MERLIN 232 - Headphones AKG - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Wireless headphone system
Brand	AKG
Model	MERLIN 232
Components	Transmitter MERLIN T 232, Headphone MERLIN K 232, Charger, Carrying case
Modulation	FM
Carrier frequency band	864 MHz (LPD) or 916 MHz
Switchable carriers	3 (FREQ 1/2/3)
Transmitter power supply	1 NiMH rechargeable battery 1.2 V AAA (650 mAh) or 1.5 V AAA alkaline battery
Headphone power supply	2 NiMH rechargeable batteries 1.2 V AAA (600 mAh) or 1.5 V AAA alkaline batteries
Transmitter battery life	Approx. 5 hours (with NiMH rechargeable battery)
Headphone battery life	Approx. 20 hours (with NiMH rechargeable batteries)
Maximum range (free field)	864 MHz: 80 m / 916 MHz: 25 m
Audio bandwidth	20 Hz - 22 000 Hz
Max. sound pressure level	~103 dB SPL
Distortion	< 1%
Headphone design	Semi-open dynamic
Transmitter weight	Approx. 37 g
Headphone weight (with batteries)	Approx. 172 g
Maintenance and cleaning	Damp cloth, no solvents or alcohol
Safety	Do not use while driving, risk of hearing damage at high volume
Spare parts / repairability	Batteries and cells replaceable by user; other repairs by qualified technician
Included accessories	Transmitter, headphone, charger, jack adapter, carrying case, hook-and-loop strap, information sheet

Frequently Asked Questions - MERLIN 232 AKG

How to charge the batteries of the MERLIN 232 headphone?

Plug the charger into the headphone's charging base (2.5 mm coaxial socket) and then into the mains. The indicator LED lights up red or yellow during charging. Allow approximately 10 hours for a full charge. Then unplug the charger.

What to do if the headphone produces no sound?

Check that the transmitter is turned on and connected to an audio source, that the headphone volume is not at zero, that the batteries are charged and properly inserted. Use the Autotuning function by pressing the corresponding button on the headphone.

How to change the transmission frequency?

On the transmitter, move the OFF/FREQ switch to one of the three positions (1, 2 or 3). Then on the headphone, press the Autotuning button to synchronize reception.

Can I use alkaline batteries instead of rechargeable batteries?

Yes, you can use AAA 1.5 V alkaline batteries. Caution: do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries with the supplied charger.

How to fold the headphone for storage?

Fold down the left earcup first, then the right earcup. The headphone folds flat for easy storage in the provided carrying case.

What is the maximum range of the system?

In free field, the range can reach 80 meters on the 864 MHz band and 25 meters on the 916 MHz band. Obstacles (walls, bodies) reduce the range.

How to clean the transmitter and headphone?

Use a damp (not wet) cloth for plastic surfaces. Never use alcohol, solvents, or abrasive products. For the cable, a Cockpit brand aerosol product can be used.

What does the green flashing of the headphone LED mean?

Green flashing indicates that the batteries are almost exhausted and need to be recharged. Recharge the batteries as soon as possible.

Can I use the system in a car?

It is not recommended to use the headphone while driving for safety reasons. Observe local regulations regarding headphone use while driving.

How to replace the batteries of the headphone?

Turn the left earcup a quarter turn counterclockwise to open it. Remove the used batteries and insert new ones, observing polarity. Close the earcup by turning clockwise until it clicks.

USER MANUAL MERLIN 232 AKG

User Instructions . p. 9

Please read the manual before using the equipment!

FCC Statement (916 MHz version)

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 the 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.

Shielded cables and I/O cords must be used for this equipment to comply with the relevant FCC regulations.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved in writing by AKG Acoustics may void the user's 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.

1 Safety and Environment

1.1 Safety

1. Operate the headphones with two AAA size 1.2 V rechargeable (supplied) or two 1.5 V dry batteries only.
2. Operate the transmitter with one AAA size 1.2V rechargeable (supplied) or one 1.5V dry battery only.
3. Never try to charge dry batteries using the charger.
4. Before charging batteries, always make sure that the batteries inside the transmitter or headphones are rechargeable types and use the supplied charger only.
5. Never try to open the headphone or transmitter case. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel only.

