Paradigm H15 User manual

HIGH-DEFINITION SOUND
™
/
THE ULTIMATE IN SOUND FOR MUSIC AND HOME THEATER™
Owners Manual

RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES FOR EUROPE
In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) directive effective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you that this
product may contain regulated materials which, upon disposal, according to the WEEE
directive, require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason Paradigm Electronics Inc.
(manufacturers of Paradigm speakers and Anthem Electronics) has arranged with our distributors
in European Union member nations to collect and recycle this product at no cost to you.To find
your local distributor please contact the dealer from whom you purchased this product or go to
our website at www.paradigm.com.
Please note that the product only falls under the WEEE directive.When disposing of packaging
and other shipping material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.
iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod shue, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the
U.S. and other countries.
The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation and later), iPod classic (120GB, 160GB), iPod
touch (2nd generation and later), iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad, and iPad 2. The remote is supported by iPod shue
(3rd generation and later). Audio is supported by all iPod models.

Safety Precautions........................................................................1
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Important Operating Instructions .........................................................4
Serial Number ............................................................................5
About Paradigm: From Garage Brand To International Superstar............................6
We’re All Different. Our Sound Should Reflect That. ........................................7
Inside Your Headphones the Science is Sound .............................................8
Features of Paradigm Headphones ........................................................9
Features By Model (chart) ................................................................10
What’s In The Box (pictorial) ..............................................................11
Break-In .................................................................................12
Care ....................................................................................12
Adjusting Your Headphones .............................................................13
Noise Cancelling.........................................................................15
Using the Noise Cancelling Feature Without Audio........................................15
Using the In-Line Remote and Microphone ...............................................16
Connecting to In-Flight Entertainment Systems ..........................................17
Battery Life ..............................................................................18
Storing Your Headphones................................................................18
Reattaching Earcup Cushions ............................................................19
Problems With Your Headphones ........................................................20
Replacement Parts and Accessories ......................................................20
Technical Specifications .................................................................21
Troubleshooting.........................................................................22
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated“Dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (Servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying
the product.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE,AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS,
SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THIS
APPARATUS.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST
RISK OF FIRE,REPLACE THE FUSE ONLY WITH THE SAME
AMPERAGE AND VOLTAGE TYPE.REFER REPLACEMENT
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: UNIT MAY BECOME HOT. ALWAYS PROVIDE
ADEQUATE VENTILATION TO ALLOW FOR COOLING.DO
NOT PLACE NEAR A HEAT SOURCE,OR IN SPACES THAT
CAN RESTRICT VENTILATION.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING!

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions before using
this product.
2. Keep these instructions for future
reference.
3. Heed all warnings on the product
and in the owner’s manual.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this product near water or
moisture.Do not use this product near a
bathtub, washbowl,kitchen sink,laundry
tub,in a wet basement, near a swimming
pool or anywhere else that water or
moisture are present.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth and exactly
as directed by Paradigm.DO NOT clean
product while it is being charged.
7. Use only attachments and accessories
specified/approved by Paradigm.
8. Unplug the battery charger during
lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time in order to prevent
damage to this product.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
for example:if the battery is defective; if
liquid has been spilled, objects have fallen
into the apparatus,the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture,the apparatus
does not operate normally or has been
dropped.Do not attempt to service this
product yourself.Opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous
voltages or other hazards.Please call
Paradigm to be referred to an authorized
service dealer near you.
WARNINGS:
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose the battery charger to rain
or moisture.Do not expose the charger to
dripping or splashing of liquids.
• The battery charger must be used indoors.
It is neither designed nor tested for use
outdoors, in recreation vehicles or on boats.

3
WARNINGS (cont’d. )
• Do not expose headphones to
temperatures greater than 212°F (100°C).
If exposed to excessive heat, the battery
can catch fire and explode.
• The battery used in these headphones
may present a risk of fire or chemical
burn if mistreated. Do not disassemble,
heat above 212°F (100°C) or incinerate.
IMPORTANT! The battery in your
Paradigm headphones is NOT user-
serviceable. Any attempt by the
user to remove the battery will void
the warranty. For battery service or
questions, contact Paradigm using
the contact information on page 20
of this manual.
• Do not hit the headphones with a
hammer, step on them, throw or drop
them or expose them to a strong shock.
Do not pierce the headphones with a
sharp object such as a nail. Do not crush,
dent, or deform the headphones.
• Do not immerse headphones in water.

