Dreamus Astell & Kern AK HB1 User manual

INSTRUCTION BOOK
User Guide
AK HB1

CONTENTS
Before Using the Product
Components
Parts Names
Power
Charging
Connections
Getting Started _01
Button Operations
Listening to Music
Making a Phone Call
Using the App
App screen
Using the Device _02
Safety Precautions
Copyright
Certifications
Registered Trademarks
Disclaimers
Specifications
Miscellaneous _03
02
03
04
06
07
09
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
19
19
20

User Guide
Getting Started 02
Before
Using the
Product
The descriptions contained in this instruction book are
based on the device's default settings.
The content of this user guide may differ from that of
the actual device depending on the manufacturer's
specification changes, and pictures in the user guide
may also differ from the actual device.
Modifying the software provided by the manufacturer
or installing software obtained unofficially may cause
device malfunction or errors, and warranty service
may not be provided.
When connected to a playback device, please check
the volume before wearing earphones or headphones.

User Guide
Charging cable : Use when charging the device.
USB-C to USB-C cable : Use when connecting the
product to a PC or Android device.
USB-C to Lightning cable : Use when connecting the
product to an iOS device.
Quick Start Guide :Basic overview of device functionality.
Warranty Card : Please keep the warranty card, since it
is required when requesting warranty (after-sale) service.
Device User Guide : The User Guide can be downloaded
from the Astell&Kern website: [http://www.astellnkern.
com Support > Download].
Components may change without previous notice to
improve the performance or quality of the device.
Compo-
nents
Getting Started 03
Quick Start Guide
& Warranty Card
USB-C to Lightning
Cable
USB-C to USB-C
Cable
AK HB1 Charging cable

Getting Started 04
User Guide
Parts
Names
The appearance of the device as well as the information
printed and engraved on the device may vary depending
on the manufacturer's specifications.
Media button
Status LED
Power button
Mic.
Bluetooth Pairing button Volume
3.5mm Unbalanced Port
4.4mm Balanced Port
USB Type-C charging/input port
Power/Battery LED

Power button : You can turn the power On / Off or check
the battery status.
Bluetooth Pairing button :Enter Bluetooth pairing mode
or lock/unlock the volume wheel function.
Media button : Control music playback and answer or
reject incoming calls.
Volume : Turn the wheel to adjust the sound volume.
Power/Battery LED : Displays battery status and
charging status.
Status LED : Displays the connection status and current
music information.
3.5 mm / 4.4 mm Ports : Supports 3.5mm unbalanced
and 4.4mm balanced earphones and headphones to
output sound.
Mic. : Used for calls when connected to mobile device
via Bluetooth.
USB Type-C charging/input port : Use the enclosed
cable to connect with other devices or charge the
product.
User Guide
Getting Started 05

Getting Started 06
User Guide
Factory Reset
1. Pressing and holding the power button and pairing
button simultaneously for over 10 seconds will make
the [Power LED] blink green three times and the
power turn Off.
2. All saved data will be deleted, and all user settings
will be reset.
Using the Reset Function
1. In cases where the device malfunctions or freezes
during use, press and hold the power button and the
media button simultaneously for over 10 seconds,
then release to turn Off the power.
Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to turn
back on.
If the device does not turn On, use the enclosed charging
cable and charge for at least an hour before turning the
power On again.
If the power remains Off even after charging, initiate a
reset.
Turn on/off power
1. To turn on the power, press and hold the power button
on the side of your product for 3 seconds.
2. To turn off the power, press and hold the power button
on the side of your product for 3 seconds while the
power is on.
Power

Getting Started 07
User Guide
Charging when the Power is Off
1. Connect your product to the supplied charging cable
to charge it through the USB Type-C charging port on
the bottom of the product.
2. When charging starts, the [Power/Battery LED] blinks
in white, and when charging is complete, the LED
turns blue.
Charging while the power is On
1. Quickly press the [Power Button] twice to turn
charging mode on or off.
2. When charging mode is on, the HB1 internal battery
will charge when connected via USB-C cable.
Charging will stop if charging mode is turned off.
3. You can verify charging mode by checking the status
of the [Power/Battery LED].
Charging Time: Approximately 1.5 hours (fully discharged,
with power OFF)
If the red LED continues to blink when the charging cable
is connected, please disconnect and reconnect the charging
cable.
If the red LED continues to blink even after reconnection,
stop charging and request warranty (after-sale) service.
StatusLED Color
Charging Mode On
Charging Mode Off
Purple light blinks once
Purple light blinks twice
Charging

Getting Started 08
User Guide
When charging mode is turned on while connected to a
mobile device, the HB1 uses the battery power of the
mobile device, and when the charging mode is turned
off, the HB1's internal battery is used.
If you use the device in USB DAC mode with charging
mode on, the connected mobile device's battery may drain.
Conversely, if you connect with a mobile device with the
charging mode off, the HB1's battery can drain quickly.
Adjust the charging mode according to the situation.
When using with an iPhone in USB DAC mode, it is
recommended to turn off charging mode.
If you turn off the HB1 and power it back on while
charging mode is off, charging mode is automatically
enabled.
StatusLED Color
10% or below
10~20%
20~60%
60~99%
100%
Red blinking
Red
Yellow
Green
Blue
Checking the Battery Status
1. You can check the current battery status through the
[Power/Battery LED].
2. When the power is On, press the [Power] button
briefly once to display the current battery status with
the [Power/Battery LED].
3. When the battery level is 10% or below, even without
pressing the [Power Button], an alert sound occurs
and the [Power/Battery LED] blinks red.

