Astell&Kern AK HB1 Instruction Book

Getting Started

Descriptions in this user manual are based on the device's default settings.

Device specifications described in this user manual may differ from actual specifications due to changes made by the manufacturer. Images shown may also differ from the actual product.

Modifying the manufacturer-provided software or installing unofficial software may cause device malfunctions or errors. Warranty service may not be provided in such cases.

When connecting to a device for playback, check the volume level before wearing headphones or a headset.

Package Contents

The manufacturer may change the package contents to improve quality or performance. Such changes may be made without prior notice.

AK HB1 - Charging Cable

USB Type-C to USB Type-C Cable - USB Type-C to Lightning Cable - Quick Start Guide & Warranty Card

Charging Cable: Use while charging the device.

USB Type-C to USB Type-C Cable: Use when connecting the product to a PC or Android device.

USB Type-C to Lightning Cable: Use when connecting the product to an iOS device.

Quick Start Guide: An overview of the device's main functions.

Warranty Card: The warranty card is required for requesting warranty (after-sales) service, so please keep it safe.

User Manual: The user manual can be downloaded from the Astell&Kern website: http://www.astellnkern.com Support > Download.

Part Names

The appearance of the device, as well as the information printed and engraved on it, may differ depending on the specifications provided by the manufacturer.

Unbalanced 3.5mm Connector

Balanced 4.4mm Connector

Multimedia Button

USB Type-C Connector for Charging / Input

Microphone

Power Button: Used to turn the power on/off and check the battery status.

Bluetooth Pairing Button: Enter Bluetooth connection mode or lock/unlock the volume control wheel.

Multimedia Button: Control music playback, answer and reject incoming calls.

Volume: Adjust the sound volume by turning the wheel.

Power / Battery Charge LED Indicator: Check battery and charging status.

Status LED Indicator: Displays connection status and information about the currently playing song.

3.5mm / 4.4mm Connectors: Connect headphones or a headset with the corresponding specifications for audio output.

Microphone: Used for calls when connected via Bluetooth.

USB Type-C Connector for Charging / Input: Use the included cable to connect to other devices or charge the product.

Power

Turning Power On/Off

1. To turn on the power, press and hold the power button on the side of your device for 3 seconds.
2. To turn off the power, press and hold the power button on the side of your device for 3 seconds when it is on.

If the power does not turn on, charge the device for at least one hour using the included charging cable, then try turning on the power again. If the power does not turn on even after charging, perform a reboot.

Using the Reboot Function

1. If the device malfunctions or freezes during use, press and hold both the power button and the multimedia button simultaneously for more than 10 seconds, then release to turn off the power. You can then turn it back on and use it normally.

Factory Reset

1. Pressing and holding both the power button and the pairing button for more than 10 seconds will cause the [Power LED Indicator] to blink green three times, after which the power will turn off.
2. All saved data will be deleted, and all user settings will be reset.

Charging

Charging with Power Off

1. Connect your device to the included charging cable to charge the device via the USB Type-C port located on the bottom.
2. When charging begins, the [Power / Battery Charge LED Indicator] will blink white. When the device is fully charged, this LED indicator will turn blue.

Charging with Power On

1. Pressing the [Power Button] twice briefly on the side of your device while the power is on allows you to turn the charging mode on/off.
2. When the charging mode is on, charging is performed the same way as when the power is off, and stops when the charging mode is off.
3. You can check the charging status (on or off) using the [Power / Battery Charge LED Indicator].

If the charging mode is turned on while the device is connected to a mobile device, the mobile device's battery will be used for charging. When the charging mode is turned off, the device will switch to receiving power from the HB1 battery. If the device is used in USB DAC mode with the charging mode enabled, the mobile device's battery may drain. Conversely, if you connect a mobile device with the charging mode turned off, the HB1 battery may drain quickly. Adjust the charging mode according to the situation. When connecting to an iPhone in USB DAC mode, it is recommended to turn off the charging mode. If the HB1 power is turned off and on again while the charging mode is turned off, the charging mode will automatically turn on after the power is turned on.

