Turtle Beach Ear Force PBT User manual

User’s Guide
PS3™ Bluetooth®Communicator

2
System Requirements
Package Contents
PlayStation®3 game console
Ear Force®PBT
Bluetooth communicator
Removable
ear clip
Removable
clothing clip
USB cable

3
To avoid potential damage to the device, always disconnect all cables before transporting it.
WARNING: Permanent hearing damage can occur if a headset is used at high volumes for
extended periods of time, so it is important to keep the volume at a safe level. Over time, your
ears adapt to loud volume levels, so a level that may not cause initial discomfort can still damage
your hearing. If you experience ringing in your ears after listening with the headset, it means the
volume is set too loud. The louder the volume is set, the less time it takes to affect your hearing.
So, please take care to listen at moderate levels.
• Before placing a headset on your ears, turn the volume down completely, then slowly increase
it to a comfortable level.
• Turn down the volume if you can’t hear people speaking near you.
• Avoid turning up the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
The Turtle Beach Ear Force PBT is a Bluetooth®communicator device for the PlayStation 3. It allows
wireless connectivity to the PS3™ for live chat with others over the PlayStation Network. The PBT is
unique because unlike other Bluetooth communicators, in addition to pairing with your PS3, it can
simultaneously pair with your mobile phone too. The PBT’s dual-pairing feature maximizes
convenience when gaming because you can instantly switch from in-game chatting to take a phone
call—with just a single press of a button. With the PBT’s 2.5mm mic jack you can even use the
wireless Ear Force X31 or X41 headsets on the PlayStation 3. All the innovative features that make
Turtle Beach’s X31 and X41 excellent XBOX 360 headsets can now be enjoyed on the PS3 .
IMPORTANT
Before using your PBT for the rst time, you must fully charge its internal battery and pair it with your
PS3 as described later in this User’s Guide.
Safety Notice
Ear Force PBT Overview

4
Features
1
23
4
8
5
6
7

5
Features (cont’d)
PBT’s Multi-Function Button (“MFB”): One-button convenience for power on and off, call
answering and hang up (when PBT is used in conjunction with a mobile phone) and to put
the PBT into “search” mode while registering with another Bluetooth device.
Indicator LED: Dual color LED to indicate current state of device as described in this User’s
Guide.
2.5mm Mic Jack: Connects the microphone from a Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 or X41 wire-
less gaming headset (or any other stereo or mono headset) to the PBT. This enables PlaySta-
tion Network chat on the X31 and X41.
Volume Controls: Press the “+” or “-“ to raise/lower the level of incoming chat while on
PlayStation Network or during phone calls.
Microphone: Directional microphone picks up the user’s voice for communicating over the
PlayStation Network or a phone conversation.
USB Port: The included USB cable is used to charge the internal battery and/or pair the PBT
manually with a PS3.
Ear Clip: Use the PBT as a standard Bluetooth communicator earpiece for a mobile phone.
The removable clip comfortably hooks over your ear.
Clothing Clip: When using the PBT with an X31 or X41, this clip can be conveniently attached
to a pocket, piece of clothing, etc.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

6
Battery Charging
Turning The Power ON and OFF
The PBT includes an internal rechargeable lithium ion battery. It is not fully charged when new.
Please allow four (4) hours to fully charge the battery prior to rst use. Subsequent charges should
take about one (1) hour. With the battery fully charged, talk time can be up to 6 hours, and the
stand-by time can be up to 100 hours. Note that the PBT can be used during charging.
1) Plug the USB cable into an available USB port on your PS3 or PC.
2) Connect the cable to the mini USB port on the PBT. The LED indicator glows red while the PBT is charging.
3) When battery charging is complete, the red LED indicator will turn off.
NOTE: When the battery is low, the PBT will make continuous high/low tones every 10 seconds,
indicating that charging is needed. When the battery reaches a “critical” level, the LED indicator
will blink red rapidly and the PBT will enter its “Auto Power-down” mode. At this point, all key
presses will be ignored, the LED will turn off and no tones/beeps will be heard, The PBT must be
charged at this point.
After charging, activate the PBT by pressing the MFB for 3 seconds until the button glows blue—
then release the button. Or, if you are already wearing the PBT in your ear, press the MFB for 2
seconds until you hear the “power on” chime—then release the button. The blue LED blinks every
5 seconds while the PBT is powered on,.
To power off the PBT, press and hold the MFB for 4 seconds until the red light turns on—then
release the button. Or, if you are wearing the PBT, press the MFB for 4 seconds until you hear the
“power off” chime—then release the button. The PBT is now off.

