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Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the partof Creative Technology Ltd. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the permission ofCreative Technology Ltd.

User’s Guide

Copyright © 1999 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.

Version 1.0April1999

SoundBlaster is a registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd.Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and the Windows Logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.FourPointSurround is a trademark of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc.Cambridge SoundWorks is a registered trademark of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc.All other products are trademarks of their respective owners.

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Important Safety Instructions............................................................................... 3Warning.................................................................................................................. 4Introduction........................................................................................................... 5Speaker Placement ................................................................................................ 6Speaker Wiring Diagram...................................................................................... 7Satellite Connections............................................................................................ 8Attaching The Floor Stands.................................................................................. 9Power Supply Adapter........................................................................................ 10Audio Signal Connections.................................................................................. 11Connection to Sound Blaster Live! via DIGITAL DIN.................................... 12Usingthe Volume Control................................................................................... 13Adjusting Output Level....................................................................................... 13Bass Level Control.............................................................................................. 14Important.............................................................................................................. 14Mounting the Satellites....................................................................................... 15Specifications...................................................................................................... 15If You Have a Problem....................................................................................... 16Limited Warranty................................................................................................ 17Creative Technical Services .............................................................................181

ContentsFourPointSurround

FPS2000 Digital

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READ INSTRUCTIONS - All safety and operat-ing instructions should be read before theFourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital ampli-fied subwoofer/satellite system is operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The safety andoperating instructions should be retainedfor future reference.

HEED WARNINGS - All warnings on thesubwoofer and in the operating instruc-tions should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operatingand use instructions should be followed.

CLEANING - Unplug the subwoofer from thewall outlet or other power source beforecleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners oraerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth forcleaning.

ATTACHMENTS - Do not use attachmentsnot recommended by CambridgeSoundWorks as they may cause hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE - Do not use thesubwoofer near water—for example, neara bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, orlaundry tub; in a wet basement; or near aswimming pool; and the like.

ACCESSORIES - Do not place theFourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital systemon an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket,or table. The subwoofer or satellites mayfall, causing serious injury to a child oradult, and serious damage to the product.Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,or table recommended by CambridgeSound-Works, or sold with the product.Any mounting of the satellites or sub-

woofer should follow the manufacturer’sinstructions, and should use a mountingaccessory recommended by CambridgeSoundWorks.

VENTILATION - Slots and openings in thecabinet are provided for ventilation and toensure reliable operation of the subwooferand to prevent it from overheating, andthese openings must not be blocked orcovered. The openings should never beblocked by placing the product on a bed,sofa, rug, or other similar surface. Thesubwoofer should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rackunless proper ventilation is provided orCambridge SoundWorks’ instructionshave been adhered to.

HEAT - The subwoofer should be situatedaway from heat sources such as radia-tors, heat registers, stoves, and otherproducts (including amplifiers) that pro-duce heat.

POWER SOURCES - The subwoofer shouldbe operated only from the type of powersource indicated on the marking label. Ifyou are not sure of the type of powersupply to your home, consult your prod-uct dealer or local power company. Forproducts intended to operate from batterypower, or other sources, refer to the oper-ating instructions.

POLARIZATION - The subwoofer may beequipped with a polarized alternating-cur-rent line plug (a plug having one bladewider than the other). This plug will fit into

the power outlet only one way. This is asafety feature. If you are unable to insertthe plug fully into the outlet, try reversingthe plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,contact your electrician to replace yourobsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safetypurpose of the polarized plug.

POWER-CORD PROTECTION - Power-sup-ply cords should be routed so that theyare not likely to be walked on or pinchedby items placed upon or against them,paying particular attention to cords atplugs, convenience receptacles, and thepoint where they exit from the subwoofer.

LIGHTNING - For added protection for theFourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital systemduring a lightning storm, or when it is leftunattended and unused for long periodsof time, unplug it from the wall outlet. Thiswill prevent damage to the subwoofer dueto lightning and power-line surges.

OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall out-lets, extension cords, or integral conve-nience receptacles as this can result in arisk of fire or electric shock.

