Sony NW-A55 User Manual

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Use this manual when you have trouble or when you need to know how to use your player.

The color of the player sold in some countries/regions may differ from those shown above.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Getting Started

Before first use

Manuals and general information

Checking the contents of the package

Using the supplied accessories

Switching the earbuds

Attaching the clip

Configuring the initial setup

Installing Music Center for PC (Windows)

Installing Content Transfer (Mac)

Power and Charging

Turning the power on or off

Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD)

Charging the battery

Reducing the battery consumption

Notes on charging the battery

microSD Cards

Using a microSD card

Notes on microSD cards

Basic Operations

Parts and controls

Screen operations

How to use the various screens

Library screen

Playback screen

Play Queue screen

Bookmark List screen

Sound quality setting screens

FM Radio screen (Except for the NW-A55L)

Language Study screen

USB-DAC screen

Bluetooth Receiver screen

List of icons displayed in the information area

Adjusting the volume

Volume operation in compliance with European and Korean Directives

Browsing the operating guide

Transferring Music

Preparing music content

Purchasing High-Resolution Audio content

Using a Windows computer

Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC

Transferring content using Windows Explorer

Importing content from the player to Music Center for PC

Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC

Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer

Using a Mac computer

Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer

Transferring content using Mac Finder

Transferring language study content using Mac Finder

Adding lyric information using a computer

Notes on transferring content from a computer

Playing, Organizing, or Deleting Music

Playing music

Playback methods

Using [SensMe™ Channels]

Displaying lyrics

Obtaining lyric information

Displaying lyrics

Managing playlists on the player

Managing bookmarks on the player

Deleting tracks from the player

Enjoying Music Through a Wireless Connection

Enjoying music with a Bluetooth audio device (Bluetooth transmitting mode)

Connecting the player to an unpaired Bluetooth device for the first time

Connecting the player to a paired Bluetooth device

One-touch connections with a Bluetooth device (NFC)

Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth transmitting mode)

Enjoying music from a smartphone (Bluetooth receiving mode)

Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time

Connecting the player to a paired smartphone

One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC)

Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth receiving mode)

Notes on the Bluetooth function

Various Functions

Enjoying music content on a computer using the sound quality of the player (USB-DAC function)

Adjusting the sound quality settings

Using the Noise Canceling function

Monitoring ambient sound while playing music (Ambient Sound Mode)

What is Ambient Sound Mode?

Using Ambient Sound Mode

Using the [Clear Phase™ ] function

Using useful functions for language learning

Preparing language study content

Using the language study function

FM Radio (Except for the NW-A55L)

Listening to FM radio broadcasts (Except for the NW-A55L)

Presetting FM radio stations (Except for the NW-A55L)

Using USB Mass Storage mode

Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player

Restarting the player

Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player

Formatting a microSD card

Various information and system updates

Checking information on the player

Updating the system software

Using shortcut buttons from the quick setting panel

Settings menu

Announcement

Notes on handling the player

Notes on the headphones

Notes on the built-in battery

Notes on the sample data

General Information

Maintenance

Customer support website

Specifications

Battery life

Maximum recordable number of songs

Supported formats

System requirements

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Before first use

Thank you for purchasing a player.

For information on laws, regulations, and trademark rights, refer to “Important Information” in the internal memory of your unit. To read it, open the following folders in the system storage after you connect the unit to your computer. [WALKMAN] - [Information_HelpGuide] - [Important_Information] After you double-click the [index.html] file, select a language.

Before you start using the player, read the topics under [Related Topic].

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. In this manual, TM and ® marks are not specified.

Before you start using the player, check the following information.

Model names

Several model names appear in this [Help Guide]. Some models are not available depending on the country or region where you purchased the player.

Computer system requirements

When you connect the player to a computer, check the computer system requirements.