6. Always switch the headphones and transmitter OFF after use.

7. Never use petroleum-based cleaners or paint thinners to clean the headphones or transmitter.

8. Never place the transmitter near heat sources such as radiators or electric heaters or expose it to direct sunlight, excessive dust, humidity, rain, temperatures below freezing, or impacts.
9. Do not use the equipment for any applications other than those described in this manual. AKG cannot accept any liability for damages resulting from improper handling or misuse.

1.2 Environment

1. Be sure to dispose of used batteries as required by local waste disposal rules. Never throw batteries into a fire (risk of explosion) or household garbage can.
2. When scrapping the equipment, remove the batteries, separate the case, circuit boards, and cables, and dispose of all components in accordance with local waste disposal rules.
3. The packaging of the equipment is recyclable. To dispose of the packaging, make sure to use a collection/recycling system provided for that purpose and observe local legislation relating to waste disposal and recycling.

2 Description

2.1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing an AKG product. This manual contains important instructions for setting up and operating your equipment. Please take a few minutes to read the instructions below carefully before operating the equipment. Please keep the manual for future reference. Have fun and enjoy many hours of perfect sound with your new portable headphone system!

2.2 Unpacking

MERLIN T 232 transmitter with stereo mini jack plug

Mini to 1/4" stereo adapter

1 NiMH AAA size rechargeable battery for the transmitter

MERLIN K 232 headphones with integrated receiver

2 NiMH AAA size rechargeable batteries inside the headphones

Charger (6 VDC, 100 mA)

Neoprene bag

Velcro strip

Information sheet with access code for MERLIN Internet Bar Warranty card

If any of these components is missing, contact your AKG dealer immediately.

2.3 Transmitter (Fig. 1)

1 OFF/FREQ: This slide switch provides four positions: OFF: Power to the transmitter is off.

FREQ 1 - 2- 3: Power to the transmitter is on and the transmitter is tuned to one of three selectable carrier frequencies ("1", "2", or "3") within the 864 MHz band.

2 Status LED: This tricolor LED indicates the following operating modes of the transmitter:

Green: The transmitter is on and audio signal is present at the input. The charging function is inactive.

Yellow: The transmitter is on and audio signal is present at the input. The battery is being charged.

Red: a) The transmitter is on and no audio signal is present at the input. The battery is being charged.

b) The transmitter is off and the battery is being charged.

Flashing green: The battery will be dead in about 60 minutes.

Dark: a) The transmitter is on and no audio signal is present at the input. The charging function is inactive.

b) Power to the transmitter is off (the OFF/FREQ selector (1) is at "OFF") and the charging function is inactive. The transmitter will not switch on even if audio signal is fed to the input.

c) The battery is dead.

Note:

If you switch the transmitter on, the status LED (2) will always be lit green or yellow for several minutes and then extinguish or change to red, depending on the current operating mode.

3 INPUT LEVEL: This slide switch lets you match the input gain of the transmitter to the audio output level of the device to which you have connected your transmitter.
4 Level meter LED: This LED will flash green in step with the audio signal to indicate the transmitter input gain optimally matches the level of the audio signal fed to the transmitter.
If the LED flashes green only rarely or does not illuminate at all the input gain is too low.
If the LED is lit red, the input gain is too high and the sound will be distorted.
5 Stereo connector: The integrated mini jack plug allows you to connect the transmitter directly to any audio output on a stereo mini jack (Walkman, MD recorder, MP3 player, stereo system, TV set, computer, etc.)
6 Stereo adapter: The supplied mini to 1 / 4'' stereo adapter allows you to connect the transmitter to a 1 / 4'' headphone output jack.
7 Charging socket: 0.1 in. coaxial socket for connecting the charging cable of the charger.
8 Battery compartment for the supplied 1.2 V NiMH rechargeable battery.