Getting Started 09
User Guide
Connecting in Bluetooth mode
1. When you turn on the HB1, it automatically enters
pairing standby mode, and the [Status LED]
blinks red and blue.
2. Turn on the Bluetooth feature in your mobile device
settings.
3. Selecting [AK HB1] from the list of detected devices
will complete pairing with your mobile device, and
the [Status LED] turns blue.
Multi-point Connection
1. While connected to the first Bluetooth device, press
HB1's pairing button for 3 seconds to enter pairing
standby mode.
2. Enter Bluetooth settings on the second device to
connect.
3. Press search for device, and the [HB1] will be
detected, selecting the [HB1] completes pairing with
the second device.
4. Go back to the Bluetooth settings of the first device
and select [HB1] from the [Registered Devices] list,
both devices will be connected simultaneously.
Connec-
tions
If the HB1 does not enter the pairing standby mode,
press the [Bluetooth Pairing Button] on the side of the
product for 3 seconds to enter the pairing standby mode.
A device only needs to be paired once and will
subsequently connect automatically.
Pressing the pairing button for more than 10 seconds
will casue the [Status LED] to blink yellow three times,
and deleting all previously paired device information.

Getting Started 10
User Guide
Connecting in USB DAC mode
1. After turning the power On, connecting a mobile
device or PC using the enclosed cable will connect
the HB1 in USB DAC mode.
2. When connected in USB DAC mode, the [Status LED]
turns white.
Connection Status LED Indicator
HB1 is set to UAC2.0 by default. When connecting to
certain gaming consoles, it is recommended to change to
UAC1.0 via the AK Control app be fore use.
When using as a USB DAC, the Bluetooth connection is
active, allowing you to use the AK Control app to change
settings at the same time.
When connected to a Windows PC, you need to install a
separate USB DAC Driver for high quality audio playback.
You can download the USB DAC Driver from www.
astellnkern.com - Support - Download.
StatusLED Color
Bluetooth Pairing
Standby mode
Bluetooth/USB DAC
mode connected properly
Red/Blue LED
alternating blink
White LED On
Multi-point supports connection of up to 2 devices.

User Guide
You can use the buttons
on the side of the product
to perform various
functions.
Power button
Button
Opera-
tions
Bluetooth Pairing
button
Media button
Power button
Power button
Action
When the product is on When the product is off
-
-
Power on
Short press once
Short press twice
Long press for 3 seconds
Check battery status
Turn the charging mode on/off
Power off
Media button
Playing media Receiving a call
Accept/end a call
-
-
Decline a call
Action
Short press once
Short press twice
Short press 3 times
Press and hold for
more than 1 second
Play/Pause
Play the next track
Play the previous track
-
Bluetooth Pairing button
Bluetooth Pairing buttonAction
Bluetooth Pairing Standby mode
Reset pairing information
Lock/Unlock Volume Wheel function
Long press for 3 seconds
Long press for 10 seconds
Short press twice
Media button
Using the Device 11

Using the Device 12
User Guide
DetailsLED Color
PCM
DSD
MQA Renderer
Red
Cyan
Magenta
Playing music
Play music stored on your mobile device or stream
music while connected to your mobile device.
When music is playing, the [Status LED] indicates
information about the song currently playing.
Controlling the volume
You can increase or decrease the volume in 50 steps by
turning the wheel on the side of the device.
Pause/Play
During music playback, press the [Media] button on the side
once to pause the music, and press again to resume playback.
Listening
to Music
Continuous Playback Time: Approximately 6 hours
(based on Bluetooth mode, AAC, unbalanced)
Short press the [Bluetooth Pairing Button] twice to lock
the volume wheel. The [Status LED] will blink green
once to confirm volume lock is enabled. When locked,
turning the volume wheel will not adjust the volume.
Short press the [Bluetooth Pairing Button] twice again
to unlock the volume wheel. The [Status LED] will blink
green twice to confirm volume lock is disabled. Turning
the power off and then on while the volume wheel
function is locked will unlock the volume wheel function.

