PXC 550-II

Around-ear headphones
Model: SEBT5

Instruction manual

Use the search function, the navigation (left) or the following links:
Start
“Product overview”
“Getting started”
“Using the headphones”
“FAQ/If a problem occurs ...”
“Specifications”

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG

Am Labor 1
30900 Wedemark
Germany
www.sennheiser.com

Version: 11/20 A04

PXC 550-II | 1
Important safety instructions

Important safety instructions

▷ Read this instruction manual carefully and completely
before using the product.
▷ Always include this instruction manual when passing the product
on to third parties.
▷ Do not use the product if it is obviously defective or makes loud,
unusual (whistling or beeping) noise.
▷ Only use the product in environments where Bluetooth® wireless
transmission is permitted.

Preventing damage to health and accidents

▷ Protect your hearing from high volume levels. Permanent
hearing damage may occur when headphones are used
at high volume levels for long periods of time. Sennheiser
headphones sound exceptionally good at low and medium volume
levels.
▷ The product generates stronger permanent magnetic
fields that could cause interference with cardiac pace-
makers, implanted defibrillators (ICDs) and other
implants. Always maintain a distance of at least 3.94"/10 cm
between the product component containing the magnet and the
cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other implant.
▷ Keep the product, accessories and packaging parts out of reach
of children and pets to prevent accidents. Swallowing and chok-
ing hazard.
▷ Do not use the product in an environment that requires your spe-
cial attention (e.g. in traffic or when performing skilled jobs).
Especially the product’s active noise cancellation can make ambi-
ent noise inaudible or drastically change the perception of acous-
tic warning signals.

Preventing damage to the product and malfunctions

▷ Always keep the product dry and do not expose it to extreme tem-
peratures (hairdryer, heater, extended exposure to sunlight, etc.)
to avoid corrosion or deformation. The normal operating tempera-
ture is from 0 to 40 °C/32 to 104 °F.
▷ To avoid loud, unusual (whistling or beeping) noise and to ensure
proper noise cancellation, do not cover the microphone openings
of the active noise cancellation circuitry located on the outside of
the ear cups.
▷ Use only attachments/accessories/spare parts supplied or rec-
ommended by Sennheiser.
▷ Clean the product only with a soft, dry cloth.
▷ Use the product with care and store it in a clean, dust-free envi-
ronment.

2 | PXC 550-II
 Important safety instructions

Safety instructions for the lithium polymer rechargeable battery

WARNING
If abused or misused, the rechargeable batteries may leak.
In extreme cases, they may even present a risk of:
• heat generation,
• fire development,
• explosion,
• smoke or gas development.

Only use rechargeable batteries and chargers

recommended by Sennheiser.

Only charge the product / rechargeable batteries at

ambient temperatures between +10 °C to +40 °C/50 °F
to 104 °F.
Do not heat the product / rechargeable batteries above
+70 °C/140 °F. Avoid exposure to sunlight and do not
throw the product / rechargeable batteries into fire.
When not using the product / rechargeable batteries for
extended periods of time, charge them regularly (about
every three months).
Switch rechargeable battery-powered products off after
use.

Dispose of defective products with built-in rechargeable

batteries at special collection points or return them to
your specialist dealer.

Notes on data collection and processing and on firmware updates

This product stores individual settings such as the volume and the
Bluetooth addresses of paired devices. This data is required for the
operation of the product and is not transferred to Sennheiser or com-
panies commissioned by Sennheiser and is not processed.
Using the “Sennheiser Smart Control” app, you can update the firm-
ware of the product for free via an Internet connection. If the device
on which the app is installed is connected to the Internet, the follow-
ing data is automatically transferred to and processed by Sennheiser
servers in order to provide and transfer suitable firmware updates:
hardware identifier, hardware revision number, firmware version of
the product, operating system type (Android, iOS) and version, ver-
sion of the app. The data will only be used as specified and will not
be stored permanently. If you do not want this data to be transferred
and processed, do not connect to the Internet.

Intended use/Liability
These headphones have been designed as an accessory for Blue-
tooth compliant devices. They are intended for wireless audio com-
munication such as music playback and phone calls via Bluetooth
wireless technology.
It is considered improper use when the product is used for any appli-
cation not named in the corresponding product documentation.

PXC 550-II | 3
Important safety instructions

Sennheiser does not accept liability for damage arising from misuse
or improper use of this product and its attachments/accessories.
Sennheiser is not liable for damages to USB devices that are not con-
sistent with the USB specifications.
Sennheiser is not liable for damages resulting from the loss of con-
nection due to flat or overaged rechargeable batteries or exceeding
the Bluetooth transmission range.
Before putting into operation, please observe the respective coun-
try-specific regulations.

4 | PXC 550-II
 Package contents

Package contents

PXC 550-II around-ear headphones

Model: SEBT5

USB cable with micro-USB connector,

length approx. 1.2 m

Analog audio cable with 2.5 mm jack plug and 3.5 mm

jack plug,
length approx. 1.4 m

In-flight adapter

Carry case

Quick guide

Safety guide

Online you can find:

• this detailed instruction manual and additional information
www.sennheiser.com/download
• the Sennheiser Smart Control app for configuring the head-
phones and for additional functions www.sennheiser.com/smart-
control

A list of accessories can be found on the PXC 550-II product

page at www.sennheiser.com. Contact your local Sennheiser
partner: www.sennheiser.com/service-support.

