‘ User Guide
`
`.
`
`-
`
`Altec Lansing
`Computer Speaker System
`
`AL_TEC
`—LANSING
`
`TRUED I G I T A LAUDIO”
`
`© 1998 Alrec Lansing Technologies, Inc., Milford, PA 18337-0277
`
`000001
`
`

`
`IMPORTANT
`
`CAUTION
`RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
`DO NOT OPEN
`
`Onw-i.-:¢m:tfg,tsinteradedIealea1ItveuserIatIre):reaernceof
`
`tiring flash with orrewlseed, within an equilateral
`.
`.
`.
`unit-="'W* "*"'9"°"‘ "°l“'9' ““'l'i" P‘ l“°°l”°"‘ ""l°"""
`1-iurrnaybeafsufiicient magnitude leeolfllifltleorlslsof
`electric shock to persons.
`
`Risque de choc electrique — Ne pas ouvrir
`CAUTION: T0 rnsvem THE RISK or ELECFRIC SHOCK, Do NOT
`REMOVE cover: ton BACK). NG‘USER- SERVICEABIE mas
`INSIDE. rzenzn sanvrcmo TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
`
`The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
`intended to alert the user to the presenoe of important
`operating and maintenance (servicing) instntctions in
`the literature accompanying the appliance.
`
`SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
`
`Road Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read
`before the appliance is operated.
`Retain Instructions — The operating instructions should be retained for
`future reference.
`
`Heed Warning — All warnings on the appliance and in the operating
`instructions should be adhered to.
`
`Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should
`be followed.
`
`Water and Moisture — The appliance should not be used near water
`- for example, near a bathtub, washbawl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
`basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
`Outdoor Use — Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
`expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
`location — The appliance should be installed in a stable location.
`Ventilation —The appliance should be situated so that its location
`or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the
`appliance should nothe situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface
`that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such
`as a closed baolsoase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the
`ventilation openings.
`
`.Heat — The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as
`
`adiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances [including amplifiers) that
`produce heat.
`‘
`
`Power Sources —- The appliance should be connected _to a power
`supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked
`on the appliance.
`
`Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cards should be routed so that they
`are not likely to be wailred an or pinched by items placed upon or against
`them. Pay portioular attention in cards at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
`
`the point where they exit from the appliance.
`Grounding or Polarization — The precautions that should be taken so that
`the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
`Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only with a polishing doth or
`a soft dry cloth. Never clean with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other
`volatile liquids since they may corrode the cabinet.
`
`Non-Use Periods — The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged
`from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
`Object and liquid Entry— Care should be taken so that obiects do not
`fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
`Damage Requiring Service — The appliance should be serviced by
`qualified service personnel when:
`
`I The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
`0 Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance.
`0 The appliance has been exposed to rain.
`
`0 The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
`change in performance.
`
`0 The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
`Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the appliance. Servicing
`should be referred to qualified service personnel or returned to the dealer or
`call the Altec lonsing service line for assistance.
`
`WARNING
`TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
`NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
`
`The FCC Wants You to Know
`
`This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
`for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
`These limits are designed to providereosonable protection against
`harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
`generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
`not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
`cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
`there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
`installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
`radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
`the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
`the interference by one or more of the following measures:
`
`a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
`
`b)
`
`Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
`
`c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from
`that to which the receiver is connected.
`
`d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
`or help.
`
`FCC Warning
`
`Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
`void the user authority to operate the equipment under FCC Rules.
`
`000002
`
`

`
`Placement of Satellites and Subwoofer
`
`The subwoofer contains no channel specific informgiion and
`its sound is non-directional. As a result, the subwoofer does
`not necessarily have to be placed in any particular
`relationship to the satellites. Placing the subwoofer on the
`floor close to a wall or corner of a room provides maximum
`boss efficiency. The subwoofer is not magnetically
`shielded and should not be placed near video
`displays.
`
`The satellite speakers are magnetically shielded and can be
`placed close to the computer monitor without distorting the
`video image.
`
`FHEDRAWINGSHOWSA TYPIGLARRANGEMBVTOFTHESAIELHES
`AROUND A MONITOR AND HOW SOUND EMANATES FROM THE SPEAKERS.
