up the self-adjusting band when not
in use, as this will consume the battery power.

Using the vibration function

Set the VIBRATION switch to ON and adjust the
level of vibration using the vibration volume.
You can enjoy powerful bass sound when you
listen to movies or games through the
headphones.

Using SRS surround function

Set the switch to ON to reproduce a wide
surround sound field through the headphones.

Notes

• If hiss is heard, move closer to the transmitter.

• You may hear some noise when you disconnect the
AC power adaptor from the transmitter before taking
off the headphones.

10

The effective areas of

Replacing the ear pads

the transmitter

The optimum distance is up to approximately
100 m (328.1 ft.) without the system picking up
some interference. However, the distance may
vary according to the surroundings and
environment. If the system picks up some noise
while using it within the above mentioned
distance, reduce the distance between the
transmitter unit and the headphones, or select
another channel.

Notes

• When you use the headphones inside the effective
areas of the transmitter, the transmitter can be placed
in any direction from the listener.

• Even within the signal reception area, there are some
spots (dead spot) where the RF signal can not be
received. This characteristics is inherent to RF signals,
and does not indicate malfunction. By slightly moving
the transmitter, location of the dead spot can be
changed.

The ear pads are replaceable. If the ear pads
become dirty or worn out, replace them as
illustrated below.
The ear pad is not commercially available. You
can order replacements from the store where you
purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony
dealer.

1 Remove the old ear pad by pulling

it out of the groove on the housing.

2 Place the new ear pad on the driver

unit and insert the edge of the pad
into the groove as illustrated.

Make sure that the entire edge of the ear pad is
securely inserted into the groove.

11

N Additional information

Precautions

• When the transmitter is not to be used for a

long period of time, disconnect the AC power
adaptor from the AC outlet holding the plug
and remove the batteries to avoid damage
caused by battery leakage and subsequent
corrosion.

• Do not leave the wireless stereo headphones

system in a location subject to direct sunlight,
heat or moisture (It is recommended to use the
headphones at a temperature of between 5˚C
and 35˚C (between 41˚F and 95˚F).)

• Do not drop, hit or otherwise subject the

transmitter or headphones to strong shocks of
any kind. This could damage the product.

Notes on headphones
Preventing hearing damage

Avoid using headphones at high volume.
Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud
and extended play. If you experience a ringing in
your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use.

Caring for others

Keep the volume at a moderate level. This will
allow you to hear outside sounds and to be
considerate to the people around you.

If you have any questions or problems
concerning the system that are not covered in this
manual, please consult the nearest Sony dealer.

Be sure to bring the headphones and the
transmitter to the Sony dealer when requiring
repair work.

Troubleshooting

Problem

No sound/
Muffled
sound

Solution

Turn on the transmitter first, and then
put on the headphones.

Check the connection of the audio/
video equipment or the AC power
adaptor.

Check that the audio/video
equipment connected to the
transmitter is turned on.

If the transmitter is connected to the
headphones jack, raise the volume of
the audio/video equipment
connected to the transmitter.

Change the radio frequency with the
CHANNEL selector on the
transmitter, then press the TUNE
button again.

The mute function is activated.
Use the headphones near the
transmitter.

The headphones’ power indicator
light dims, flashes or goes off.

• Charge the rechargeable batteries if
the headphones’ batteries are weak,
or replace dry batteries with new
ones. If the power indicator is still
off after charging the batteries, take
the headphones to a Sony dealer.

If you connect the transmitter to the
LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks of an
audio reproducer, make sure that the
NOISE FILTER switch is set to OFF.

Make sure that the NOISE FILTER
switch is set to either ON or OFF (If
the switch gets stuck between ON and
OFF, the sound will be cut off).

12

Problem

Distortion

Loud
background
noise

Solution

If the transmitter is connected to the
headphones jack, lower the volume of
the audio/video equipment
connected to the transmitter.

Change the radio frequency with the
CHANNEL selector on the transmitter.

The headphones’ power indicator
light dims, flashes or goes off.

• Charge the rechargeable batteries if
the headphones’ batteries are weak,
or replace dry batteries with new
ones. If the power indicator is still
off after charging the batteries, take
the headphones to a Sony dealer.

If you connect the transmitter to the
LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks of an
audio reproducer, make sure that the
NOISE FILTER switch is set to OFF.

If the vibration switch is ON, you may
hear vibration noise. This is not a
malfunction.

Move closer to the transmitter. As you
move away from the transmitter, more
noise is likely to be heard.

If the transmitter is connected to the
headphones jack, raise the volume of
the audio/video equipment
connected to the transmitter.

