USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
Disc Playback
Radio Functions
Audio Section
Display Features
Remote Control
USB/iPod/Aux
Connectivity
USB Port: The receiver's rear-panel Type-A USB port (attached to rear-chassis by a 59" cable)can be used for plugging in a (MSC) Mass Storage Class USB device; such as your Android
smartphone, portable digital audio player, or USB thumbdrive. The head unit can
play music files stored on the USB device in MP3, WMA, or AAC formats (up to 320
kbps). The head unit can recognize up to 10,000 music files on a single USB Mass
Storage Device. The CDX-GS500R offers the following USB search, playback, and
display functions.
- Search Modes:
- Quick-BrowZer: allows you to search for a track on
a connected USB device easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or
Playlist)
- Jump Mode: gets you closer to the song you want by
allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10% increments
- Zappin: play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or
30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your
connected USB device
- Playback Modes:
- Repeat: repeat a single track or repeat an entire
album
- Random: shuffle all tracks or a specific album
- Display Information:
- Numeric Text: track number and elapsed playing time
- Alphanumeric Text: song title, artist name, and
album label
Note: This unit cannot recognize USB devices via a
USB hub. Not all MP3, WMA, AAC files may playback due to file
variations. Copyright protected ACC-LC files cannot be played back.
USB 1-Wire iPod/iPhone Control: The CDX-GS500R's rear-panel
USB port allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone via the included iPod dock or
Lightning connector-to-USB cable that comes with your iPod or iPhone (not
included with the head unit). This USB 1-Wire for iPod/iPhone connection lets
you directly connect, charge, & control select iPod/iPhones via the USB jack on
the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song title & artist name on
the front display.
- Bypass iPod DAC: The USB connection allows your
iPod/iPhone's stored music to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound
quality to be maximized through the head unit's 24-bit D/A converter
(bypassing iPod/iPhone DAC), allowing for a Signal-to-Noise ratio up to
120dB.
- Music Navigation: You can choose to control the
iPod/iPhone from the head unit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or
touchscreen.
The Quick-BrowZer feature allows you
to browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Artist, Album, Song,
Genre, Playlist, or Podcast from the head unit. You can search within a specific
Quick-BrowZer category or All tracks alphabetically (A-Z). With the head
unit's Zappin feature, you can play music
tracks & albums in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you
are looking for on your connected iPod/iPhone. The unit also offers Repeat (Track/Album) &
Shuffle (Album) playback modes for iPod/iPhone.
- Information Display: The head unit will display your
iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track #, Elapsed playing
time, Song title, Artist name, and Album label.
- Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is
set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection will power and charge your
iPod/iPhone. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge,
then this unit will not recognize it.
App Remote Technology: Sony's
App Remote offers two-way communication between the Sony CDX-GS500R and your
USB connected iPhone (iOS 5+). This application integrates compatible
iPhone apps into the selectable source list of the Sony CD receiver and lets you
launch apps from the head unit. You can operate basic functionality of
compatible audio apps directly from the receiver (operation differs depending on
the app). Movie and navigation apps will continue to be controlled from your
iPhone. In addition, you can control the receiver's sources directly from the
application on your iPhone using simple finger gestures and see detailed source
information on your iPhone screen.
- Receiver Sources: The App Remote on your iPhone lets you access
the head unit's Tuner (AM/FM), CD, iPhone, and Aux sources from your
iPhone's touchscreen. You can use finger gestures to tap, flick left/right,
or flick up/down on the iPhone's touchscreen in order to change AM/FM Band,
Play/Pause a track, Seek Up/Down a track or station, select a Preset, or
access an Album. You will also be able to see song/artist information from
MP3/WMA/AAC and iPhone sources, as well as station identification numbers
from AM/FM radio.
- Compatible Apps (as of 10/9/2012): The App Remote also provides various music,
movie, and navigation apps which can be accesses from the Sony CDX-GS500R's
source list. Available operation differs depending on the application.
- Music Apps: Music apps include; AUPEO!,
iHeartRadio, Last.fm, Livio Radio, Pandora, MOG, Spotify, Slacker Radio,
Shoutcast, TuneIn and more. The head unit offers full control & song/artist
information for Pandora (see Pandora App description below). The head
unit only provides basic playback functions (Play/Pause, Skip Track, or
Next Station) and no song/artist information for other music app.