`
`Important
`
`If you experience any difficulties with your computer speaker system
`please visit us at our website www.altecmm.com Your difficulty may
`
`‘ a simple problem that we can help you solve from our website.
`Vou do not find the answer to your question please send US On
`e-mail at csupport@a|tecmm.com or call us at: 1-800-
`ALTEC-88 (‘I-717-296-4434 if outside the United
`States)
`
`Introduction
`
`Welcome to the extraordinary world of Altec Lansing high
`fidelity sound.
`
`The patented Altec Lansing Multimedia Computer Speaker
`System provides the best computer digital audio possible. You
`can plug these computer speaker systems into a PC audio card
`and vastly enhance any business presentation,
`training,
`education or advertising, music or video production with the
`same level of audio quality you are used to hearing from a
`music CD. These speaker systems can also be used with any
`multimedia home computer, CD player or video interactive
`game to provide a total
`intelligent audio solution which is
`practical and affordable.
`
`Description
`
`The ADA3 l OW is a Dolby Digital and Pro Logic powered surround
`sound speaker system composed of two satellite speakers and a
`.bwoofer. The unique design of the speakers makes it possible to
`tain SURROUND sound without having to mount speakers on
`side and rear walls.
`
`The ADA3 l OW can function with computers that have a sound card
`or a headphone output for a CD player. All basic amplifier functions
`can be controlled by manual controls located on the top panel of
`the right speaker satellite. You do not need a USB eguipped
`E_§_ If your computer IS NOT USB
`equipped refer to connection instructions on page 5 of
`this manual.
`
`Computers that are USB (universal serial bus) equipped can control
`all speaker functions from the computer desktop. The USB input
`makes it possible to control all functions of the ADA3l0W with a
`GUI (graphic user interface) that shows a representation of the
`amplifier and speakers on
`the computer
`screen. Audio
`Management Software is provided to operate the GUI
`for
`computers that have a Windows 95 USB Supplement or Windows
`98.
`If your computer
`IS USB equipped refer
`to
`connection instructions on page 4 of this manual.
`An audio sensing circuit automatically turns the unit on when input
`signal IS present.
`If no audio signal is present at the input of the
`amplifier for a prolonged period, the unit turns off automatically.
`
`000003
`
`

`
`IMPORTANT
`
`Do not insert the AC power plug into the wall outlet until all
`connections are made as shown in Figure 1.
`
`Connecting the ADASIOW Speaker Systerh
`to a Computer with USB
`"'
`
`0 Before inserting the DIN connectors into the receptacles located
`in the back of the subwoofer, notice that the plug connectors and
`receptacles are color coded to prevent errors. The right channel
`is marked in red and the left channel in white. Also notice that
`the plugs have arrows. The arrows should face up for proper
`insertion into the receptacles. Press the connectors firmly into the
`receptacles to make sure they are fully seated.
`0 Notice that the analog input is marked in green and the stereo
`audio plug is green colored. Plug the stereo audio cable into the
`analog input of the subwoofer and to the computer audio line output.
`0 If you are installing the ADA3l0W on a system with a 3D Game
`soundcard, you do not need to connect the STEREO IN cable.
`Connect the green plug on the 3D Gaming Cable to CH1 on the rear
`
`of the subwoofer. Connect the purple plug to CH2 on the rear of the
`subwoofer. At the game card end, connect the green plug to output
`l and connect the purple plug to output 2.
`
`0 Connect the USB cable as shown. The configuration of the plugs at
`each end are different. One end has a series "A" USB connector
`
`which is plugged into the USB output on the computer and the other
`end has a series "B" connector which is plugged into the USB input
`on the subwoofer. Make sure the plugs are fully seated.
`
`The ADA3l0W does not have a power switch. Once the power plug
`is inserted into the wall outlet the unit turns on after a short delay. A
`green or amber/yellow LED will glow on the right satellite to indicate
`power is on. If no audio signal is sensed over a long period of time,
`the unit turns off. When audio is received or a control is operated, the
`speaker turns on automatically.