2.4 Headphones (Fig. 2)

9 Folding arches

10 On/off switch

11 Status LED: This tricolor LED indicates the following operating modes:

Green: Power to the headphones is on, the charging function is inactive.

Yellow: Power to the headphones is on, the batteries are being charged.

Red: Power to the headphones is off, the batteries are being charged.

Flickering green: The batteries are nearly dead.

Dark: a) The batteries are dead or inserted the wrong way.
b) The headphones are off and the batteries are not being charged.

12 Battery compartments (beneath detachable ear pad): As delivered, the battery compartments contain two 1.2 V NiMH rechargeable batteries.
13 VOLUME: Sets the loudness level of the headphones.
14 AUTOTUNING: This switch activates the Autotuning function.
15 Charging socket: 0.1 in. coaxial socket for connecting the charging cable of the charger.

2.5 Charger (Fig. 3)

16 Charger: The supplied charger (6 VDC, 100 mA) lets you charge the battery inside the transmitter or the batteries inside the headphones.

17 Charging cable

18 0.1 in. coaxial connector matching the charging sockets on the transmitter and headphones.

3 Setting Up

3.1 Charging Batteries

In order to ensure the longest possible service life for the rechargeable batteries, we deliver them uncharged. Therefore, charge the supplied batteries before first operating your headphones system.

Important!

If you operate the transmitter or headphones on dry batteries, never try to recharge these batteries. This would cause serious damage to your transmitter or headphones. Dispose of dead batteries conforming to local waste disposal rules.

• Do not use any charger other than the charger supplied with your headphone system! Using other types of chargers or AC adapters may damage the transmitter and/or headphones.

3.1.1 Charging the Battery inside the Transmitter

1. Open the battery compartment (8).

2. Insert the supplied rechargeable battery into the battery compartment (8) so that the positive contact points at the connector (5). (If you insert the battery the wrong way, the battery will not be charged.)

3. Close the battery compartment (8).

4. Plug the charging cable (17) into the charging socket (7) on the transmitter.

5. Check that the AC voltage stated on the charger is the same as that available where you are going to use the charger. If it is, connect the charger (16) to a convenient AC outlet.

The status LED (2) will be lit red or yellow to indicate the battery inside the transmitter is being charged.

The battery will be fully charged after approximately 10 hours. (If the Status LED (2) was lit red, it will go out. If it was lit yellow it will change to green.)

1. Unplug the charging cable (17) from the transmitter and disconnect the charger (16) from the power outlet. (The charging current is very low, so the transmitter or battery will not be damaged even if you forget to unplug the charging cable.)

3.1.2 Charging the Batteries inside the Headphones

1. Pull the protective foil out of the earphone in a straight line to establish electrical contact between the batteries and the electronics of the headphones.
2. Plug the charging cable (17) into the charging socket (15) on the headphones.

3. Check that the AC voltage stated on the charger is the

same as that available where you are going to use the charger. If it is, connect the charger (16) to a convenient AC outlet.

The Status LED (11) will be lit red or yellow to indicate the batteries inside the headphones are being charged.

The batteries will be fully charged after approximately 10 hours. (The Status LED (11) will go out or change to green.)

1. Unplug the charging cable (17) from the headphones and disconnect the charger (16) from the power outlet. (The charging current is very low, so the headphones or batteries will not be damaged even if you forget to unplug the charging cable.)

3.1.3 Discharging Batteries

In order to maintain full battery capacity for as long as possible, discharge the batteries completely about once a month:

1. Switch the transmitter or headphones on and leave it/ them on the shelf until the status LED goes out.
2. Recharge the battery/batteries.

3.2 Replacing Batteries

The capacity of any rechargeable battery will decrease over time. If you feel that you need to recharge the supplied batteries more often than would be convenient, you may consider replacing the batteries with new AAA size 1.2 V rechargeable or 1.5 V alkaline dry batteries.

3.2.1 Transmitter (Fig. 4)

1. Open the battery compartment (8).
2. Remove the dead battery.

The battery is seated relatively firmly inside the battery compartment. The easiest way to remove the battery is to grasp it at the positive pole.

