Sony MDR-NC33 User Manual

MDR-NC33

4-144-623-21 (1)

© 2009   Sony Corporation     Printed in Malaysia

Noise Canceling
Headphones

Operating Instructions
Manual de instrucciones

(1)

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.

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

The validity of the CE marking is restricted to only 
those countries where it is legally enforced, mainly in 
the countries EEA (European Economic Area).

•  Noise canceling headphones reduce unwanted ambient 

noise, providing a quieter environment to enhance 
your listening experience. A microphone inside each 
earpiece works with an electronic circuit to create an 
opposite sound wave to cancel out the noise

•  Noise canceling headphones reduce approx. 90% of 

ambient noise by the electronic circuit (under the Sony 
measurement standard)

•  Closed type vertical in-the-ear headphones for 

excellent wearing comfort and secure fi tting

•  Hybrid silicone earbuds for secure fi tting and long-

term wearing comfort

•  Built-in monitor function lets you minimize the audio 

to listen to outside

•  Long battery life-approx. 100 hours with AAA 

alkaline battery 

•  Dual-use capability allows option to listen to music 

with or without noise cancellation

•  Supplied plug adaptor for easy connectivity to stereo 

or dual jack for in-fl ight music services

  Push and slide the battery lid on the rear of 

the battery box fully, and open.
Before opening the battery lid, check that the 
claws of the lid are seen.

 

m

 

  Insert one R03 (size AAA) battery in the 

battery compartment. Observe the correct 
polarity when installing battery.

 

Insert the E end 
fi rst.

  Align the battery lid with the battery box 

correctly, then slide to close the battery lid.

 
Battery life

Sony alkaline battery 
LR03 SIZE AAA

100 hours*

2

Sony manganese battery 
R03 SIZE AAA

50 hours*

2

*

1

  1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output

*

2

   Time stated above may vary, depending on the temperature 

or conditions of use.

The supplied battery was included in the package during 
manufacturing (as a convenience to the user), it is possible 
that the battery life may be depleted by the time of purchase. 
The actual life of the supplied battery may be shorter than the 
standard time described in this manual when using a fresh 
battery.

Replace the battery with a new one when the POWER 
indicator fl ashes or lights off.

The noise canceling feature may not work correctly if battery 
power is low.

If the earbuds do not fi t 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 earbuds position to 
fi t your ears comfortably and snugly.
The M size earbuds are attached to the headphones 
before shipment. If you feel the M size earbuds do 
not suit your ears, replace them with the supplied S 
or L size earbuds. Confi rm the size of the earbuds by 
checking color inside. When you change the earbuds, 
turn to install them fi rmly on the headphones to prevent 
the earbud from detaching and remaining in your ear. 

L

S

M

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

z

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

Twist and push the inside parts of the earbud into the 
headphone until the projecting part of the headphone is 
fully covered.

  Connect the headphones to the AV equipment.

*  “WALKMAN” and “WALKMAN” logo are registered 

trademarks of Sony Corporation.

  Wear the headphones marked R in your right 

ear and the one marked L in your left ear. 
Push the earbud into your ear carefully so that 
the earbud fi ts the hole of your ear snugly.

Be sure the earbuds fi t your ears correctly, otherwise noise 
canceling will not function properly.
Adjust the earbuds position to sit on your ear comfortably 
so that they fi t your ears snugly. You may hear a rubbing 
sound when you wear the headphones. This is not a 
malfunction. 

  Turn on the power of the headphones.

 

The POWER indicator lights in red. When 
power is turned on, ambient noise is reduced, 
and you can listen to music more clearly at a 
lower volume.

  Turn on the power of the AV equipment.

Hold down the MONITOR button when the power is 
turned on. 
The audio is minimized and you can hear the 
surrounding environment. 
Release the MONITOR button to enjoy the noise 
canceling function again.

•  The supplied plug adaptor can be connected to the 

dual or stereo mini jacks of in-fl ight music services.

•  Do not use the headphones when use of electronic 

equipment is prohibited or when use of personal 
headphones for in-fl ight music services is prohibited.

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

Turn off the power of the headphones.

•  The noise canceling function is only effective for noise in 

the low frequency band. Although noise is reduced, it is not 
canceled completely.

•  Do not cover the microphone of the headphones with your 

hands. The noise canceling function may not work properly.

•  The noise canceling function may not work properly unless 

the headphones are put on fi rmly.

•  You can use the headphones even without turning on the 

power. In this case, the noise canceling function is not active, 
and the headphones operate as passive headphones.

•  After you turn on the power of the headphones, you may hear 

a slight hiss. This is the operating sound of the noise canceling 
function, not a malfunction.

•  In a quiet place, or depending on certain noises, you may 

feel that the noise canceling function is not effective, or that 
noise is accentuated. In this case, turn off the power of the 
headphones.

•  Interference noise can occur from nearby cellular phones. 

Should this occur, locate the headphones further away from 
the cellular phone(s).

You can fasten the battery box by its clip on a shirt 
pocket.

You can adjust the cord length by winding the cord on 
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.) 

  Wind the cord.

  Push cord into slot hole to secure in place.

The headphones and the battery box can also be separately 
stored in the partitioned carrying pouch (supplied).

•  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 the 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.
•  Handle the driver units carefully.
•  To clean the earbuds, fi rst remove them from the 

headphones, and then clean them with water and mild 
detergent. After cleaning, dry each earbud carefully 
before use.

•  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.

•  Install the earbuds fi rmly onto the headphones. If an 

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

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 traffi c 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, 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. 

•  Check the connection of the headphones and the AV 

equipment.

•  Check that the connected AV equipment is turned on.
•  Turn up the volume of the connected AV equipment.

•  Check if the battery has expired (the POWER 

indicator lights off). Replace the battery with a new 
one.

General
Type Dynamic, 

closed

Driver units 

13.5 mm, dome type (CCAW adopted)

Power handling capacity

50 mW

Impedance 16 

Ω at 1 kHz 

(when the power is on)
16 

Ω at 1 kHz 

(when the power is off)

Sensitivity 

98 dB/mW (when the power is on)
99 dB/mW (when the power is off)

Frequency response 

10 – 22,000 Hz

Total Noise Suppression Ratio*

1

 

Approx. 10 dB*

2

Cord 

Approx. 1.5 m (59 

1

/

8

 in) OFC Litz cord, 

neck-chain (including battery box)

Plug 

Gold-plated L type stereo mini plug

Power source 

DC 1.5 V, 1 

× R03 (size AAA) battery 

Mass 

Approx. 7 g (0.3 oz) headphones (not 
including cord)

 

Approx.19 g (0.7 oz) battery box 
(including battery, not including cord) 

Supplied accessories
Sony R03 (size AAA) battery (1)
Earbuds (S 

× 2, M × 2, L × 2) 

Carrying pouch (1)
Plug adaptor for in-fl ight use*

3

 (single/dual) (1)

Cord adjuster (1)
Operating Instructions (1)
Warranty card (1)

*

1

  Under the Sony measurement standard.

*

2

  Equivalent to approx. 90% reduction of energy of sound 

compared with not wearing headphones.

*

3

  May not be compatible with some in-fl ight music services.

Design and specifi cations are subject to change without notice.