`
`ADA3'IOW Connection for a Computer With USB
`
`.
`
`RIHT SATELLIT
`_“_'
`
`SUBWOOFER ADA3 I 0
`TEI 3n GAMINGTQI
`saunu CARD
`
`.
`TD S/PW
`UUTPUT
`
`LEFT SATELLITE
`
`DUTPUT
`
`CDMPUTER
`AUDIU
`
`000004
`
`

`
`‘ Connecting the ADA31OW Speaker System
`to a Computer without USB
`
`0 Before inserting the DIN connectors into the receptacles located in
`the back of the subwoofer, notice that the plug connectors and
`.:eptac|es are color coded to prevent errors. The right channel is
`marked in red and the left channel in white. Also notice that the plugs
`have arrows. The arrows should lace up For proper insertion W0 lb‘?
`receptacles. Press the connectors Firmly into the receptacles to mak
`sure they are fully seated.
`"
`' Notice that the analog input is marked in green and the stereo
`audio plug is green colored. Plug the stereo audio cable into the
`analog of the subwooter and to the computer audio line output.
`
`0 It you are installing the ADA3l OW on a system with a 3D Game
`saundcard, you do not need to connect the STEREO IN cable.
`Canned the green plug on the 30 Gaming Cable to CH1 on the rear
`of the subwoafer. Connect the purple plug to CH2 on the rear of the
`subwoofer. At the game aard end, connect the green plug to output
`I and connect the purple plug to output 2.
`l The ADA3l0W does not have a power switch. Once the power plug
`is inserted into the wall outlet the unit turns on after a short delay. A
`green or amber/yellow LED will glow on the right satellite to indicate
`power is on. If no audio signal is sensed over a long period at time,
`the unit turns off. When audio is received or a control is operated, the
`speaker turns on automatically.
`
`ADA31OW Connection for a Computer without USB
`
`SUBWOOFER ADA31O
`
`RIGHT SATELLIT
`“*”—
`’
`
`m S/PM
`UUTPUT
`
`TEI an cnmuow
`SDUNIJ CARD
`
`LEFT SATELLITE
`
`DUTFUT
`
`CDHPUTER
`AUDIU.
`DUTPUT
`
`Al
`
`I]
`
`'
`
`'
`
`litil
`
`II
`
`13:)
`
`3!
`
`Euro Converter Plug
`
`For use in the United Kingdom or country that has adopted the 3-pin l3 amp Hat pin plug.
`
`WOUND PIN
`TEHIQIAIS
`
`OPEN THE LID AS SHOWN.
`Pi-IESSTHE EURO PLUG INTO
`THE ADAPTOR. MAKE SUN!
`--._ THE ROUND
`TERMINALS
`Al-IE
`LLY SEATED
`
`1 '
`
`BEFORE |NSlfl'l'|NG‘|'tI
`PLUG INTO A POWER OUTLET.
`
`000005
`
`

`
`‘ Use of Top Panel Controls on Right Satellite
`Speakers (See Figure 2)
`MODES:
`
`so ADA3i0W has two basic modes of operation: Analog and
`9;pg|_ when the ADASTOW is in Dolby Digital mode, the top LED
`an the Front of the right satellite glows green. When the LED on the
`Front of the right satellite glows amber, the ADA3iOW is in Anal09
`mode. There are three variations in the analog "‘°‘l°5 5l°"e°« D°ll3Y
`Pro Logic, and 3D Gaming.
`You may switch between the modes using the CENTER button on the
`hp off]-1e right satellite. Pressing and holding the button for about :1
`seconds will switch the ADA3lOW to the next mode. The modes are
`selected in the following order: Stereo, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital,
`3D Gaming, and then back to Stereo. You may also select the
`operating mode by using the remote control or the computer software
`GUI (if you are connecting the ADA3iOW to a computer with USB).
`
`Operation of Channel Controls
`CONTROLS:
`
`The ADA3 i OW uses only three buttons and a rotary volume to allow
`fullcontrol oi the system.
