Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Headphones
Welcome to Bowers & Wilkins and Your Px7 S2 Headphones
Thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins. When John Bowers first established our company, he did so in the belief that imaginative design, innovative engineering, and advanced technology were keys that could unlock the enjoyment of audio in the home. This belief continues to inspire every product designed by Bowers & Wilkins, tailored for new audio experiences outside of the home.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 are high-performance over-ear headphones designed to deliver the highest quality mobile personal audio experience, combined with the convenience of wireless operation and the serenity of noise-cancellation. This manual will guide you through getting the most from your Px7 S2 headphones.
Your Px7 S2 can play music streamed wirelessly from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth. They can also be conventionally connected by a jack cable to a suitable analogue headphone output. The Px7 S2 can play audio via a USB connection from a computer and can be used for wireless telephony.
Px7 S2 Real World Listening features include the latest innovations in Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Pass-Through, and enhanced Wear Sensing technologies. The advanced noise cancellation feature delivers an uncompromised listening experience. Ambient Pass-Through enables external sounds, such as conversation or safety announcements, to be heard clearly without removing the headphones. The Wear Sensing feature allows the Px7 S2 to respond naturally, pausing and resuming music simply by lifting either earpiece on or off your ear. These features can be enabled and further customised via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, available for free on iOS and Android devices.
Px7 S2 incorporates a rechargeable battery. When fully charged, depending on the degree of Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancellation, and Ambient Pass-Through use, the battery pack can provide up to 30 hours of continuous wireless media streaming with noise cancellation enabled at average playback volume levels.
For more information, visit www.bowerswilkins.com.
Px7 S2 Carton Contents
- Px7 S2 over-ear wireless headphones
- Storage case
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable
- Document pack
Getting to Know Your Px7 S2
We recommend installing the Bowers & Wilkins Music app on your iOS or Android device. This app allows you to configure your headphones in detail and provides helpful hints and tips to make the most of your new headphones. Download the app at bowerswilkins.com/downloadapp.
Switching Headphones On and Off
The power switch is located on the right earpiece. Diagram 1 illustrates its functionality.
Switching On
Slide the power switch up to the middle position. An audible cue will play, and the LED indicator will light up.
Switching Off
Slide the power switch to the bottom position. An audible cue will play, and the headphones will power down when the LED indicator is no longer lit.
Bluetooth Pairing
Slide the power switch to the upper position and hold for 5 seconds to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. Refer to section 6 for further information on pairing your headphones to a Bluetooth source.
Headphone Controls
Diagram 2 illustrates the headphone controls. The buttons on the right earpiece are used for media playback and telephony.
Media Playback
Function | Action |
---|---|
Play or pause | Press the Multi-function button once. |
Play next track | Press the Multi-function button twice in quick succession. (Note: functionality dependent on source device.) |
Play previous track | Press the Multi-function button three times in quick succession. (Note: functionality dependent on source device.) |
Increase Volume | Press the Volume + button. |
Lower Volume | Press the Volume - button. |
Telephony
Function | Action |
---|---|
Answer an incoming call | Press the Multi-function button once. |
End a call | Press the Multi-function button once. |
Decline an incoming call | Hold the Multi-function button for 2 seconds. |
Switch between two calls | With two calls active, press the Multi-function button twice. |
Merge two calls | With two calls active, hold the Multi-function button for 1 second. |
Toggle mute | While on a call, press the Multi-function button three times. |
Diagram 1: Power switch functionality - Describes the power switch on the right earpiece and its positions for switching on, off, and Bluetooth pairing.
Diagram 2: Headphone controls - Illustrates the Multi-function, Volume +, Volume -, and Power switch buttons on the right earpiece, and the Quick Action button on the left earpiece.
