Sony MDR-RF995RK User Manual

4-691-893-11(1)

Checking the included

How to use

Wireless Stereo
Headphone System

Operating Instructions

©2017 Sony Corporation Printed in Vietnam

items

Wireless stereo
headphones MDR-RF995R

RF stereo transmitter
TMR-RF995R (1)

AC adaptor (1)

(1)

Stereo mini cable (stereo
mini plug), 1.5 m (1)

Rechargeable nickel-metal
hydride battery BP­HP800-11 (1)

Features

Thank you for purchasing the Sony MDR-RF995RK
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 program

free the restriction of a cable
– Up to 45 meters (150 feet) reception range*
– High fidelity sound reproduction
– New mode “VOICE” for clear hearing of personal voice

range
– Noise reduction system to reproduce a clear sound with

minimum transmission noise
– Comfortable fit
– Smooth and Comfortable Earpads
– Long playback time (maximum 20 hours)
– Easy recharging function with secure charging

mechanism
– Rechargeable Battery
– Automatic tuning on headphones for optimum signal

reception
– 3 transmission channels available
– Volume control function and sound effect function on

the headphones

* Transmission distance varies depending on conditions of

use

Insert the supplied rechargeable battery BP-HP800-11 into the left housing of the headphones.

1

Observe the correct polarity when installing battery.

Insert the 
end first.

Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride
battery BP-HP800-11 (supplied)

Connect the AC adaptor. Charge the headphones.

2 3

To AC
outlet

Connect the A/V component, following hookup  or  below.

4

 Using the headphone jack of the A/V component

Stereo mini plug

Headphone jack
(Stereo mini jack)

(Red) (Off)

Complete when indicator
turns off.

Check the CHARGE/
RED indicator lights
up red.

MDR-RF995RK

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place
objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries
installed) to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the
like for a long time.

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.

The AC Adaptor is not disconnected from the mains as
long as it is connected to the AC outlet, even if the unit
itself has been turned off.

As the main plug of AC power adaptor is used to
disconnect the AC power adaptor from the mains, connect
it to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an
abnormality in it, disconnect it from the AC outlet
immediately.

Excessive sound pressure from earphones and
headphones can cause hearing loss.

The nameplate of transmitter is located on the bottom
exterior.

The nameplate of the headphones is located on the back
side of the slider.

Information

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.

If you have any questions about this product, you may
call:
Sony Customer Information Services Center
1-800-222-7669 or http://www.sony.com/

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: MDR-RF995R
(Headphones Unit)
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16535 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA

92127 USA
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV

technician for help.

For the customers in Canada

This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence­exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1)This device may not cause interference; and
(2)This device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.

For the customers in the USA and
Canada

RECYCLING NICKEL METAL
HYDRIDE BATTERIES

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve our
environment by returning your used
rechargeable batteries to the collection
and recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or
visit http://www.call2recycle.org

Caution:
Do not handle damaged or leaking Nickel Metal
Hydride batteries.

 Using the audio out (L/R) jacks of the A/V component

Use a connection cable (not supplied) between the transmitter and the A/V component.

L (white)

Stereo mini plug

If the sound is distorted by connecting the transmitter to the A/V component’s audio out (L/R) jacks, reconnect the transmitter to the headphone jack.
If the transmitter detects no signal or no sound, check the connection of the connected A/V components, then check the audio setting of the connected A/V components.

5 6

7

Before listening

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, first lower the volume.

Tactile dot

Adjust the volume.

After use

Turn off the power of the headphones.

R (red)

About sending RF signals

The transmitter starts sending RF signals
automatically when it detects an audio signal from
the connected component. Note that;

Up Down

Tactile dot

– Noise may occur depending on the transmitter

position and room conditions. It is recommended
to place the transmitter in a location that
produces the clearest sound.

– If the transmitter is placed on a metallic table,

you may hear noise, or the reception range may
decrease. Do not place on a metallic table.

TV, Digital music player, etc.

Audio out
(L/R) jacks

Stereo system, Blu-ray Disc player, DVD player, TV*, etc.
* In case of no headphone jack.

Start playback of the A/V component.Wear the headphones.

(Green)

If no signal or low signal is
input for about 4 minutes

When no signal is input for about 4 minutes, the
transmitter turns off automatically*. The POWER
indicator of the transmitter blinks for 4 minites,
then turns off. The transmitter restarts after
receiving an audio signal again.
The transmitter may also turn off if low signal is
input for about 4 minutes. In this case, raise the
volume of the connected A/V component within
the range where the sound is not distorted, then
lower the volume of the headphones.
* If signal noise is output from the connected A/V

component, the transmitter may not turn off,
even when no audio signal is input.

If you cannot receive a clear audio signal

First change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector switch on the
transmitter, then briefly press the AUTO TUNING button on the headphones.

