User Manual
PPE12
INSTRUCTION BOOK
User Guide
Package Contents
PPE12 at a Glance
Power Management
Connections Firmw
are Upgrade
02
03
04
06
11
Getting Started _01
Basic Operations
Home Screen N
otification Bar St
ore
AK Connect Listenin
g to Music Playlist M
anagement USB DA
C Installation CD Rip
ping
Using Bluetooth
Settings
Connecting to a Wireless Network
Equalizer Setup
12
14
15
18
19
25
31
34
35
37
39
44
45
Using the Device _02
Safety Precautions Tro
ubleshooting Copyrigh
t Certifications Specifi
cations Registered Tra
demarks Disclaimers
Technical Support
48
49
51
51
52
53
53
54
Miscellaneous _03
CONTENTS
User Guide
PPE12
microSD Card Slot Cover
Micro-USB Cable
Leather Case & Protective Film: Protect the device and its
screen. The warranty for the leather case guarantees the qu
ality of the leather.
Micro-USB Cable: Connect the device to a computer or
charge the device.
Quick Start Guide: Basic overview of device functionality.
Warranty Card: The warranty card is required for customer
and technical support. Do not misplace the card.
User Guide: The User Guide can be downloaded from the Astell&
Kern website. [http://www.astellnkern.com/ > Support > Download].
MicroSD Card Slot Cover: The cover is used to protect the microSD
card slot when not in use. It is installed on the product by default.
Contents may be changed without prior notice to
improve the performance or quality of the product.
Package
Contents
Protective Film Quick Start Guide
& Warranty Card
Getting Started 2
User Guide
The appearance of the product as well as the printed and
engraved information may vary depending on the model.
PPE12 at
a Glance
microSD
Card Slot
Home Button
Earphones / Optical Port: Output sound to connected ear
phones. Music can be played back on a S/PDIF-capable ex
ternal device by using an optical cable.
Power: Turn the screen on and off.
Long press - Turn the device on and off.
Balanced Out: Output sound to earphones or headphones
that support balanced audio connections. Connect to an e
xternal audio device by using both the earphone port (grou
nd) and balanced audio port (LR) in conjunction.
Micro-USB Port: Connect to a computer or recharge the
device.
Expansion Unit Balanced Out: Output sound to an expans
ion device that supports balanced audio connections. Previo
us/Rewind: Play the previous song or restart the song.
Long press - Rewind.
LCD
Touchscreen
Volume
Previous/
Rewind
Play/Pause
Next/
Fast-Forward
Earphones / Optical Port Power
Micro-USB Port
Balanced
Audio Port
Power
Balanced Audio
Pin Map
R- R+ L+ L -
Getting Started 3
This device has an automatic shutdown feature to reduce batter
y consumption. The device will turn off after a defined period if t
here is no user input. [ - Power Saving - Automatic Shutdown] (
See p. 42)
This device has an automatic timeout feature to reduce battery c
onsumption. The screen will turn off after a defined period of tim
e if there is no user input. [ - Power Saving - Screen Timeout] (S
ee p. 42)
Turn the Screen On/Off
1. While the screen is on, press the [ ] button to turn off t
he screen.
2. Press the [ ] button again to turn off the screen.
Turn On/Off
1. Long-press the [ ] button to turn on the device.
2. While the device is on, long-press the [ ] button to disp
lay a shutdown confirmation message.
3. Press [Confirm] to turn off the device.
Power
Manage-
ment
User Guide
Play/Pause: Play or Pause a song.
Long press - Show the playback screen.
Next/Fast-Forward: Skip to the next song.
Long press: Fast-forward. L
CD Touchscreen: Display with touch control. Vol
ume: Control the volume by turning the wheel.
microSD Card Slot: Insert a microSD card and access its files.
Home Button: Show the home screen.
Getting Started 4
Charging
1. Turn on the computer.
2. The device will charge automatically when connected to
a computer via the micro-USB cable.
User Guide
Reset Function
1. In cases of unexpected device failure or freeze, press the
[ ] button for 12 seconds to force a shutdown. The device
can be restarted after a shutdown.
The device can be restarted after a shutdown.
Resetting the device will not affect the stored data or time settin
g.
Do not use the reset function while the product is in use. Doing s
o may corrupt the data on the device.
When charging via PC connection, the charging time may vary d
epending on whether the device is turned on or off. The maximu
m charge time with a 5V 2A charging adapter is 4 hours (Fully dis
charged battery, power off).
The device will not charge normally when using a fast-charge ad
apter that supports 5V and 9V together. Doing so may cause da
mage to the device.
If the device is on and/or being used while charging, the charge t
ime may be longer or the battery may not fully charge. Charging
with the device turned off is recommended.
The device may not charge if the PC or USB connection goes int
o standby or sleep mode.
The device may charge slowly or not charge at all in extreme te
mperatures. Charging in a room-temperature setting is recomm
ended.
The built-in battery will gradually lose capacity over time accordi
ng to the number of charges/discharges.
Be sure to use a high-powered USB 2.0 port. A low-powered US
B port (e.g. keyboard or USB hub without a dedicated power sup
ply) will increase the charging time.
