I have no bone conduction coming from my ILS (Focus) Headphones

This article will guide you to resolve no bone conduction in your headphones or determine the source of the issue. It is important to follow the steps in order. 

The most common reasons headphones produce no bone conduction are as follows:

  • Using a regular listening session rather than the Bone Conduction Test itself to determine proper function
  • Device not set to full volume
  • Low amplifier charge
  • Headphone to amplifier/audio to amp connection not fully secure
  • Headphone connector and/or internal headphone cable damaged

 

Step 1: Charge your Amplifier 

Plug the amp charging cable into the DC port at the back of the unit. Plug the other end of the cable into a wall outlet. A green light indicates it is charging and turns off once fully charged.

 

Step 2: Confirm your amplifier is performing as intended:

  • The green light on the back of the amp turns on while charging and then off once charging is complete. (Charging can take up to 6 hours)
  • The blue light on the front of the amp turns on and remains solid when turning the AC knob past 0.5

If you can check BOTH of the boxes, your amp is performing as intended. If not, proceed to Step 3 of the following article as your amp could be the cause for static in the headphones: How do I test my ILS (Focus) Amplifier?

 

Step 3: Confirm the following:

  • Your amplifier and audio device are fully charged
  • The AC knob on the amp is set to 0.5, BC knob set to 1 (max) and device volume is full
  • Confirm your headphone connector cable is fully secured to the four-pin connector on the amplifier labeled ‘Headphones’ and your audio to amp cable is fully secured on both ends 
  • You’ve completed the Bone Conduction Test itself
  • You’re holding and pinching the center of the headband with your fingers during the Bone Conduction Test. 

 

Step 4: Locating the source of no bone conduction🛠️

During the Bone Conduction Test press play and Hold the center of the headband on the headphones close to your ear to hear the music through the bone conductor. You may also hold the bone conductor between your fingers and feel it vibrating slightly off and on with the music. 

NOTE: *The bone conductor is located at the center most point of the headband and felt most prominently from the underside of the headband*

 

If you feel slight vibrations going in and out with the music your headphones are performing as intended.

If you don’t feel any vibrations, try the steps below during the Bone Conduction test. Please note, the Bone Conduction Test uses a portion of the most prominent level of Bone Conduction from Focus programs. It is normal if you notice the bone conduction level is low or non existent while completing a regular listening session

 

1. Ensure your device volume is set to maximum, AC knob on the amp 0.5 and BC knob on amp 1 (full).
2. Wiggle and press on various parts of the headphone cable and audio to amp cable.

If the vibrations from the bone conductor are now felt it may indicate the corresponding cable is faulty.

3. Tighten and loosen the headphone connector cable while the test is playing.

If the vibrations from the bone conductor are now felt it may indicate your connection was too loose, or sometimes too tight.

4. Ensure the four pin connector on the headphone cable is not bent, missing or damaged. 

If any of these components are damaged it may be the source of no bone conduction. 

 

Need more help?

If you still have static in your headphones and you’d like further support please fill out the Technical Support Form