Foreword
Thank you for purchasing the 384KHz/32Bit portable high-resolution music player M3K, launched by FiiO Company (Note: This article is referred to as M3 in the following). To let you better utilize the M3 to enjoy high-quality music, we have prepared this complete user manual and collected answers of some frequently asked questions by users. We hope this manual will help you get to know the M3 and unleash its full potential.
1 Overview
The M3 is a portable high-resolution music player, using a high-performance codec chip, special audio algorithm system, and high-performance audio phase-locked loop. It supports lossy and lossless music formats including MP3, WAV, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, DSD, and ISO. A maximum sample rate of 384kHz/32 bit is supported, and other features include CUE sheets. The main panel adopts touch buttons for operation and a uniform LED for instruction. It is a portable high-performance music player. The following sections are an illustrated guide to using the M3.
2 Buttons and Ports
2.1 Buttons/Ports Diagram
The diagram displays the M3K player's physical interface. It shows:
- Front: A central touch bar, four vertically arranged buttons on the left side (1-4), and the screen above the touch bar.
- Top: A microphone hole (13).
- Bottom: A USB Type-C port (10), a Micro SD card slot (11), and a 3.5mm headphone out jack (12).
- Left Side: Buttons labeled 1-7 from top to bottom.
- Right Side: Buttons labeled 8 and 9 from top to bottom.
The numbered buttons and ports are:
- Power/lock button
- Volume up
- Volume down
- Confirm button
- Shortcuts button
- Touch bar
- Up/Prev.track/Rewind
- Back
- Down/Next track/Fast forward
- USB transfer/Charging
- Micro SD card slot
- Headphone out jack
- Microphone
2.2 Buttons and ports introduced
2.2.1 Power/lock button
- Power On: Hold for 2 seconds when off.
- Lock/Unlock: Short press when on.
- Power Off: Hold for 3 seconds when on.
- Forced Shutdown: Hold for 10 seconds.
2.2.2 Volume up
- Display On: Short press increments volume; hold to change continuously.
- Display Off (Playing): Press and hold to switch to the next track.
2.2.3 Volume down
- Display On: Short press decrements volume; hold to change continuously to mute.
- Display Off (Playing): Press and hold to switch to the previous track.
2.2.4 Confirm button
- Display Off/Lock Screen (Playing): Short press to play/pause.
- Other Menus: Short press to confirm an operation or switch a setting.
2.2.5 Shortcuts button
Short press to open the shortcut menu for the current screen (e.g., switch playback mode, EQ, add to Favorites).
2.2.6 Touch bar
Slide up/down to scroll cursor, switch pages. Short press to confirm (effective under bright screen).
2.2.7 Up/Prev.track/Rewind
- Now Playing Screen: Short press for previous track; long press to rewind.
- Non-Now Playing Screen: Scroll up to select a menu item.
2.2.8 Back
- Any Screen: Short press to go back one step; long press to return to the main menu.
- Main Menu (While Playing): Short press to enter the now playing screen.
2.2.9 Down/Next track/Fast forward
- Now Playing Screen: Short press for next song; long press to fast forward.
- Non-Now Playing Screen: Scroll down to select a menu item.
2.2.10 USB transfer/Charging
Used for data exchange and charging.
2.2.11 Micro SD card slot
Supports standard Micro SD cards up to 512GB capacity.
2.2.12 Headphone out jack
3.5mm output, supports 3-segment and 4-segment headphones (headset wire control not supported).
2.2.13 Microphone
Microphone hole for recording. Do not cover during recording.
3 Introduction of display
3.1 Power on/off and home page
Power On: Hold the power button for 2 seconds when the device is off. On first boot, a language selection screen appears. Use the touch bar to select a language and press confirm. Languages can also be changed later in System Settings.
Power Off: Hold the power button when the device is on.
Force Shutdown: If the device becomes unresponsive, hold the power button for 10 seconds.
3.2 Main screen
The main screen displays options such as "Browse Files", "Recording", and "System settings". Navigate by sliding the touch bar to select an item, then press the touch bar or confirm button to enter.
3.3 Lock screen clock
When enabled in System Settings, the screen locks automatically after a set period of inactivity or when the power button is pressed manually. To unlock, press the power button to wake the screen, then slide the touch bar or press the power button again. If disabled, the device proceeds directly to the system screen upon waking.
While playing and the screen is locked: Long press volume up for the next song, long press volume down for the previous track, and short press the confirm button for play/pause.