Battery life

Tips for charging

Charge supplied battery first

The supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery is
not charged from the first time you use it. Be sure to
charge them before use.

About auto charge function

Placing the headphones on the transmitter automatically
turns them off, then charging starts. This eliminates the
need for turning on/off every time you wear and take off
the headphones.

Battery Approx. usage time

Sony alkaline battery LR03
(size AAA)

1) at 1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output

2) Time may vary, depending on the temperature or
conditions of use.

Note

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 are accidentally come
into contact with metallic objects.

If CHARGE/RED indicator does not
light up red

– Check if the right and left headphones are rested on the

transmitter correctly. Take off the headphones and place
them on the transmitter again so that the headphones’
contact points meet the transmitter’s contact pins.

– Charging may not be completed if the transmitter’s

contact pin and headphones’ contact point are dusty.
Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

Charging and usage time

Approx. charging time Maximum usage time

2)

7 hours

1) at 1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output

2) hours required to fully charge an empty battery

3) Time may vary, depending on the temperature or
conditions of use.

20 hours

3)

1)

Tips for connection

– When you connect the stereo mini cable (stereo mini

jack) directly to an earphone jack (monaural mini jack),
the audio signal may not be output through the right
channel.

Tips for volume setting

– If you connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of

the A/V component, set the volume of the A/V
component as high as possible but not so high that the
audio signal becomes distorted.

– When watching videos, be careful not to raise the

volume too high in quiet scenes. You may hurt your ears
when a loud scene is played.

To recharge supplied battery after
use

Place the headphones on the transmitter after use. The
CHARGE/RED indicator lights up red, then charging starts.
When charging is complete, there is no need to remove
the headphones from the transmitter.

Tips for sound effect

Slide the switch to select the desired sound effect, OFF or
VOICE.

Remaining battery

To check the remaining battery charge of the headphones,
turn on the POWER switch and check the POWER indicator.
The battery is still serviceable when the indicator lights up
green.
Charge the headphones if the POWER indicator turns off,
dims, flashes, or the sound becomes distorted or noisy.

Notes

– Insert the AC adaptor plug firmly.
– Be sure to use the supplied AC adaptor. Using AC

adaptors with different plug polarity or other
characteristics can cause product failure.

Unified
polarity plug

– The battery capacity may decrease if the headphones

are turned on and placed on the transmitter with the AC
adaptor disconnected.

– The transmitter automatically turns off while charging

the headphones.

– This system is designed to charge only the supplied

rechargeable battery BP-HP800-11 for safety. Note that
other types of rechargeable battery cannot be charged

with this system.
– If dry batteries are installed, they cannot be charged.
– Do not attempt to use the supplied rechargeable battery

BP-HP800-11 for other components. It is for use with this

system only.
– Charge in an environmental temperature of between

5°C and 35°C (between 41°F and 95°F).
– When the battery life reduces to half, this may be the

end of battery lifetime. The supplied rechargeable

battery BP-HP800-11 is not commercially available. You

can order the battery from the store where you

purchased this system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.
– Do not touch the contact pins of the transmitter. If the

contact pins become dirty, charging may not be

possible.
– Charging may not be completed if the transmitter’s

contact pins and headphones’ contact points are dusty.

Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

Position of
switch

OFF

VOICE

Notes

– The volume of the headphones may vary, depending on

the input signal and the setting of the EFFECT switch.

– The sound effect may not be obtained depending on

the input sound sources.

Tips for better reception

Receiving performance

This system utilizes very high frequency signals in the 900
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.

Effective area of the transmitter

Using the headphones
with separately-sold dry
batteries

Commercially available (LR03 (size AAA)) dry batteries can
also be used to power the headphones. Install two
batteries in the same manner as described in step 1 of
“How to use.”
If you attempt to charge the headphones with dry
batteries installed, the CHARGE/RED indicator lights up
red for 15 seconds, then turns off. The battery charge
function is not activated.

The optimum distance is up to approximately 45 m (150 ft)
without the system picking up some interference.
However, the distance may vary depending on the
surroundings and environment.

– If the system picks up some noise within the above

mentioned distance, reduce the distance between the

transmitter and the headphones, or select another

channel.
– When you use the headphones inside the effective area

of the transmitter, the transmitter can be placed in any

direction from the listener.

Noise Reduction process

The transmitter compresses the audio signal and converts it to RF signal. The
headphones convert the received RF signal to an audio signal and decompresses it. This
process reduces noise picked up during transmission.

Transmitter unit Headphones unit

input signal

dynamic range

1 5

The transmitter compresses the audio signals dynamic range, then converts it to RF

signal.

Noise may occur due to long distance transmission, etc.
The headphones convert the RF signal to an audio signal.
Noise may occur during conversion.
Decompression of the audio signals dynamic range reduces the noise level and

improves the S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio.

1)

2)

24 hours

Sound effect and suitable sound
source

Normal playback of the
headphones.