Battery charging

The battery might be low when you use the player for the first time. Charge the battery before use.

microSD cards

The following memory cards are referred to as [microSD cards] in this [Help Guide].

microSD cards microSDHC cards microSDXC cards

Images and illustrations

The screen images and illustrations shown in this [Help Guide] are for reference only. They may differ from the actual product or onscreen display.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Related Topic

Manuals and general information

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

System requirements

Charging the battery

Notes on handling the player

Notes on the headphones

Notes on the built-in battery

Notes on the sample data

General Information

Maintenance

Customer support website

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Manuals and general information

Sony provides the following manuals and information regarding the player. The provided manuals explain the following operations and functions.

Basic operations. Unique functions that require explanations. Complicated operations that require instructions.

Help Guide

This Help Guide provides the standard operating procedures only.

How to transfer content to the player. How to use various functions. Notes on using the player.

The Help Guide refers to the product as “player.”

Startup Guide (printed)

Basic steps to start listening to music after you purchase the player.

Instruction Manual (printed)

Notes on using the player Compliance information How to access [Important Information]

Important Information

Information on copyrights, laws, and regulations See [Before first use] for details on viewing the information.

Customer support website (online)

See [Customer support website] in this [Help Guide].

The latest information on the player FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Related Topic

Before first use

Customer support website

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Checking the contents of the package

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57 (Common)

WALKMAN® (1) USB cable (1) Startup Guide Instruction Manual

NW-A55HN/A56HN

Headphones (1) IER-NW500N or IER-NW500NE (only for Europe and Korea) Earbuds (1 set) Clip (for Headphones) (1)

Note

A microSD card is not supplied with the Walkman.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Switching the earbuds

(Only for models supplied with earbuds) To enjoy better sound quality, select earbuds with the appropriate size for each ear.

Hint

When the earbuds become worn, contact the nearest Sony dealer or Sony Service Center.

If the earbuds get dirty, remove them from the headphones. Then, hand-wash the earbuds with a neutral detergent. After washing, drain off the water and reattach the earbuds.

Related Topic

Checking the contents of the package

Detach the earbuds from the headphones.

Hold the headphones, and then twist and pull the earbuds. If the earbuds are slippery, wrap them in a soft dry cloth.

Attach new earbuds to the headphones.

Push the earbuds firmly onto the headphones. Align the ends of the earbuds (

) with on the headphones.

To prevent the earbuds from detaching or getting stuck in your ears, be sure to attach the earbuds correctly.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Attaching the clip

(Only for models supplied with a clip)

Attach the clip to the headphones as shown in the following illustration. You can secure the clip to your clothes or bag. Using the clip may reduce noise from the cord rubbing against your clothes.

Related Topic

Checking the contents of the package

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Configuring the initial setup

When you turn on the player for the first time, the initial setup wizard will launch. You can set the following items during the initial setup.

Language Date and time

Note

The player does not display a clock. The clock setting is used for data management.

Hold down the button (

) for 4 seconds until the player turns on.

The initial setup wizard will launch. Confirm the message and tap

Select the language and tap

Set date and time, and then tap

Follow the onscreen instructions.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Installing Music Center for PC (Windows)

Music Center for PC is an application for Windows computers. Use the latest version of Music Center for PC. You can use Music Center for PC to perform the following operations.

Importing content (such as music) from CDs to a computer.

Organizing and managing the content. For example, you can create playlists.

Transferring content on a computer to the player.

Confirm the system requirements before you install Music Center for PC.

Related Topic

Preparing music content

Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC

System requirements

Access the Music Center for PC download website.

https://www.sony.net/smc4pc/

Install Music Center for PC.

For details on installation, see [Download] – [Installation procedure] on the Music Center for PC support website. (https://www.sony.net/smc4pc/)

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Installing Content Transfer (Mac)

Content Transfer is an application for Mac computers. Use the latest version of Content Transfer. You can transfer content that you manage with iTunes or Finder. You can simply drag-and-drop the tracks or albums to transfer them to the player. Confirm the system requirements before you install Content Transfer.

Note

Restart the computer if you are prompted. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Related Topic

Preparing music content

Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer

System requirements

Access the installer for Content Transfer.

https://www.sony.net/ct-mac/

Open the downloaded file.