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY - Never pushobjects of any kind into the subwooferthrough openings as they may touch dan-gerous voltage points or short out partsthat could result in a fire or electric shock.Never spill liquid of any kind on the sub-woofer.

SERVICING - Do not attempt to service thesubwoofer yourself as opening or remov-ing covers may expose you to dangerousvoltage or other hazards. Refer all servic-ing to qualified service personnel.

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE - Unplugthe subwoofer from the wall outlet or otherpower source and refer servicing to quali-fied service personnel under the followingconditions:a) When the power-supply cord or plug isdamaged.b) If liquid has been spilled, or objectshave fallen into the subwoofer.c) If the subwoofer has been exposed torain or water.d) If the subwoofer does not operatenormally by following the operating in-structions; or exhibits a distinct change inperformance.e) If the product has been dropped ordamaged in any way.

REPLACEMENT PARTS - When replace-ment parts are required, be sure the ser-vice technician has used replacementparts specified by Cambridge SoundWorksor have the same characteristics as theoriginal part. Unauthorized substitutionsmay result in fire, electric shock, or otherhazards.

SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of anyservice or repairs to the FourPointSurroundFPS2000 Digital system, ask the servicetechnician to perform safety checks todetermine that the Four Point Surroundsystem is in proper operating condition.

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING - TheFourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital satellitesshould be mounted to a wall or ceiling onlyas recommended by CambridgeSoundWorks.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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The exclamation point within an equilateraltriangle is intended to alert the user of thepresence of important operating and main-tenance (servicing) instructions in the lit-erature accompanying this product.

WARNING:TO PREVENT FIRE ORSHOCK HAZARD, DO NOTEXPOSE THIS APPLIANCETO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT

The lightning flash with arrowhead, withinan equilateral triangle, is intended to alertthe user of the presence of uninsulated“dangerous voltage” within a product’s en-closure that may be of sufficient magnitudeto constitute the risk of electric shock topersons.

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRICSHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SUBWOOF-ER’S COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLEPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TOQUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

READ AND HEED IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGON BOTTOM OF SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRICSHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUGTO WIDE SLOT, INSERT FULLY.

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Thank you for purchasingFourPointSurround™ FPS2000Digital.

Introduction

The FPS2000 Digital is the firstmultimedia speaker system tosupport DirectSound®3D andEnvironmental Audio in truemultichannel, digitallytransfered sound. It lets youexperience the full potential of themultichannel sound encoded intoday’s latest computer software.We think you will find it adds anexciting new dimension to computersound and gaming.

The following sections contain notices for variouscountries:

CAUTION: This device is intended to be installed by the user in aCSA/TUV/UL certified/listed IBM AT or compatible personalcomputers in the manufacturer’s defined operator access area.Check the equipment operating/installation manual and/or with theequipment manufacturer to verify/confirm if your equipment issuitable for user-installed application cards.

Modifications

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by thegrantee of this device could void the user’s authority to operate thedevice.

Compliance

This product conforms to the following Council Directive:

Directive 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC), 73/23/EEC (LVD)

Safety & Regulatory Information

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A C DB

Speaker PlacementThe front left and front right satellitesshould be placed to the sides of themonitor. When placing satellites onthe desktop, install the desktopstands. If you wish to save desktopspace, use the hook and loop fastenersto attach the satellites to the sides ofthe computer monitor (see page 15).

If your are lucky enough to haveside walls close to your listeningposition, excellent placement for theleft rear and right rear satellites isalongside or behind your listeningposition, slightly above ear level (usethe hook and loop fasteners, seediagram A). Do not be concerned ifthis is not practical, since any rear

location. The rear satellites do not haveto be at exactly the same height, nor atthe same height as the front satellites.Try the extreme corners of a desk usingthe desktop stands (C) or attach therear satellites under a desktop or at thesides of a desk using the hook and loopfasteners (D).