Do not use any micro-USB cable other than the one supplied wit
h the device. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
Getting Started 5
User Guide
Connec-
tions
Earphones/Headphones
1. Connect earphones or headphones to the earphones port.
OR
Balanced Earphones/Headphones
1. Connect supported earphones or headphones to the
balanced port.
OR
Getting Started 6
Balanced Audio Device
1. Connect to an external audio device by using the
Earphones port and Balanced port in conjunction.
Earphones Port Balanced Port (LR)
(Ground)
Connecting to a Computer
1. Turn on the device and your PC.
2. Connect the device to your PC as a standard USB device
by using a micro-USB cable. [ - Connect USB]
Media Device (USB Drive): Transfer files from a PC to
the device.
DAC input: Listen to music located on a PC through the
device. (See p. 34)
User Guide
Optical Out
1. Music can be played back on a S/PDIF-capable external
audio device by using an optical cable.
DSD format is converted to PCM when using Optical Out.
The volume will be fixed at the maximum level.
Mac users need to download and install the MTP program from
the Astell&Kern website. [http://www.astellnkern.com Support >
Download]
For an optimal connection, quit any unnecessary programs befo
re connecting the device to the computer.
Only use the micro-USB cable supplied with the device. Doing so
may cause a malfunction.
Getting Started 7
User Guide
Copy Files/Folders to the Device
1. To copy files/folders from your computer, select the des
ired files/folders and drag & drop them into the USB de
vice.
Disconnecting from the Computer
1. Verify that all operations are completed before attempting
to disconnect the device from the computer.
Disconnecting the device from the computer during an operation
(e.g. file transfer) may corrupt data on the device.
Windows XP users require Service Pack 2 and Windows Media
Player 10 to be installed for the computer to recognize the USB
device.
Download necessary Service Packs and Windows Media Player f
rom the Microsoft website. http://www.microsoft.com
Getting Started 8
Make sure that the micro-USB cable is securely connected. Not
e that removing the micro-USB cable or turning off the device or
computer during a file transfer may corrupt data on the device.
File transfer speeds may be affected depending on the computer
and/or OS environment.
User Guide
Insert/Remove a microSD Card
1. Refer to the diagram and
gently insert a microSD
card into the microSD c
ard slot.
Getting Started 9
Delete Files/Folders on the Device
1. Right-click the desired file/folder, and then select [Delete].
2. Select [Yes] in the [Confirm File/Folder Deletion] window
to delete the selected file/folder.
User Guide
Maximum supported microSD card capacity: 128GB
Notes on inserting 128GB microSD card.
Do not force the microSD card into the slot. Doing so may
cause damage to the device and/or microSD card.
Do not repeatedly insert/remove the microSD card.
If the microSD card is improperly inserted, it may become
immovable or cause damage to the device.
Notes on removing a microSD card
Be sure to safely unmount and remove the microSD card from
the device. Not following the proper procedure may corrupt da
ta and cause serious damage to the system.
Do not remove the microSD card while it is in use. Doing so m
ay cause data corruption/deletion, malfunction, and damage to
the microSD card.
Miscellaneous
If the device is unable to recognize the microSD card and/or
malfunctions, format the memory card before use. We reco
mmend using the FAT32 format.
Using microSD cards other than the recommended brands
may cause device malfunction.
A microSD card is not included with this device. Please
purchase separately.
Recommended microSD Cards
Brand : SanDisk, Transcend
2. To safely remove a microSD card,
select [Safely remove SD card] fr
om the Notification Bar or select [
Unmount SD card] from [ - Syste
m Information].
3. Gently press the microSD card
to release it from the slot.
Getting Started 10
Refer to page 44 of the manual for more information on connecti
ng to a wireless network.
The firmware upgrade may not initialize if the battery level is too
low. (A minimum battery level of 50% is required.)
Moving to another screen during a file download will cancel the
download.
Do not disconnect from the wireless network while downloading
a firmware upgrade. Doing so may cause data corruption and/or
damage to the system.
If an error occurs or the notice in the Notification Bar disappears
during an upgrade, download the firmware update again through
[ - Update - System Update].
User Guide
Wi-Fi Update / OTA (Over-the-Air)
1. Connect to a wireless network.
2. When a new firmware version is available, the screen will
display a Firmware Update Guide window.
3. Select [Update] and choose the items for update.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and proceed with the
firmware upgrade.
Firmware
Upgrade
Getting Started 11
To prevent damage, do not use a sharp object or use excessive f
orce when touching the screen.
The [Home] button on the AK380 is pressure-sensitive and can b
e operated with light pressure.
Basic LCD Touchscreen
Operations 1. This device features an LCD touchscreen that allows you t
o perform operations by touch.
Interact with the device by touching the screen to access
various features.
User Guide
Home Screen
Using the Device 12
Return to the Home Screen
1. Press the [Home] button at any time to return to the
Home Screen.
User Guide
Navigating Up/Down in a List
1. Scroll through the list by dragging
the list screen [up] and [down].
Using the Device 13
User Guide
Currently playing song information.
Launches AK Connect.
View the list of songs by different
search options.
1 Current Song
2 AK CONNECT
3 Search Options
1
2
3
Home
Screen
The search options can be long-pressed and dragged to change
their locations.