1. Insert the new battery into the battery compartment (8), making sure the positive end of the battery will point toward the connector (5). (If you insert the battery the other way round, the transmitter will not be powered.)
2. Close the battery compartment (8).

3.2.2 Headphones (Fig. 5)

1. Rotate the ear pad on the left-hand earphone through approximately 10^ CCW to unlock the bayonet mount and remove the ear pad.
2. Remove the dead batteries.
3. Insert the new batteries aligning them with the polarity marks inside the battery compartments (12).
4. Replace the ear pad on the earphone and rotate the ear pad through approximately 10^ CW to lock the ear pad.

3.3 Connecting the Transmitter (Fig. 6)

Note:

• Do not connect the transmitter to a portable radio that uses the headphone cable as an antenna. Since the connecting cable of the transmitter is very short, the receiver will be unable to receive a signal.

• If you connect the transmitter to a personal stereo with an integrated radio, you can use the MERLIN 232 to listen to cassette tapes only.

• Check what type of headphone output your audio source (portable stereo, DVD player, MD recorder, MP3 player, stereo system, TV set, computer, etc.) provides.

• If your headphone output is a mini jack, you can connect the transmitter directly to it.
• If the headphone output on your audio source is a 1/4" jack, plug the connector (5) on the transmitter into the supplied adapter (6). Plug the adapter (6) into the headphone jack.

3.3.1 Attaching the Transmitter to the Audio Source (Fig. 7)

The supplied Velcro strips allow you to attach the transmitter to your audio source and remove it whenever you like.

1. Remove the backing from one of the Velcro strips and stick the Velcro strip on the transmitter rear panel.
2. Stick the other Velcro strip on your audio source.

3.4 Powering Up

1. Switch power to your audio source ON.
2. Set the OFF/FREQ selector (1) to "FREQ 1", "2", or "3" to switch power to the transmitter on and select one of three different carrier frequencies (refer to fig. 1).

The status LED (2) will be lit green for as long as audio signal is present at the transmitter input. If no signal arrives at the transmitter input for about three minutes, the transmitter will switch off automatically and the status LED (2) will go out.

1. Set the three-stage INPUT LEVEL selector (3) on the transmitter to a position where the level meter LED (4) will flash green in step with the audio signal.

If the level meter LED (4) remains dark or flashes green only rarely, set INPUT LEVEL (3) to a higher setting or turn up the output level on your audio source.

If the level meter LED (4) illuminates in red, set INPUT LEVEL (3) to a lower setting or reduce the output level on your audio source.

1. Unfold the headphone arches, referring to fig. 8.
2. Press the on/off switch (10) to switch power to the headphones ON. The status LED (11) will be lit green.
3. Press the AUTOTUNING switch (14) on the headphones. The Autotuning function will automatically tune the receiver to the carrier frequency set on the transmitter. After a few seconds, you should hear the signal in the headphones clearly and free of interference.

If your first try fails, set the OFF/FREQ selector (1) on the transmitter to a different position and press AUTOTUNING (14) again.

OFF/FREQ (1) lets you select one of three different carrier frequencies.

1. Set the VOLUME control (13) on the headphones to the desired volume level.

Note:

If the transmitter signal is disturbed, e.g., by reflections (multipath reception) or shadow effects, the headphones will automatically mute.

Note:

When the batteries are almost dead, reception will deteriorate (increased noise). Charge the batteries.

3.4.1 Stationary Operation

You can also use the supplied charger to power the transmitter.

Refer to section 3.3.

1. Make sure a rechargeable battery is inserted in the transmitter and check that the battery is correctly aligned with the "+" and "-" marks inside the battery compartment.

If you insert no battery or insert the battery the wrong way, the transmitter will not be powered.

1. Connect the transmitter to the desired audio source.
2. Connect the transmitter to the charger and plug the charger into a convenient power outlet.
3. Switch the audio source and the transmitter ON. The status LED (2) will be lit green if the battery is fully charged and yellow as long as the battery is being charged.