PXC 550-II | 5
Product overview

Product overview
PXC 550-II

Headband

Ear cup joint with on/off function for the headphones

Ear cups, steplessly adjustable

Microphones for active noise cancellation ANC:

2x directed outward, 2x directed inward (not visible)

Touch pad (right ear cup)

Bluetooth on/off switch

position: off “0”, on “I”

Ear pads

Speech microphones (3x) for phone calls

6 | PXC 550-II
 Product overview

Active noise cancellation (ANC) switch

position: off “0”, USER mode “I”, MAX mode “II”

Voice assistant button

pressing for 4 seconds activates the Bluetooth pairing
mode

LED

Input for USB micro-B;

for charging and music playback/data connection
Input for analog audio cable;
when a cable is connected, flight mode is activated/Blue-
tooth is deactivated

Overview of the LED display

During operation

LED Meaning; the headphones...

flashes white
... switch on
3x 3x

flashes white ... are connected to a device via Blue-

3x 3x tooth

flashes red 3x ... switch off

3x

... are not connected to a device via

flashes red 3x Bluetooth or the connection has been
3x
lost
flashes white
... are in Bluetooth pairing mode
sequentially
A charging error/battery error has
flashes red
occurred (> 33)

During phone calls

LED Meaning
flashes white
Incoming call
3x 3x
Incoming call and the rechargeable
flashes red 3x battery of
3x
the headphones is almost empty

During charging

LED Meaning
Rechargeable battery is almost empty
1 red
(less than 2% charged)

1 white Battery is approx. 2-20% charged

2 white Battery is approx. 20-40% charged

3 white Battery is approx. 40-60% charged

PXC 550-II | 7
Product overview

LED Meaning
4 white Battery is approx. 60-80% charged

5 white Battery is more than 80% charged

If the LED display does not light up immediately during

charging, clean the charging contacts and charge the head-
phones until the LED display lights up again (> 12).

Notes on voice prompts

The headphones output voice prompts for various functions (see
examples below). Using the Smart Control app, you can change the
language of the voice prompts, choose between voice prompts and
beep sounds, or deactivate the status messages with a few excep-
tions (e.g. rechargeable battery is empty).

Voice prompt Meaning/headphones

“Power on” switched on
“Power off” switched off
“Device (1) (2) connected” are connected to device 1 or 2
“No connection” not connected via Bluetooth

“Pairing” are in Bluetooth pairing mode

“Pairing successful” Bluetooth pairing successful
“No device found” cannot connect to a paired device
“Volume min” volume set to minimum
“Volume max” volume set to maximum
“Call rejected” incoming call rejected
“Call ended” call ended
“Mute on” Microphone is muted, active call is
put on hold
“Mute off” Microphone is reactivated
“More than xx % battery left” Rechargeable battery has the
stated charge level
“Recharge headset” Rechargeable battery is empty.
Recharge the headphones.

8 | PXC 550-II
 Product overview

Overview of the buttons and switches

ANC switch

Position Function See

ANC is deactivated

ANC is activated
USER mode (can be adjusted via > 21
the Smart Control app)
ANC is activated
MAX mode

Bluetooth on/off switch

Position Function See

Bluetooth is activated
> 31
Bluetooth is deactivated

Voice assistant button

Press the
Function See
button
Activates/deactivates the voice
1x > 27
assistant
Activates the Bluetooth pairing
4s > 15
mode

PXC 550-II | 9
Product overview

Overview of the smart control

Basic control
Switch-on Switch-off
ON OFF
1

Click

Gesture control via the touch pad

Briefly tap the touch pad once Briefly tap the touch pad twice
1 x tap 2 x tap

Tap the touch pad Tap the touch pad and hold for
and hold for 2 seconds 3 seconds
HOLD HOLD
2s 3s

Vertical swipe Horizontal swipe

Vertical swipe and hold Horizontal swipe and hold

+HOLD
+HOLD +HOLD

+HOLD

10 | PXC 550-II
 Getting started

Getting started
1. Charging the rechargeable battery
The headphones' rechargeable battery is not fully charged upon
delivery. Before using the headphones for the first time, charge the
rechargeable battery for a complete charging cycle without interrup-
tion (> 12).

USB Micro-B USB-A

2. Installing the Smart Control app on your

smartphone
The Sennheiser Smart Control app allows you to use all functions
and settings of the headphones and to e.g. adjust the sound to your
liking using the equalizer (> 16).

“Sennheiser Smart Control”

3. Connecting the headphones to a Bluetooth

device
Connect the headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth (> 14).

Hold

4s

4. Putting the headphones on and adjusting the

headband
For good sound quality and best possible wearing comfort, the head-
band can be adjusted to properly fit your head (> 18).