Using the Device 14
User Guide
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
3
4
5
6
7
Notification 1
Bar
2
Using the Device 15
User Guide
Press [ ] to turn Wi-Fi on
or off.
Press [ ] to turn Bluetooth
on or off.
Press [ ] to turn the EQ o
n or off. The most recent EQ s
ettings are applied by default.
Press [ ] to turn Gapless
Playback on or off.
Turn Line Out on or off.
Turn Wi-Fi speakers on or off.
(Must be on the same network.)
(The icon will become enabled
when AK Connect is turned on.)
Notification contents are
displayed in this area.
Enter keywords to display a
list of items containing the
search terms.
Displays a list of settings.
Notification Bar Expand or collapse the
notification bar by dragging the
bar down or up, respectively.
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
EQ
Gapless
Playback
Line Out
Wi-Fi Speakers
Notifications
Display
File Search
Settings
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Using the Device 16
Long-press [ / / ] to move to the corresponding screen.
User Guide
Mode
Screen Lock
Play Mode
Repeat Mode
Ripper Power
Cradle
Screen Bri
ghtness
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
PC Connection Select the appropriate mode
Press [ ] to turn the screen lo
ck on or off. The volume wheel i
s disabled when the screen is lo
cked.
Press [ ] to cycle through
different play modes.
:Sequential playback.
:Shuffle playback.
Press [ ] to cycle through
different Repeat modes.
:Repeat the entire playlist.
:Repeat the current song.
:Disable repeat.
Turn the CD Ripper on or off.
(Enabled when connected to
the AK CD Ripper.)
Output sound through the cradle’s
Balanced Out port. (Enabled when
connected to the AK Cradle.)
Use the adjustment bar to co
ntrol the display brightness.
when connected to a computer.
DISK :USB drive mode for tra
nsferring media files.
:Listen to music located on
a PC through the device.
Using the Device 17
User Guide
Purchasing Music
1. Connect to a wireless network.
2. Select [Store] from the home screen.
3. Select the desired store.
4. Check the user guide or help menu within each store for
detailed information.
Using the Device 18
connected to a wireless network.
Purchasing Conveniently purchase music from the Store when
Music from
a Store
System Requirements
PC Minimum System Requirements
OS : Windows XP, Windows 7/8 (32 & 64-bit)
Mac Minimum System Requirements
OS X 10.7 (Lion) or later
User Guide
MQS Streaming Server Installation
1. Visit the Astell&Kern website and download the server
installer that corresponds to your operating system. [
http://www.astellnkern.com > Support > Download].
2. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen
instructions.
3. Check the User Guide within the program for detailed
information on using the MQS Streaming Server.
The PPE12 can access and play back music files stored on
a computer on the same network as well as output sound
AK
CONNECT through Astell&Kern speakers.
Connecting to the AK Connect Server
1. Turn on the server and connect to
the same network as the PPE12.
Run the MQS Streaming Server
on your computer.
2. Turn on [AK Connect] from the
device settings.
3. Press [AK Connect] from the home
screen.
Using the Device 19
User Guide
4. A list of servers on the same
network as the PPE12 will be
displayed.
5. Scroll the screen left and right to s
elect a server. The selected server
will be connected and the server h
ome screen will be displayed.
6. Select a search option at the bott
om of the server home screen to
display a list of music.
Refer to page 44 of the manual for more information on connecti
ng to a wireless network.
Using the Device 20
User Guide
Streaming and Downloading from the Music Server
1. Select a search option from the
server Home Screen to display
a list of music.
2. Select a song to begin streaming.
3. Press the [ ] button at the upper-rig
ht corner of the music list.
4. Select the desired music, and then
press the [ ] button at the top of the
screen to begin downloading.
A message on the Notification
Bar will indicate a completed
download.
Depending on network conditions, song loading may be slow or
streaming may stutter.
Server response may be slow when the server computer is unde
r load.
Depending on network conditions and server status, the PPE12'
s performance may be affected when streaming and downloadin
g at the same time.
Terminating music streaming or pressing the item being downloa
ded within the Notification Bar will stop the downloading.
Using the Device 21
User Guide
Selecting Speakers
1. Turn on the speaker(s) to be conn
ected, and then connect it to the
same network as the PPE12.
2. Turn on [AK Connect] from the
device settings.
3. Press [ ] from the notification
bar to display a list of speakers
available on the same network
as the PPE12.
4. Scroll the screen left and right to
select a speaker. The selected sp
eaker will be connected, and mus
ic will be played back through the
speaker.
AK Connect Usage Examples
Example 1
LIBRARY SPEAKER
AK T1 PPE12
Using the Device 22
User Guide
Example 2
Example 3
AK500N
LIBRARY REMOTE SPEAKER
AK T1 PPE12
REMOTE & LIBRARY
PPE12
SPEAKER
AK500N
Using the Device 23
User Guide
Example 4
Example 5
LIBRARY SPEAKER
AK T1 PPE12 AK500N
REMOTE
SPEAKER
AK T1
LIBRARY
PPE12
REMOTE
or
AK Connect APP
AK500N
LIBRARY
Using the Device 24
User Guide
Listening
to Music
Selecting Music
1. Select a search option at the bottom of the home screen
to display the playlist.