The subwoofer does not contribute todirectional sound effects. Its optimumposition is on the floor against the wall.The closer the subwoofer is to thecorner, the stronger the maximumbass output. Alternately, it can beplaced on a shelf or other sites, but itsmaximum output will be reduced.

satellite placement to the left and rightside of the listening position willprovide strong directional andsurround effects.

The rear satellites may be installedon their convenient floor stands (seediagram B). When listening, thestands should be positioned to theimmediate left and right of yourlistening position. The stands aresmall enough to be stowed underneathor alongside a desk when not in use.

The rear satellites may also beplaced in any convenient sitesalongside the listener, including sitesslightly forward of the listening

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Your plug adapter may varydepending on your country

Speaker Wiring Diagram

FR

ON

TR

EA

R RF

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Satellite Connections3. Remove the backing from the

remaining, longer “FRONTLEFT” label and wrap itaround the opposite end of thespeaker cable you justconnected.

4. Connect this end of thespeaker cable to the red andblack “FRONT LEFT”speaker connectors on thesubwoofer.

5. Repeat this process for theFront Right, Rear Right andRear Left satellites. Be sure touse the remaining 3 meter cablefor the other front speaker.

To connect the speaker wires to thespring loaded connectors on thesatellite and subwoofer, push backon a spring-loaded tab to expose theconnection hole. Insertthe bare end of the wire into theexposed hole, then release the tab tolock the wire in place. Connectwires with red bands to red tabconnectors and unmarked wiresto black tab connectors.

Typically, the 3 meter speaker cableswill connect the front satellites to thesubwoofer and the 5 meter cables willconnect the rear satellites to thesubwoofer.A panel of eight self-adhesive labels isprovided to identify each satellite andthe opposite end of the cable con-nected to a satellite.

1. Identify the two 3 meter cables.Most satellites will be used withtheir desktop stands. In thiscase, thread one end of a 3 metercable through the hole in thedesktop stand. Connect this endto one satellite, (as shown indiagram E). If used, carefullyinsert the desktop stand’sattachment arm into the socketin the back of the satellite,taking up any slack in the cableas required.

2. Remove the backing from thesmall, round “FRONT LEFT”label and apply it to the back ofthe satellite (see diagram E).

E

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Attaching The Floor Standscable inside one of these legs byfeeding it down the length of thefull length slot. At each end, feedthe cable through the short notches(see diagram G).

2. Insert the satellite end of the leg/cable assembly into the middlesocket of the apex joint. Make surethe satellite cable exits through theshort notch and not the full lengthslot (see diagram F).

The rear satellites (with theirdesktop stands attached) may beinstalled in their floor stands.

1. One leg of each floor stand hasa full length slot, with shortnotches opposite the slot ateach end. Insert a satellite

3. Insert the two solid legs into theoutside sockets in theapex joint.

4. Position the two “cut-away”sections of the desktop standover the opening in the top ofthe apex joint, as shown indiagram F. Be sure to align theface of the stand with the faceof the apex joint. Lower thestand straight down into theapex joint.

5. Holding the ends of the apex joint,push on the front of the desktop standuntil it slips back into the slot in theapex joint. Confirm a secure fit.

6. At the base of the rear leg, gentlypull on the satellite cable toremove any unnecessary slack inthe cable.

7. Insert a rubber plug into the baseof each leg, taking care to feed thecable out the short notch in therear leg (see diagram H).

F

G H

REARRIGHT

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Power Supply AdapterConfirm that the power switch is inthe “OFF” position. Insert thepower supply’s AC plug into theappropriate receptacle. Insert thesmall DC connector into the“15V DC IN” receptacle on theback of the subwoofer.

I

Your plug adapter may varydepending on your country

FR

ON

TR

EA

R

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The FPS2000 Digital comes with afront/rear audio signal cable.Connect this cable between yoursound card and the subwoofer (seediagram J).