4
• Before you begin listening, set volume to
the lowest level then gradually increase
until desired volume is reached.
• Avoid listening at high volume levels for
long periods of time. Noise levels are
measured in decibels (dB). Regular
exposure to noise at or above 85 dB
can cause hearing loss. Since hearing
loss happens over time, monitor your
listening. Refer to the guidelines on
the Consumer Electronics Association’s
website relating to safe listening levels:
Visit: www.ce.org/PDF/
ListenLifetime_spread.pdf
• Do not use headphones at times when
your attention is required such as driving,
operating heavy machinery, bicycling or
jogging. It is dangerous and in many
jurisdictions illegal, to drive wearing
noise-cancelling headphones because
they dramatically decrease your chance
of hearing life saving sounds around you
such as car horns or emergency sirens.
• Flying at high altitudes may cause
pressure build-up in your ears. While
in ight, remove headphones periodically
to relieve pressure in ears.
• Consult a medical professional if you feel
discomfort after prolonged headphone use.
• This product generates strong permanent
magnetic elds that could cause
interference with cardiac pacemakers
and implanted debrillators (ICDs).
Maintain a distance of at least 4 inches
(10 cm) between the headphones and
the medical device.
IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!

5
SERIAL NUMBER
We suggest you record your product’s serial
number here in the Owners Manual in the
event that you need to contact Paradigm
about your headphones. The serial number
is located inside the right earcup.
Serial Number:
Location Where Product was Purchased:
Location Phone Number:
Purchase Date:
For warranty purposes you must retain your sales receipt and this Owners Manual
for warranty to be valid.

6
ABOUT PARADIGM:
FROM GARAGE BRAND TO INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTPR
In the early 1980s, Paradigm was just an idea in the minds of a couple of twenty-somethings
who loved music and wanted to share the love. They began making speakers in their garage.
At that time, there was no 225,000-square-foot factory, no 36,000-cu.-ft. on-site anechoic
measurement chamber, just a desire to make really good speakers and sell them at a down
to earth price. When it comes to sound reproduction no one does it better than Paradigm.
We’ve been voted #1 Best Price/Value 22 times*. Paradigm speakers are now sold on six
continents and fans still scour the web to buy used versions of our original speakers. That
should tell you something about the quality of our products.
In our Paradigm SHIFT™ Series, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned about sound reproduction
over 30 years and adapted it for listening through the more personal medium of headphones.
*Inside Track Dealer Survey. An annual independent nationwide survey of consumer electronics specialist retailers
and custom installers.

7
WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT.
OUR SOUND SHOULD REFLECT THAT.
Your headphones are high-end designs loaded with Paradigm’s superior audio technology;
very cool stu that you won’t nd in other headphones at this price. The dierence that
Paradigm sound through your new headphones will make to your music, movies, TV and
gaming can’t be put into words, but you’ll hear it and you’ll feel it. It will take you to a place
where you’re absolutely lost in the experience. It’s the Paradigm Dierence. We guarantee
you won’t be able to keep that dierence a secret. We hope you don’t. Spread the word. Talk
about your Paradigms. Brag about them. Let others listen. It’s like having your own private
Paradigm listening room wherever you go. For those of you who get excited about technical
details, we’ve included a Technical Specications section in the back of this manual.
Some of us like music, some of us love movies, some are TV addicts, others are gaming
enthusiasts. Some of us enjoy it all. We’re all dierent and our sound should reect that.
No matter who you are, or where you live, what you like, or what you do, we want to be …
The Ocial Sound of YOU™.

8
INSIDE YOUR HEADPHONES THE SCIENCE IS SOUND
Innovative design, advanced materials and state-of-the-art technology have made Paradigm an
international leader in loudspeaker design. Breathtaking accuracy, a spacious soundstage, pinpoint
localization, deep powerful bass and thrilling dynamics are hallmarks of our loudspeaker designs.
Our unique understanding of what makes a speaker sound magical in a listening room was applied in
the design of our headphones.In our world class R&D facilities we used sophisticated measurement
tools,including Angie our Brüel & Kjær* Head and Torso simulator (see image),to develop proprietary
noise-cancelling algorithms that filter undesirable noise without compromising the purity of the audio
signal in our H15NC headphones.The superb level of noise-isolation in our H15 headphones is directly
attributable to the sophisticated level of design and technology we have at our disposal. All
Paradigm headphones deliver the full audio spectrum to the ear drum with unbelievable clarity
and perfect tonal balance. We even addressed wearing fatigue—during
extended listening, your new headphones will feel light, soft and
unobtrusive on the ears.The result is an intensely private, noise
and distortion-free listening experience,one that makes music
sound“live”and brings movies to life.
*Trademark of Brüel & Kjær Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S.

9
FEATURES OF PARADIGM HEADPHONES
(Features vary by model, see supplied chart)
• State-of-the-art active supra-aural
noise-cancelling technology with dual
microphone design. Ensures an
unprecedented reduction of ambient
noise using sophisticated mathematical
algorithms;
• On-board user interface with LED
indicators for Noise Cancellation control;
• State-of-the-art noise-isolation
technology;
• Take calls, change tracks, adjust volume
using the in-line remote;
• Unique Flexi-Point™ sliding headband
adjusts to accommodate all head sizes;
• Soft protein leather or synthetic leather
earcups with memory foam;
• Proprietary Comfort-Tilt™ t adjusts to
the contours of the ear for a comfortable
extended listening experience;
• Lightweight solid aluminum and
composite or 2-piece construction;
• Airline adaptor;
• Universal power supply with
interchangeable adaptors;
• Gold-plated, right-angled 1/8˝ (3.5-mm)
4-conductor plug;
• Detachable 4’ (1.5 m) power cord;
• 4’ (1.5 m) audio cable with in-line remote
and microphone for use with Apple
products and most smart phones (see
earlier for which generation of Apple
products are accommodated);
• Fold-at design for easy storage;
• Long-life rechargeable lithium battery
• Padded, protective carry case or soft
travel bag.