Status Indicator
The status LED indicator is located on the right earpiece. The table below explains the illumination states:
Illumination | Operational State |
---|---|
White | Battery charge > 30% |
Amber | Battery charge between 30% and 10% |
Red | Battery charge < 10% |
Red flashing | Battery charge insufficient for headphone operation |
Blue flashing | Pairing mode enabled |
Blue (2 sec solid) | Pairing successful |
Blue flashing (calls) | Incoming call |
Green flashing | Rapid charging |
Green solid | Battery charge full, trickle charging |
Intelligent Features
Environmental Controls
Active Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a series of advanced technologies that aid in removing undesired noise from the surrounding environment. The Px7 S2 headphones use built-in microphones to pick up and cancel out ambient sound for a more comfortable listening experience. Note: Noise cancellation requires a good seal between the headphones and your head for optimal performance.
Ambient Pass-Through
Px7 S2 also features an ambient "Pass-Through" mode, which allows external sound from the surrounding environment to be heard, enabling safety announcements or conversations without taking the headphones off. By default, the Quick Action button on the left earpiece cycles through the following modes:
- Noise Cancelling On
- Pass-Through On
- Noise Cancelling and Pass-Through Off
The button function can be customised from the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Voice Assistance
Your connected device's voice assistant can be assigned to the Quick Action button on the left earpiece via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Wear Sensors
Power Saving
Px7 S2 incorporates enhanced wear detection sensors in both earpieces (see Diagram 3). These enable intelligent battery conservation by pausing media playback and entering low power standby mode when removed from the head. When worn again, Px7 S2 automatically wakes and connects to the last connected Bluetooth device.
Playback Control
During media playback, Px7 S2 automatically pauses when either earpiece is lifted from the ear. If playback has been paused, placing the earpiece back on the ear resumes playback. The standby timer and wear sensor features can be adjusted from the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. Note: Hair or accessories trapped between your ears and the earpieces, or wearing glasses that distort the profile of your ears, may interfere with the performance of the wear sensors.
Diagram 3: Wear sensor location - Indicates that wear sensors are located in both earpieces.
Diagram 4: USB-C cable connection - Shows the USB-C cable connecting to the headphone's USB-C socket on the right earpiece.
Diagram 5: Wearing your headphones - Illustrates identifying left and right earpieces and adjusting the headband for optimal fit.
Battery Charging and Power Saving
Your Px7 S2 comes partially charged and can be used immediately. For best practice, fully charge the headphones before first use. Please allow up to 2 hours for a full charge. The headphones can be used while charging.
To charge:
- Use the supplied USB-C cable and connect one end to a wall charger or powered computer port.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the USB-C socket on the headphone's right earpiece.
Note: During charging, the headphone indicator will flash green. When fully charged, the indicator will remain illuminated. See section 2.3 for status indicator details.
Bluetooth Connection
Pairing
Your Px7 S2 headphones are designed to stream media wirelessly from Bluetooth audio devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or personal computers. The headphones and source audio device must first be paired.
Pairing iOS System with Bowers & Wilkins Music App Installed
We recommend adding your headphones to the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for detailed configuration and helpful tips. During the initial connection process, you will be prompted to pair the headphones as an audio accessory. Tap the confirmation popup to complete pairing.
Pairing Android Devices Supporting Google Fast Pair Service (GFPS)
Note: Compatible with Android devices running Marshmallow 6.0+.
To add your headphones:
- Switch on your headphones and place them no further than 10 cm (4 inches) away from your Android device (with Bluetooth enabled).
- The first time you switch on your headphones, Bluetooth pairing mode will be enabled, indicated by a flashing blue light. If pairing mode is not enabled, slide and hold the power switch to the upper (Bluetooth icon) position for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks blue and an audible cue is heard.
- A GFPS notification will pop up indicating your device has been detected and requesting to start pairing.
- Press the Connect button to enable pairing; a successful connection will be shown in the popup.
- Once paired, the popup will direct you to the Google Play store to install the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.
Pairing All Other Devices
- The first time you switch on your headphones, Bluetooth pairing mode will be enabled, indicated by a flashing blue light. If pairing mode is not enabled, slide and hold the power switch to the upper (Bluetooth icon) position for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks blue and an audible cue is heard.
- Ensure the Bluetooth feature is enabled on the audio device; Px7 S2 will appear in the discovery list. Select it to pair.