2. Select a song from the list to begin playback.
Listening to Music
Press [ ] at the top of the music list to display music
options.
: Add the selected file after the current/last song of
the current playlist.
: Add the selected file to the playlist.
: Copy the selected file.
: Move the selected file.
: Delete the selected file.
Select an album cover from the home screen to begin
playback.
Turn the [Volume Wheel] to adjust the volume.
Press [ ] during playback to pause and [ ] to resume pla
yback.
You can also pause/resume playback by pressing the
[ ] button on the device.
Press [ / ] during playback for the previous/next song. Play t
he previous/next song by pressing the [ / ] button on the
device.
Long-press [ / ] during playback to rewind/fast-forward.
Rewind/fast-forward by pressing the [ / ] button on the
device.
Select [Folder] to search music by folder.
Continuous Playback: Approximately 10 hours (Basis: FLAC, 16-
bit, 44 kHz, unbalanced output, volume 80, EQ off, LCD off) Sup
ported Formats: PCM [8 – 384 kHz (8/16/24/32-bit)], DSD [2.8/5.6
MHz]
Using the Device 25
User Guide
Drag the progress bar to the desired location during
playback.
Press the [Home] button on the device to go to the Home
Screen.
Press the album cover during playback to display an
additional screen.
: Display the previous screen.
: Display the current playlist.
Press [ ] next to the playlist to edit the playlist or
der.
Press [ ] at the top of the music list to display
music options.
: Add the selected file to the playlist.
: Delete the selected file.
: Add the current song to the playlist.
: Display lyrics for the current song.
: Display current song information.
Using the Device 26
User Guide
Playlist Screen
1
2
4
5
6
3
Using the Device 27
User Guide
Select a view type for the list of albums.
Using the Device 28
Select the checkbox to apply playlist
options.
1
Current
Location
Indicates the current
location.
Press
to return to the previous screen.
2
Play
All
Play
all songs from the current playlist.
3
Playlist
Displays
the playlist for the current location.
4
List
Sorting
Select
a method for
sorting
the playlist.
5 List View
6 Music O
ptions
1
12
11
10
5
4
2
3
6
7
8
9
13
14
15
Display album covers.
Press the album cover to show
additional functions.
Previous Screen Return to the previous screen.
Album Cover
1
2
User Guide
Music Player Screen
Using the Device 29
User Guide
Displays bitrate and sampling
frequency data.
Song title information.
File name is displayed when
ID3Tag is unavailable.
Artist name.
Play or pause the current song.
Indicates song progress. Dra
g the indicator to move to th
e desired time.
Short press: Previous song.
Long press: Rewind the current
song.
Short press: Next song.
Long press: Fast-forward the
current song.
Song Progress Indicates song duration.
Details
Title
Artist
Play/Pause
Song Duration Indicates the song’s total duration.
Press to switch from elapsed
time to remaining time.
Progress Bar
Previous/
Rewind
Next/
Fast-Forward
3 Lyrics Lyrics for the current song.
Add to Playlist Add the current song to a playlist.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 Playlist Displays the current playlist.
11 Details Displays current song information.
12
13
14
15
Using the Device 30
User Guide
Playlist
Manage-
ment
Using the Device 31
Creating a Playlist
1. Press [Playlist - Playlists] from the
home screen to display a list of pl
aylists.
2. Press [+] at the upper-right corner
of the screen.
3. Enter a name for the playlist,
and then press [Add] to create
a new playlist.
Adding a Song to a Playlist
1. Press [Playlists] to display a list
of playlists.
2. Select a playlist and press [+ Add]
to display a list of songs.
3. Select the desired song, and then
press [+ Add] to add the song to
the selected playlist.
User Guide
Removing a Song from a Playlist
1. Press [Playlists] to display a list
of playlists.
2. Select the desired playlist, and
then press [ ] at the top of t
he screen.
3. Select the desired song, and then
press [ ] to remove the song fr
om the selected playlist.
Editing the Playlist Order
1. Press [ ] next to the playlist to
modify the playlist order.
Playing a Playlist
1. Press [Playlists] to display a list
of playlists, and then press [ ]
at the top of the screen.
2. Select the desired playlist for playback.
3. Press [ ] at the top of the screen
to add the selected playlist after th
e current/last song of the current p
laylist.
Using the Device 32
User Guide
Renaming a Playlist
Deleting a Playlist
1. Press [Playlists] to display a list
of playlists, and then press [ ]
at the top of the screen.
2. Select the playlist to be deleted.
3. Press [ ] at the top of the screen
to delete the selected playlist.
]
1. Press [Playlists] to display a list
of playlists, and then press [
at the top of the screen.
2. Select a playlist to be renamed.
3. Press [ ] at the top of the screen to
display a rename window.
4. Enter a name for the playlist, and
then press [Rename] to save the
playlist under a new name.
Using the Device 33
User Guide
USB DAC
USB DAC Specifications
Supported OS
Windows XP (32-bit) / Windows 7 (32/64-bit) /
Windows 8 (32/64-bit)
USB DAC Support Specifications
Supported Formats: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, A
PE (Normal, High, Fast), AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz – 96 kHz
Bit Rate: 16-bit/24-bit
Control the volume with the PPE12's volume wheel.