1. Insert one of the greenminiplugs into the greenminijack (LINE OUT) onyour sound card.

2. Insert the correspondingblack miniplug into theblack minijack (REAR OUT)on your sound card.

3. Insert the green miniplug atthe other end of the cableinto the minijack (FRONT)on the subwoofer.

4. Insert the black minipluginto the minijack (REAR) onthe subwoofer.

Audio Signal Connections

J

Note: If you have a stereo sound card(one without a rear stereo minijack lineoutput), connect a green miniplug cableto the LINE OUT minijack of yoursound card and the opposite greenminiplug to the FRONT minijack on thesubwoofer. This will cause both leftfront and left rear satellites to play theleft stereo channel and both rightsatellites to play the right stereochannel.

FR

ON

TR

EA

R

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H

Connection To Sound Blaster Live! Via DIGITAL DINIf your Sound Blaster Live! sound cardincludes a Digital I/O card, you can takeadvantage of the clear, distortion-freeaudio available from its Digital DINoutput.

1. Insert one end of the SPDIF cable intothe DIGITAL DIN output jack on theSound Blaster Live! Digital I/O card.The position of the Digital DINconnector on the Digital I/O card maybe different from this diagram. TheDigital DIN connector isthe only connector witha 9-pin configuration.

2. To configure the Sound Blaster Live!sound card for four speakers refer tothe on-line SBLive! documentation

Note: The FPS2000 Digital will detectthe presence of a plug connected tothe DIGITAL DIN input and give theDIGITAL DIN input priority. Anysignal present at the AUDIO input willbe ignored. Be sure to remove theplug from the DIGITAL DIN input ifyou wish to listen to a sound sourcethrough the analog AUDIO INPUT.

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Using The Volume ControlThe Volume Control has a Front/Rear Balance Control, a MasterLevel Control (see diagram M), andan On/Off power switch.

Use the Master Level Controlwhenever you wish to adjust thespeaker output level.

Adjust the Front/Rear BalanceControl to achieve satisfactoryoutput from all four speakers. Itshould not be necessary to adjustthe control more than once whileplaying any single game. Differentgames may benefit from differentFront/Rear Balance Controlsettings.

Adjusting Output LevelIn most instances, the FPS2000Digital Master Level Control will bethe most convenient way to adjustthe overall playback level. Itresponds instantly and doesn’trequire you to pause games orprograms. But there are other outputlevel controls presentin software to consider. Versions ofMicrosoft® Windows® and mostother operating systems offer an on-screen sound level Control, whilemost game programs provide yetanother one. For the FPS2000Digital Master Level Control toperform at its best, these softwarelevel controls should be set to an‘optimum’ position and then leftalone.

Set any software volume controls toapproximately 75% of theirmaximum output level. This shouldallow the FPS2000 Digital MasterLevel Control to achieve the highestoutput level desired when set to itsloudest setting.

If the FPS2000 Digital’s maximumoutput is still not sufficient at theextreme setting of its VolumeControl, try increasing one, and onlyone, of the software volume controlsto increase overall output. If you findthe optimum output level of theFPS2000 Digital system occurs attoo low a setting of its VolumeControl, reduce the setting of onesoftware volume control (preferablythe operating system’s output levelcontrol) to achieve greater controlrange.

Note: Some software volumecontrols may introduce distortionwhen set to their maximum level.Experiment to achieve the cleanestsound.

M

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Bass Level ControlThe output of the subwoofer can beadjusted to suit the listener’s taste.Start with the control in the 12o’clock position (see diagram N).After using the system for a coupleof hours, adjust the control up ordown to fine-tune it.

ImportantPlayback LevelsFourPointSurround FPS2000 Digitalis intended for individual or smallgroup listening and will achievesurprisingly high output levels.However, playing the systemcontinuously at overly loud,distorted levels on heavy bassprogram material may cause itsinternal fuse to blow.

The fuse can be replaced only bya qualified representative. To avoidthis inconvenience and a possiblenon-warranty repair charge, reducethe playback volume when thesystem shows obvious signs ofstress, i.e. it sounds “raspy,”“fuzzy,” and/or “muddy.”

N

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Mounting The SatellitesTo a flat surface:To mount the satellites the side of amonitor or other flat surface, usethe self-adhesive “hook and loop”fastener squares.