- Movie Apps: Movie apps include; HBO GO, Hulu
Plus, Netflix, YouTube and more. Video will be
displayed on your iPhone, while the audio plays through your vehicle's
speakers. You can control Play/Pause from the CDX-GS500R. Other playback
functions will need to done on your iPhone. Netflix subscription
required. You should not watch videos while your vehicle is in motion.
- Navigation Apps: Supported navigation apps include;
Google Maps, Garmin (USA/N.America), INRIX Traffic, MotionX GPS
Drive, Navfree GPS TeleNav (GPS/Navigation), NAVIGON, TomTom, and
more. The map screen will display on your iPhone's touchscreen, while audible
directions can be heard through your vehicle's speakers. You can
continue to listen to music while navigating; the unit will attenuate
your music during a navigation voice-prompt. Control of the navigation
apps will still be done through your iPhone's touchscreen. Fees may
apply for some navigation apps & functions.
Note: Access to the music, movie, and navigation apps will depend on the
availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your
iPhone to connect to the Internet.
Pandora App: Pandora is the leading Internet Radio music
service in the United States, giving people music they love anytime, anywhere,
through personalized radio stations. The Sony CDX-GS500R provides complete
access to your Pandora account using your iPhone, via the head unit's
rear-panel USB port. To access Pandora you must have an Apple iPhone (iOS3 or
later) with the latest version of the
Pandora application from Apple's iTunes
App Store. Your iPhone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to
the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. You will also need a Pandora music service
account. The CDX-GS500R will provide control over the Pandora music service &
display Artist, Album, & Song information.
- Station List: You can select Pandora stations from your
Station List by date or alphabetically (A-Z).
- QuickMix: QuickMix allows you to listen to songs played
on one or more Pandora stations in your Station List randomly. You will need
to edit your QuickMix station selections on the iPhone before connection.
- Skip Songs: You can skip song tracks within a station.
You cannot skip back to a previous song. Pandora limits the number of skips
allowed.
- Thumbs Up/Down: You can give songs a thumbs up or
thumbs down to help Pandora personalize stations to suit your preferences.
- Bookmarking: The song or artist currently being played
can be bookmarked & stored in your Pandora account.
Note: Access to the Pandora service will depend on the
availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your
iPhone to connect to the Internet. Pandora is not supported in Canada & only
available in the United States.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony CDX-GS500R is
"Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of 10/9/2012):
|
iPod Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
Head Unit |
iPod |
App Remote |
Pandora App |
Artist/Song Text |
Track Info |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.1 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
7th |
1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4S |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPad |
1 |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
|
2 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
|
3 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If
this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is
available.
Front-Panel Auxiliary Input: A front-panel stereo 3.5mm
mini-jack is provided to allow the connection of a portable audio source. Just
connect your portable digital music player to this unit, and you can listen to
the audio from the portable player through the speakers in your mobile audio
system. The volume level of the auxiliary input is adjustable from -8 to +18 dB
to compensate for any difference between the unit and your portable device.
Disc Playback
Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player
that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs (12cm
only).
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The Sony CDX-GS500Rallows you to
playback CD-Rs or CD-RWs loaded with MP3, WMA, or AAC songs (up to 320 kbps)
recorded in ISO 9660 level 1 or 2, Joliet/Romeo, or Multi-Session. The
CDX-GS500Rcan support up 150 folders, and a combined 300 folders/files on a
disc. The head unit will also display song information for MP3, WMA, and AAC
music files (Joliet: up to 32 characters, Romeo: up to 64 characters). Not all MP3, WMA, AAC files may playback due to
file variations. Copyright protected ACC-LC files cannot be played back.
Compressed Audio Display Information: The CD receiver can
display the following CD-TEXT or ID3/WMA-tag information - Track number, Elapsed
Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Label.
Quick-BrowZer: The unit's Quick-BrowZer feature allow you to
search for a track on a CD-R/RW
easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist).
Jump Mode: Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by
allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10% increments.
Zappin: With the Zappin feature, you can play music (files
or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking
for on your CD or connected USB device.
