HEADPHONES USE & CARE GUIDE

USER GUIDE

INTRODUCTION.

General use and care:

Aurumax products are designed and manufactured for comfort, durability and long service life in demanding environments however like all products, are adversely affected by wanton neglect and abuse. Adopting the following use and care guidelines and undertaking periodic maintenance are key to ensuring your headphones trouble free performance and longevity.

INITIAL SET-UP.

Installing comfort covers:

Hand washing before initial use is recommended to remove any residual manufacturer chemical irritants and dye, the covers are easily fitted by gently stretching and fitting over the ear seals which are retained by the elastic edging.

Fitting & removing audio input cables:

Align the mini XLR male connector tab to the socket keyway and gently push inwards until an audible click is heard, fully depress the release tab to remove.

Adjusting headband length & width:

Loosen the thumb screws and adjust the length of both sides evenly until a comfortable fit is achieved, when set do not overtighten. If the fit is too tight, the metal headband can be gently bent outwards to reduce the clamping pressure.

Identifying left & right earcups:

The left side is fitted with the Mini XLR audio input socket, the right side Aurumax logo incorporates the NFC symbol.

Headphone orientation:

As most detectors have mono output, Aurumax headphones may be worn in either orientation depending on users’ preference for the location of the input cable falling over the left or right shoulder.
However for the Minelab GPZ 8000 which has stereo output, Aurumax headphones input cable must align to your left shoulder to ensure the audio correctly corresponds to the detector output to allow accurate interpretation of the left and right ground and target signals.
Correct orientation can also be confirmed by noting the crossover cable loops clipped onto the earcup stirrups face backwards.

Fitting & using an audio cable clip:

Depress the square spring-loaded button fully to allow connection onto the straight audio input cable at a position convenient to secure onto your harness or clothing. The clip is not suited to fit coiled cables.

IN THE FIELD.

Choosing the correct cable type & length:

Audio input cables should be selected to suit your personal detecting practices during target search and retrieval.
The required length may vary considerably depending on your preferred setup particularly where an inline amplifier is attached to your harness or belt. In this instance, a straight cable between the headphones and amplifier and a coiled cable linked to the detector may be the best option.
In open areas where coiled cables are less likely to hook on branches and bushes, they provide a large amount of elasticity to maintain direct connection to the detector placed on the ground during target retrieval. Whilst longer coiled cables allow greater movement, they do have an increased tendency to tangle on themselves and are noticeably heavier due to the greater length of cable used in their construction.
Straight cables work well in open and closed terrain but have a set working distance so selecting the correct working length is critical for ease of use during target retrieval. They are best suited to demanding applications where durability and minimal weight is paramount. Determine the minimum length using a tape measure then add about 300 mm to determine a working length.

Setting the earcup volume controls:

Independent left and right volume controls are fitted to Aurumax headphones to allow users to optimise left and right-side audio levels to suit their specific hearing requirements, particularly for those who suffer from asymmetrical hearing loss. They can also be used where a separate volume control is not available on the detector.
Initially the volume controls on the headphones should be set at their maximum with the overall volume level required adjusted at its source, either at the detector or amplifier. Then only if necessary, adjust the left or right levels to suit the listeners required bias until balanced, not both.
Be aware that the controls at full deflection may reduce the overall volume level to faint, rather than inaudible.

Using inline audio amplifiers:

An external amplifier can provide an extended volume range or audio enhancements via selectable band pass filter options beyond what is available directly from the detector.
Caution should be exercised as physical exposure to persistently high volumes is a major cause of hearing loss and contributes to ear fatigue associated with discomfort, dullness and temporary hearing loss that can affect anyone.
Extended periods of detecting activity can also result in listening fatigue with the ears and brain physically and mentally exhausted from sensory overload manifesting as tiredness, reduced auditory sensitivity and focus, irritability and headaches, symptomatic of untreated hearing loss.
The best approach for all users is to adopt moderate volume levels and take regular 5 to 10 minute ‘quiet breaks’ at least once per hour.
For some users with impaired hearing, higher volume settings may be beneficial but for many they do not help because the issue is usually loss of clarity characterised by reduced perception of high-frequency and garbled sounds, not absolute volume levels. In this case seeking assistance from a professional audiologist is recommended.
Most detectors output in the lower frequency registers with some models providing tone adjustment. For users with age related hearing loss, this should be set to the lower settings with a smooth threshold. Allied with headphones intrinsic extraneous noise control and direct ‘on ear’ sound, may offer improved auditory responses.
Our suggestion for all users is to test various combinations of settings and hardware to find the best result for both your personal hearing attributes and listening preferences.

Handle with care:

Although headphones and cables are of durable construction, their electronics componentry necessitates they be respected as delicate items like your detector so should not be dropped, exposed to extreme heat or cold, moisture, dust, dirt or vibrations.

Avoid water:

Headphones and cables are water-resistant not waterproof so must never be fully immersed.

Storage:

The use of protective cases and bags during storage and transport will help maintain your expensive metal detector and accessories in good working condition.
Secure your headphones and cables in the carry bag in a cool dry place when not in use, do not leave outside in the elements nor in direct sunlight inside vehicles during hot weather.

MAINTENANCE.

General cleaning:

Use a soft lint-free microfibre cloth or bristled brush dampened with water only to wipe down external surfaces. Never use harsh chemical cleaning products or immerse the headset including cables into water. Cotton comfort covers, padded head pad cover and ear seals should be removed to facilitate proper cleaning.

Check for damage:

Periodic inspection of headset, cables and connectors is the key to reliability. Check for broken or deteriorating parts, evidence of damaged cables and connectors and seek repairs or replacements before critical failure occurs.