Produces a clearer announcer’s
voice.

compression

RF transmission

2 3 4

decompression

– Even within the signal reception area, there are some

spots (dead spots) where the RF signal cannot be
received. This characteristic is inherent to RF signals, and
does not indicate malfunction. By slightly moving the
transmitter, location of the dead spot can be changed.

output signal

noise level (low)

Replacing the earpads

The earpads are replaceable. If the earpads become dirty
or worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The
earpads are 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 earpad by pulling it out of the groove

on the housing.

2 Fit the new earpad in the groove of the housing.

Make sure the earpad is set to the vertical position.

Precautions

– When this system is not to be used for a long period of

time, disconnect the AC adaptor from the AC outlet
holding the plug, and remove the battery from the
headphones to avoid damage caused by battery
leakage and subsequent corrosion.

– Do not leave this system in a location subject to direct

sunlight, heat or moisture.

– You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC

adaptor from the transmitter before taking off the
headphones.

– Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, direct sunlight,

moisture, sand, dust or mechanical shock.

– Please note that water does not splash, this product is

not waterproof specification.

Notes on headphones

To reduce the risk of 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, lower 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
your nearest Sony dealer.

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

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using this system, use the
following checklist. Should any problem persist, consult
your nearest Sony dealer.

No sound/Low sound

– Check the connection of the A/V component or the AC

adaptor.
– Check that the A/V component is turned on.
– If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component

using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the

connected A/V component within the range where the

sound is not distorted.
– Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector

on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to

that of the transmitter with the AUTO TUNING button on

the headphones.
– Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the

position of the transmitter.
– Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry

batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still

off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
– Raise the headphone volume.

The sound cuts off

– The transmitter turns off if no signal or low signal is

input for 4 minutes. If you connect the transmitter to an
A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the
volume level on the connected A/V component within
the range where the sound is not distorted.

Distorted or intermittent sound
(sometimes with noise)

– Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the

position of the transmitter.
– Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table.
– If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component

using the headphone jack, lower the volume level on the

connected A/V component within the range where the

sound is not distorted.
– Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector

on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to

that of the transmitter with the AUTO TUNING button on

the headphones.
– Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry

batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still

off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.

Loud background noise

– If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component

using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the

connected A/V component within the range where the

sound is not distorted.
– Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry

batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still

off after charging, take the headphones to a Sony dealer.
– Do not place the transmitter on a metallic table.
– Use the headphones near the transmitter.

The POWER/GREEN indicator flashes
green

– No signal or low signal is input. Start playback of the A/V

component, or raise the volume of the connected A/V

component within the range where the sound is not

distorted, otherwise the transmitter will turn off. If no

signal or low signal is input for about 4 minutes, the

transmitter turns off automatically.

Battery cannot be charged/
CHARGE/RED indicator flashes red,
or does not light up red

– Check that the right/left of the headphones and

transmitter correspond, and put the headphones on the

transmitter correctly.
– Install the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride

battery. Dry batteries and rechargeable batteries other

than the supplied cannot be charged.
– If the CHARGE/RED indicator does not light up red even

though you put the headphones on the transmitter and

wait for a while, it may be the end of battery lifetime.

You can order the supplied rechargeable battery

BP-HP800-11 from the store where you purchased this

system, or at your nearest Sony dealer.
– Charging may not be completed if the transmitter’s

contact pin and headphones’ contact point are dusty.

Wipe them with a cotton bud, etc.

Short usage time (the supplied
rechargeable battery)

– Clean the + and - terminal of the supplied rechargeable

battery and the charging terminal of transmitter/

headphone with a dry cloth.
– Recharge the supplied rechargeable battery after the

fully discharged.

Specifications

RF stereo transmitter (TMR-RF995R)

Modulation FM stereo
Carrier frequency 915.5 MHz, 916.0 MHz, 916.5 MHz
Channel Ch1, Ch2, Ch3
Transmission distance
Approx. 45 m (150 ft) of longest
Audio inputs Stereo mini jack
Power requirements

Dimensions Approx. 130 mm × 273 mm × 160 mm

Mass Approx. 265 g (10 oz)
Rated power consumption

2.0 W
Operating temperature
5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)

Wireless stereo headphones (MDR­RF995R)

Frequency response
10 Hz – 22,000 Hz
Power source Supplied rechargeable nickel-metal

Mass Approx. 275 g (10 oz)
Operating temperature
5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)

Included items

RF stereo transmitter TMR-RF995R
Wireless stereo headphones MDR-RF995R
AC adaptor (12 V) (1)
Stereo mini cable (stereo mini plug), 1.5 m (39
Card warranty (1)
Operating Instructions (this manual) (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.

DC 12 V (from the supplied AC adaptor)

1

(5

/8 × 10 3/4 × 6 3/8 in) (w/h/d)

hydride battery BP-HP800-11, or
commercially available (LR03 (size AAA))
dry batteries

3

/8 in) (1)