[ContentTransfer.dmg] will be saved automatically to the download folder. The folder may open automatically.

Install Content Transfer.

Run [ContentTransfer.pkg]. Follow the onscreen instructions. When you finish the installation,

will be displayed.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Turning the power on or off

To turn off the player

Hold down the button (

) for 2 seconds while the screen is turned on. Follow the onscreen instructions to turn off the player. Release the HOLD function if it is turned on.

Hint

The screen will turn off automatically if you do not operate the player for a certain period of time. To turn on the screen, press the button (

To conserve the battery power, select [Auto Power Off]. The player will turn off automatically if you do not operate the player for a certain period of time after you pause playback. Tap the menu items in the following order.

– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]) – [Auto Power Off].

Note

The player does not display a clock. The clock setting is used for data management.

Related Topic

Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD)

Configuring the initial setup

Hold down the button ( ) for 4 seconds until the player turns on.

When you turn on the player for the first time, the initial setup wizard will launch. Follow the onscreen instructions. You can set the following items during the initial setup.

Language Date and time

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD)

You can lock the player to prevent accidental button operation.

To enable the screen operation

You can enable the touch-screen operation while the HOLD function is active.

Hint

Slide the switch (

) in the opposite direction of the arrow to release the HOLD function.

While the HOLD function is enabled,

will flash when you operate a button.

When the HOLD function is enabled, you cannot turn off the player. Release the HOLD function.

Related Topic

Parts and controls

Slide the switch ( ).

The HOLD function is enabled. You cannot operate the buttons on the player or the touch screen. Only the button (

) is active and you can use it to perform the following operations.

Turning the screen on or off. Turning on the player (4 seconds). Restarting the player (8 seconds).

Tap the menu items in the following order.

– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]).

Tap [Disable touch panel when the HOLD switch is on] to remove a check mark. If you want to prevent accidental touch-screen operations, add a check mark again.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Charging the battery

Hint

You can also use an AC adaptor (not supplied) to charge the player. Use an AC adaptor that is compatible with the player.

For details on how long it takes to charge the battery fully, see [Specifications].

Note

If the player’s battery level is not sufficient, the computer may not recognize the player. The screen of the player will not turn on in this case. If this happens, charge the battery fully. It may take about 10 minutes before the screen of the player turns on again.

Related Topic

Reducing the battery consumption

Notes on charging the battery

Specifications

Connect the player to a running computer via USB. Or, use a USB AC adaptor (not supplied) to connect the player to a wall socket (wall outlet) via USB.

The charge lamp will light up. When charging is complete, the battery status icon switches to

Then, the charge lamp turns off.

Disconnect the player from the computer.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Reducing the battery consumption

You can reduce the battery consumption by using the player in the following manner. The battery life depends on usage conditions. For details on the battery life, see [Battery life].

Turn off the power manually when you do not use the player. Set [Auto Power Off]. The player will turn off automatically if you do not operate the player for a certain period of time after you pause playback. (

– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]) – [Auto Power Off].)

Set a shorter time for [Screen Off Timer]. (

– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]) – [Screen Off Timer].)

Adjust the screen brightness. Set all sound quality settings to off. Turn off the Bluetooth function when you are not using it. Turn off the NFC function when you are not using it. Turn off the Noise Canceling function. Turn off Ambient Sound Mode.

Related Topic

Charging the battery

Turning the power on or off

Settings menu

Sound quality setting screens

One-touch connections with a Bluetooth device (NFC)

Using the Noise Canceling function

Using Ambient Sound Mode

Using shortcut buttons from the quick setting panel

Notes on the built-in battery

Displaying lyrics

Battery life

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Notes on charging the battery

The charging time depends on the battery usage conditions. When the battery is sufficiently charged but the battery life has dropped to about half of its normal span, the battery may be worn out. Contact the nearest Sony dealer or Sony Service Center. The computer may not recognize the player in the following situations.

When you connect the player to the computer for the first time When the player has not been used for a long period of time Charge the player for about 10 minutes. The player may start operating normally.