`
`Master Volume Control: This control increases the overall system level
`when turned in the clockwise direction. When turned in the counter-
`clockwise direction, it decreases the overall system level. This control
`
`is also used to increase and decrease the subwooter, center, and
`surround levels when those Functions are selected. Once these other
`levels have been set, the rotary control will revert back to master
`volume it no other control is activated For about 3 seconds.
`
`Subwooler Button: When this button is pressed, the green LED near
`the button will illuminate and allow ociiustment of the subwoofer level
`by using the rotary oontrol. To get the rotary back to master volume,
`press the button again to turn of the LED, or wait about 3 seconds,
`and the LED will turn off by itself.
`‘Center Button: When this button is pressed, the green LED near the
`button will illuminate and allow adiustment of the center channel levei
`using the rotary control. This channel is only available in Dolby Pro
`Logic and Dolby Digital sinoe stereo and 3D gaming signals do not
`have oenter channel information.
`
`Surround Button: When this button is pressed, the green LED near the
`button will illuminate and allow adjustment of the surround channel
`level using the rotary control. This channel is not available in stereo
`mode, but is available in all other modes.
`MUTE:
`
`The ADA3 i OW has a convenient Mute Feature that can be activated
`by pressing both the Subwooler and Surround buttons at the same
`time. The unit will exit Mute as soon as any control is activated,
`including the Master Volume Control.
`
`RIGHT SPEAKER
`
`DUAL FUNCTION
`UED INDICAFING
`MODES.Theincica1tor
`will glow geen for
`the Doby Digital mode
`_\
`and arnber/yellow
`for analog mode.
`
`IR
`HECENER
`
`000006
`
`

`
`REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION
`
`'
`
`$pe¢ifi¢q1-ions
`
`For best results aim the remote control towards the inlrared receiver on
`f
`t
`If H
`k
`.LED'
`'lll
`1'
`'th
`ron pane a se op spea ers
`s WI
`unc ion In
`us some manner
`it the unit were operated manually.
`Key# Function
`Operation
`l
`ON/OFF
`Turns the ADATO4 unit on and oil. '“"
`2
`MUTE
`MUTEs sound.
`Press again to restore sound.
`Adjusts SUB level. Use VOL buttons
`9 & l0 to adjust level.
`Adjusts CENTER level.
`Use VOL buttons 9 & T0 to adjust level.
`Adjusts SURROUND level.
`Use VOL buttons 9 & 10 to adjust level.
`Puts unit in STEREO mode.
`Puts unit in FRO-LOGIC mode.
`Puts unit in GAME mode. Use VOL
`buttons 9 & 10 to adjust level
`Press these buttons to adjust VOL
`up/down. Also use these buttons to
`jndjviduujjy udjusj jhe SUB, CENTER
`and SURROUND jam
`
`SUB
`
`CENTER
`
`SURROUND
`
`STEREO mode
`PRO-LOGIC mode
`GAME mode
`
`9 8: lo VOL UP/DOWN
`
`T
`
`Two 3 inch drivers per satellite
`Drivers (Satellites)
` #—
`Dnvers jsubwwjerj
`one 6 _j /2 Inch dual Voice coil woojer
`F"°°lU3"CY Response
`sat jj«j P
`e Le ower
`
`20Hz - 20kHz
`5
`.
`ZOWVT/lftfldirlper driver
`
`__
`
`20 W°l'l5 ‘ll
`,1 0k ohms
`
`7°dB
`
`5”bw°°le" P°We"
`jnpuj jmpedance
`_
`5'9"°“°N°‘=e R050
`CFO-‘-SOVEI’ Frequency
`lsubwoofert
`Fuse Type‘
`
`l50Hz
`1 AMP 250V
`"Slow Blow” [5x20mm size)
`=EtsuTml
`outlet. To replace luse, twist fuse cap counterclockwise with a
`standard Flathead screwdriver. The Fuse cap is spring loaded
`and will "Pop" out
`
`NOTE: lF THE FUSE NEEDS REPLACEMENT USE A 250 VOLT,
`AMP ‘SLOW BLOW" 5 x 2OMM UL/CSA APPROVED TYPE.