Using the Device 13
User Guide
When connected to a music playback device, please
check the volume before wearing earphones or headphones.
Listening at maximum volume can cause serious
hearing damage. Adjust the volume to an appropriate
level before listening to music.
In Bluetooth mode, when connected to a mobile device,
you can only make calls through HB1's built-in microphone.
When connected to an Android mobile device in USB DAC
mode, you can make calls using the built-in microphone
of your earphones/headphones.
For iPhones, call functionality is not supported in USB
DAC mode, and some Android mobile devices with a 3.5
mm port may not support calls with the HB1.
Accept/decline a call
When receiving a call while connected to a mobile device,
you can accept or decline the call.
To answer a call, press the [Media Button] on the side
of the product once.
To decline a call, press and hold the [Media Button]
on the side of the product for more than 1 second.
Making a
Phone
Call
Playing the previous/next music file
During music playback, quickly press the [Media] button
twice to play the next music track.
During music playback, quickly press the [Media] button
three times to play the previous music track.

Using the Device 14
User Guide
Utilize the AK Control app to monitor the HB1's status
and adjust your usage settings.
Supported operating systems
- Android: 7.0 or newer
- iOS: 9.0 or newer (iPads are not supported).
Using
the App
Download the app
1. On the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, you can
download the app by searching for [AK Control].
You can only launch the AK Control app when the HB1 is
connected via Bluetooth.
If the app doesn't start, please check your Bluetooth
connection and try launching it again.
Launch the app
1. Open the installed AK Control app.
2. Follow the prompts to allow Bluetooth connectivity
and grant the necessary permissions, before the
HB1's details will be displayed.
End a call
To end a call, press the [Media Button] once.

Using the Device 15
User Guide
App
screen
Displays battery life, codec
information, device name, and volume.
Set playback priorities when
connected to multiple devices.
Power Off the HB1.
View app information and
firmware details.
Turn charging mode On / Off.
Go to the EQ screen.
Turn car mode On / Off.
Set time for automatic power
off when in standby mode.
Set the DAC filter.
Set UAC output to either 2.0 or 1.0.
View HB1 user guide.
Device Status
Priority
Settings
Power
Settings
Charging Mode
Equalizer
Car Mode
Auto
Power Off
DAC Filter
USB Audio Class
User Guide
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
35
6
7
8
9
10
11
4
2
1

Miscellaneous 16
User Guide
Safety
Precau-
tions
When a plug is inserted into the unbalanced, balanced, or
USB port, do not apply any force or impact to the plug.
Do not insert any metal objects (coins, hairpins, etc.) or
flammable debris into the device.
Do not put heavy objects on the device.
If the device gets wet (rain, water, chemicals, medicine,
cosmetics, sweat, moisture, etc.), allow the device to dry
thoroughly before powering on. (Damage may not be
repairable, however if deemed repairable, any damage
due to liquid exposure will be repaired for an additional
fee even if the device is under warranty.)
Avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight or extreme
temperatures (0℃- +40℃) such as the
inside of a car during the summer.
Do not store or use in hot and humid places such as saunas.
Avoid places with excessive dust or smoke.
Do not use for extended periods on blankets, electric
blankets, or carpet.
Do not place near a fire or in a microwave.
Never disassemble, repair, or alter the product.
Do not store for extended periods in a confined space with
the power on.
Do not place the device near magnetic objects (magnets,
televisions, monitors, speakers, etc.).
Do not let chemicals or detergents come in contact with
the product since they may damage the surface and paint.
Do not drop or expose the product to strong impacts
(places where there is strong vibration, etc.).

Miscellaneous 17
User Guide
Certifica
tion
KC / FCC / CE / TELEC
Class B Device (Communication equipment for residential
use): This is a Class B Device and is registered for EMC
requirements for residential use. This device can be used in
residential areas and all other areas.
FCC ID : QDMPEM21
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.
Copyright Dreamus Company retains the rights to patents, trademarks,
copyrights, and other intellectual property rights related to
this manual. No contents of this user manual may be
duplicated or reproduced in any format or by any means
without the prior approval of Dreamus Company.
Using or reproducing, in whole or part, the contents of this
document is subject to penalties. Software, audio, video,
and any other copyrighted contents are protected in
accordance with relevant copyright laws.
The user accepts all legal responsibility for the unauthorized
reproduction or distribution of the copyrighted contents from
this product.
Companies, organizations, products, people, and events used
in the examples are fictional. Dreamus Company has no
intention to be associated with any company, institution,
product, person, or incident through this instruction book,
and no such inference should be made. It is the responsibility
of the user to comply with applicable copyright laws.
Copyright © Dreamus Company. All Rights Reserved.

Miscellaneous 18
User Guide
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.

Miscellaneous 19
User Guide
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
Registered
Trademarks
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.
LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Disclai-
mers
The manufacturer, importer, and distributor shall not be liable
for damages including accidental and personal injury due to
the improper use or operation of this product. The information
in this user manual was written based on current product
specifications. The manufacturer, Dreamus Company,
regularly adds new features via OTA updates and will continue
to apply new technologies in the future. Product specifications
may be changed without prior notice. There is no warranty
against data loss due to the use of this product.