PXC 550-II | 11
Using the headphones

Using the headphones

Information on the rechargeable battery

and the charging process
The headphones have a built-in rechargeable battery. A complete
charging cycle takes approx. 3 hours. The headphones provide 1.5
hours of playback time with a charging time of approx. 10 minutes.
Before using the headphones for the first time, charge the recharge-
able battery for a complete charging cycle without interruption.
When the headphones are being charged, the LED display lights up
(> 7). When the battery charge drops to a critical level, a voice
prompt asks you to recharge the headphones (“Recharge headset”).
Sennheiser recommends using the supplied USB cable and a com-
patible standard USB power supply for charging the headphones.
While the headphones are being charged, you can still listen to
music or make phone calls. In this case, however, the charging time
may be longer.

Charging the headphones' rechargeable

battery

LED

<2%
Right R 20%

40%

60%

80%
100%

1 USB Micro-B
3 HRS

2
*

USB-A

1. Connect the micro USB connector of the charging cable to the

micro USB socket of the headphones.
2. Connect the other USB connector of the charging cable to a cor-
responding socket of a USB power source (* to be ordered sepa-
rately). Make sure that the USB power source is connected to the
power supply system.
The charging process of the headphones begins. The LED display
indicates the charge status:

12 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

LED Meaning
Rechargeable battery is almost empty
1 red
(less than 2% charged)
1 white Battery is approx. 2-20% charged

2 white Battery is approx. 20-40% charged

3 white Battery is approx. 40-60% charged

4 white Battery is approx. 60-80% charged

5 white Battery is more than 80% charged

If the LED display does not light up immediately during

charging, clean the charging contacts and charge the head-
phones until the LED display lights up again (> 12).

You can speed up the charging process by charging the head-

phones when they are switched off. For more information on
listening to music using the USB cable, > 30.

PXC 550-II | 13
Using the headphones

Connecting the headphones to a

Bluetooth device
To be able to use the Bluetooth connection, you must register both
devices (headphones and e.g. smartphone) once. This process is
called pairing.
If operation differs from the steps mentioned, also refer to the
instruction manual of the Bluetooth device you are using.

When you switch on the headphones for the first time, they
automatically switch to pairing mode.

Information on the Bluetooth wireless

connection
The headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0.
If your audio source supports one of the following high-resolution
audio encoding methods, music is automatically played in high audio
quality: aptX, aptX LL or AAC. Otherwise the headphones will play
your music in normal audio quality (SBC).
Paired devices establish the Bluetooth wireless connection immedi-
ately after switch-on and are ready for use.
On switch-on, the headphones automatically try to connect to the
last two connected Bluetooth devices. The headphones can save the
connection profiles of up to eight Bluetooth devices with which they
have been paired. Audio playback is only possible from one device at
a time.
If you pair the headphones with the ninth Bluetooth device, the saved
connection profile of the least used Bluetooth device will be over-
written. If you want to re-establish a connection with the overwritten
Bluetooth device, you have to pair the headphones again.

Paired and connected Bluetooth device

Paired Bluetooth device (currently not connected)

14 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

Pairing the headphones with a Bluetooth

device
1. Switch the headphones on (> 17) and place them close to the Blue-
tooth device (max. 20 cm).
Make sure that Bluetooth is activated (Bluetooth on/off switch is
set to “I” and no audio cable is connected to the headphones).
2. Press and hold the voice assistant button for 4 seconds until you
hear the voice prompt “Pairing”.
The LEDs flash white one after the other. The headphones are in
pairing mode.
3. Activate Bluetooth on your Bluetooth device.
4. Via the menu of your Bluetooth device, start the search for new
Bluetooth devices.
All active Bluetooth devices in the proximity of your Bluetooth
device are displayed.
5. From the list of found Bluetooth devices, select “PXC 550-II”. If
necessary, enter the default pin code “0000”.
If pairing was successful, you hear the voice prompts “Pairing
successful” and “Device (1) connected”. The LED flashes white 3
times.

1 Bluetooth switch 3
ON

20 cm

2 Menu
Bluetooth on
Bluetooth off
Hold

4s

“Pairing“

“Pairing
successful“
4 5
“Device (1)
connected“
Menu PXC 550-II
Add Device Keyword: 0000

3x

If no connection is established within 5 minutes, pairing mode

is terminated and the headphones switch to standby mode. If
necessary, repeat the steps described above.

If you switch on the headphones for the first time (the pairing
list is empty), they automatically switch to pairing mode.

PXC 550-II | 15
Using the headphones

Disconnecting the headphones from a

Bluetooth device
▷ Via the menu of your Bluetooth device, disconnect the connection to
the headphones.
The headphones are disconnected from the Bluetooth device.
You hear the voice prompt “Device (1) disconnected”. The head-
phones switch to standby mode.

To delete the Bluetooth pairing list of the headphones, > 34.

Installing the Smart Control app

To make full use of all the settings and functions of the headphones,
you need to have the free Sennheiser Smart Control app installed on
your smartphone.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and install it on
your smartphone. Alternatively, you can use your smartphone to
scan the following QR code or to call up the following Internet site:
www.sennheiser.com/smartcontrol

“Sennheiser Smart Control”

▷ Connect your smartphone to the headphones via Bluetooth (> 14).