3.4 Status Bar
The status bar displays the following icons:
- ① Volume icon and current value
- ② Play status (e.g., playing, paused)
- ③ Clock
- ④ Sleep opened icon
- ⑤ Headphone insert icon
- ⑥ SD card status
- ⑦ Battery icon
Note: Icons may vary depending on the device's state.
3.5 Browse Files
Access this feature from the "Browse Files" option on the main screen. An SD card must be inserted to use this function. You can view and play files directly from the SD card. Navigate to a desired song and press the confirm button to play it. The currently playing song is indicated by an icon. By default, songs play in the order they appear in their folders.
3.6 Recording
Upon entering the recording screen, the device is ready to record. Press the confirm button to start recording; a recording icon will appear in the status bar. The screen displays two clocks: one for the current recording duration and another for the remaining recording time based on available SD card space.
Pause/Continue Recording: Short press the confirm button.
Stop Recording: Short press the back button, select "Yes", and press OK. After stopping, press the back button again to access the save prompt. Recordings are saved in a folder named "Record" in the root directory of the SD card.
Notes:
- An SD card must be inserted and have sufficient capacity for recording.
- Songs cannot be played simultaneously while recording. If playback is active when recording starts, playback will stop automatically.
3.7 Category
Note: Before using category functions, update the media library via "System Settings - Update Media Lib". The system then classifies songs based on their ID3 information.
3.7.1 All songs
Lists all recognized songs on the device.
3.7.2 Artist
Songs are categorized by artist as indicated in ID3 tags. Songs without artist information are listed under "Unknown artists".
3.7.3 Album
Songs are sorted by album as indicated in ID3 tags. Songs without album information are listed under "Unknown albums".
3.7.4 Genre
Songs are sorted by genre as indicated in ID3 tags. Songs without genre information are listed under "Unknown genre".
3.7.5 Favorites
Users can add their preferred songs to this list. Refer to subsequent sections for adding methods.
3.7.6 Playlists
Users can create and manage multiple playlists. Refer to subsequent sections for adding methods.
3.7.7 Recently added
After updating the music library, this list displays the last 50 songs added, in reverse order of their copying to the SD card, allowing for quick identification.
3.8 Play settings
3.8.1 Play mode
Options include: Sequential play (stops after list), Loop play (repeats list), Single loop (repeats current song), Single play (stops after current song), and Shuffle play (random order).
If "Play through folders" is ON, playback continues to the next folder/list after the current one finishes.
3.8.2 Resume mode
Off: After shutdown and restart, the system returns to the main screen without resuming playback.
Song: After turning off during playback, turning the device on again resumes playback from the beginning of the last played song.
Position: After turning off during playback, turning the device on again resumes playback from the exact point where it was stopped.
3.8.3 Playback gap
Off: Normal song switching.
Gapless: For compatible formats (same format, sample rate, bit depth), songs switch seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted audio.
3.8.4 Max volume
Sets a limit for the maximum output volume, adjustable between 30 and 60. The song volume cannot exceed this set value.
3.8.5 Default volume
Memory: Remembers the volume level set before the last shutdown.
Custom: Sets the volume to the value specified in "Fixed volume setting" each time the unit is turned on.
3.8.6 Fixed volume setting
Adjustable volume value between 0 and 60. This setting is used when "Default volume" is set to "Custom".
3.8.7 Balance
Adjusts the balance between the left and right audio channels, with ten steps (approx. 5dB) available for each channel.
3.8.8 Equalizer
When off, the audio output is native. Short press the confirm button to access the equalizer screen, where various preset equalizers (e.g., Rock) can be selected for different listening effects.
3.8.9 Play through folders
Default is ON. When playing from browse files or classified playlists, if "Play through folders" is enabled, the player will automatically jump to the next folder or list's songs after the current list finishes. Setting this to OFF will stop playback at the end of the current folder or list.
3.9 System settings
3.9.1 Update Media lib
The media library can be updated manually or automatically. Manual requires user initiation. Automatic updates occur after disconnecting from a computer or inserting an SD card.
Select "Auto/Manual" via the touch bar or previous/next buttons, then press confirm to start the update. Avoid other operations during the update process. A "Update Complete" screen will appear upon completion.
3.9.2 Brightness
Adjust screen brightness level from 1 to 10.
3.9.3 Screen timeout
Sets the time before the screen automatically turns off due to inactivity. Options range from 30s to 120s, or "ON" to keep the screen always on.