To the wall:To wall-mount the cubes onstructurally strong surfaces (a wallstud or wood panelling), screw theNo. 10 screws into the material.Allow their heads to protrude about1/4 inch to fit into the keyhole slots

on the back of each cube (as shownbelow).

The plastic anchors supplied willbe needed to secure the screws inmost wall surfaces. If so, drill 1/4inch holes in the wall, then tap theanchors into the holes until they areflush with the wall. Then screw thescrews into the anchors until theyprotrude about 1/4 inch.

Be sure to apply the stick-onrubber feet to the back of the satellitecubes. This assures an acousticallysecure installation.

Hook and loop fastener mounting Keyhole slot mounting

SpecificationsFPS2000 Digital’s

Four-channelAmplifier Specifications

Subwoofer: 25 watts RMS.

Satellite: 7 watts RMS per channel.

These specifications apply to aFPS2000 Digital operating from a15V DC power adapter.

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If You Have a ProblemPlease retain all contents including packaging and proof of purchase until youare fully satisfied with product.

If you find that you have a problem with your Creative product and believethat it needs to be repaired or replaced, you should verify the purchase dateand take the appropriate action as detailed below:

Less than 30 days since date of purchaseShould your store receipt indicate that the product is less than 30 days old,you have the option of calling Technical Support for assistance or returningthe full product to the dealer/retailer for a replacement or credit (see CreativeTechnical Services section for contact numbers).

More than 30 days since date of purchaseFirst contact European Technical Support (see Creative Technical Servicessection for contact numbers) to establish the nature of the problem and detailson our repair procedure. Creative Labs requires that all returns for repair/replacement must first be issued with an authorisation number.

Returning a product for repair• Contact Technical Support to receive your authorisation number for repair/

replacement of product.• Technical Support will communicate how to return the product in question

for repair/replacement.• You should only return the hardware item in question and return it to the

address detailed by technical support. Please retain all software, accesso-ries and the original packaging.

• Please quote the authorisation number clearly on the outside of thepackaging, in which you return the hardware item in question.

• Upon receipt of the faulty item, Creative Labs will process your requestand arrange return.

Note: Creative may replace or repair the product with new or reconditionedparts and the faulty parts will become the property of Creative. The warrantyperiod for your repaired/replacement items is 90 days from the date ofshipment from Creative, or what is left on the original item’s warranty, whichever is longer.

To avoid tariffs when shipping a product to Creative Labs from outside theE.U., you must complete the relevant customs documentation before shippingthe product (please allow 30 Days).

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Creative Labs (Ireland) Limited (“Creative”) warrants to you, the originalpurchaser only, that the hardware product will be free of defects in materialsand workmanship for a period of two years after the date of purchase, or suchother period as may be required by applicable law (“Warranty Period”).Creative’s entire liability and your remedy will be, at Creative’s solediscretion, the repair or replacement (with the same or similar model of anyhardware or accompanying item(s) not meeting the “Limited Warranty”explained above that is returned to Creative’s authorised distributor or dealerduring the Warranty Period with a copy of your receipt.

What this warranty does not coverTo the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Creative disclaims allother warranties and conditions, expressed or implied, including theconditions of quality, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose withrespect to the use of this product. Creative also disclaims any obligation tosupport products for all operating environments - for example, by ensuringinteroperability with future versions of software or hardware. In no eventshall Creative or its licensors be liable for any indirect, incidental, special orconsequential loss or for any lost profits, savings or data arising from orrelating to the use of this product, even if Creative or its licensors have beenadvised of the possibility of such loss.

Specifically, this warranty does not cover failures of the product whichresult from accident, abuse, misuse, alterations (by persons other thanCreative or its authorised repair agents), moisture, corrosive environments,shipping, high voltage surges, or abnormal working conditions. This warrantydoes not cover normal wear and tear. You are specifically advised to take abackup copy of any software provided with the Creative product for securitypurposes.Note: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rightswhich vary from country to country. Certain limitations in this warranty arenot permitted by the jurisdiction of some countries, so some limitations heremay not apply to you.

Limited Warranty

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