▷ Start the Smart Control app.
The Smart Control app recognizes the headphones and activates
all available settings and functions.

For further functions of the headphones, you require the apps

of the respective manufacturers:
• Amazon Alexa app (> 27)

16 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

Switching the headphones on

WARNING
Danger of hearing damage due to high volume levels!
Listening at high volume levels can lead to permanent
hearing defects.
▷ Before putting the headphones on, adjust the volume
to a low level (> 20).
▷ Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume
levels.

1. Unfold the headphones.

2. Turn the ear cups outward until you hear a click in both ear cup
joints.
The LED flashes white 3 times. If Bluetooth is activated on the
headphones, you hear the voice prompts “Power on” and “Device
(1) connected”.
If Bluetooth is deactivated on the headphones, you hear the voice
prompt “Power on”. If necessary, connect the USB cable or the
audio cable to the headphones.

ON
1
1 2 “Power on“
Click
“Device (1)
connected“

3x

Make sure that Bluetooth is already activated on your Blue-

tooth device when switching on the headphones.

If Bluetooth is activated and the headphones cannot find a

paired Bluetooth device within a few minutes, you hear the
voice prompt “No device found”. The first LED of the LED dis-
play flashes red. The headphones switch to standby mode.

PXC 550-II | 17
Using the headphones

Switching the headphones off

1. Hold the headphones so that the left hand holds the right ear cup
and the right hand holds the left ear cup. Turn the ear cups inward
until you hear a click in both ear cup joints and the touch pad
faces toward you.
2. You hear the voice prompt “Power off” and the LED display
flashes red 3 times. The headphones switch off.

The red dot displayed on the hinge of the right ear cup also indi-
cates that the headphones are switched off.

1 2 OFF
“Power off“
Click

Right R Left L

3x

Putting the headphones on and adjusting

the headband
For good sound quality and best possible wearing comfort, the head-
band can be adjusted to properly fit your head.
▷ Wear the headphones so that the headband runs over the top of
your head. The markings R for the right side and L for the left side
can be found on the inside of the ear cup joints.
▷ Move the ear cups up and down the headband slider until:
– your ears are comfortably covered by the ear pads,
– you feel even, gentle pressure around your ears,
– a snug fit of the headband on the head is ensured.
For optimal sound quality and active noise cancellation ANC, the
ear pads must completely surround your ears.

Left L Right R

Retrieving information on the battery

charge status
When the headphones are connected to your Bluetooth device, the
battery charge status can be displayed on the screen of your smart-
phone (depending on the device and operating system used).

18 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

The Smart Control app also displays the battery charge status.
On the headphones, you can check the battery charge status via the
voice prompts (not possible when listening to music or on a call):
▷ Tap the touch pad and hold for approx. 4 sec.
You hear beep sounds and a voice prompt informing you of the
remaining battery life. Depending on the battery life of the head-
phones, the LEDs flash or light up.

Voice prompt Meaning

“Recharge headset” The rechargeable battery is empty.
Recharge the rechargeable battery (>
12).
In addition, the LED display flashes
red.
“More than xx % battery The remaining battery charge is
left” displayed as a percentage.

Right R

"Recharge
Hold headset"

4s
"More than
xx % battery
left"

LED Meaning
Rechargeable battery is almost empty
1 red
(less than 2% charged)
1 white Battery is approx. 2-20% charged

2 white Battery is approx. 20-40% charged

3 white Battery is approx. 40-60% charged

4 white Battery is approx. 60-80% charged

5 white Battery is more than 80% charged

PXC 550-II | 19
Using the headphones

Adjusting the volume

WARNING
Danger of hearing damage due to high volume levels!
Listening at high volume levels can lead to permanent
hearing defects. Toggling between the audio sources
may cause enormous volume jumps that can perma-
nently damage your hearing.
▷ Before putting the headphones on and before tog-
gling between audio sources, adjust the volume to a
low level.
▷ Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume
levels.

You can adjust the volume for music, voice prompts, beep sounds,
and phone calls.
▷ If you are playing music or are on a call: Swipe vertically up or
down on the touch pad to increase or reduce the volume for music
and phone calls.
▷ If the headphones are in idle mode, i.e. you are not playing music
or on a call: Swipe vertically up or down on the touch pad to
increase or reduce the volume for voice prompts and beep
sounds.
When the minimum or maximum volume is reached, you hear the
voice prompt “Volume max” or “Volume min”.

Right R

"Volume max" "Volume min"

Depending on the length of the swipe motion, you adjust the volume
in smaller increments (short swipe motion) or larger increments
(long swipe motion).
When switching the headphones off, very high volume levels are
automatically reset to a moderate level to protect your hearing when
you switch the headphones on again.

You can also adjust the volume using the connected Bluetooth
device.