10
FEATURES BY MODEL
H15NC H15
Supra-Aural Active Noise-Cancelling Technology
Noise-Isolation Technology
Dual-Microphone Design
Audio Cable with In-Line Remote and Microphone
Supple Protein Leather Earcups
Soft Synthetic Leather Earcups
Flexi-Point™ Headband
Comfort-Tilt™ Earcups
Solid Aluminum & Composite Construction
2-Piece Construction
Fold-Flat Design
Airline Adaptor
240V Power Adaptor with four interchangeable heads
Hard Shell Padded Case
Travel Bag
•
•
•
• •
•
•
•
•
•
•
• •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

11
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
H15
H15NC
X 1X 1
X 1X 1 X 1
X 1
X 1
X 1
X 1
X 1
X 1
H15NC incudes a 240V power adaptor
with four interchangeable heads for the
following regions (may not be as shown):
North America UK
Europe Australia/China
UK
Australia/China
Europe
North America
Universal
UK
Australia/China
Europe
North America
Universal
UK
Australia/China
Europe
North America
Universal
UK
Australia/China
Europe
North America
Universal
NOTE: Supplied audio cable
may not be compatible with
all Apple products or all
smart phones.

12
BREAK-IN
CARE
As with all high-performance audio products, a preliminary break-in will result in improved
performance. Allow a full 60 hours for break-in at moderate listening levels before doing any
critical listening. For best results, simply turn on your headphones and leave them running for
the full 60 hours.
TIP! The Noise Cancelling feature on the H15NC model does not need to be engaged during
break-in period.
Wipe outer surfaces of your headphones with a soft, damp cloth when required. Do not allow
moisture to get into the earcups.

13
ADJUSTING YOUR HEADPHONES
(All models)
OR
2. Insert the 2.5-mm headphone plug into the
connector opening on the left earcup. Insert
the other end into the source’s input jack.
3. Adjust the sliding Flexi- Point™
headband for comfort.
IMPORTANT! Set the volume on the audio source to the lowest level before you begin.
Connect to source

14
4. The Comfort-Tilt™ earcups
with memory foam will
naturally adjust to the
contours of your ear.
5. Using the in-line remote or audio source,
adjust volume to desired level. (See page 16 for details.)
Increase Volume (+)
Decrease Volume (-)

15
NOISE CANCELLING
(H15NC only)
USING THE NOISE CANCELLING FEATURE WITHOUT AUDIO
1. On the right earcup, turn
the Noise Cancellation
switch to the On position (as
shown). The LED will glow
blue to indicate that Noise
Cancellation is active.
2. To turn Noise Cancellation
feature o simply move the
power switch to the
O position.
You do not need to connect the power cord for noise cancellation operation.

16
USING THE IN-LINE REMOTE AND MICROPHONE
LISTENING, ANSWERING AND ENDING CALLS
(All models)
MUSIC PLAY/PAUSE/SKIP
Press once: Play/Pause audio
Double Press: Skip to next track
Triple Press: Back to previous track
AUDIO VOLUME UP
Press once: Increase volume
AUDIO VOLUME DOWN
Press once: Decrease volume
INCOMING/OUTGOING CALLS
NOTE: Audio will automatically
stop when a call comes through
Press once: Answer call or hang up call
CALL VOLUME UP
Press once: Increase volume
CALL VOLUME DOWN
Press once: Decrease volume
ENABLE VOICE COMMAND
Press and Hold
Featuring Invisi-Mic™ Technology
B
B B
B
A
AA
C
CC

17
CONNECTING TO IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS
(All models)
Audio jack congurations vary by airline and airplane. We have included the two most widely
used congurations, please select the one that matches the in-ight entertainment system
you are accessing.
Connecting to a Single Output Jack
Plug the 3.5-mm end of the headphone’s cord into the airline’s 3.5-mm input jack.
In-Flight Entertainment Systems Equipped with Dual Output Connectors
The in-ight entertainment systems on some airlines are equipped with a dual output
connector. We have included an airline adaptor for these occasions.
WARNING!
Use only the airline adaptor supplied with your headphones to connect to in-ight
entertainment systems. If you experience loss of audio or the adaptor becomes warm,
IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECT IT FROM THE OUTLET. DO NOT use any other adaptor,
including those intended for mobile phones, to connect to the airline jack as this could
result in damage to person or headphones. Such damage IS NOT covered under warranty.
CAUTION! Flying at high altitudes may cause pressure build-up in your ears.
While in ight remove headphones periodically to relieve pressure.