Sony XBANC85D Manual

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Sectional View

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Colored parts

Pressure-relieving 

urethane cushion

4-289-019-41(1)

Noise Canceling 

Headphones

XBA-NC85D

© 2011   Sony Corporation     Printed in Malaysia

Operating Instructions

US

Mode d’emploi

FR

Manual de instrucciones

ES



Tactile dot

Connecting to the stereo mini jack







You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not 

expressly approved in this manual could void your authority 

to operate this equipment.
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.

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.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Service Center 1-800-222-7669 

or http://www.sony.com/

Trade Name: 

SONY

Model No.: 

BC-NC1

Responsible Party: 

Sony Electronics Inc.

Address: 

16530 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.

  The control box-free design in-the-ear type digital 

Micro size Balanced Armature type driver unit and 

power-saving integrated DNC processor use miniaturized 

battery and circuit, which allow the control box-free 

design.

  Newly developed Balanced Armature type driver unit and 

high efficiency MEMS microphone realized both small 

body and outstanding noise canceling performance.

  Digital noise canceling headphones with Sony’s unique 

DNC Software Engine.  

Creation of a high-precision canceling signal delivers 

outstanding noise canceling performance.

  20 hour long battery life by newly developed power-

saving Integrated DNC Processor. Allows you to use on a 

long flight.

  Automatic AI (Artificial Intelligence) Noise Canceling 

function.  

Automatic selection of the optimal noise canceling mode 

based on intelligent analysis of environmental ambient 

noise.

  Digital equalizer delivers ideal frequency response and 

high-quality music reproduction.

  3 sizes of noise isolation earbuds for effective attenuation 

of ambient noise. (S, M, L)

  USB charge adaptor supplied.

The headphones contain a rechargeable nickel-metal 

hydride battery. Because the battery was included in the 

package at the time of manufacture (as a convenience to the 

user), the remaining battery charge may be somewhat 

depleted by the time of purchase. Be sure to recharge it 

before use. For the recharging procedure, see “Charging the 

headphones”.

(see fig. )

  Microphones
  Earbuds
  Power indicator (red)

Indicates operating status of headphones.

   (power) button
  Stereo mini plug (charging plug)

  USB plug cap
  USB plug
  Charging indicator (orange)

Indicates charging status.

  Charging jack

fig. )

The headphones contain a rechargeable nickel-metal 

hydride battery. Charge the battery before use.

The charging indicator lights up in orange and 

recharging starts.

Depending on the remaining battery status of the 

headphones, the supplied USB charge adaptor requires 

approx. 15 minutes to 4 hours to recharge.

4 hours*

2

20 hours*

3

*

1

  At 1 kHz, sound pressure level 90 dB output

*

2

  Hours required to fully charge an empty battery

*

3

  Time stated above may vary, depending on the temperature or 

conditions of use.

 Tips



  If you start charging while the headphones are turned on, the 

headphones will turn off automatically.



  The headphones cannot be turned on while charging.



  If you recharge the headphones by connecting to an AC outlet, use the 

separately-sold USB Charging AC Power Adaptor AC-U501AD / Built-in 

Battery USB AC Charger AC-UP100 (see “Recommended accessories”). 

For more information, refer to the operating instructions supplied with 

the adaptor.



  If the headphones are malfunctioning, charging will not start and the 

charging indicator will flash. In this case, disconnect the unit from the 

connected device, and consult your place of purchase, or a Sony dealer.



  Charge in an environmental temperature of between 0°C and 40°C (32°F 

and 104°F). Otherwise, the battery may not fully charge.



  Take the headphones off before charging.



  When unplugging the headphones, hold the cord by the plug. Do not pull 

on the cord or it may break.



  If you haven’t used the headphones for a long time, the life of the 

rechargeable battery may become short. This will improve when you 

repeat the charging and discharging process several times.



  Do not store the headphones in hot places for a long time. When storing 

it for more than a year, charge the battery once a year to prevent over 

discharge.



  For system requirements for a computer that can charge the battery using 

USB, see “System requirements for battery charge using USB”.



  Charging will not start if the extension cord is used. Connect the 

headphone plug to the USB charge adaptor directly.

correctly (see fig. )

If the earbuds do not fit your ears correctly, the noise 

canceling effect will not be optimal. To optimize noise 

canceling and to enjoy better sound quality, change the 

earbuds to another size, or adjust the earbud position to fit 

your ears comfortably and snugly.

If the earbuds do not fit your ears, try another size. Confirm 

the size of the earbuds by checking Colored inside (see fig. 

-).

If you change the earbuds, install them firmly on the 

headphones to prevent the earbud from detaching and 

remaining in your ear.

S

(Orange)

M

(Green)

L

(Light blue)



Small

Large

To detach an earbud (see fig. -)

While holding the headphone, twist and pull the earbud off.
 Tip

If the earbud slips and cannot be detached, wrap it in a soft 

dry cloth.

To attach an earbud (see fig. -)

Push the parts inside of the earbud into the headphone until 

the projecting part of the headphone is fully covered.
Notes



  Prolonged use of the noise isolation earbuds may strain your ears due to 

their snug fit. If you experience discomfort in your ears, it is 

recommended to stop using the earbuds for a while.