20 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

Information on active noise cancellation

ANC
Due to its closed design, the headphones offer effective passive iso-
lation from ambient noise.
In addition, the headphones have an active noise cancellation (ANC)
function, which allows you to reduce ambient noise to a minimum.
Even when ANC is activated, your headphones' sound quality is
always at its best.
You can activate or deactivate ANC when the headphones and your
audio source are connected via Bluetooth, the USB cable, or the
audio cable (provided that the battery is sufficiently charged).
If you want to create a quiet space in a noisy environment, you can
simply use the headphones – without cable and disconnected from
any Bluetooth device – with ANC activated (> 31).
The Smart Control app allows you to select different ANC modes that
offer the optimal settings depending on the application/situation.
For example, low-frequency noise can be suppressed, wind noise
can be minimized or a possible feeling of pressure on the ears can be
avoided.
Notes on active noise cancellation
• Continuous uniform noise, such as motor or fan noise, is particu-
larly well suppressed.
• Speech or high-frequency noise is significantly reduced, but can
remain perceptible.
• In very quiet environments, slight noise may occur. In this case,
deactivate ANC.
• If unusual (whistling or beeping) noise occurs, take the head-
phones off and put them on again. Make sure that the ear cups
properly fit around your ears.
• To avoid loud, unusual (whistling or beeping) noise and to ensure
proper noise cancellation, do not cover the microphone openings
of the active noise cancellation circuitry located on the outside of
the ear cups.

Activating/deactivating the active noise

cancellation ANC
To activate the active noise cancellation ANC:
▷ Slide the ANC switch to the position:
– “I” (middle switch position): adjustable ANC mode “USER” (>
23);
– “II” (lower switch position): maximum ANC mode “MAX”.

To deactivate the active noise cancellation ANC:

▷ Slide the ANC switch to the upper position “0”.

PXC 550-II | 21
Using the headphones

Active Noise Cancellation ON - MAX

ANC

ON - USER

OFF

Right R

22 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

Setting the ANC USER mode

To be able to set the ANC USER mode, you require the Smart Control
app (> 16).
▷ In the Smart Control app, select the desired ANC mode that is to
be activated for the USER mode:

ANC USER Reduction of low-frequency noise and

mode background noise
“Adaptive” * Reduction depending on the noise conditions
“Anti Wind” Slight reduction to minimize disturbing wind or
movement noise

* default setting

Listening of ambient noise or

conversations - activating/deactivating
the Transparent Hearing function
The Transparent Hearing function allows you to still hear ambient
noise or to communicate without having to remove the headphones
when ANC is activated. This allows you to hear e.g. announcements
in the train or aircraft or to have short conversations.
To activate or deactivate Transparent Hearing:
▷ Briefly tap the touch pad twice.
– If you are playing music using Bluetooth or the USB cable, the
music pauses.
– If you are playing music using the audio cable, the music is
muted.

Transparent Hearing Right R

ON/OFF

2 x tap

Listening to music using the headphones

You can listen to music when the headphones and your audio source
are connected via Bluetooth (> 14), the USB cable (> 30) or the audio
cable (> 30).

Controlling music playback

The following music functions are only available when the head-
phones and the device are connected via Bluetooth or the USB cable.
Some smartphones or music players may not support all functions.

PXC 550-II | 23
Using the headphones

Right R

Playing/pausing music
▷ Quickly tap the touch pad.

Touch gesture Function

1 x tap Tap 1x Plays or pauses music

If music playback does not start:

• Check if Transparent Hearing is activated (> 23) and deacti-
vate the function if necessary.
• Start the music playback app on your Bluetooth device.

Playing the next/previous track

▷ Quickly swipe horizontally on the touch pad.

Touch gesture Function

Swipe Plays the next track in the playlist
forward

Swipe Fast-forwards a track

forward and
+
HOLD hold
Swipe Plays the previous track in the playlist
backward

Swipe Rewinds a track

backward
+
HOLD and hold

24 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

Making phone calls using the headphones

The following call functions are only available when the headphones
and the smartphone are connected via Bluetooth or the USB cable.
Some smartphones or communication apps may not support all
functions.

Making a call
▷ Dial the desired number on your smartphone.
If your smartphone does not automatically transfer the call to the
headphones, select “PXC 550-II” as the audio source on your
smartphone (see the instruction manual of your smartphone if
necessary).

Accepting/rejecting/ending a call
If your headphones are connected to a smartphone and you receive
a call, you hear the ring tone in the headphones and the LED flashes
white rapidly.
If you are playing music when you receive a call, the music pauses
until you end the call.

Right R

▷ Tap the touch pad:

Touch gesture Function

1 x tap
Tap 1x Accepts a call

1 x tap Ends a call

Tap 1x
Voice prompt “Call ended”

HOLD Hold for Rejects a call

2s 2 sec Voice prompt “Call rejected”

2 x tap
Tap 2x Puts an active call on hold

1 x tap Accepts an incoming call and ends

Tap 1x
the active call

2 x tap Puts the active call on hold and

Tap 2x
accepts an incoming call

PXC 550-II | 25
Using the headphones

Touch gesture Function

2 x tap Toggles between active call and call

Tap 2x
on hold

HOLD Hold for Rejects an incoming call and contin-

2s 2 sec ues the active call

Muting the microphone

To mute the headphones' microphone during a call:
▷ Quickly swipe horizontally backward on the touch pad.
The microphone is muted. You hear the voice prompt “Mute on”.
To continue the call and reactivate the microphone:
▷ Quickly swipe horizontally forward on the touch pad.
The microphone is reactivated. You hear the voice prompt “Mute
off”.