7
“Pairing” is when two Bluetooth devices agree to communicate with each other and establish
a connection. This link between the PBT and PS3 enables you to control various functions of
the devices without the need for reconguring each time you use them together. If everything is
working properly you will only need to go through the pairing process once. The PS3 and PBT will
remain paired even when powered off, a connection is interrupted or stopped, or one or both are
restarted. This also applies to most mobile phones.
Wireless Pairing to the PlayStation 3:
Follow these steps to make a wireless connection between the PBT and PS3. Before you begin,
your PS3 must have the latest available software update in the System Settings menu.
1) With the PBT powered OFF, go to the PS3 Settings > Accessory Settings >
Manage Bluetooth Devices.
2) If you have never used a Bluetooth device or have deleted any proles from other devices
previously used with your console, the prompt will ask if you wish to register a device.
Choose “Yes” to start scanning. If any other Bluetooth devices have previously been paired
with your console they will appear in a list. Choose “Start Scanning” at the bottom of the
screen.
3) On the PBT, press and hold the MFB for 5 seconds until the ashing LED changes from
blue to red—then release the button. A tone will
also sound in the earpiece to indicate that the
PBT is in pairing mode.
4) When the PS3 is nished scanning, it will
prompt you to select the Bluetooth device.
Select “Turtle Beach PBT” from the list.
5) On the next screen, enter “0000” as the Pass
Key and select “OK”. A tone will be heard in the
earpiece and the PBT will now be paired with
your PS3.
Pairing the Bluetooth Communicator

8
Conrming a Successful Pairing (PS3)
Once the PBT has been paired with the PS3,
you’ll want to test its functionality.
1) Go to Settings > Accessory Settings > Audio
Device Settings.
2) Select “Turtle Beach PBT” as the Input and
Output Device and press X to conrm.
3) Click on “Microphone Level” and adjust the lev-
el of your chat output so that the bar graph barely
reaches the red area when you speak loudly.
4) Click “OK” to save.
Pairing with a Mobile Phone
Follow these steps to connect the PBT to a mobile phone for making and receiving calls.
The PBT must be powered off before you start.
1) On the PBT, press and hold the MFB for 5 seconds until the ashing LED changes from
blue to red—then release the button. A tone will also sound in the earpiece to indicate that
the PBT is in pairing mode.
2) On your mobile phone, activate the Bluetooth mode and search for Bluetooth devices as
described in its user manual.
3) When your phone is nished scanning, select “Turtle Beach PBT” from the list and follow
the prompts to connect.
4) Enter “0000” as the Pass Key and select “OK”. The PBT is now paired with your mobile phone.
Pairing the PBT Bluetooth Communicator (cont’d)

9
Once the PBT is successfully paired with your mobile phone, you can use it to make and receive
calls. The PBT can be used with voice dialing if your phone supports this function.
1) Using voice dialing – Press the MFB button for 3 seconds until you hear a tone—then release
the button. The voice recognition prompt in your phone will now be activated. Say the name of
the phone number or person whom you want to call. You can exit the voice recognition state at
any time by pressing the MFB for 3 seconds
2) Using mobile phone keys to make a call - Dial the number on the mobile phone as normal.
Once the call has been placed, the sound will automatically be transmitted to the PBT.
3) Redial - Double-click the MFB. You will hear two beeps, after which the last number dialed
will be called.
4) Switching from PBT to phone – While using the PBT for a phone call, you can switch to using
your handset by pressing the MFB for 3 seconds. Similarly, you can divert an active call from the
handset to the PBT by pressing the MFB for 3 seconds.
5) Muting the microphone – During a phone call, the PBT microphone can be muted by double-
clicking the MFB. You will hear two beeps, indicating that the mic mute is active. While the mic
is muted, a beep will be heard every 10 seconds to let you know that mic mute is still activated.
To turn off the mic mute, simply double-click the MFB again. You will hear two beeps, indicating
that the mic mute has been disabled.
NOTE: Some older mobile phones may not have a redial or voice recognition function. If a
phone does not have a redial function, then a double-click of the MFB will initiate the voice recognition
state instead. If a phone does not have either function, then a double-click or 3-second press of
the MFB will have no effect.
Making Calls

10
When the PBT is powered on and there is an incoming call you will hear a musical chime. You
have three options when an incoming call is received:
1) Answer call – Click the MFB once to accept the call. Click it again to end a call. A tone is
heard in the earpiece each time you answer or end a call.
2) Reject call – Press the MFB for 3 seconds until you hear a beep. The call is sent directly to
your voicemail.
3) Do nothing – The “incoming call chime” will sound until your phone sends the caller to voicemail.
Incoming Calls

11
Your PBT is designed to perfectly integrate with a wireless gaming headset, such as the Turtle Beach
Ear Force X31 or X41. By combining the PBT with an X31 or X41, you can enjoy wireless chat on
the PlayStation Network via Bluetooth, while the game audio is transmitted wirelessly via digital RF.
To connect the X31/X41 microphone to your PBT, use the talkback cable included with the headset.
The right-angle 2.5mm plug connects to the PBT and the straight 2.5mm plug connects to the
XBOX LIVE®jack on the left ear cup of the headset. When the talkback cable is connected to the
PBT from an X31/X41, all tones, beeps or communication with others will be seamlessly routed
through the headset. Similarly, when speaking to others, only the headset’s microphone will be active.
Using the PBT with an X31/X41
Ear Force X31
Headset
Ear Force X41
Headset
Secure the PBT to your shirt
using the removable clothing clip
(included)