Note:

• The charger does not power the transmitter directly but charges the battery that will then feed the operating voltage to the transmitter.
• Depending on how deeply the battery is discharged, it may therefore take 2 to 15 minutes before the battery voltage is high enough to power the transmitter.

4 Operating Notes

4.1 Important Notes

1. To avoid being distracted from driving or jeopardizing the safety of other road users never use headphones while driving or cycling.
2. Using headphones at high volume levels, particularly over extended periods of time, may damage your hearing.
3. Operating switches on your stereo system or connecting the transmitter to your audio source may cause clicks which at high volume settings may affect your hearing. Therefore, be sure to set the VOLUME control on the headphones to minimum before switching between different sources (tuner, turntable, DVD/CD player, etc.) or connecting the transmitter.
4. Your MERLIN is a radio frequency device that conforms to the strict European standards. For physical reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the product, extremely strong interference sources may affect reception.
5. Interference caused by other users of the same frequency band is beyond AKG's control.
6. If you wear the transmitter on your body, reception quality may be affected by signal absorption by your body. Place the transmitter nearer the headphones and make sure there are no obstacles between the transmitter and headphones.
7. The transmitter and headphones are not splash-proof. Should the transmitters or headphones become wet, remove the battery/batteries and allow the transmitter/headphones to dry for a day in a warm, dry place. Do not use the transmitter/headphone before it has dried completely. Moisture inside the device may cause short-circuits.

4.2 Folding the Headphones (Fig. 8)

1. Move the left-hand earphone toward the opposite swivel joint.
2. Move the right-hand earphone toward the opposite swivel joint.

4.3 Neoprene Bag (Fig. 9)

The supplied Neoprene bag has two compartments: a larger one for the headphones and a smaller one for the transmitter.

1. Put the transmitter and headphones into the bag.
2. Close the protective flap.

Although the bag protects the transmitter and headphones from moisture to some extent, do not expose the bag directly to rain or spray. (See also section 4.1 Important Notes.)

1. You can fix the bag on your belt by pulling the belt through the loop (arrow) on the back of the bag.

4.4 Transmitter Decoration (Fig. 10)

To decorate the transmitter with a specific pattern, you can replace the printed insert beneath the clear plastic cover with a different insert of your own choice.

You can download and print out various patterns from www.agens.com/merlin or use your own designs.

1. Use a pointed object to lift the clear plastic cover at the cable end of the transmitter.
2. Remove the insert.
3. Place your new insert beneath the cover.
4. To close the cover, press it down against the transmitter to the point that the cover clicks shut.

5 Cleaning

• To clean the plastic surfaces of the equipment, use a cloth moistened (not wet!) with water.

Important!

Never use caustic or scouring cleaners or cleaning agents containing alcohol or solvents since these may damage enamel or plastic parts.

• Use commercial cockpit spray to clean the transmitter cable. The spray also gives the cable a pleasant sheen.

6 Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Remedy
No sound.	1. Transmitter is not connected to audio source. 2. Connected audio source is switched off. 3. Volume control on audio source is at zero. 4. Battery inside the transmitter and/or batteries inside the headphones are dead. 5. Transmitter and or headphones are switched off. 6. VOLUME control on headphones is at zero.	1. Connect transmitter to audio source. 2. Switch audio source on to feed signal to transmitter input. 3. Set audio source volume to desired level. 4. Charge batteries. 5. Switch transmitter and/or headphones on. 6. Set VOLUME control to desired level.
Status LED on transmitter/ headphones is not lit.	1. Power to transmitter/headphones is OFF. 2. Batteries are not correctly aligned with polarity marks. 3. Battery/batteries dead.	1. Switch power to transmitter/headphones ON. 2. Check orientation of batteries in battery compartments. 3. Charge battery/batteries.
Status LED on transmitter is not lit.	• Audio source is OFF.	• Switch audio source ON.
Mono sound on headphones.	1. Connected audio source operates in mono mode. 2. Transmitter is connected to mono output.	1. Switch audio source to stereo mode. 2. Connect transmitter to stereo output (if available).
Loud noise.	1. Transmitter and receiving frequencies are not identical. 2. Audio level at transmitter input is too low. 3. Input signal is noisy. 4. Battery/batteries dead. 5. Transmitter position.	1. Press AUTOTUNING switch on headphones or use OFF/FREQ selector to select different carrier frequency and press AUTOTUNING on headphones. 2. Use INPUT LEVEL selector to increase input gain, or turn up audio source volume. 3. Check audio source. 4. Charge battery/batteries. 5. Relocate transmitter (if possible).
Distorted sound.	1. Audio level at transmitter input is too high. 2. Transmitter and headphone carrier frequencies do not match. 3. Battery/batteries dead.	1. Use INPUT LEVEL selector to reduce transmitter input gain, or decrease audio source volume. 2. Use OFF/FREQ selector on trans-mitter to select different carrier frequency and press AUTOTUNING switch on headphones. 3. Charge battery/batteries.

