Troubleshooting Ecotones

Why does the display say “Tuning Please Wait” when I first plug it in?

This screen is displayed when Ecotones is performing a room calibration to optimize its performance in Adaptive Mode. The Ecotones emits a tone to measure sound in the room including reflection off walls and large objects. This helps Ecotones determine whether what it hears in Adaptive Mode is sound it generates itself and normal reactions in the environment, or whether there is a noise intrusion.

This screen is displayed and calibration is performed every time you power the device off and turn it back on. This includes when you unplug it and move it to another room.

Can I upgrade or add SoundStories on my Ecotones?

No. Current Ecotones products do not support the ability to add new sounds. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if this is a feature you would like to see in future products or if there is a particular SoundStory you would like to see us add.

My Ecotones is not responding well to a particular noise. How can I improve the response?

There are several ways to improve the sensitivity of your Ecotones unit:

  • Turn Ecotones to face the source of the noise. The microphone will then be pointing directly at the noise which may improve its ability to detect and respond to the sound.
  • Move Ecotones closer to the noise source.
  • Increase the volume.
  • Change SoundStories. Certain SoundStories are more effective in making particular noises.

What should I do if Adaptive Mode does not cover up a particular sound?

If Adaptive Mode does not respond well to a particular noise, you can still use the unit in Manual Mode and adjust the volume manually.

Does Adaptive Mode work with headphones?

No. When the unit senses headphones are in use, Adaptive Mode is disabled. On the other hand, when wearing headphones, any sound intrusion is dramatically diminished.

Where can I get a copy of the Ecotones User's Manual?

You can view the Ecotones User's Manual online or download a PDF document here: Ecotones User Manual

My Ecotones unit will not power on. What do I do?

Your Ecotones may not be powering on properly for several reasons. Here are some things to try:

  1. Check to be sure that the power supply is securely attached to the rear of your unit.
  2. Check to be sure that the plug is securely attached to the wall outlet, power strip or other power receptacle.
  3. Be sure the wall outlet is not a “switched” outlet that’s turned off/on from a light switch. If it is, be sure to turn it on.
  4. The AC outlet may be faulty. Try plugging in another device to see if it powers on correctly, or move the Ecotones to another outlet to see if it will power on.
  5. Your Ecotones unit may need to be reset. Restore the default factory settings by unplugging the unit for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in.

My Ecotones is playing sound, but the display is blank.

Your unit is running in “sleep timer” mode. Press the Sleep Timer button to temporarily turn on the display for one minute. To permanently turn on the display, exit from Sleep Timer mode by powering off the unit and then turning it back on by pressing the Power button twice.

My Ecotones is turned on, but no sound is being played.

  1. Your volume may be turned down. Press and hold the Volume Up button until you hear sound.
  2. Unit is in Background mode. In Background mode, the unit senses noise in the room and reduces the unit’s volume in response. Reducing the noise in the room should make the volume increase again automatically. You can also change the mode to Adaptive or Manual.

My Ecotones suddenly powered off unexpectedly.

You may have experienced an electrostatic discharge event near unit. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) event near this device may cause it to power off. In this event, simply press the Power button to resume normal operation.

My Ecotones isn’t behaving as expected.

Your system probably needs to be reset. Restore the default factory settings by unplugging the unit for 10 seconds and then plugging it in and try the Sound Story again.

What can I use to clean my Ecotones?

It’s best to use a soft, dry cloth to lightly dust your Ecotones regularly. Avoid spraying cleaners or water into the top of your unit since the speakers are just underneath the grill.

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