3.9.4 Idle standby
In non-playing states (pause, stop), the player enters deep standby after a set period of inactivity to save power. Pressing the power button or connecting USB wakes the device. Set the time values via the touch bar or previous/next buttons. Setting to OFF disables the function. Note: Idle standby is invalid during recording or computer connection. It may also cause the device to power off during USB charging.
3.9.5 Sleep
When enabled, the player enters deep standby after a set time, regardless of activity. Set time values via the touch bar or previous/next buttons. Setting to OFF disables the function. Note: Sleep is invalid during recording or computer connection. During USB charging, sleep may cause the device to power off. Sleep is a one-time function and is automatically switched off after activation or restart.
3.9.6 USB mode
Switch between Storage mode (for data transfer from a computer) and DAC mode (to use the M3 as an external sound card). Note: Windows XP only supports Storage mode; USB DAC is not supported. Windows 7/8/10 and OSX may require driver installation or specific settings.
3.9.7 Multifunction button
Configures the confirm button for various functions. When set to "Playback Control", it acts as play/pause. When set to "Repeat", it enables AB repeat functionality within the now playing screen.
Repeat Function: Set "Multifunction button" to "Repeat". Press the button once to set the start point (A). Press again to set the end point (B) for loop playback. The status bar shows an AB mark icon. Pressing again resumes normal playback. If pressed during normal playback, it loops between the last two pressed points.
Note: Original repeat mark information is not memorized after switching songs.
3.9.8 Button light
Adjust the brightness of the indicator lights, or turn them off by setting brightness to the lowest level.
3.9.9 Theme
Select and confirm a user interface theme.
3.9.10 Recording quality
Select the recording file format: Low (MP3) or High (WAVE).
3.9.11 Lockscreen clock
When enabled, the lock screen clock appears upon waking the device after it has locked. Short press the power button or slide the touch bar to unlock. Setting this option to OFF bypasses the lock screen clock upon waking.
3.9.12 Time setting
Access the time setting screen. Press confirm to toggle the 24-hour format. Use the touch bar or next/previous buttons to move the cursor to the hour (H) or minute (Min) columns. Short press confirm to enter adjustment mode (cursor turns yellow), then use touch bar or buttons to adjust. Press the Back button to exit adjustment mode. Exiting the screen saves settings.
3.9.13 Date setting
Access the date setting screen. Move the cursor to the Year (Y), Month (M), or Day (D) column. Press confirm to enter adjustment mode (cursor turns yellow), then use touch bar or buttons to adjust. Press the Back button to save settings.
3.9.14 Language
The M3 supports multiple languages, including English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Italian (approximately 11 languages).
3.9.15 Storage formatting
Format the inserted SD card to FAT32. Warning: This action will erase all files on the SD card. Back up data before formatting.
3.9.16 Factory restore
Resets the player to its factory default settings. This action clears classified categories (artist, album, style, recently added) and requires re-updating the media library.
3.9.17 About M3
Displays device information: model name (M3K), firmware version, SD card capacity (total and available), track count, SN code, and NB code. Users can slide the touch bar or press buttons to view the electronic quick start manual.
3.10 Now playing screen
The "Now Playing" screen displays:
- ① Current song playback progress display
- ② Current song's number in the list
- ③ Total songs in the current list
- ④ Current song's length
- ⑤ Play mode icon
- ⑥ Current playing song's title
- ⑦ Song's quality grade icon
Slide the touch bar on this screen to bring up the song list, allowing quick selection of any song to play.
3.11 Shortcuts menu
Accessed by shortly pressing the shortcuts button on the "Now Playing" screen. This menu provides quick access to common functions:
- ① Play mode switch: Change playback modes.
- ② Equalizer switch: Access the equalizer selection screen.
- ③ Add songs to favorites: Add or remove songs from the Favorites list.
- ④ Add songs to the playlist: Create new playlists or add songs to existing ones.
- ⑤ View track info: Display detailed song information.
- ⑥ Delete file: Delete the selected song file. Note: This operation is irreversible. CUE and ISO songs cannot be deleted.
4 Other operations
4.1 Songs added to favorites
From the "Category - Favorite" screen, use the shortcuts button to open a menu. Select the "Add" icon (left one) to enter a song selection screen. Update the media library beforehand for songs to appear. Select tracks using the touch bar or previous/next buttons. A red heart indicates selection. Press confirm to add selected tracks to Favorites. A success prompt will appear. You can continue adding or press Back to exit.
Alternatively, add songs one by one from the "Now Playing" screen via the shortcut menu.