7 Specifications

7.1 System Performance

Modulation:	FM
Carrier frequency band:	864 MHz (LPD band) or 916 MHz
Selectable carrier frequencies:	FREQ 1: 863.5 MHz/915.5 MHz
	FREQ 2: 864.0 MHz/916.0 MHz
	FREQ 3: 864.5 MHz/916.5 MHz

72 MERLIN T 232 Transmitter

Power supply:	1.5 VDC, ≥650 mA (1 x 1.2 V, 650 mAh AAA size NiMH rechargeable battery supplied)
Radiation angle:	approx. 360°
Max. radiated power:	10 mW ERP (Equivalent Radiated Power)
Battery life:	approx. 5 hours (NiMH rechargeable battery)
Max. range (free field*):	864 MHz: approx. 262 ft. (80 m)
	916 MHz: approx. 82 ft. (25 m)
Weight:	approx. 1.3 oz. (37 g)

7.3 MERLIN K 232 Headphones

Distortion:	<1%
Type:	semi-open dynamic headphones
Power supply:	3 VDC (2 x 1.2 V, 600 mAh AAA size NiMH rechargeable batteries supplied)
Battery life:	approx. 20 hours (NiMH rechargeable batteries)
Audio bandwidth:	20 Hz to 22,000 Hz
Max. SPL:	~103 dB SPL
Weight:	approx. 6 oz. (172 g)

• under ideal transmission conditions

This equipment (864 MHz version) conforms to the standards listed in the Declaration of Conformity.

FREQ 2:864.0 MHz/916,0 MHz

FREQ 3:864.5 MHz/916,5 MHz

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Document No.368/06-2003

replaces No.

Type of Product: Wireless Stereo Headphone System

Brand, Model No.: Merlin 232 (including Merlin T232 and Merlin K232) (including power supply)

Drawing-No.: 2924 Z 0001

Manufacturer: AKG Acoustics GmbH A-1230 Wien, Lemböckgasse 21 - 25 AUSTRIA

We declare that the above mentioned product is in conformity with the following European Directive:

No. 99/5 EC;

Radio Equipment and

Telecommunications Terminal Equipment

The conformity is achieved by fulfilling the following European Standard(s):

EN 301489-9 V1.3.1; EN 301357-2 V1.2.1; EN 61000-3-2:2000; EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001; EN 60950:2000; EN50371:2002

Product examination was carried out by:

TÜV Österreich, Notified Body 0408

Deutschstrasse 10

1230 Wien, Austria

Manufacturer's Signature:

Managing Director

Dr. Hugo Lenhard-Backhaus

This declaration certifies the accordance with the above mentioned EC-Directive but does not assure certain attributes of the product.

H A Harman International Company

AKG Acoustics GmbH

Bodenseestraße 228, D-81243 München/GERMANY, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone],

www.akg.com/de, e-mail: [e-mail], Hotline: [phone], [e-mail]

AKG ACOUSTICS, U.S.

914 Airpark Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37217, U.S.A., Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone],

www.akgusa.com, e-mail: [e-mail]

For other products and distributors worldwide see our website: www.akg.com