Change the radio frequency with the
CHANNEL selector on the transmitter,
then press the TUNE button again.

The headphones’ power indicator
light dims, flashes or goes off.

• Charge the rechargeable batteries if
the headphones’ batteries are weak,
or replace dry batteries with new
ones. If the power indicator is still
off after charging the batteries, take
the headphones to a Sony dealer.

If you connect the transmitter to the
LINE OUT or REC OUT jacks of an
audio reproducer, make sure that the
NOISE FILTER switch is set to OFF.

Problem

The batteries
cannot be
charged

Solution

Check if the charging indicator light is
green. If not, put the headphones on
the transmitter correctly so that the
charging indicator light is green.

Dry batteries are installed.

• Install the supplied rechargeable
nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Rechargeable batteries other than the
supplied are installed.

• Install the supplied rechargeable
nickel-metal hydride batteries.

13

Specifications

General

Carrier frequency

863.5 – 864.5 MHz
Channel Ch1, Ch2, Ch3
Modulation FM stereo
Frequency response

18 – 22,000 Hz

Transmitter TMR-RF850R

Power source DC 9 V: supplied AC power

adaptor
Audio input phono jacks/stereo mini jack
Dimensions Approx. 133 × 124 × 136 mm

(5 1/4 × 5 × 5 3/8 in.)

(w/h/d)
Mass Approx. 195 g (7 oz.)

Headphones MDR-RF880R

Power source Supplied rechargeable nickel-

metal hydride batteries BP-

HP550 or commercially available

(size AAA) dry batteries
Mass Approx. 285 g (11 oz.) incl.

batteries

Supplied accessories

AC power adaptor (1)
Connecting cord (approx. 1m, stereo mini

plug × 1 y phono plug × 2) (1)
Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries

BP-HP550 (550 mAh) (2)
Unimatch plug adaptor (stereo mini jack y

stereo phone plug) (1)
Operating instructions (1)

Optional accessories

• If sound is not output through the right
channel when the supplied connecting cord
is connected to the earphone jack.

Plug adaptor PC-236MS
(stereo mini jack y monaural mini plug)

• If you have lost the supplied plug adaptor.
Plug adaptor PC-234S
(stereo mini jack y stereo phone plug)

• If you have lost the supplied connecting
cord.

RK-G129
(1.5 m (4.9 ft.), stereo mini plug y phono
plug × 2)

Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.

14

15

Svenska

Härmed intygar Sony Corp. att detta högtalarsystem står i
överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga
relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG.
Mer information finns på webbadressen:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Dansk

Undertegnede, Sony Corp., erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr
overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv
1999/5/EF.
Yderligere oplysninger findes på http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Suomi

Sony Corp. vakuuttaa täten, että tämä laite on direktiivin 1999/5/
EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden
ehtojen mukainen.
Lisätietoja on seuraavassa Web-sivustossa:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Norsk

Herved erklærer Sony Corp.at dette utstyret er i
overensstemmelse med vesentlige krav og andre relevante
bestemmelser som fremgår av direktiv 1999/5/EC.
Gå til denne URL-en for mer informasjon:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Ελληνικά

ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ Η Sony Corp. ∆ΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ H ΣΥΣΚΕΥΗ
ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩ∆ΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ
ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ∆ΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ Ο∆ΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ.
Για περισστερες λεπτοµέρειες, παρακαλούµε να
επισκεφθείτε την παρακάτω ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση (URL):
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Français

Par la présente, Sony Corp. déclare que cet appareil est conforme
aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes
de la directive 1999/5/CE.
Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez vous reporter à l’URL
suivante : http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Deutsch

Hiermit erklärt die Sony Corporation, dass sich dieses Gerät in
Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den
anderen relevanten Vorschriften der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet.
Erläuterungen dazu finden Sie unter folgendem URL:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Español

Por medio de la presente, Sony Corp. declara que el equipo cumple
con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones
aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.
Para obtener más información, visite la dirección URL siguiente:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Nederlands

Hierbij verklaart Sony Corp. dat dit toestel in overeenstemming is
met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante bepalingen van
richtlijn 1999/5/EG.
Ga naar de volgende URL voor meer informatie:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Italiano

Con la presente Sony Corp. dichiara che questo apparecchio è
conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni
pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 1999/5/CE.
Per ulteriori informazioni, accedere al seguente indirizzo URL:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

Português

A Sony Corp., declara que este equipamento está conforme com os
requisitos essenciais e outras provisões da directiva 1999/5/CE.
Para saber mais pormenores, aceda ao seguinte URL :
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

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