  The pressure-relieving urethane cushion is extremely soft. Therefore, do 

not pinch or pull the urethane cushion. If the urethane cushion is broken 

or detached from the earbuds, it will not take its correct position and the 

earbuds will lose their noise isolation function.



  The pressure-relieving urethane cushion may deteriorate due to long-

term storage or use. If the pressure-relieving power is lost and the 

urethane cushion becomes hard, the earbuds may lose their noise 

isolation function.



  Do not wash the noise isolation earbuds. Keep them dry, and avoid 

accumulation of water in the pressure-relieving urethane cushions. Not 

doing so may cause early deterioration.

Listening to music (see fig. )

Wear the earpiece marked  in your right ear and the 

one marked  ( has a tactile dot for easy recognition) 

in your left ear.

Adjust the earbud position to fit your ears snugly.
Note

If you wear the headphones incorrectly, noise canceling 

will not be effective. Adjust the earbud position to sit on 

your ears comfortably and fit your ears snugly.

Press and hold the  (power) button for about 2 
seconds.

Beeps sound from the headphones and the power 

indicator flashes.
Note

You may also hear a slight noise; however, this is 

operational noise of the Noise Canceling function and 

not a malfunction.

Press and hold the  (power) button for about 2 
seconds.

Beeps sound from the headphones and the power 

indicator lights up, and then the headphones turn off.



  You cannot hear sound from A/V equipment when the headphones are 

turned off.



  The headphones are designed to fit closely in your ears. If the 

headphones are pressed hard while in use or taken off too quickly, they 

may damage your eardrum or elsewhere.

You can check the remaining battery charge, by the number 

of beeps when you turn the headphones off. For details, refer 

to “Beep and indicator status”.

When the battery becomes empty, beeps sound from the 

headphones for 2 seconds and the power indicator flashes 

for 30 seconds. Then the headphones will turn off 

automatically.

Automatic AI Noise Canceling is a function that 

automatically selects one of the noise canceling modes.

When the headphones are turned on, NC mode B is set. 

This function provides very effective automatic noise 

canceling by constantly analyzing ambient sound.

The current noise canceling mode can be checked by the 

number of power indicator flashes. For details, refer to 

“Beep and indicator status”.

Noise mainly in an airplane is effectively reduced.

Noise mainly in a bus or a train is effectively reduced.

Noise mainly found in an office environment (PC, copier, air 

ventilation, etc.) is effectively reduced.
 Tip

Noise characteristics vary over time. 

The headphones automatically select the appropriate noise canceling 

mode for the situation.

(see fig. )

You can adjust the cord length by winding the cord onto the 

cord adjuster.

(The cord can be wound to the cord adjuster up to 40 cm. If 

you wind more, the cord comes off from the cord adjuster 

easily.)

Do not wind the plug or split section of the cord, as it will 

strain the cord and may cause a wire break.

(see fig. )
1 



  If you pull up the lever on the clip without holding the clip closed, or 

holding the clip closed but opening the lever too much, you cannot put 

the cord into the groove under the lever.



  Do not catch the cord on the projection of the clip or do not wedge it into 

the groove. It may damage the wires of the cord.



  Do not move the clip position with the cord attached. It may damage the 

wires of the cord.

  The supplied plug adaptor can be connected to the dual or 

stereo mini jacks of in-flight music services.

dual jacks

stereo mini jacks

  Do not use the headphones when use of electronic 

equipment is prohibited or when use of personal 

headphones for in-flight music services is prohibited.

  Take the headphones off when not in use.

(see fig. )

Bundle the cord before storing the headphones in the 

carrying case.

Full

3 times*

1



2 times*

1

Low

1 time*

1

Empty

1 long beep (2 seconds)*

2

*

1

  When turning the headphones OFF.

*

2

  The power indicator flashes for 30 seconds.

NC mode A

1 time per 5 seconds

NC mode B

2 times per 5 seconds

NC mode C

3 times per 5 seconds

Charging

On

Full

Off

Charging malfunction

Fast flashes

  Turn on the headphones.

  Check that the rechargeable battery is not depleted.

  Check the connection of the headphones and the A/V 

equipment.

  Check that the connected A/V equipment is turned on.

  Turn up the volume of the connected A/V equipment.

  Recharge the headphones. 

If the power does not turn on, even after charging the 

headphones, the rechargeable battery may be damaged. 

Consult your place of purchase or a Sony dealer in this 

case.

  The headphones cannot be turned on while charging. 

Unplug the headphones from the USB charge adaptor.

  Check the charging indicator lights up. 

Plug the headphones securely into the charging jack of the 

USB charge adaptor.

  Check that the USB charge adaptor and the computer are 

firmly connected.

  Check that the computer is turned on.

  Check that the computer is not in standby, sleep or 

hibernation mode.

  Check that the USB charge adaptor and the computer are 

directly connected; not via a USB hub.

  You may be using an adapter other than the 

recommended one. Use an USB AC adapter specified in 

“Recommended accessories”.