Checking Battery Status

1. The current battery status can be checked using the [Power / Battery Charge LED Indicator].
2. When the power is on, briefly press the [Power Button] once to see the current battery status displayed by the [Power / Battery Charge LED Indicator].
3. When the battery level drops below 10%, an audible alert will sound, and the [Power / Battery Charge LED Indicator] will blink red, even without pressing the [Power Button].

Connections

Connecting Devices via Bluetooth

1. When the device is turned on, it automatically enters Bluetooth pairing standby mode, and the [Status LED Indicator] blinks red and blue alternately.
2. Turn on the Bluetooth function in your mobile device's settings.
3. Select [AK HB1] from the list of discovered devices. Pairing will be established, and the [Status LED Indicator] will glow blue.

If the device does not enter Bluetooth pairing standby mode, press and hold the [Bluetooth Pairing Button] on the side of the device for 3 seconds to enter this mode. Pairing only needs to be done once; it will connect automatically thereafter. If you hold the pairing button for more than 10 seconds, the [Status LED Indicator] will blink yellow three times, and all information about previously paired devices will be deleted.

Multipoint Connection

1. With the first Bluetooth device connected, press the HB1 pairing button for 3 seconds to activate standby mode.
2. Go to the Bluetooth settings on the second device for connection.
3. Press the device search button. [HB1] will be discovered, and selecting the device will complete pairing with the second device.
4. Reopen the Bluetooth settings of the first device and select [HB1] from the [Registered Devices] list; both devices will then be connected simultaneously.

You can connect up to two devices in multipoint connection.

Connecting in USB DAC Mode

1. After turning on the power, connect your mobile device or PC using the included cable in USB DAC mode.
2. Upon successful connection in USB DAC mode, the (Status LED Indicator) will glow white.

Status LED Indicator for Connection

The HB1 defaults to UAC2.0, and when connecting to certain game consoles, it is recommended to change it to UAC1.0 in the AK Control app. Bluetooth connection is maintained even after connecting in USB DAC mode, and you can use the AK Control app during this time. When connecting to a Windows PC, you will need to install a special USB DAC Driver to ensure high-quality sound playback. The USB DAC Driver can be downloaded from www.astellnkern.com - Support - Download.

Button Functions

The buttons on the side of your device are designed to access and control various functions.

Power Button

Bluetooth Pairing Button

Multimedia Button

Listening to Music

Playing Music

When connected to your mobile device, you can listen to music stored on the mobile device or stream music. While music is playing, the [Status LED Indicator] displays information about the song being played.

Continuous Playback Time: Approximately 6 hours (Bluetooth mode, AAC, unbalanced connection)

Adjusting Volume

Volume can be increased or decreased in 50 steps by turning the wheel on the side panel of the device.

If you double-press the [Bluetooth Pairing Button], the [Status LED Indicator] will blink green once, locking the volume control wheel. When the volume wheel is locked, rotating it will not change the volume level. If you double-press the [Bluetooth Pairing Button] again, the [Status LED Indicator] will blink green twice, unlocking the function. Turning the power off and then on again while the volume control wheel is locked will unlock it.

Pause/Play

To stop music playback, press the [Multimedia Button] on the side panel once. To resume playback, press it again.

Playing Previous/Next Music File

To play the next track, briefly press the [Multimedia Button] twice while music is playing. To play the previous track, briefly press the [Multimedia Button] three times while music is playing.

When connecting to a device for music playback, check the volume level before wearing headphones/headset. Listening at maximum volume may cause severe hearing impairment. Set an appropriate volume level before listening to music.

Phone Calls

Answering/Rejecting a Call

When a mobile device is connected and a call comes in, you can answer or reject it.

• To answer a call, press the [Multimedia Button] on the side of your device once.
• To reject a call, press and hold the [Multimedia Button] on the side of your device for at least 1 second.