The USB DAC functionality allows the PPE12 to be
Installation recognized as a sound card on a computer. Music from the
computer is played through the device’s earphones port for
an enhanced listening experience.
Sound will not play back for files that exceed the supported form
ats.
Volume control is unavailable when the LCD screen is turned off
during USB DAC connection.
The Previous, Play, and Next buttons are unavailable during USB
DAC connection.
Playback may stutter when computer performance is slow or the
USB connection is experiencing heavy usage.
There may be issues with audio-to-video synchronization during
video playback depending on the sound quality and operating en
vironment.
Optical output (S/PDIF) is unavailable during USB DAC connecti
on.
Volume cannot be adjusted via the Windows volume control. The
volume wheel on the device or volume control on the appropriat
e program must be used to adjust the volume.
Using the Device 34
User Guide
CD Ripping Connect the AK Ripper (sold separately) to rip CDs.
Turning the AK Ripper On/Off
1. Set [ - CD Ripping] to On.
2. After connecting the product, pull down the notification
bar and press the CD ripping icon to use the AK Ripper.
3. While the AK Ripper is turned on, pull down the notification
bar and press the CD ripping icon to stop the AK Ripper
operation.
Automatic CD Ripping
1. Connect the AK Ripper and insert a CD.
2. The metadata (ID3 tags) for the inserted CD will be retrieved
via Gracenote.
3. CD ripping will begin automatically after the metadata
has been retrieved.
4. When finished, press [OK] on the results prompt to
complete automatic CD ripping.
Using the Device 35
Manual CD Ripping
1. When the AK Ripper is connected and a CD is inserted, t
he [CD Ripping] menu will be activated on the home screen.
2. Press the [CD Ripping] menu and select the desired file
format (FLAC or WAV).
3. The Gracenote database will be searched for matching
CD metadata after the file format is selected.
4. When the database search is complete, press [Start] to
begin CD ripping.
5. Rip only selected songs.
To search the Gracenote database, the PPE12 must be connecte
d to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The database access time may vary d
epending on the network environment.
Please note that metadata for certain CDs may not be available
on the Gracenote database.
You may not access the Home screen while CD ripping is in prog
ress.
The AK Connect service will be disabled during CD ripping. The
service will automatically restart when CD ripping is completed.
Music playback will be disabled during CD ripping, and tracks th
at have been ripped will not be available for playback until the en
tire CD has been ripped.
You can set the desired file format and ripping speed from the [
- CD Ripping] menu.
Several attempts at correction will be made for data with errors
when the feature is enabled under [ - CD Ripping - Error Correct
ion]. Please note that the CD ripping speed will be affected when
this feature is enabled.
User Guide
CD Ripping Results
: Indicates that CD ripping is complete, or that although
an error occurred, CD ripping was successfully compl
eted via error correction.
: Indicates that the song currently being ripped can be
canceled via user input.
: Indicates that CD ripping failed due to a scratch on
the CD or other similar reasons. Also indicates that
CD ripping was canceled due to user interruption.
Using the Device 36
User Guide
Using Bl
uetooth
Connect a Bluetooth device to listen to music wirelessly.
Turning Bluetooth On/Off
A Bluetooth device must be paired
with the PPE12 prior to use. Refer t
o the Bluetooth device's instruction
manual for details.
1. Select [ ] from the home screen, o
r select [On/Off] from [ - Blu
etooth].
Bluetooth Pairing
1. Select the appropriate Bluetooth device from the list of
available devices.
Terminating a Bluetooth Connection
1. Press the connected Bluetooth d
evice and confirm the message
prompt to disconnect the device.
A Bluetooth device must be paired with the PPE12 prior to use.
Refer to the Bluetooth device's instruction manual for details.
Using the Device 37
Bluetooth Support Specifications
Profile: A2DP
Device performance may be affected during Hi-Fi playback.
(48 kHz or lower is recommended.)
DSD playback is unavailable via Bluetooth.
Do not turn off the device while connected to Bluetooth. P
ower cycle the Bluetooth device in case of malfunction.
Pairing methods may differ for each individual Bluetooth device.
Always refer to the respective instruction manual for details.
When connecting the product to a Bluetooth device, the distanc
e between the two must be within 20 cm.
Audio quality will degrade with longer distances, and the pairing
may disconnect at a distance of 2 m (6.5 ft) or more. (Distances
may vary depending on device and environment.)
Crosstalk may be heard while using Bluetooth.
For multipoint devices, make the necessary connections prior to
use.
Car audio Bluetooth connections are not supported. Malfunction
, noise, and other undesirable effects may occur due to the devic
e's battery level and the environment.
If signal interference affects data transmission. (e.g. holding
the device while wearing a Bluetooth device, holding the devi
ce while holding another electronic device, etc.)
If the device or Bluetooth headset's radio transmitters are
touching parts of the body.
If the transmission strength is affected by walls, corners,
partitions, etc.
If devices using the same frequencies cause interference. (e.g.
medical devices, microwave ovens, Wi-Fi, etc.)