  If the charging indicator flashes, the headphones may be 

malfunctioning. Disconnect the unit from the connected 

device, and consult your place of purchase, or a Sony 

dealer.

  Check that the USB charge adaptor and the computer are 

firmly connected.

  Disconnect the USB charge adaptor from the computer 

and connect again.

  Check that the USB charge adaptor and the computer are 

directly connected; not via a USB hub.

  There may be a problem with the connected USB port of 

the computer. 

Connect to another USB port if it is available.

  Try the USB connection procedure again in cases other 

than those stated above.

  Turn down the volume of the connected A/V equipment.

  Recharge the headphones.

  The headphones cannot be turned on while charging. 

Unplug the headphones from the USB charge adaptor to 

operate.

  Recharge the headphones. 

If the power does not turn on, even after charging the 

headphones, the rechargeable battery may be damaged. 

Consult your place of purchase or a Sony dealer in this 

case.

Type: 

Closed, Balanced Armature

Driver units: 

Balanced Armature

Power handling capacity: 

 

50 mW

Impedance:  

820 Ω (at 1 kHz)

Sensitivity:  

106 dB*

1

Frequency response: 5 Hz – 20,000 Hz

Total Noise Suppression Ratio*

2

: 

 

Approx. 16 dB*

3

Cord:  

Approx. 1.5 m (59 

1

/

8

 in) OFC Litz cord, neck-chain

Plug:  

Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug

Power source:  

Built-in nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery

Mass:  

Approx. 6 g (0.22 oz) (without cord)

Headphones (1)

USB charge adaptor (1)

Plug adaptor for in-flight use*

4

 (single/dual) (1)

Noise Isolation Earbuds (S × 2, M × 2, L × 2)

Cord adjuster (1)

Clip (1)

Carrying case (1)

Operating Instructions (1)

Warranty card (1)
Recommended accessories (sold separately)*

USB Charging AC Power Adaptor: AC-U501AD

Built-in Battery USB AC Charger:  AC-UP100

*

1

  150 mV input

*

2

  Under the Sony measurement standard.

*

3

  Equivalent to approx. 97.5 % reduction of energy of sound 

compared with not wearing headphones.

*

4

  May not be compatible with some in-flight music services.

*

5

  Availability depends on the country.

Personal Computer with pre-installed with any of the 

following operating systems and USB port:

  When using Windows®

 Windows® 7  

(Home Premium / Professional / Ultimate / Starter) 

(including 64 bit version)

 Windows Vista® (Service Pack 2 or later) 

(Home Basic / Home Premium / Business / Ultimate) 

(including 64 bit version)

 Windows® XP (Service Pack 3 or later) 

(Home Edition / Professional / Media Center Edition 

2004 / Media Center Edition 2005)

  When using Macintosh

 Mac OS X (version.10.5 or later)

Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks or 

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or 

other countries.

Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the 

U.S. and other countries.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The headphones contain a noise canceling circuit.

The noise canceling circuit actually senses outside noise 

with built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite 

canceling signal to the headphones.

  The noise canceling effect may not be pronounced in a 

very quiet environment, or some noise may be heard.

  Do not cover the microphones of the headphones with 

your hands. The noise canceling function may not work 

properly.

  The noise canceling effect may vary depending on how 

you wear the headphones.

  The noise canceling function works for noise in the low 

frequency band primarily. Although noise is reduced, it is 

not canceled completely.

  When you use the headphones in a train or a car, noise 

may occur depending on street conditions.

  Mobile phones may cause interference and noise. Should 

this occur, locate the headphones further away from the 

mobile phone.

  Clean the headphones with a soft dry cloth.

  Do not leave the jack plug dirty otherwise the sound may 

be distorted.

  Be sure to bring the headphones to a Sony dealer when 

requiring a change of earbuds or repair work.

  Do not leave the headphones in a location subject to 

direct sunlight, heat or moisture.

  Do not subject the headphones to excessive shock.

  The earbuds will need to be replaced from time to time. If 

they are worn out by daily use or longtime storage, replace 

them with new ones.

  If you fell drowsy or sick while using these headphones, 

stop use immediately.

  The headphones are designed to fit closely in your ears. If 

the headphones are pressed hard while in use, they may 

damage your eardrum or elsewhere. Do not use the 

headphones in a crowd or a place where a ball, etc., may 

hit you.

  Install the earbuds firmly onto the headphones. If an 

earbud accidentally detaches and is left in your ear, it may 

cause injury.

  Store the earbuds where children cannot reach in order to 

prevent from accidental ingestion or choking.

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.

As headphones reduce outside sounds, they may cause a 

traffic accident. Also, avoid listening with your headphones 

in situations where hearing must not be impaired, for 

example, a railroad crossing, a construction site, etc.

In particularly dry air conditions, noise or sound skipping 

may occur, or mild tingling may be felt on your ears. This is 

a result of static electricity accumulated in the body, and not 

a malfunction of the headphones.

The effect can be minimized by wearing clothes made from 

natural materials.

If you have any questions or problems concerning the 

system that are not covered in this manual, please consult 

your nearest Sony dealer.