When the ambient temperature exceeds the recommended range,

appears on the screen and then charging is forcibly terminated. Charge the battery at an ambient temperature from 5 °C to 35 °C (41 ºF to 95 ºF). The battery can be recharged about 500 times from a completely depleted state. The exact number of times may vary depending on the usage conditions. To prevent deterioration of the battery, charge the battery at least once every 6 months. Charging is not guaranteed when you use a homebuilt or modified computer. Charging from a USB hub is only guaranteed when you use a self-powered USB hub that carries an authorized logo. When you connect the player to a computer for a long period of time, connect the computer to an AC power supply. Otherwise, the computer’s battery may run out. While the player is connected to a computer, observe the following cautions. Otherwise, the player may not function properly.

Do not turn on the computer. Do not restart the computer. Do not wake the computer from sleep mode. Do not shut down the computer.

The player may become hot while charging. This is not a malfunction. The battery indicator does not correspond exactly to the remaining battery level. Refer to the battery indicator as a guide. When you charge the player using a computer, do not remove the USB cable while data is transferring. If you disconnect the USB cable, data on the player may be lost.

Related Topic

Charging the battery

Reducing the battery consumption

Notes on the built-in battery

Battery life

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Using a microSD card

This topic includes instructions for the following operations.

Inserting a microSD card into the player. Removing a microSD card from the player. Formatting a microSD card on the player. To use a microSD card on the player, you first need to format the microSD card on the player.

To remove the microSD card

Before you remove a microSD card from the player, first unmount the microSD card from the player.

Insert a microSD card.

Open the microSD card slot cover (

Insert a microSD card until it clicks into place (

). Make sure to insert the microSD card in the correct direction. The gold contact pins should face up. Close the cover (

The player will start updating the database. When the update is complete, the library screen will appear.

Format the microSD card.

Tap the menu items in the following order.

– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]) – [Reset/Format] – [Format SD Card].

Follow the onscreen instructions. Make sure to confirm the messages carefully.

On the library screen, tap the menu items in the following order.

– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]) – [Mount/Unmount SD Card] – [OK].

Open the microSD card slot cover. Make sure that the access lamp (

) is turned off.2.

Push the microSD card into the microSD card slot. The microSD card will pop out.

Note

On the player, you cannot exchange data between the player memory and a microSD card.

If the player does not recognize the microSD card, remove and reinsert the microSD card into the player.

Do not insert any object other than a microSD card into the microSD card slot.

If the inserted microSD card contains a large amount of data, it may take about 10 minutes or longer for the player to update the database.

When you remove the microSD card, the following information will be deleted.

The content that is currently being played. The playback position. Tracks and the playback order on the play queue screen Bookmark information for tracks on the microSD card.

Formatting a microSD card will delete all data stored on the microSD card. Save a back up copy of important data.

Related Topic

Notes on microSD cards

Formatting a microSD card

Remove the microSD card. Then, close the microSD card slot cover.4.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Notes on microSD cards

Use a microSD card that has been formatted on the player. Sony does not guarantee the operation of other microSD cards. Sony does not guarantee all operations for microSD cards that are used on multiple devices. Formatting a microSD card will delete all data stored on the microSD card. Save a backup copy in advance. Do not leave a microSD card within the reach of small children. Small children may accidentally swallow the microSD card. Unmount the microSD card ([Mount/Unmount SD Card]) from the player before you remove a microSD card. Otherwise, the player may not function properly. Sony does not guarantee the operation of all types of compatible microSD cards with the player. Data may be corrupted in the following situations.

When a microSD card is removed during a read or write operation. When the player is turned off during a read or write operation. When a microSD card is used in a location where there is static electricity or electrical noise.

Sony assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage of stored data. Sony recommends that you save a backup copy of important data regularly. Observe the following cautions when you handle microSD cards.

Do not apply strong force to a microSD card. Do not bend a microSD card. Do not drop a microSD card. Do not disassemble a microSD card. Do not modify a microSD card. Do not expose a microSD card to water. Do not leave a microSD card in the hot interior of a car. Do not leave a microSD card in direct sunlight. Do not leave a microSD card near a heater. Do not leave a microSD card in a humid place. Do not leave a microSD card in a location where corrosive substances are present.