- The indicator will flash blue while pairing is in progress and change to solid blue with an audible cue when pairing is successful.
Your headphones will remember up to eight paired Bluetooth devices. Repeat the pairing steps to add more devices. Note: Your headphones will automatically exit Bluetooth pairing mode if no device is paired within 5 minutes. If pairing fails, the indicator will rapidly flash blue; please try pairing again.
Diagram 6: Bluetooth pairing - Illustrates the process of putting headphones into pairing mode and connecting to a device.
Multiple Bluetooth Connections
Px7 S2 can be paired with up to two devices simultaneously, but you can only play audio or take calls from one device at a time. To switch between two devices:
- Pause audio on the first device, or use the Px7 S2 Multi-function button.
- Play audio from the second device, and the headphones will automatically switch over.
When streaming audio, receiving a call on the second device will automatically pause playback on the first device and route the call to your headphones. You can manage connections in further detail using the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Auxiliary Connection
In addition to Bluetooth, your Px7 S2 can also connect to audio sources using the supplied 3.5 mm audio or USB cables.
Connecting with the 3.5 mm Audio Cable
The 3.5 mm audio cable enables your Px7 S2 to be used with devices supporting an analogue output, such as a conventional headphone socket on aeroplanes, smartphones, or a traditional hi-fi system.
- Insert the supplied USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable into the headphone's USB-C socket on the right earpiece.
- Insert the other end into the appropriate socket on your device.
- Your Px7 S2 will automatically disconnect from any Bluetooth devices.
Note: Your headphones must have sufficient charge and be switched on to play audio from an analogue source device. The volume and play/pause buttons will not function when using the 3.5 mm interface.
Diagram 7: Connecting the 3.5 mm audio cable - Shows the USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable connecting to the headphone's USB-C socket and an audio source.
Connecting with the USB Cable
The USB connection enables your Px7 S2 to function as a USB sound output device when connected to a capable computer.
- Insert one end of the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable into the Px7 S2 USB-C socket on the right earpiece.
- Insert the other end into the appropriate socket on your computer.
- Px7 S2 will automatically disconnect from any Bluetooth devices.
- Find and select your headphones from the computer's audio output control panel.
Note: The headphone battery will also charge when connected to a capable USB port.
Bowers & Wilkins Music App
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app is available for free on iOS and Android devices. It provides extended setup and adjustments for features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Pass-Through, and EQ settings. The app also offers functions like device naming, connection management, and headphone software updates.
Download the app at bowerswilkins.com/downloadapp.
Connecting Your Headphones to the App
To set up your headphones in the app:
- From your Android or iOS device, download and install the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
- Ensure your headphones are switched on.
- Launch the app and follow the instructions for app notification and permissions.
- The app should detect your headphones automatically and invite you to set them up; follow the in-app instructions.
- If your headphones are not detected automatically, navigate to the Settings page (⚙️ icon), tap 'App product', and follow the in-app instructions.
Controlling Your Headphones
Commonly used features are accessible directly on the app homepage:
- Battery status
- Environmental controls (Noise Cancellation, Pass-Through)
- Device connections (refer to the Connections section below for further details)
Headphone Settings Page
Other settings can be adjusted from the Settings page. Tap the ⚙️ icon at the bottom of the screen, then select your headphones from the list.
Environmental Controls
Set the desired environmental control from the following options:
- Noise Cancelling On
- Pass-Through On
- Noise Cancelling and Pass-Through Off
EQ
Use the Treble and Bass sliders to customise the tone of your headphones.
Connections
The two most recently connected Bluetooth devices are shown in the Connections shortcut buttons. Buttons appear grey if not currently connected. Tap buttons to attempt reconnection. If only one device is shown, tap 'ADD DEVICE' to place headphones into Bluetooth pairing mode for a new device. Tap the 'CONNECTIONS' heading for more detailed connection settings, including previously connected devices (Px7 S2 remembers up to eight devices). On the Connections page, swipe a device left to delete it, or right to make it the preferred device. Toggle 'Auto-connect to last device' to prompt headphones to connect to the previously connected device when switched on. Tap 'PAIR A NEW DEVICE' to enter Bluetooth pairing mode for a new device.
