Enjoying wireless playback using multiple speakers (Party Connect function)

You can connect multiple speakers (up to 100 speakers) compatible with the Party Connect function via BLUETOOTH connections and enjoy music playback.

Devices compatible with the Wireless Party Chain function are not applicable for connection.

For information about devices compatible with the Party Connect function, refer to the following URL:

https://www.sony.net/partyconnect-dvc/


Before operating the speaker, make sure of the following:

  • When setting up the speakers for the Party Connect function, make sure that all of the speakers to connect for the function are located within 1 m (3.2 ft). Stop music playback if it is in progress.

  • When playing music, make sure that all of the devices to connect for the function are located within 30 m (98.4 ft) in your line of sight.

    Maximum communication range may shorten under the following conditions.

    • There is an obstacle such as a person, metal, or wall between the speaker and BLUETOOTH device.
    • A wireless LAN device is in use near the speaker.
    • A microwave oven is in use near the speaker.
    • A device that generates electromagnetic radiation is in use near the speaker.

Hint

  • Update the pre-installed software to the latest version on each and every speaker to be connected via the Party Connect function.

  • Speakers that require the “Sony | Music Center” app to use the Party Connect function cannot connect to ULT TOWER 9 using the “Sony | Music Center” app. To connect, update the software of the speakers to the latest version, and you will be able to connect to ULT TOWER 9 using the speaker buttons. For details, refer to the Help Guide for the speakers.

  1. Set up the first speaker.

    The following operation is an example of setting ULT TOWER 9 as the first speaker. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the device you are using to set up other devices compatible with the Party Connect function.

    • Press the(power) button on the speaker.

      The (BLUETOOTH) indicator on the speaker flashes slowly.

      If the BLUETOOTH device which has been connected before is nearby, the speaker may be connected to the device automatically, and then the (BLUETOOTH) indicator on the speaker may be lit.

      When the speaker has no pairing information, for example when you use the BLUETOOTH function for the first time after purchase, the (BLUETOOTH) indicator on the speaker keeps double flashing in blue.

    • Connect the BLUETOOTH device to the speaker via a BLUETOOTH connection.

      When the BLUETOOTH connection is established, you hear the notification sound from the speaker and the activity of the(BLUETOOTH) indicator on the speaker changes from flashing to lit.

    • Tap CONNECT on the speaker.

      You hear the notification sound from the speaker, and the(BLUETOOTH) indicator and the CONNECT indicator on the speaker flash slowly. In about 5 seconds, you will hear the notification sound from the speaker again, and the CONNECT indicator on the speaker will stop flashing and stay lit. While a connection for the Party Connect function is being established, the activity of the(BLUETOOTH) indicator on the speaker changes from lit to flashing.

  2. Connect a second speaker.

    The following operation is an example of connecting ULT TOWER 9 as the second speaker. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the device you are using to connect other devices compatible with the Party Connect function.

    • Press the(power) button on the speaker.

    • Tap CONNECT on the speaker.

      You hear the notification sound from the speaker, and the (BLUETOOTH) indicator and the CONNECT indicator on the speaker flash slowly. When the speaker is connected to the first speaker, the (BLUETOOTH) indicator on the speaker turns off and the CONNECT indicator on the speaker stops flashing and stays lit.

      Hint

      • Connect the second speaker within 1 minute. After 1 minute or more, the speaker setting is canceled.

  3. Connect a third or more speakers.

    To connect additional speakers, repeat step 2.

    Hint

    • When connecting a third or more speakers, connect each one within 30 seconds of connecting the previous speaker. After 30 seconds or more, the speaker cannot be connected.

    • If you want to add another speaker after finishing the settings (after 30 seconds or more), tap CONNECT on the first speaker, then do step 2.

    When a connection for the Party Connect function is established, the CONNECT indicators on all the speakers stay lit. Then, the activity of the(BLUETOOTH) indicator on the first speaker changes from flashing to lit.

  4. Start playback on the connected BLUETOOTH device and adjust the volume level.

    The same music is played from all speakers.

    When adjusting the volume on the BLUETOOTH device or the speaker connected with the BLUETOOTH device (the speaker set up as the first one), the volumes of all speakers are automatically adjusted. For other speakers (the second or later speaker set), you can also adjust the volume on each other.

To terminate the Party Connect function

  • To terminate all connections and exit the Party Connect function

    On the speaker with the lit(BLUETOOTH) indicator (the speaker set up as the first one), touch and hold CONNECT until you hear the notification sound from the speaker and the CONNECT indicator on the speaker turns off.

  • To terminate only 1 speaker

    On a speaker where you want to terminate the Party Connect function (a speaker set up as the second or subsequent one), touch and hold CONNECT until you hear the notification sound from the speaker and the CONNECT indicator on the speaker turns off.

Hint

  • The lights and the ULT button on the speaker light up differently depending on the model that is set up as the first speaker.

  • When using the Party Connect function, the codec automatically switches to SBC.

Note

  • While the Party Connect function is in use, audio from the following devices connected to the speaker will not be output.

    • The USB device connected to the PLAY/CHARGE OUTPUT port (USB)

    • The device connected to the AUDIO IN jack by an audio cable

    • The TV connected to the OPTICAL IN connector

  • Deactivating the Party Connect function gives no effect on the established BLUETOOTH connection and the speaker remains in BLUETOOTH mode.

  • When watching movies using the Party Connect function, there may be a gap between video and audio.