Off Insert/Eject: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with
the power off. The head unit will automatically begin disc playback, when a disc
is inserted with the receiver set to a different source or powered off.
Auto Reload: The CD player will automatically reinsert the
disc if it's ejected, but not removed for 20 seconds or more.
Mounting Angle: For proper CD playback, this unit must be
mounted between 0° (horizontal) and 45°.
Radio Functions
Digital Clarity Tuner: The Sony CDX-GS500R is equipped with a Digital Clarity Tuner for clear
AM/FM stereo sound with digital processing technology.
RDS: The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio
broadcast information such as artist & track information when listening to
compatible AM/FM stations.
Preset Stations: The radio features 5 memory bands to store
and receive AM/FM stations. You can store up to 6 presets each in band (FM 1-3,
AM 1-2).
Best Tuning Memory (BTM): This feature automatically selects
stations with the best signals within the selected band (FM 1-3), AM 1-2) &
stores them in order of their frequency.
Manual/Seek Tuning: The CDX-GS500R
allows you to manual tune or seek tune AM/FM stations.
- Manual Tuning: You can
manually tune & find your favorite radio stations one by one.
- Seek Tuning:
You can use the seek button to help you search quickly through the available
AM/FM stations.
SiriusXM Ready: The Sony CDX-GS500R comes ready for SiriusXM
programming with access to XM and Sirius Satellite Radio stations. Thanks to its
proprietary SiriusXM Connect port, you can add the optional
SXV200V1 SiriusXM Connect tuner and receive more than 150 channels of
exclusive programming directly from SiriusXM, via the "SiriusXM
All Access" package (subscription required). Visit
SiriusXM.com
for a complete list of subscription options and channel guide. Additional
features of the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect tuner include:
- Channel list displays a list of all available channels
- Category Search searches for channels in a certain category
- Displayed Information such as Channel Name, Artist Name, & Song Title
can be viewed on the head unit's LCD
- Up to 18 SiriusXM Satellite Radio station presets
- Channels containing unsuitable content for children can be blocked
Note: A separate SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription is
required (operates on the XM Network). However, you can easily add this
SiriusXM tuner to an existing Sirius or XM account for a Multi-Radio
Discount Plan.
Audio Section
24 Bit D/A Converter: The Sony CDX-GS500R utilizes a 24-bit
digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.
True Fidelity Sound Construction: The Sony CDX-GS500R CD
receiver features a newly developed sound processor for less distortion, an
S-MOSFET IC for smooth signal transmission, and a large-sized capacitor for deep
bass sound.
Dynamic Reality Amp: The CDX-GS500R is equipped with Sony's
Dynamic Reality Amp to produce 3-dimensional sound staging for more realistic
sound inside your vehicle.
CEA2006 Compliant Amplifier: The power specifications for
the Sony CDX-GS500R are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power
Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs
from model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the
CDX-GS500R are as follows:
- Continuous Power Output: 17 watts RMS x 4 channels (at
4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Peak Power Output: 52 watts x 4-channels (208 total
watts)
Three 5-Volt Preamp Outputs: The Sony CDX-GS500R is
equipped with 5-volt Front, Rear, & Sub pre-amp outputs giving you the ability
to connect external amplifiers to your car stereo system.
Subwoofer Controls: The unit's subwoofer preamp output is
non-fading. The subwoofer preamp output features a low pass filter with a
selectable cut-off frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off. You can
also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the low-pass crossover. You can even adjust the
subwoofer preamp output's volume level independently from the head unit's volume
control from -10 to +10 in 1dB increments. In addition, you can select the phase
of the subwoofer output from Normal or Reverse.
Subwoofer Direct Connection: You can connect a subwoofer to this head
unit without the need of a separate power amplifier. Simply connect a single
subwoofer (4-8 ohm) directly to head unit's left or right rear speaker leads
(but not both). Same subwoofer controls apply.
High-Pass Filter: The front & rear speaker outputs offer a
selectable high-pass crossover frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or
Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the high-pass crossover.
Advanced Sound Engine: Sony's Advanced Sound Engine creates
an ideal in-car sound field with digital signal processing. Advanced Sound
Engine contains the following features: EQ7, Listening Position, DM+ Advanced,
Rear Bass Enhancer, & Dynamic Loudness.
