Sony MDR-10RDC Manual

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).
The 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.

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

The AI Noise Canceling function analyzes environmental 
ambient sound components and automatically selects the 
most effective noise canceling mode.
When you press the AINC button while the POWER switch 
is set to “ON,” beep sounds and the headphones start the 
analysis. During the analysis (approx. 3 seconds), the POWER 
indicator blinks, and the volume level is reduced from the 
headphones.
When the analysis is completed, the most effective noise 
canceling mode is selected and the volume level is revert to 
the previous level.

NC Mode A:  Noise mainly in an airplane is effectively 

reduced.

NC Mode B:  Noise mainly in a bus or a train is effectively 

reduced.

NC Mode C:  Noise mainly found in an office environment 

(PC, copier, air ventilation, etc.) is effectively 
reduced.

 

– When the headphones are turned on, NC Mode A is set.

 

– Press the AINC button again to reset the noise canceling 

mode if ambient noise has changed, such as when you 
move outdoors from a room.

Power off

No beep

Lights off

Power on

Beep once

Lights on

AINC

Beep twice

Blinks twice

Low battery

Long beep 
(2 seconds)

Blinks quickly  
(30 seconds)

The noise canceling circuit actually senses outside noise 
with built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite 
canceling signal to the headphones.

 

– Adjust the earpads so that they cover your ears, otherwise 

noise canceling will not function properly.

 

– The noise canceling effect may vary depending on how 

you wear the headphones.

 

– Do not cover the microphone of the headphones with 

your hands. The noise canceling function may not work 
properly.

Microphone

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.

 

– The noise canceling function works for noise in the low 

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

 

– The noise canceling effect may not be pronounced in a 

very quiet environment, or some noise may be heard.

 

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

may occur depending on street conditions.

 

– Howling may occur if you do not wear the headphones 

correctly.

 

– Howling may occur if you place an object such as finger 

close to inside of the headphones. Keep it away from the 
headphones.

 

– Mobile phones may cause interference and noise. Should 

this occur, locate the headphones further away from the 
mobile phone.

Do not use the headphones when use of electronic 
equipment is prohibited or when use of personal 
headphones for in-flight entertainment services is 
prohibited.

 

– To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug, not the 

cord. Otherwise the cord may break.

 

– When connecting the cord, make sure to fully insert the 

plug. If the plug is not fully inserted, no sound may result.

 

– Because of the difference in pin configuration of four-

conductor stereo mini plugs, some smartphones cannot 
be used with the headphones.

 

– Because the headphones are designed to fit closely in your 

ears, forcing them against your ears may result in eardrum 
damage. Avoid using the headphones where they are 
liable to be struck by people or other objects, such as a 
ball, etc.

 

– Pressing the headphones against your ears may produce a 

diaphragm click sound. This is not a malfunction.

 

– Clean the headphones with a soft dry cloth.

 

– Do not leave the plug dirty otherwise the sound may be 

distorted.

 

– Be sure to consult a Sony dealer when the earpads 

become dirty or damaged, or when the headphones 
require 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.

 

– If you feel drowsy or sick while using this headphones, 

stop use immediately.

High volume may affect your hearing. For traffic 
safety, do not use while driving or cycling.

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 
the nearest Sony dealer.

 

– Replace the battery with a new one.

You can use the headphones even without turning on the 

power. In this case, the noise canceling function, Digital 

Equalizer and S-Master are not active, and the headphones 

operate as passive headphones.

 

– Check the connection of the headphones and the 

equipment.

 

– Check that the connected equipment is turned on.

 

– Turn up the volume of the connected equipment.

 

– The noise canceling function is effective in low frequency 

ranges such as airplanes, trains, or offices (near air-

conditioning, etc.) and is not as effective for higher 

frequencies, such as human voices.

 

– Turn on the headphones.

 

– Turn down the volume of the connected equipment.

 

– Check if the battery has expired (the POWER indicator 

lights off) and the battery is inserted in the correct 

orientation. Replace the battery with a new one or reinsert 
the battery in the correct orientation.

 

– Set the POWER switch of the headphones to “OFF”, 

confirm the connections, and then set the POWER switch 
back to “ON”.

 

– Digital noise canceling headphones with Sony’s unique 

DNC software Engine and Dual Noise Sensor Technology:

High precision canceling signal generated by digital signal 

processing and microphones located both inside and 

outside the housings enables outstanding noise canceling 

performance.

 

– 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 and full digital S-Master amplifier : 

Delivers ideal frequency response and high-quality music 

reproduction with full digital processing.

 

– Enfolding structure : Pressure-relieving cushions, tailored 

for the ears, provide a wrap-around feel with acoustic 

sealing to deliver powerful lows.

 

– Lasting comfort : The lightweight and super soft cushions 

allow for comfortable wearing over a long time.

 

– Detachable cord : 3.5 mm connecting cord

–

Type 

Closed, dynamic

Driver units 

40 mm, dome type (CCAW adopted)

Power handling capacity
 

100 mW

Impedance 

50 Ω at 1 kHz (when the power is on)

 

24 Ω at 1 kHz (when the power is off)

Sensitivity 

101 dB/mW (when the power is on)

 

100 dB/mW (when the power is off)

Frequency response
 

6 Hz – 24,000 Hz

Total Noise Suppression Ratio 

1)

 

Approx. 22 dB 

2)

Power source 

DC 1.5 V, 1 × LR03 (size AAA) battery

Mass 

Approx. 205 g (7.3 oz) including battery, 
not including cord

Sony alkaline battery 
LR03 SIZE AAA

20 hours 

4)

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 blinks quickly or lights off.

Headphones (1)

Connecting cord (1.5 m (59 1/8 in), gold plated L-shaped 

stereo mini plug) (1)

AAA battery (1)

Plug adaptor for in-flight use 

5)

 (1)

Carrying case (1)

Operating Instructions (1)

Warranty card (USA) (1)

Warranty card (Canada) (1)

1)

 Under the Sony measurement standard.

2)

 Equivalent to approx. 99.4% reduction of energy of sound 

compared with not wearing headphones.

3)

 At 1 kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output

4)

 Time stated above may vary, depending on the 

temperature or conditions of use.

5)

 May not be compatible with some in-flight entertainment 

services.

Design and specifications are subject to change without 

notice.

Noise Canceling 

Headphones

Operating Instructions

Manual de instrucciones

MDR-10RDC

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4

Turn off the power of the headphones.

Apague los auriculares.

 indication

Indicación 

 indication

Indicación 

Tactile dot (on the left)
Punto táctil (a la izquierda)

Connecting cord
Cable conector

Digital music player, etc.
Reproductor digital, etc.

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© 2013 Sony Corporation   Printed in USA