Observe the following cautions regarding the microSD card slot.

Insert microSD cards into the microSD card slot in the correct direction. Do not insert any object other than a microSD card into the microSD card slot.

Related Topic

Using a microSD card

Formatting a microSD card

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

Parts and controls

Touch screen Tap icons or items on the screen to operate the player.

Headphone jack (Stereo Mini) Push in the headphone plug until it clicks into place. Connect the headphones properly. Otherwise, the output sound will be impaired.

WM-PORT jack

Connect the USB cable (supplied). Connect accessories that support WM-PORT (not supplied).

Strap hole Attach a wrist strap (not supplied).

Charge lamp The lamp lights up while the player is charging.

(power) button

Press the button to turn the screen on or off. Hold down the button for 4 seconds to turn on the player, and 2 seconds to turn off the player. If operations become unstable, hold down the button for 8 seconds to restart the player.

+ (*1)/– (volume) buttons Press the buttons to adjust the volume.

Playback operating buttons

(*1): Press the button to start or pause playback.

/ : Press the buttons to jump to the beginning of the current track, previous track, or next track.

Hold down the buttons to fast-rewind or to fast-forward playback.

HOLD (hold) switch Slide the switch to lock the operating buttons on the player. This lets you avoid operating the buttons accidentally. Locked (inoperable)

Released (operable)

N-mark Touch the N-mark on a Bluetooth device or a smartphone to this mark. The Bluetooth device or the smartphone must support the NFC function. You can connect the Bluetooth device or the smartphone to the player.

10.

Built-in Bluetooth antenna The antenna allows the player to connect with Bluetooth devices or smartphones. Do not cover the antenna when a Bluetooth connection is active. Otherwise, the connection may be interrupted.

11.

microSD card slot cover Open the cover to insert a microSD card (not supplied).

12.

Access lamp (The lamp is inside the slot cover.) Do not remove the microSD card while the access lamp is lit up.

13.

microSD card slot (The card slot is inside the slot cover.) Insert a microSD card until it clicks into place.

14.

There are tactile dots on the

button and the volume + button. The tactile dots can help you operate the buttons without looking at them.

The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.

Help Guide

Digital Music Player

NW-A55/A55HN/A55L/A56/A56HN/A57

How to use the various screens

This topic explains the layout of the various screens with the playback screen (

) at the center. Flick the playback

screen (

) to switch to other screens (up/down/left/right).

Playback screen

You can confirm a variety of information for the currently selected track.

Library screen

You can select tracks from the library screen. Tracks are classified into various categories (such as [All Songs], [Album], [Artist], etc.). You can also switch to functions other than music playback, such as the following:

FM radio function (Except for the NW-A55L)

Language study function USB-DAC function Bluetooth Receiver function

Play Queue screen

You can check the list of tracks that the player will play with the current settings.

Bookmark List screen

You can listen to tracks that you have registered to a bookmark list beforehand. You can add tracks to bookmark lists on the playback screen, etc. The following operations can be performed from this screen.

Adding tracks to a bookmark list. Removing tracks from a bookmark list. Changing the order of tracks in a bookmark list. Adding tracks to playlists. Checking the details of the track information.

Sound quality setting screens

You can adjust various sound quality settings.

Equalizer DSEE HX DC Phase Linearizer VPT (Surround) Dynamic Normalizer Vinyl Processor

Hint

You can also configure sound quality settings from the menu. Tap the menu items in the following order.

– [Settings] – [Sound Settings] ([Sound]).

Basic operating buttons

There are 4 basic operating buttons at the bottom of each screen. These buttons may not always be active depending on the screen.

(back)

Tap the button to return to the previous screen.

(go to playback screen)

Tap the button to return to the playback screen.

(library)

Tap the button to display the library screen.

(options/settings) Tap the button to display the option/setting menus. You can configure various settings for the player.

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