Areas with an excessive amount of interference or weak
signals. (e.g. elevators, underground, etc.)
User Guide
Removing a Bluetooth Pairing
1. Press [ ] to the right of the pai
red device to be redirected to
the settings screen.
2. Select [Remove Pairing] to
complete the process.
Using the Device 38
User Guide
Settings Set up the device according to the user's needs. The settings m
enu may vary depending on the firmware version.
Setup
1. Select [ ] from the home screen notification bar.
2. Select the desired item for setup.
Wi-Fi
Change wireless network settings and turn Wi-Fi on or off.
Bluetooth
Connect a Bluetooth device to listen to music wirelessly.
Refer to page 44 of the manual for more information on setting a
wireless network.
Refer to [Using Bluetooth] on page 37 of the manual for more inf
ormation on setting up a Bluetooth connection.
AK CONNECT
Set whether to use AK Connect.
Using the Device 39
Gapless Playback
Play the next song without any interruptions/silence. Ga
pless playback is only supported between two files wi
th identical bit rates, sample rates, and channels.
Line Out
Turn Line Out on or off.
Enabling Line Out and pressing [Line Out] on the volume
control window will lock the volume level at maximum.
User Guide
Equalizer
Set the equalizer according to the user's preferences.
Pro EQ: EQ Preset recommended by professionals.
User EQ: Adjust the frequencies according to the user's
preferences.
Left-Right Balance
Adjust the left-right balance for earphones/headphones.
Do not use earphones with the Line Out feature enabled. Doing
so may cause permanent hearing loss.
Supported Formats for EQ: PCM [8 – 192 kHz (8/16/24-bit)] DSD
(Equalizer disabled during 32-bit playback.)
Using the equalizer may negatively affect device performance. R
efer to pages 45 - 47 of the manual for more information on usin
g the equalizer.
Using the Device 40
CD Ripping
Set the automatic CD ripping function as well as the file
format and ripping speed.
Theme
Change the theme.
Date & Time
Set the current date and time.
User Guide
Amp
Set the amplification level when connected to the AK Amp.
Device Name
Set the name of the device.
The maximum name length is 30 characters.
Language
Select the display language.
Supported languages: English, Korean, Japanese, Chin
ese (Simplified/Traditional), French, Russian, German
Screen Brightness
Adjust screen brightness settings.
Using the Device 41
Download
Select a folder for downloaded files.
USB Connection
Media Device (USB Drive): Connect to a computer to
transfer media files.
DAC Input: Listen to music located on a PC through the
device.
Power
Automatic Shutdown: The device will turn off after a
defined period if there is no user input.
Screen Timeout: The screen will turn off after a defined
period when there is no user input.
Sleep Timer: Music playback will stop, and the device will
turn off after a defined period.
User Guide
Keyboard
Select the keyboard language.
Supported languages: English, Korean, Japanese,
Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Russian
The default folder is set when using AK Connect to download file
s. When [Select Folder] is selected, the user is prompted to choo
se a download folder each time a file is downloaded.
Using the Device 42
System Information
System Information: View model number, firmware version,
and data storage information. The microSD card can be
mounted/dismounted, and data can be deleted.
System Restore
Database Initialization: Reset the internal database. Th
e database initialization time may vary depending on th
e number of files stored on the device.
Default Settings: Revert all user settings back to their
original settings.
Factory Reset: Delete all user data and restore the device
to its original factory settings.
User Guide
Update
System Update: Update the system when a new version
is found.
Application Update: Update the default applications
(including the Store) when new versions are found.
Formatting the microSD card will delete all data on the memory
card. Be sure to backup any important files before formatting. W
hen formatting the microSD card from a computer, be sure to se
lect the FAT32 system.
Using the Device 43
to a Wir
eless N
etwork
2. Select the desired AP to connect
to the wireless network.
Additional information (enc
ryption key, index, etc.) ma
y be required depending o
n the network settings.
3. Long-press the network name a
nd select [Network Settings] to
edit specific network settings.
User Guide
Connecting Connecting to a Network
1. Long-press [ ] from the Notifi
cation Bar or select [ -
Wi-Fi] to display a list of access
points (AP).
Networks requiring browser or other additional certifications are
not supported.
Channels 1 through 11 are supported.
Using the Device 44
User Guide
2. Press [Pro EQ] at the upper-left
corner of the screen and select
[ + ].
3. Enter a name for the custom
EQ settings and select [Add].
Equalizer
Setup
Equalizer Setup
1. Long-press [EQ] from the
Notification Bar, or turn on
the feature from [ - Equalizer].
Using the Device 45
Resetting the Equalizer
1. Select the desired EQ setting
and press [ ] at the bottom of
the screen to revert the EQ to
its default settings.
User Guide
4. Adjust the frequencies left and
right according to the user's p
references.
5. The number values at the lower-
left corner of the screen can be
adjusted for fine-tuning.
6. Press [ ] at the lower-right c
orner of the screen to display t
he PEQ settings screen.
The frequency, gain, and Q value
s can be adjusted according to th
e user’s preferences.
Using the Device 46
User Guide
Deleting an Equalizer
1. Press [Pro EQ] at the upper-left
corner of the screen.
2. Press [ ] next to the desired it
em to delete the selected eq
ualizer.