Quick Action Button
The left earpiece of your headphones features a button for quick access to commonly used functions. Customise its function from the app:
- Environmental Controls: Each press of the Quick Action Button cycles through Noise Cancelling On, Pass-Through On, and Noise Cancelling and Pass-Through Off.
- Voice Assistant: Press the Quick Action Button to activate your device's voice assistant.
Device Management
Auto Standby: Toggle Auto standby on to place the headphones into a power-saving state after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Wear Sensor: Toggle Wear sensor on to enable intelligent playback control. Lift an earpiece or remove your headphones to pause playback; place them back on your ears to resume playback.
Rename Product: Tap 'Rename product' to choose a new Bluetooth name for your headphones. Note that devices already paired may still reference the previous name.
Headphone Software Updates
Bowers & Wilkins periodically releases software updates to refine and optimise performance or add new features. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app will notify you when an update is available. Tap the notification and follow the in-app instructions.
Power Cycle and Reset
Note: The reboot/reset process may generate noise in the headphones; do not wear them during this process.
Power Cycle
To reboot your Px7 S2, remove the headphones from your head and disconnect any cables. Simultaneously hold the Volume + and Volume - buttons for 10 seconds until the indicator LED extinguishes. Release the buttons when the indicator lights up again. Rebooting does not reset internal settings or clear paired device history.
Factory Reset
You can clear paired device history and restore all settings to their factory defaults. Remove the headphones from your head and disconnect any cables. With Px7 S2 powered on, simultaneously hold the Volume +, Volume -, and left earpiece Quick Action button for 10 seconds until the indicator LED extinguishes. Release the buttons when the indicator lights up again; the headphones will be ready to pair to a device. Alternatively, perform a factory reset from the headphone's settings page in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Care & Maintenance
Storing Your Headphones
Taking care of your Px7 S2 ensures they continue to deliver the best performance and experience. When not in use, stow them in the included storage pouch. It is recommended to power off the headphones first.
- Retract the headband on each side to its smallest position.
- With the buttons facing you, rotate the earpieces inwards so they lay flat.
- Place the headphones into the storage case.
Cleaning Your Headphones
It is advised to clean your headphones regularly. Your Px7 S2 can be cleaned with a soft, damp microfiber cloth; gently wipe or dab clean. The fabric is coated with moisture and stain repellent. If dirt, stain, or fibre residue accumulates, clean as instructed.
- Do NOT aggressively rub or use an abrasive tool, especially on fabric or leather.
- Do NOT use paper towels, napkins, or tissue, as they leave residue.
- Do NOT use cleaning detergents, soapy water, polish, or chemical cleaners.
- Ensure no moisture gets inside the earpieces, buttons, or interface ports.
Support
For further help or advice regarding your Px7 S2, please visit the Bowers & Wilkins support site: www.bowerswilkins.com/support.
Environmental Information
This product complies with international directives, including but not limited to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH), and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on how properly to recycle or dispose of this product.
Specifications
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Wearing Style | Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones |
Technical Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Pass-Through, Wear-Detection Sensor, Bluetooth® audio - Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX™™ Adaptive, USB-C charging & audio interface |
Bluetooth Codecs | aptX™™ Adaptive, aptX™™ HD, aptX™™, AAC, SBC |
Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, BLE GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) |
Drive Units | 2 x ø 40 mm dynamic full range bio cellulose driver |
Microphones | 4 x mics for ANC, 2 x mics for telephony |
Input Impedance | 33 Ω |
Distortion (THD) | <0.1% (1 kHz/10 mW) |
Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium Ion |
Battery Life & Charging | 30 hrs Bluetooth with ANC, 7 hrs with 15 min charge, 2 hrs for full charge |
Inputs | Bluetooth, 3.5 mm stereo jack, USB-C audio |
In Box Accessories | 1.2 m USB-C to 3.5 mm stereo jack audio cable, 1.2 m USB-C to USB-C cable, Carrying case |
Weight | 307 grams without case |