In Bluetooth mode with a mobile device connected, calls can only be made through the HB1's built-in microphone. When an Android mobile device is connected in USB DAC mode, calls can be made using the built-in microphone of the headphones/headset. iPhone devices do not support calls in USB DAC mode; some Android mobile devices with a 3.5mm jack may also not support calls.

Ending a Call

To end a call, press the [Multimedia Button] once.

Using the App

The AK Control app allows you to monitor the HB1's status and adjust usage settings.

Downloading the App

1. You can download the app by searching for [AK Control] in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

Supported Operating Systems:
- Android: 7.0 and newer versions
- iOS: 9.0 and newer versions (iPads are not supported)

Launching the App

1. Open the installed AK Control app.
2. When prompted, allow Bluetooth connection and grant other necessary permissions, after which information about the HB1 will appear on the screen.

The AK Control app can be launched when connected to the HB1 via Bluetooth. If the app does not launch, check the Bluetooth connection and try launching it again.

App Screen

Precautions

• Do not wiggle the plug inserted into the headphone jack, unbalanced jack, or USB jack.
• Do not insert metallic (coins, hairpins, etc.) or flammable objects into the device.
• Do not place heavy objects on the device.
• Do not turn on the device if it has become wet (from chemicals, medicine, cosmetics, sweat, moisture, etc.). Wait until it is completely dry. (Malfunctions caused by liquid exposure are subject to a separate charge regardless of the warranty period. Some such malfunctions cannot be repaired.)
• Do not store the device in extreme temperature conditions (0 to +40°C).
• Do not store or use the device in areas with high temperature and humidity (e.g., saunas).
• Avoid places with excessive moisture, dust, or smoke.
• Do not leave the device on a blanket (including heated ones) or carpet for extended periods while in use.
• Do not place the device near fire or in a microwave oven.
• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the device.
• Do not store the device powered on in a confined space for a long time.
• Do not place the device near objects with magnetic fields (magnets, TVs, monitors, speakers, etc.).
• Do not apply chemical reagents or detergents to the product, as they may damage the paint and surface coating.
• Do not drop the device or subject it to strong impacts (excessive vibration, etc.).

Copyright

Dreamus Company retains the rights to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights related to this manual. Copying or reproducing the content of this user manual in any format and by any means without prior permission from Dreamus Company is prohibited. Use or reproduction of the content of this document, in whole or in part, is subject to penalties. Software, audio, video, and any other copyrighted material are protected under applicable copyright laws. The user assumes all legal responsibility for unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material from this product. Companies, organizations, products, people, and events used in the examples are fictitious. Dreamus Company has no intention of establishing a connection with any companies, institutions, products, people, or events through this manual; any such conclusions are unfounded. The user is fully responsible for complying with applicable copyright laws. Copyright © Dreamus Company. All Rights Reserved.

Certificates

KC / FCC / CE / TELEC

Class B Equipment (Home Use Communication Equipment): This Class B equipment meets all electromagnetic compatibility requirements for home use. This device may be used in any location, including residential areas.

FCC ID : QDMPEM21

This device complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commissions Rules and Regulations. 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.

FCC Interference Statement (Part 15.105)

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 correct the interference by one 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 which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. FCC Radiation Exposure Statement (Part 2.1093)

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This equipment complies with RF exposure requirements set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

Registered Trademarks

LDAC

LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Qualcomm' aptX Adaptive

Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.

MQA

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
The AK HB1 LED glows magenta to indicate that the unit is rendering an MQA stream or file. This delivers the final unfold of the MQA file.
MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.
Visit mqa.co.uk for more information
MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trademarks of MQA Limited.© 2016

Disclaimer

The manufacturer, importer, and supplier shall not be liable for any damage, including injury and accidents, resulting from improper use or incorrect operation of the product. The information provided in this manual is based on the current product specifications. The manufacturer, Dreamus Company, adds new features and will continue to apply new technologies in the future. Any product specifications may be changed without prior notice. The manufacturer does not provide warranty for data loss during product use.

Specifications

General Specifications