Renaming an Equalizer
1. Press [Pro EQ] at the upper-left
corner of the screen.
2. Press [ ] next to the desired ite
m and enter a new name for th
e selected equalizer.
3. Press [Rename] to apply the
changes.
Using the Device 47
User Guide
Safety Pre
cautions
Device
When a plug is inserted into the earphones, balanced, or
USB port, do not apply any force or shock to the plug. D
o not insert any metal objects (coins, hairpins, etc.) or fla
mmable debris into the device.
Do not place heavy objects on the device.
In case the device gets wet (rain, water, chemicals, medici
ne, cosmetics, sweat, moisture, etc.), do not power on the
device and allow it to dry thoroughly. Contact the nearest
iriver Customer Support Center.
(Malfunctions due to exposure to liquids will be repaired
for a fee regardless of the warranty period and such da
mage may not be repairable.)
Avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight or extreme
temperatures (-5℃ - 40℃; 23°F - 104°F) such as the in
side of a car during the summer.
Do not store or use in hot and humid places such as saunas.
Avoid places with excess moisture, dust, or smoke.
Do not use for extended period on blankets, electric
blankets, or carpet.
Do not place near a fire or in a microwave.
Never attempt to disassemble, repair, or alter the product.
Do not store for extended periods in a confined space wit
h the power on.
Do not place the device near magnetic objects (magnets,
televisions, monitors, speakers, etc.).
Never use chemicals or cleaning products on the device
since they can damage the paint and surface coating. A
void dropping or subjecting the device to a strong impa
ct (excessive vibration, etc.).
Do not press multiple buttons simultaneously.
Do not disconnect the micro-USB cable during data transfer.
When connecting the micro-USB cable, use a USB port o
n the back of the PC. Connecting to a defective or dama
ged USB port may damage the device.
Displaying one image for an extended period may cause
screen burn-in (afterimage).
Miscellaneous 48
Other
Do not use earphones/headphones or operate the product
while operating any type of vehicle. It is not only dangerous
but may be a violation of the law in certain regions.
Do not use the product during physical activities (driving,
walking, hiking, etc.).
Always use in a safe environment to avoid the risk of accidents.
Always be aware of your surroundings when using the de
vice while moving.
Avoid using the device during thunderstorms to reduce
the possibility of electric shock.
If there is a ringing in the ears during or immediately after
use, reduce the volume or discontinue using the product
and obtain medical advice.
Do not listen to music at excessive volumes for extended periods.
Do not use the earphones/headphones at excessive volumes.
Be careful not to get the earphones/headphones caught i
n other objects.
Do not sleep with earphones in your ears or leave them in
for extended periods.
Trouble-
shooting
Check for solutions to common problems.
1. The device won't turn on.
The battery may need to be recharged. Charge the
device for at least one hour and try again.
Reset the device and try again. (See p. 5)
User Guide
Using poor quality protective films or adhesive stickers on
the screen may cause damage.
Do not insert any foreign objects into the earphones port.
Miscellaneous 49
User Guide
2. The device will not charge when connected to a computer
via USB cable.
Use a USB port on the back of the computer, and check
that the USB port is functioning properly.
Check that the USB cable is connected correctly.
3. The computer won't recognize the device or an error
occurs when connected.
Use a USB port on the back of the computer. Ch
eck that the USB cable is connected correctly.
For Windows XP, verify that Service Pack 2 (or higher) a
nd Windows Media Player 10 (or higher) are installed. C
heck if the device connects properly on a different computer.
4. The screen turns off repeatedly.
The screen turns off automatically after a defined period
to reduce battery consumption. Set the time at [ - P
ower Saving - Screen Timeout].
5. The screen does not display images properl
y. Check the screen for debris.
6. There is no sound, or there is static/interferenc
e. Check that the volume setting is above [0].
Check that the earphones are plugged in properly, and
make sure debris isn't obstructing the port connection.
Check if the music file is corrupted.
Verify that the audio settings have been properly set.
(Balanced out, line out, etc.)
7. A file does not play, or the product is unstable when a
certain file is used.
The following may occur due to the condition of the file:
Playback is unstable or difficult.
The product may not work normally.
The file may sound different from a computer. T
here may be a difference in the performance of
playback or other functions.
There may be differences in the playable specs.
A file conversion or use of a different file is recommended.
Miscellaneous 50
User Guide
Certifi-
cations
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 an
d all other areas.
Copyright iriver Limited 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 repro
duced in any format or by any means without the prior appr
oval of iriver.
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. T
he user accepts all legal responsibility for the unauthorized r
eproduction or distribution of the copyrighted contents from
this product.
Companies, organizations, products, people, and events
used in the examples are not based on actual data.
iriver has no intention to be associated with any company, i
nstitution, product, person, or incident through this instruction
manual, and no such inference should be made.
It is the responsibility of the user to comply with applicable
copyright laws.
© 1999-2016 iriver Limited. All rights reserved.
The PPE12 was designed and audio-tuned under the
advisement of MSD.
FCCID: QDMPPE12
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not c
ause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any in
terference received, including interference that may cause undes
ired operation.