Note: Added songs will not reappear in the selection list. A song can only be added once.
4.2 Songs removed from Favorites
In the Favorites list, use the shortcuts button to open the menu, select the "Delete" icon (right one). Press confirm to enter the song selection screen. Select tracks to remove using the touch bar or previous/next buttons. Press confirm to remove selected songs from the Favorites list. Note: This only removes songs from the list, not from the SD card.
4.3 Songs added to the playlist
From the "Shortcuts menu" on the "Now Playing" screen, select "Add to Playlist" to add the current song to a playlist.
4.4 songs removed from the playlist
Navigate to the playlist screen, select a song, press the shortcuts button to open the removal menu, and confirm "Yes" to remove the song from the playlist. Note: The song file remains on the SD card.
4.5 Delete playlist
Navigate to the playlist screen, select the playlist to delete, press the shortcuts button to open the operation menu, and confirm "Yes" to delete the playlist file. Songs within the deleted playlist will disappear from the list but their files will remain unaffected.
4.6 Delete files of songs
In the "Now Playing" screen, select "Delete file" from the shortcuts menu. Confirm "Yes" in the dialog box to delete the song file. Note: This action is irreversible. CUE and ISO songs cannot be deleted.
4.7 External list
The M3 supports external playlists (.m3u or .m3u8). Users can create these lists and copy them along with song files to the SD card. Refer to the FiiO official website or customer service for creation methods. Note: The M3 does not support editing external lists directly.
4.8 Shortcut operation
- In any screen (except recording), long press the Back button to jump directly to the main screen.
- In the main screen, if playing, short press the Back button to jump to the now playing screen.
- In storage screen (connected to computer), long press the Back button to exit storage mode without unplugging USB.
- When a song is playing (lock screen/off screen), long press volume up for next song, long press volume down for previous track, short press confirm for play/pause.
4.9 Song of preference
The player comes with one default song. You can find it under categories like "All Songs", "Artist", "Album", "Style", and "Recently Added".
If you dislike a song, it can be deleted via the shortcuts menu, followed by updating the media library. To recover accidentally deleted songs, go to System Settings, select "Restore Factory Settings".
5 Firmware upgrade
Warning: Improper firmware updates can cause malfunction. Read the guide carefully before proceeding.
Update Procedures:
- Download the firmware (M3K.fw) from the FiiO website (link: http://www.fiio.net/en/supports). Copy it to the root directory of a FAT32-formatted SD card.
- Turn off the M3K and insert the SD card.
- Hold the "Volume up" button and the "Power/Lock" button simultaneously to turn on the M3K in firmware update mode. The following dialogs will appear: Unzip Package..., Updating...50%, Update Successfully.
Before proceeding:
- Use a FAT32 micro SD card. If updates fail, try a card of 32GB or less, format it on the M3K (backing up data first), copy the firmware again, and attempt the upgrade.
- Firmware updates do not affect files stored on the card.
- Ensure the M3K is sufficiently charged (preferably fully charged) before updating.
- Do not operate the M3K during the update.
- Delete the M3K.fw file after the firmware update.
- Update the media library after the firmware update.
6 Notes and precautions
- The M3K will skip songs it has trouble decoding to prevent hang-ups.
- Use a recommended DC 5V/2A USB charging adapter. High voltage adapters may damage the device.
- If the M3K hangs up, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
- Update the M3K's media library before using "Play by category" and "Play all" functions.
- Charge the battery regularly, especially if the device will be unused for a long time. Avoid exposing batteries to direct sunlight, fire, or high temperatures.
7 FAQs
7.1 How may the M3 be charged?
The M3 can be charged via any USB port or USB charger. A dedicated DC 5V/1A or higher charger provides faster charging.
7.2 What is the charging current of M3?
When charged via a computer's USB port, the current is adjusted by the computer. With an external adapter, the current is approximately 500mA~1A.
7.3 How long does it take to charge the M3?
A full charge using a recommended DC 5V/1A or higher charger takes about 2.5 hours.
7.4 Can I listen to songs on the M3 while charging it?
Yes, but charging while listening may prolong charging time and cause slight heating. It is recommended to charge in the off state and ensure the device is in a ventilated position.
7.5 Can M3 be charged with other Micro USB cable?
A quality USB cable is recommended. Poor quality cables may lead to slow or no charging.
7.6 Why does the M3 charge so slowly or not at all through a front USB port on a desktop computer?
Front USB ports on desktop computers are connected via long, thin cables, causing significant voltage drop for high-current devices like the M3.