`Power Requirements
`
`l
`
`USA/CANADA Model
`
`120 Volts 6OHz AC
`
`MAX Power Consumption
`
`120 Watts
`
`UL/CUL/CE Approved
`
`Three Year Limited Warranty
`
`Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. warrants to the end user that all of
`its computer speaker systems are Free from defects in material and
`workmanship in the course of normal and reasonable use For a term
`of three years from the date of purchase.
`
`=
`
`This warranty is the exclusive and only warranty in effect relative to
`Altec Lansing computer speaker systems and any other warranties,
`either expressed or implied, are invalid. Neither Altec Lansing
`Technologies, Inc. nor any authorized Altec Lansing Technologies, lnc.
`dealer is responsible for any incidental damages incurred in the use
`of the products. (This limitation of incidental or consequential damage
`is not applicable in those states which prohibit such statutes.)
`
`Altec Lansing Technologies, lnc.‘s obligation under this warranty does
`not apply to any defect, malfunction or failure as a result of misuse,
`abuse, improper installation, use with faulty or improper equipment
`
`000007
`
`

`
`ADA31 OW Troubleshooting
`
`Speaker is being overdriven by an
`amplified audio source.
`
`Make sure speaker is connected to-
`line-out
`iaclr
`(unar-rrpttfied] of sound
`card. and not
`.spealrer-out
`tack
`tornfifliliedl; refer to color coding when
`making connecttans_.
`
`Depending on your sound card, you may also turn all
`amplifier on sound card (check your sound card manual).
`
`Noise may be caused by interference
`from the monitor.
`
`to see it noise is
`Turn monitor off
`eliminated. Move cables away lrom
`monitor.
`
`tttlrisprodudisptacecltoecloeetoahighlevel sourceofttl-'
`energy. RF breakthrough may be experienced which can
`cause some audio disturbance.
`It
`this l'rappen_s, move the
`pr'ccluctastarcnvoyas
`'l:rlefrcm thesourceunttlthe
`disturbance is eltrntnated.
`sing on audio in
`cdtle with a
`high percentage at shielding is also helptu in reducing or
`eliminating interference.
`
`Volume level on sound card or other
`audio source may be too high and
`causing speaker to be overdriven.
`
`Check volume level of sound card or
`audio source and lower as necessary.
`
`Sound card or specific sound file/track
`may be root of problem. I
`
`Check s
`kers with another
`o
`source ES-ROM player]
`to see it
`sound card or specific tile/track may
`be problem.
`
`For this check. disconnect speakers from sound card and plug
`into headphone iuck an lkorll at CD-ROM player or alternate
`tinelevel audio source.
`
`No power to unit.
`
`Make sure all connecting plugs
`between
`the
`satellite
`speakers,
`subwcofer and corn
`ter are tuliy
`seated. Make "sure
`wall palm-
`outlet or power strip has power.
`the
`itchec
`the
`3, su‘°r;'rll'r§'s“3.'...r sr.§"mr.’3°l'r°I
`turned on.
`
`Provided power has been verified, it is possible to test the unit
`bypullingauttlteaudtooablethatisconnectedtothe
`computer and connecting [tie on alternate audio source such
`as is portable CD player.
`
`Volume level on sound card or other
`audio source may be too low.
`
`Check volume level of sound card or
`audio source and raise as necessary.
`
`Check with an alternate audio source as mentioned above.
`
`Signal cable is not completely inserted
`into signal
`jack on subwooler or
`speaker.
`_
`
`Make sure signal cables are Inserted
`snugly into signal jacks.
`
`turn cable slightly when inserting to ensure
`It need be,
`complete contact.
`
`USB Sigpal cable may not be installed
`or not
`lly inserted.
`
`to both the
`Check all connections
`USB port on the computer and the
`speakers.
`
`USB ‘No Device
`Connedof
`Window Pops Up
`
`USB 5' not cablemaynotbeirrstolled
`ornot
`lylnserted.
`Power has been interrupted to the
`speakers.
`
`and
`both, USB
`Check
`connections to the speakers.
`
`power
`
`The USB interface does not require reset or power cycling for
`new devices to be recognized.
`
`000008