Miscellaneous 51
User Guide
Specifi-
cations
General Specifications
Audio Specifications
Storage Capacity
Built-in Memory 128GB[NAND]
External Memory microSD (Max. 128 GB) x 1
Battery
Capacity 3,400 mAh 3.7 V Li-Polymer Battery
Model
PPE12
Body
Color
TBD
Body
Material
Aluminum
Display
4
-inch WVGA (480x800) Touch Screen
Supported
Audio
Formats
WAV,
FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE (Normal, High, Fast),
AAC, ALAC,
AIFF, DFF, DSF
Sampling
Rate
PCM: 8
kHz - 192 kHz (8/16/24-bits per sample)
DSD:
DSD64 (1-bit 2.8 MHz), Stereo / DSD128 (1-bit 5.6 MHz), Stereo
Output Level
Unbalanced
2.2 VRMS / Balanced 2.3 VRMS (Condition: No Load)
DAC
AKM
AK4490 x 1 (Single DAC)
Decoding
Supports up
to 24-bit / 192 kHz bit-to-bit decoding
Input
Type
-B micro-USB Input (Charging & data transfer (PC & Mac)) /
Connection
Mode: MTP (Media Device)
Outputs
Phones
(3.5 mm) / Optical Out (3.5 mm) /
Balanced Out
(2.5 mm, only 4-pole supported)
Wi
-Fi
802.11
b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
Bluetooth
v4.0
(A2DP, AVRCP) APT-x
Dimensions
2.95”(75.15
mm)[W] x 4.42”(112.4 mm)[H] x 0.64”(16.45 mm)[D]
Weight
TBD
Feature
Enhancements
Firmware
Upgrade Supported (OTA)
Frequency Response
±0.053dB (Condition: 20 Hz – 20 kHz) Unbalanced /
±0.053 dB (Condition: 20 Hz – 20 kHz) Balanced
±0.56 dB (Condition: 10 Hz – 70 kHz) Unbalanced /
±0.55 dB (Condition: 10 Hz – 70 kHz) Balanced
S/N
116 dB @ 1 kHz, Unbalanced / 117 dB @ 1 kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk
130 dB @ 1 kHz, Unbalanced / 135 dB @ 1 kHz, Balanced
THD+N
0.0008% @ 1 kHz, Unbalanced / 0.0007% @ 1 kHz, Balanced
SMPTE
IMD 0.0007% 800 Hz 10 kHz (4:1) Unbalanced /
0.0006% 800 Hz 10 kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output Impedance
Balanced Out 2.5 mm (1 ohm) / Phones 3.5 mm (2 ohm)
Clock
Jitter 30 ps (Typ.) / Reference Clock Jitter (VCXO Clock) 0.2 ps
(Typ.)
Reference Clock
Jitter 0.2ps (VCXO Clock)
Miscellaneous 52
User Guide
Disclaimers The manufacturer, importer, and distributor shall not be lia
ble for damages including accidental and personal injury d
ue to the improper use or operation of this product.
The information in this user manual was written based on
current product specifications. The manufacturer, iriver Li
mited, is adding new complementary features and will co
ntinue to apply new technologies in the future.
All specifications may be changed without prior notice. The
re is no warranty against data loss due to the use of this pr
oduct.
Registered Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Wind
ows 10 and Windows Media Player are trademarks of
Trademarks Microsoft Corp.
Miscellaneous 53
User Guide
We, IRIVER LIMITED., hereby declares that this Portable Mu
sic Player is in compliance with the essential requirements and
other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Body-worn Operation
This device was tested for typical body-worn operations. A
minimum separation distance must be maintained between
the user’s body and the handset, including the antenna: 5
mm to comply with the RF exposure requirements in Europe
Third-party belt-clips, holsters, and similar accessories used
by this device should not contain any metallic components.
Body-worn accessories that do not meet these requirements m
ay not comply with RF exposure requirements and should b
e avoided. Use only the supplied or an approved antenna.
Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could im
pair call quality, damage the phone, or result in violation of r
egulations. Do not use the phone with a damaged antenna.
If a damaged antenna comes into contact with the skin, a m
inor burn may result. Please contact your local dealer for re
placement antenna.
Body-worn accessory exposure conditions
“Specific information must be included in the operating ma
nuals to enable users to select body-worn accessories that
meet the minimum test separation distance requirements. User
s must be fully informed of the operating requirements and
restrictions, to the extent that the typical user can easily und
erstand the information, to acquire the required body- worn
accessories to maintain compliance. Instructions on how to
place and orient a device in body-worn accessories, in acc
ordance with the test results, should also be included in the
user instructions. All supported body-worn accessory oper
ating configurations must be clearly disclosed to users thro
ugh conspicuous instructions in the user guide and user ma
nual to ensure unsupported operations are avoided. All bod
y-worn accessories containing metallic components must b
e tested for compliance and clearly identified in the operatin
g manual. The instruction must inform users to avoid using oth
er body-worn accessories containing metallic components
to ensure RF exposure compliance.”
Miscellaneous 54
User Guide
Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Disp
ose of used batteries according to the instructions.
Miscellaneous 55
FCC Caution
Any changes or modifications in construction of this device which are not expressly a
pproved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to op
erate the equipment.