„Mute on“ „Mute off“

Putting an active call on hold

If you remove the headphones during a call, the call is automatically
put on hold and the microphone is muted. You hear the voice prompt
“Mute on” every 30 seconds.
To continue the call and reactivate the microphone, simply put the
headphones on again. You hear the voice prompt “Mute off”.

Transferring a call to/from the headphones

When a connection is established, you can transfer the call from the
headphones to the smartphone or from the smartphone to the head-
phones.
▷ Tap the touch pad and hold for 1 second.

Touch gesture Function

HOLD Transfers a call from the head-

1s Hold for 1 sec
phones to the smartphone

HOLD Transfers a call from the smart-

1s Hold for 1 sec
phone to the headphones

Redialing
The redialing function must be supported by your smartphone or
Bluetooth device (with HFP profile). You may have to activate this
function on your smartphone.

26 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

▷ Swipe forward on the touch pad and hold.

Touch gesture Function

Swipe for-
Redials the last number
ward and
+ Voice prompt “Redial”
HOLD hold

1 x tap Cancels redialing

Tap 1x
Voice prompt “Redial canceled”

Using the voice assistant/voice dialing

▷ Press the voice assistant button once.
The available voice assistant of your smartphone is activated (*
depending on the system or app on your smartphone: Siri, Google
Assistant, or others. If no voice assistant is available, voice dialing
may be activated).
▷ Ask the voice assistant your question or make a request.

To cancel the voice assistant/voice dialing:

▷ Press the voice assistant button once.

If you want to use Amazon Alexa as your voice assistant, you

have to configure the headphones once (> 27).

Using Amazon Alexa as voice assistant

To use Amazon Alexa as a voice assistant, you have to add the head-
phones to the Amazon Alexa app as a device once and then activate
Alexa via the settings of the Sennheiser Smart Control app:
1. Make sure the headphones are connected to your smartphone via
Bluetooth (> 14).
2. Start the Sennheiser Smart Control app (> 16).
3. In the Smart Control app, open the settings for your headphones
and activate Amazon Alexa for the voice assistant button.
4. Start the Amazon Alexa app and select “Add Device”.
5. From the list of found devices, select “PXC 550-II”.
You can now use Amazon Alexa by pressing the voice assistant
button on your headphones.

PXC 550-II | 27
Using the headphones

1 2 3

Smart Control Headphone

settings
Amazon Alexa

4 5

Add Device
PXC 550-II

Using the Smart Pause function

The headphones are equipped with a carrying sensor that automati-
cally detects whether the headphones are worn or removed from
your ears. You can use the following functions:
• Music playback pauses when you remove the headphones and
continues when you put them on again.
• A call is accepted when you put on the headphones; a call is
muted when you remove the headphones during a call and
resumed when you put them on again.
You can activate or deactivate the function via the Smart Control
app.

PAUSE

MUTE

Adjusting sound effects/the equalizer

To be able to use the sound effects/equalizer, you require the Smart
Control app (> 16).
▷ In the Smart Control app, select the desired sound effects.
The sound effects are stored in the headphones. These sound
settings are active even without using the Smart Control app, i.e.
when you are using another Bluetooth device.

28 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

Sound effect Meaning/application

Off Effect mode is switched off.
Movie For more exciting entertainment. Ideal for
movies.
Club For more room impression. Ideal for music.
Speech For improved speech intelligibility. Ideal for
podcasts ands audio books.
Director Freely adjustable sound effect. Customize the
sound categories according to your needs:
• Boost (boosts certain frequency ranges)
• Spatial (simulates virtual external loudspeak-
ers)
• Reverb (simulates a virtual room)
• DLC (Dynamic Level Control)

Activates/deactivates the call

enhancement function
This function reproduces the voice of the person you are talking to so
naturally that you get the impression that the person is in the same
room and not at the other end of the line.
You can activate or deactivate the function via the Smart Control
app.

Setting the voice prompts/beep sounds

To be able to set the voice prompts and beep sounds, you require the
Smart Control app (> 16).
▷ You can change the language of the voice prompts, choose
between voice prompts and beep sounds, or deactivate the status
messages with a few exceptions (e.g. rechargeable battery is
empty).

Using the audio cable/activating flight

mode
If you connect the audio cable, flight mode is activated and the Blue-
tooth wireless connection is deactivated.
Use the audio cable when:
• wireless transmission is not allowed, e.g. during aircraft take-off
and landing,
• the headphone's rechargeable battery is empty,
• your audio source doesn't offer a Bluetooth connection.
The functions for controlling music and/or calls or voice assistance
are not possible. The active noise cancellation ANC can be fully used
provided that the rechargeable battery is charged.
You can also activate the flight mode without connecting an audio
cable to the headphones (> 31).