12
The PBT comes ready to wear on your left ear, but can be easily used on either ear. To use
on your left ear, gently pull the ear clip close to the base of the device until it comes off.
Flip the ear clip over so that it is opposite from its original position and press it back on.
(Note: The “Turtle Beach” text will be upside-down when worn on your right ear).
Power on
Power off
Microphone mute
Adjust volume
Answer call
Reject call
End call
Cancel outgoing call
Redial
Voice recognition
Transfer call to PBT from phone
Press MFB for 3 seconds
Press the MFB for 4 seconds
During a call, double-click the MFB
Press the “+” or “-“ buttons
Click the MFB
Press and hold the MFB for 2 seconds
Click the MFB
Click the MFB
Double-click the MFB
After being powered on, press MFB for 3 seconds
During a call, press MFB for 3 seconds
Basic Operations
Wearing the PBT on Either Ear

13
If you are having trouble with a headset after it is paired with the PS3, there are a few
things to check rst:
- Make sure your headset battery is charged and working. The PBT should not require
pairing again after each recharge.
- If using a PS3 wireless controller, make sure it is fully charged. When the PS3 controllers
don’t have enough power, they can sometimes cause dropouts and headset interference.
- The headset should be set as the input/output device in the PS3 Accessories Settings menu.
- Make sure there are no other conicting Bluetooth devices in use near your PS3.
- Update your PS3 to the latest available rmware in the System settings menu.
- If you walk out of the PS3’s 30-foot range with an active Bluetooth headset, this can
sometimes cause a lag or lock-up with your wireless controller. To avoid this, remain within
30 feet of your PS3 at all times while connected to the PlayStation Network.
Problems When Changing Maps, Games or Servers:
If the headset suddenly stops working when you start a new game, new round, change
maps, etc., this is usually the result of a lost headset connection. A common indicator of
this is when voices from other players are suddenly heard through your TV speakers. If your
PBT is still powered on, go into your PS3 Accessory Settings menu and reset the Input/Output
device to “Turtle Beach PBT”.
Noise or Feedback:
- If you experience feedback from the microphone (screeching/static noise when you talk),
try lowering your TV’s volume.
- An alternative solution for eliminating feedback is lowering your microphone output volume
in the PS3. To do this, go to Accessory Settings > Audio Device Settings and lower the mic
volume there. Level 3 is recommended as a good starting point. If people have trouble
hearing you then raise it to Level 4 or Level 5.
- If you hear an echo when you talk, turn down the PBT volume on the device itself.
Troubleshooting - General

14
Pairing Problems:
- If the PS3 cannot locate your PBT, make sure that it is in pairing mode before you start
scanning, as indicated by the ashing LED alternating between red and blue.
- If the PBT is missing from the device menu list after you re-start your PS3, please repeat
the pairing process.
- If the PBT appears on the Audio Device menu but is not selectable, then it is not connected.
(It should connect automatically when the Audio Device menu is selected). Make sure it is
charged and powered on and then select the “Connect Bluetooth” tab on the screen. If
this doesn’t work, please repeat the pairing process.
- If there are other active Bluetooth devices nearby, power them off to see if this has any
effect on the PBT’s performance.
- Not having your PS3 updated with the latest system software can also cause connection
problems. Update the PS3 software in the System settings menu.
Voice Chat Drops:
- Most in-game voice chat drops are simply network lag. Usually they subside after a short
time, so be patient. In extreme cases you may have to leave a game and return to reset the
chat function.
- If you use wireless internet, low signal strength from your modem/router can make voice
chat malfunction. Make sure the wireless signal is as strong possible or use a LAN connection
to achieve the best connection possible.
- If there are other active Bluetooth devices nearby, power them off to see if this has any
effect on the PBT’s performance.
Troubleshooting - General (cont’d)
Turtle Beach has identied several unique performance characteristics that are specic to
individual games and is keeping a convenient log that is accessible via the Turtle Beach
website. Please go to www.turtlebeach.com/PBTgaming for more information.
Troubleshooting - Specic Games

FCC Caution:
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This product is CE marked according to the provisions of the R&TTE Directive (99/5/EC)
Grantee Code/Reg Number: XGB/GC229855
FCC Code: XGB-TB2125
Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
Copyright © 2010 Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc. (VTB, Inc.) All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced
without permission. Turtle Beach, the Turtle Beach logo, Voyetra and Ear Force are either trademarks or registered trademarks
of VTB, Inc. XBOX, XBOX 360 and XBOX LIVE are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PlayStation and PS3 are
either trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. Mac is a registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other Trademarks are
properties of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
Manufactured in China. P/N TBS-2125-01 V1
For more products, accessories and our product support knowledge base,
please visit TurtleBeach.com