- EQ7: You can select an equalizer curve from eight music
types - Xplod, Vocal, Edge, Cruise, Space, Gravity, Custom, or Off (Flat).
The Custom EQ7 mode allows you to make your own equalizer settings. You
can adjust the level (+/-6dB) of seven different frequency bands - Band1
(63Hz), Band2 (160Hz), Band3 (400Hz), Band4 (1kHz), Band5 (2.5khz), Band6
(6.3khz), and Band7 (16.0kHz).
- Listening Position: This unit can change the
localization of sound by delaying the sound output from each speaker to suit
your position, and simulate a natural sound field with the feeling of being
in the center of it wherever you sit in the car. You can choose from Front
Right, Front Left, Front Center, or Off. You can also set the subwoofer
distance of the subwoofer to Near, Normal, or Far
- RBE (Rear Bass Enhancer): RBE enhances the bass sound
by applying the low-pass filter setting to the rear speakers. This function
allows the rear speakers to work as a subwoofer even if there is no
subwoofer connected.
- Dynamic Loudness: Dynamic Loudness refers to
compensating for volume level & signal gain.
- DM+ Advanced: DM+ Advanced improves digitally
compressed sound by restoring high frequencies lost in the compression
process (works only for USB).
Automatic Level Optimizer: Automatic Level Optimizer
analyzes each track's playback level & adjusts the output level to optimize
transitions between tracks & sources.
Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to
confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Display Features
Detachable Face w/ Caution Alarm: The Sony CDX-GS500R features
a detachable face for theft prevention. If you turn the ignition switch to the Off position
without detaching the head unit's front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a
few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the unit's built-in amplifier is used.
No face case is included with this unit. An
optional soft face case (142DFC1X,
sold separately) can be purchased for this unit. A face-fixing screw is
supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.
Dynamic Color Illuminator (35,000 colors): Dynamic Color
Illuminator lets you match the head unit's LCD & button illumination to
complement your existing vehicle lighting components. With selectable Sound
Synchronization, the timing of the color change is synchronized with the audio
source. You can select from 12 preset colors
(red/amber/m-amber/yellow/white/light green/green/light blue/sky
blue/blue/purple/pink), customized color, & 5 preset patterns
(rainbow/ocean/sunset/forest/random). The unit's Dynamic Color Illuminator
offers the following advance features.
- Day/Night Color Mode: You can register a customize
color for the unit's display and buttons for day & night time driving.
- Sound Synchronization: The color changes according to
synchronization of playing music. When you select a preset pattern sound
synchronization becomes effective.
- White Menu: You can display the menu more clearly
(White text) without concern for the unit's other color settings.
- Start White: When you power-on the head unit, the color
of the unit's display and buttons turn white and then the color changes to
your chosen customize color. You can enjoy this effect whenever the source
is turned on.
Motion Display: This feature shows moving patterns and a
spectrum analyzer on the display when turned on.
Auto Scroll: This feature allows long displayed items to
scroll automatically across the display when the track is changed on a disc.
Display Illumination/Clock Display: Pressing the Source/Off
button once will switch sources. Pressing and holding the Source/Off button for
one second will turn off audio output, but the clock display and button
illumination remain on. To turn the unit off completely, you must press and hold
the Source/Off button for two seconds.
Dimmer: To change the brightness of the display you can set
the CDX-GS500R to one of three dimmer modes; Dimmer Auto (dims the display
automatically when you turn your vehicle's lights on), Dimmer Off (deactivates
the dimmer), and Dimmer On (display always dim).
Auto Off: When installing in a vehicle without an accessory
power wire at the radio location, you can set the unit to turn off all lighting
a set amount of time after you turn the power off. The Auto Off feature can be
set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or No.
Demo Mode: The head unit's demo mode can be turned On or
Off.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote Control: The head unit comes supplied with an
IR wireless remote control (RM-X211) for easy operation. The included wireless
remote allows you to control the basic functions of the Sony head unit
while keeping your eyes on the road.
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features
an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you
keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with
an optional
steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult
Crutchfield's
Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.