PXC 550-II | 29
Using the headphones

Connecting the headphones using the

audio cable
▷ Connect the 2.5 mm jack plug of the audio cable to the head-
phones' audio socket.
The flight mode is activated and the Bluetooth connection is dis-
abled.
▷ Connect the 3.5 mm jack plug to the audio output of your smart-
phone.
To disconnect the audio cable:
▷ Carefully disconnect the jack plug from the headphones.

Flight mode
In-flight
adapter
OFF Right R

2.5 mm
3.5 mm
Audio cable

Using the in-flight adapter

If you are using the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system of your air-
line, the audio from the IFE may be interrupted by important
announcements via the aircraft's public address (PA) system. In most
cases, the announcements are much louder than the audio from the
IFE. The PXC 550-II detects this and suppresses the volume jump
that occurs when there is a switch between PA and IFE system.
The volume of the headphones remains at a low level even after the
announcement via the PA system. If you want to increase the volume,
adjust it on the IFE system.

If you want to increase the volume on the headphones and the

volume cannot be increased as usual, restart the headphones
by switching them off and on again.

Connecting the headphones using the

USB cable
When you connect the headphones to a Mac/PC/mobile device
using the supplied USB cable, you can play audio content from your
Mac/PC/mobile device directly through the headphones.

The headphones are automatically charged when you connect

them to a Mac/PC/mobile device using the USB cable.
If you are using the USB cable and want to deactivate all wire-
less connections, you have to deactivate Bluetooth on the
headphones (> 31).

Setting up the headphones as the default audio output and input

30 | PXC 550-II
 Using the headphones

device for your Mac/PC/mobile device

▷ Make sure that the headphones are connected to the Mac/PC/
mobile device using the USB cable.
▷ From the Systems Preferences or Control Panel of your Mac/PC/
mobile device, select “PXC 550-II” as the default audio output
device and/or default audio input device.
▷ Start music playback from the Mac/PC/mobile device.
The music is played through the headphones and the microphone
is used for recording.

Deactivating Bluetooth/activating the

flight mode
If, for example, you want to block out aircraft and ambient noise
during a flight, you have to deactivate Bluetooth and activate the
active noise cancellation ANC.
▷ Use the Bluetooth on/off switch to activate or deactivate Blue-
tooth on the headphones:
– Activate Bluetooth (“I”) if you want to use the wireless functions
of the headphones (e.g. pair the headphones with another
device or play music wirelessly).
▷ Deactivate Bluetooth (“0”) if wireless Bluetooth transmission is
restricted (e.g. during aircraft taxi, take-off, and landing).

Bluetooth switch
ON/OFF ON

OFF

Right R

PXC 550-II | 31
Using the headphones

Storing and transporting the headphones

Store the headphones in the carry case to prevent damage to the
headphones when you are not using or transporting them.
▷ Fold up the headphones and place them in the carry case as
shown in the illustration.

1 2 3

OFF

32 | PXC 550-II
 Care and maintenance

Care and maintenance

CAUTION
Liquids can damage the electronics of the product!
Liquids entering the housing of the product can cause a short-circuit
and damage the electronics.
▷ Keep all liquids far away from the product.
▷ Do not use any solvents or cleansing agents.

▷ Clean the parts of the product only with a soft, dry cloth.

Replacing the ear pads

For reasons of hygiene, you should replace the ear pads from time to
time. Spare ear pads are available from your Sennheiser partner.
1. Remove the ear pad from the hooks of the ear cup.
2. Attach the new ear pad by hooking the plastic frame of the ear
pad into the hooks of the ear cup.
3. Gently pull all sides of the ear pad to ensure that it is properly
hooked into all hooks of the ear cup.

Information on the built-in rechargeable

battery
Sennheiser ensures and guarantees that the rechargeable battery
performs at its optimum upon purchase of the product. If, upon pur-
chase or within the warranty period, you suspect that the recharge-
able battery is obviously defective or if a charging error/battery error
is displayed (> 7), stop using the product, disconnect it from the
power supply system and contact your Sennheiser service partner.
Your service partner will coordinate the repair/replacement with
you.
Do not return a product with a defective battery to your dealer or
Sennheiser service partner unless requested to do so.
Outside the warranty period, you can have the rechargeable battery
replaced for a fee by your Sennheiser service partner. Contact your
local Sennheiser partner: www.sennheiser.com/service-support.

Installing firmware updates

Firmware updates can be downloaded free of charge from the Inter-
net using the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Sennheiser recom-
mends to always install the latest firmware version to ensure the
best performance of your product.
▷ Connect the headphones to your smartphone and start the Smart
Control app (> 16).
▷ The app provides information on available firmware updates and
guides you through the installation process.

PXC 550-II | 33
FAQ/If a problem occurs ...

FAQ/If a problem occurs ...

Current list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Visit the PXC 550-II product page at
www.sennheiser.com/download
There you will find a current list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)
and suggested solutions.

Your question has not been answered or the problem persists?

If a problem occurs that is not listed in the FAQ section or if the prob-
lem cannot be solved with the proposed solutions, please contact
your Sennheiser partner for assistance.
To find a Sennheiser partner in your country, search at
www.sennheiser.com/service-support.