Be prepared:

Consider pre-purchasing a hygiene service kit to ensure parts are on hand in the event of misadventure or to undertake replacement of consumable components subject to wear and tear before significant issues arise.

Maintain a spare cable:

Over time, input cable outer sheaths, solder joints and connectors are prone to degradation with constant movement and stretching during use, sometimes resulting in intermittent or complete failure of audio signal transmission.
This is not symptomatic of poorly designed or built hardware, rather as dynamic components wear and tear over time is to be expected so replacements should be acquired and be available for use in advance.
Whilst defective cables can often be repaired, that is of little consolation when working in remote locations without any capacity to effect emergency repairs.
Always maintain a spare cable, even if obtained primarily for an alternative audio/detector configuration whose length may not be ideal, will nonetheless work as a temporary solution and be a welcome friend at a time of need.

Cleaning connectors:

Maintain consistent signal transmission by regularly cleaning audio connectors with contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol using a soft bristled brush, microfibre cloth or alcohol wipes. Never use harsh abrasives, scourer pads, steel wool or water dispersing aerosol lubricants whose oily residue will attract troublesome dust and dirt.

Washing:

Periodically hand wash the pillow head pad cover and cotton comfort ear seal covers in warm soapy water to remove accumulated dirt and salty perspiration. Allow to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area, do not machine tumble dry.

How to remove and fit gel ear seals:

The flexible rubber skirt on the back of new ear seals needs to be secured over the ear cup flange around its full circumference. On new ear seals this is taut and will need a bit of gentle persuasion during initial installation. Locate and position the small vent hole to the bottom then start by hooking the curved portion over the top of the flange and whilst holding this in place with one hand, gently pull outwards with your fingers of your other hand inside the skirt to ‘walk’ it over the flange as you work down one side and around the bottom. The rubber will stretch as you progress until it forms a continuous loop and eventually snaps into place. Do not pull excessively, use tools or allow sharp fingernails to tear the soft rubber.

When fitted, check to make sure the skirt has seated correctly all the way around the flange by gently pulling the seal away from the face of the ear cup. If necessary, gently rotate the whole ear seal by gripping the outside until the seal sits flat and the small vent hole is aligned centrally at the bottom.

How to remove and fit speaker mesh covers:

Take off the ear seals to provide easier access. To remove, softly pinch the mesh cover in the middle and gently pull upwards whilst pushing down on the internal acoustic foam with your fingers around the inside edge to extract it from under the front flange. To install, position and hold the cover centrally in place against the front of the speaker whilst simultaneously gently working your fingertips around the inside edge of the front flange to sandwich the mesh between the flange and acoustic foam. To finish, use the rounded end of a smooth pop stick to gently push and tuck the outer edge fully under the front flange.

How to remove and fit pillow head pad:

Using fingers, gently pull apart the velcro fastener and ease the cover off the rubber backing to one corner until released then manipulate the remaining three corners until fully detached. Reverse the process for installation.

SAFETY.

Warning:

Excessive volume levels can result in long term hearing damage. Appropriate sound levels combined with regular breaks can help minimize potential hearing damage, the onset of tinnitus and the incidence of ear and listening fatigue.

TROUBLE SHOOTING.

Isolating problems:

It is important to try to determine the underlying cause of problems at the time of occurrence prior to seeking assistance so that appropriate advice and remedies can be provided. Often self-evident but on occasions, intermittent faults can be hard to pin-point in which case the suspected offending item/s should be clearly identified and the symptoms noted.

Basic fault-finding strategies include:

Identify and record the exact circumstances when the fault occurs to confirm causal patterns.
Complete a thorough visual inspection to identify possible damaged or faulty components.
Isolate suspected faulty item/s by testing on a different detector/headset.
Interchange parts with known working components. eg: Spare input cable.
If possible, bypass the use of third-party accessories such as intermediate audio cables, adapters, amplifiers, audio modules, bluetooth transmitters and receivers during testing.
With the equipment in use, gently manipulate wires and connectors to check for crackling or intermittent audio signals that typically characterise broken wires and solder joints.
Test cables for continuity using a multimeter connected in series to the audio connector contacts at both ends.

SPARE PARTS.

Sourcing replacement parts:

A range of ‘consumable’ parts and accessories are readily available for purchase and fast shipping online in our Shop. We also stock select individual hardware items for purchase and DIY fitment, alternatively return your headphones to us for specialist repairs and maintenance. Feel free to Contact Us for personalised help and support.

ACCESSING REPAIRS & WARRANTY SUPPORT.

How to read the NFC tag:

Use your enabled smart phone to read the Near Field Communication tag within the right-side ear cup (without audio input socket). For most newer smart phones this is a pre-installed native feature, go to ‘Settings’ and activate NFC. For some older devices, go to the Play Store and install an App.
Position your phone directly against the domed Aurumax logo incorporating the NFC symbol and move it about to activate the sensor until an audible alert is heard to read the model, serial # and web link details.

Get in touch for specialist advice and assistance by phone, messenger, email or online via our Contact Us web page to confirm the best course of action to initiate a solution in the timeliest and most cost-effective manner possible.

Document:

Complete and submit the Repair Return Warranty Form online to initiate your required service request with a detailed description of the fault or repairs required.

Shipping:

We use and recommend Australia Post medium size mailboxes with bubble wrap to ship one set of headphones and related accessories. Smaller items such as cables can be sent via satchels. Repair requests and warranty claims must include both headphones and all cable/s for inspection and testing. Shipping costs to/from Aurumax are borne by the customer.