1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Roberts Sound 48 DAB/DAB+/FM Stereo Clock Radio. This device combines a high-quality digital and FM radio tuner with a CD player, Bluetooth audio streaming, and USB playback/charging capabilities. This manual provides detailed instructions to help you set up and operate your new clock radio effectively.
2. Safety Information
- Read all instructions carefully before use and retain them for future reference.
- Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
- Use only the power adapter supplied with the unit.
- Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Avoid placing the unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
3. Package Contents
Please check that the following items are present in your package:
- Roberts Sound 48 Clock Radio Unit
- Power Adapter
- Quick Start Guide
4. Controls and Display
Familiarize yourself with the controls and display of your Sound 48 unit.

Image 1: Front view of the Roberts Sound 48 Clock Radio, showing the main display and control buttons. The display currently shows 'BBC Radio 1' and 'BBC National DAB'. Key controls visible include On/Off, Tuning, Select, Mode, Dimmer, Info, Menu, Preset/Album, Alarm, Rand/*Pair, Intro/Repeat, and Prog/Preset.
Front Panel Controls:
- On/Off Button: Powers the unit on or off.
- Tuning Buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶): Navigates through stations or tracks.
- Select Button (▶▶): Confirms selections.
- Snooze/Sleep Button: Activates snooze during an alarm or sets the sleep timer.
- Mode Button: Switches between DAB, FM, CD, Bluetooth, and USB modes.
- Dimmer Button: Adjusts the display brightness.
- Info Button: Displays additional information about the current station or track.
- Menu Button: Accesses the system menu.
- Preset/Album Buttons (▲ / ▼): Navigates through presets or albums/folders in USB/CD mode.
- Alarm Button: Sets and manages alarms.
- Rand/*Pair Button: Activates random playback or initiates Bluetooth pairing.
- Intro/Repeat Button: Plays track intros or sets repeat modes for CD/USB.
- Prog/Preset Button: Programs radio presets or CD/USB playback order.
Display:
The clear LCD display shows station information, track details, time, and menu options.
5. Setup
5.1 Power Connection
- Insert the small end of the power adapter into the DC IN socket on the rear of the Sound 48.
- Plug the power adapter into a standard wall outlet.
5.2 Antenna
For optimal DAB and FM reception, fully extend the telescopic antenna located at the rear of the unit.
5.3 Initial Setup and DAB Scan
- Press the On/Off button to power on the unit.
- The unit will automatically perform a full scan for DAB stations. This may take a few minutes.
- Once the scan is complete, the first available station will begin playing, and the time will be set automatically via DAB signal.
- If no stations are found, ensure the antenna is fully extended and reposition the unit, then perform a manual scan via the Menu.
6. Operating
6.1 DAB/DAB+ Radio
- Press the Mode button until 'DAB' is displayed.
- Use the Tuning buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶) to scroll through available stations.
- Press the Select button to confirm your choice.
- To save a preset: Press and hold the Prog/Preset button, use Preset/Album buttons (▲ / ▼) to choose a preset number, then press Select.
- To recall a preset: Briefly press the Prog/Preset button, use Preset/Album buttons (▲ / ▼) to select, then press Select.
6.2 FM Radio
- Press the Mode button until 'FM' is displayed.
- Press and hold the Tuning buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶) to auto-scan for the next available station. Briefly press to fine-tune manually.
- Saving and recalling presets works similarly to DAB mode.
6.3 CD Playback
- Press the Mode button until 'CD' is displayed.
- Gently insert a CD into the CD slot with the label side facing up. The unit will automatically load and begin playing.
- Use the Tuning buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶) to skip tracks.
- Press Intro/Repeat to cycle through repeat modes (e.g., repeat one, repeat all, random).
6.4 Bluetooth Audio Streaming
- Press the Mode button until 'Bluetooth' is displayed. The unit will enter pairing mode, indicated by a flashing Bluetooth icon.
- On your Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone), search for available devices and select 'Roberts Sound 48'.
- Once paired, the Bluetooth icon will become solid. You can now play audio from your device through the Sound 48.
- To disconnect or pair with a new device, press and hold the Rand/*Pair button.
6.5 USB Playback and Charging
- Insert a USB flash drive into the USB port on the front of the unit.
- Press the Mode button until 'USB' is displayed. The unit will scan the drive and begin playing compatible audio files (MP3/AAC/WAV/FLAC).
- Use the Tuning buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶) to skip tracks. Use Preset/Album buttons (▲ / ▼) to navigate folders/albums.
- The USB port also provides charging for compatible devices.
6.6 Setting Alarms
- Press the Alarm button. Use the Preset/Album buttons (▲ / ▼) to select Alarm 1 or Alarm 2, then press Select.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set the alarm time, duration, source (Buzzer, DAB, FM, CD, USB), and frequency (daily, weekdays, weekends, once).
- Press Select to confirm each setting.
- To activate/deactivate an alarm, press the Alarm button, select the alarm, and toggle its status.
6.7 Sleep Timer
- Press the Snooze/Sleep button repeatedly to cycle through sleep timer options (e.g., 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes, Off).
- The unit will automatically turn off after the selected duration.
6.8 Display Dimmer
Press the Dimmer button repeatedly to adjust the brightness level of the display.
7. Maintenance
7.1 Cleaning
- Always unplug the unit from the power outlet before cleaning.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior surfaces.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents as they may damage the finish.
7.2 CD Player Care
- Handle CDs by their edges to avoid fingerprints.
- Clean CDs with a soft, lint-free cloth, wiping from the center outwards.
- Do not use scratched or damaged CDs, as they may cause playback issues or damage the player.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause / Solution |
|---|---|
| No power | Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the unit and the wall outlet. Check the wall outlet for power. |
| Poor radio reception (DAB/FM) | Fully extend the telescopic antenna. Reposition the unit to improve signal reception. Perform a full scan for DAB stations. |
| CD not playing | Ensure the CD is inserted correctly (label side up). Check if the CD is clean and free from scratches or damage. Try a different CD. |
| Bluetooth pairing fails | Ensure the Sound 48 is in Bluetooth pairing mode. Make sure your device's Bluetooth is enabled and within range. Disconnect from other Bluetooth devices. |
| USB playback issues | Ensure the USB drive is formatted correctly and contains compatible audio files (MP3/AAC/WAV/FLAC). Try a different USB drive. |
| Alarm does not sound | Verify the alarm is activated and set to the correct time and source. Check the volume level. |
9. Specifications
- Brand: Roberts Radio
- Model Name: Sound48BK
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Special Features: Integrated Radio, Bluetooth Connection, USB Playback and Charging, Multiple Alarms
- Compatible Devices: Headphones, Speakers
- Included Components: Power Adapter, Quick Start Guide
- Number of Discs: 1 (CD)
- Supported Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC (for CD); MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC (for USB)
- Connector Type: 3.5 mm Jack
- Number of Channels: 2 (Stereo)
- Color: Black
10. Warranty and Support
Roberts Radio products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. For information regarding warranty coverage and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Roberts Radio website. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.