Leaving the Bluetooth transmission range

Wireless calling and streaming are only possible in the Bluetooth
transmission range of your smartphone. The transmission range
largely depends on environmental conditions such as wall thickness,
wall composition etc. With a free line of sight, the transmission
range of most smartphones and Bluetooth devices is up to 10 meters.
If you, and therefore the headphones, leave the Bluetooth transmis-
sion range of the smartphone, the sound quality deteriorates
increasingly until you hear the voice prompt “Device (1) discon-
nected” and the connection breaks down completely. If you immedi-
ately re-enter the Bluetooth transmission range, the connection is
automatically re-established.

Deleting the Bluetooth pairing list of the headphones

Make sure that Bluetooth is deactivated on the headphones.
1. Restart the headphones by switching them off and on again (> 18
and 17).
2. Press the voice assistant button for 4 seconds.
You hear beep sounds and the voice prompts “Device (1) discon-
nected” and “Pairing”. The LEDs flash white one after the other.
3. Press the voice assistant button again for 4 seconds.
The Bluetooth pairing list is deleted. You hear the voice prompt
“Pairing list cleared”. The LEDs flash white one after the other.
The headphones then stay in Bluetooth pairing mode.

1 OFF 2 Voice Assistant Button 3

Hold Hold

4s 4s

ON

Click „Device (1) „Pairing list

disconnected“ cleared“

„Pairing“

34 | PXC 550-II
 FAQ/If a problem occurs ...

Resetting the headphones to the factory default settings/Reset

1. Switch the headphones off (> 18).
2. Press the voice assistant button for 4 seconds.
The Smart Control app also allows you to reset the headphones to
the factory default settings (e.g. EQ settings, ANC mode).

PXC 550-II | 35
Specifications

Specifications
Model: SEBT5

Ear coupling circum-aural

Transducer principle dynamic, closed-back
Transducer 32 mm
Frequency response 17 Hz to 23 kHz
Sound pressure level (SPL) 110 dB (passive: 1 kHz/1 Vrms)
Impedance active mode: 490 Ω
passive mode: 46 Ω
THD (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL) < 0.5 %
Noise cancellation ANC technology with 4 pick-up
microphones
Total noise attenuation up to 30 dB
Pick-up pattern 3-mic beamforming array
(speech audio)
Power supply built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer
battery: 3.7 V⎓, 700 mAh
USB charging: 5 V⎓, 345 mA
Charging time of approx. 3 hours
rechargeable battery
Operating time 20 hours (Bluetooth and ANC
activated)
30 hours (only ANC activated, with or
without audio cable for flight mode)
Temperature range operation: 0 to +40 °C
storage: –20 to +60 °C
Relative humidity operation: 10 to 80%, non condensing
storage: 10 to 90%
Weight (headphones) approx. 227 g
Magnetic field strength 6.89 mT

Bluetooth

Version Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, class 1

Transmission frequency 2,402 MHz to 2,480 MHz
Modulation GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
Output power 10 mW (max)
Profiles HSP, HFP, AVRCP, A2DP, DIP
Codec aptX, aptX LL, AAC, SBC
Device name PXC 550-II
LE-PXC 550-II (Bluetooth Low Energy
only)
Number of active 2
connections

36 | PXC 550-II
 Manufacturer Declarations

Manufacturer Declarations
Warranty
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months
on this product.
For the current warranty conditions, please visit our website at
www.sennheiser.com or contact your Sennheiser partner.

In compliance with the following requirements

• General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC)
• Compliant to Sound Pressure Limits according to country spe-
cific requirements

EU declaration of conformity
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
Hereby, Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG declares that the
radio equipment type SEBT5 is in compliance with the Radio Equip-
ment Directive (2014/53/EU).
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the fol-
lowing Internet address: www.sennheiser.com/download.

Notes on disposal
• WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)
• Battery Directive (2006/66/EC & 2013/56/EU)
The symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin on the product, the bat-
tery/rechargeable battery (if applicable) and/or the packaging indi-
cates that these products must not be disposed of with normal
household waste, but must be disposed of separately at the end of
their operational lifetime. For packaging disposal, please observe the
legal regulations on waste segregation applicable in your country.
Further information on the recycling of theses products can be
obtained from your municipal administration, from the municipal col-
lection points, or from your Sennheiser partner.
The separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equip-
ment, batteries/rechargeable batteries (if applicable) and packag-
ings is used to promote the reuse and recycling and to prevent neg-
ative effects caused by e.g. potentially hazardous substances
contained in these products. Herewith you make an important con-
tribution to the protection of the environment and public health.

Trademarks
Sennheiser is a registered trade mark of
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG.
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod, iPod touch, iPad, and Siri are
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. The trademark “iPhone” is
used with a license from Aiphone K.K.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks
owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Senn-
heiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is under license.
The aptX mark and the aptX logo are trademarks of CSR plc or one of
its group companies and may be registered in one or more jurisdic-
tions.
Android and Google Play are registered trademarks of Google Inc.

PXC 550-II | 37
Manufacturer Declarations

Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com,

Inc. or its affiliates.
Other product and company names mentioned in the user documen-
tation may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.

38 | PXC 550-II