7.7 How to judge the status of M3 charging?
When charging, the battery icon in the status bar scrolls. If the device is off, a large battery icon indicates charging. The icon stops scrolling when the M3 is fully charged.
7.8 Which operating systems does M3 support for copying songs?
The M3 supports Windows XP / 7 / 8 / 10 (32/64bit) and Mac OS X.
7.9 What USB ports does the M3 support?
The M3 supports USB 2.0 and is backward-compatible with USB 2.0 standards (e.g., USB 3, USB Type C via adapter).
7.10 Does the M3 support file be directly dragged and deleted by the file manager on the computer?
Yes.
7.11 Does the M3 online computer need to be installed with a driver?
No, the M3 is driver-free.
7.12 How to check whether my M3 has the latest firmware?
- Check current firmware version at Settings → System Settings → Player information.
- Find the latest firmware at https://www.fiio.com/supports.
- Contact FiiO customer service via email (support@fiio.net) or phone (4000426826).
7.13 How to upgrade the M3 firmware?
Upgrade steps and precautions are detailed in the firmware upgrade section.
7.14 What to do if the update fails? Would my M3 be bricked?
The M3 should not brick during a firmware update if power is not lost. Ensure the M3 is fully charged before updating. In the rare event of a bricked device, contact support@fiio.net.
7.15 What cards do the M3 support?
The M3 supports micro SD cards (TF cards), including SDHC and SDXC types.
7.16 Is the M3 picky about cards?
The M3 has been tested with major brands like Sandisk and Kingston. Reputable brands should work. For optimal performance and to prevent stalling with high-bitrate tracks, use micro SD cards of Class 6 or above.
7.17 What size card does the M3 support?
Currently supports cards up to 512GB.
7.18 How to format SD card into FAT32 format?
Recommended: Insert the SD card into the M3 and format via System Settings > Format. Alternatively, connect the card to a computer via a reader and format to FAT32. Note: SD cards 64GB and above may require third-party tools for FAT32 formatting on Windows. Consult FiiO customer service for technical support.
7.19 All files on the SD card cannot be displayed on M3.
- Insert the SD card, go to System Settings > About M3, and check if the external memory and available capacity are reported normally. If not, try formatting the SD card and re-copying songs.
- If capacity is normal, confirm songs are usable by copying them to a computer for playback. If they don't play on the computer, delete and recopy them.
- If problems persist, try another SD card or test the problematic card on other machines.
7.20 Files on the SD card (FAT32) only show partial files on M3.
- Check songs via "All songs", "Sort play", and "Browse files".
- If files are visible in "Browse Files" but not in "All songs" or "Category", update the media library.
7.21 How do I reset the database files in M3?
Remove the SD card and update the media library, or choose "Restore Factory Settings" in System Settings.
7.22 What formats of SD card does the M3 support for recording?
M3 supports FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT formats for recording.
7.23 M3 supports APE, why my APE can't play.
APE files with Extra High and Insane compression levels are not supported. Normal and High encoded APEs are supported at 192k/24bit or below.
7.24 Does M3 support CUE sheets?
The M3 supports external cue sheets for identifying and playing tracks from a cue'd music file. These tracks are tracked automatically during playback.
7.25 The SD card have CUE files. Why M3 can't support it?
M3 does not support embedded CUE files or CUE files where the filename differs from the song filename.
7.26 Why can't I see the CUE file in the browse file?
The M3 splits cue'd files into multiple tracks, which are then displayed.
7.27 How do you set it to play across different folders?
After updating the media library, set the play mode to Loop or Shuffle, then select a song from the "All songs" list to start playing.
7.28 Why do my lyrics not show?
The M3 only supports external .lrc files, which must be named identically to their corresponding music files.
7.29 Why is the cue playing screen displaying garbled characters?
The M3 currently supports ANSI, Unicode, and UTF-8 encoding formats. Other formats are not supported.
7.30 Why do my new songs not appear under any category?
New songs are only sorted into categories after the media library is updated (automatically or manually) after they are added.
7.31 Why does the total number of files displayed by M3 differ from the actual number of files that I copied into the micro SD card?
The number displayed by the M3 indicates the total number of files playable by the device.
7.32 How to get longer battery life for the M3?
- Turn on "Idle standby". The player enters standby after the set time when no music is playing and no buttons are pressed.
- Lower the backlight brightness to reduce power consumption.
- Set "Screen timeout" to the minimum value to ensure the screen and keys lock automatically after a short delay when no buttons are pressed.
