Creative FourPointSurround FPS2000 User manual

1
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part
ofCreativeTechnologyLtd.Nopartofthismanualmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the permission of
Creative Technology Ltd.
User’s Guide
Copyright © 1999 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Version 1.0
April1999
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 ............................................................................... 3
Warning.................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 5
Speaker Placement ................................................................................................ 6
Speaker Wiring Diagram ...................................................................................... 7
Satellite Connections ............................................................................................ 8
Attaching The Floor Stands .................................................................................. 9
Power Supply Adapter ........................................................................................10
Audio Signal Connections .................................................................................. 11
Connection to Sound Blaster Live! via DIGITAL DIN ....................................12
Usingthe Volume Control ...................................................................................13
Adjusting Output Level.......................................................................................13
Bass Level Control ..............................................................................................14
Important..............................................................................................................14
Mounting the Satellites .......................................................................................15
Specifications ......................................................................................................15
If You Have a Problem .......................................................................................16
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................17
Creative Technical Services .............................................................................181
Contents
FourPointSurround
FPS2000 Digital

3
READINSTRUCTIONS-Allsafetyandoperat-
ing instructions should be read before the
FourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital ampli-
fiedsubwoofer/satellitesystemisoperated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The safety and
operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.
HEED WARNINGS - All warnings on the
subwoofer and in the operating instruc-
tions should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operating
and use instructions should be followed.
CLEANING -Unplugthe subwooferfromthe
wall outlet or other power source before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
ATTACHMENTS - Do not use attachments
not recommended by Cambridge
SoundWorksastheymaycausehazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE - Do not use the
subwoofernearwater—for example,near
a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or
laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a
swimming pool; and the like.
ACCESSORIES - Do not place the
FourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital system
onanunstablecart,stand,tripod,bracket,
or table. The subwoofer or satellites may
fall, causing serious injury to a child or
adult,andserious damage to theproduct.
Useonlywithacart,stand,tripod,bracket,
or table recommended by Cambridge
Sound-Works, or sold with the product.
Any mounting of the satellites or sub-
woofer should follow the manufacturer’s
instructions, and should use a mounting
accessory recommended by Cambridge
SoundWorks.
VENTILATION - Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensurereliableoperationofthesubwoofer
and to prevent it from overheating, and
these openings must not be blocked or
covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed,
sofa, rug, or other similar surface. The
subwoofershould not be placed in a built-
in installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided or
Cambridge SoundWorks’ instructions
have been adhered to.
HEAT - The subwoofer should be situated
away from heat sources such as radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves, and other
products (including amplifiers) that pro-
duce heat.
POWER SOURCES -Thesubwoofer should
be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your prod-
uct dealer or local power company. For
productsintended to operatefrom battery
power,or other sources, referto the oper-
ating instructions.
POLARIZATION - The subwoofer may be
equippedwithapolarizedalternating-cur-
rent line plug (a plug having one blade
wider than the other). This plug will fit into
the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
POWER-CORDPROTECTION-Power-sup-
ply cords should be routed so that they
are not likely to be walked on or pinched
by items placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the subwoofer.
LIGHTNING - For added protection for the
FourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital system
during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods
of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This
willpreventdamagetothesubwooferdue
to lightning and power-line surges.
OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall out-
lets, extension cords, or integral conve-
nience receptacles as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY - Never push
objects of any kind into the subwoofer
through openings as they may touch dan-
gerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the sub-
woofer.
SERVICING - Do not attempt to service the
subwoofer yourself as opening or remov-
ing covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servic-
ing to qualified service personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE - Unplug
thesubwooferfromthewalloutletor other
power source and refer servicing to quali-
fiedservicepersonnelunderthefollowing
conditions:
a) When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects
have fallen into the subwoofer.
c) If the subwoofer has been exposed to
rain or water.
d) If the subwoofer does not operate
normally by following the operating in-
structions; or exhibits a distinct change in
performance.
e) If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way.
REPLACEMENT PARTS - When replace-
ment parts are required, be sure the ser-
vice technician has used replacement
partsspecifiedbyCambridgeSoundWorks
or have the same characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any
serviceorrepairstothe
FourPointSurround
FPS2000 Digital system, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the
Four Point Surround
system is in proper operating condition.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING - The
FourPointSurroundFPS2000Digital satellites
shouldbemountedtoawallorceilingonly
as recommended by Cambridge
SoundWorks.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user of the
presence of important operating and main-
tenance (servicing) instructions in the lit-
erature accompanying this product.
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IMPORTANT
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user of the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within a product’s en-
closure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute the risk of electric shock to
persons.
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SUBWOOF-
ER’S COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
READ AND HEED IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
ON BOTTOM OF SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC
SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG
TO WIDE SLOT, INSERT FULLY.

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Thank you for purchasing
FourPointSurround™FPS2000
Digital.
Introduction
The FPS2000 Digital is the first
multimedia speaker system to
support DirectSound®3D and
Environmental Audio in true
multichannel, digitally
transfered sound. It lets you
experience the full potential of the
multichannel sound encoded in
today’s latest computer software.
We think you will find it adds an
exciting new dimension to computer
sound and gaming.
The following sections contain notices for various
countries:
CAUTION: This device is intended to be installed by the user in a
CSA/TUV/UL certified/listed IBM AT or compatible personal
computers in the manufacturer’s defined operator access area.
Check the equipment operating/installation manual and/or with the
equipment manufacturer to verify/confirm if your equipment is
suitable for user-installed application cards.
Modifications
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
grantee of this device could void the user’s authority to operate the
device.
Compliance
This product conforms to the following Council Directive:
Directive 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC), 73/23/EEC (LVD)
Safety & Regulatory Information

6
ACD
B
Speaker Placement
The front left and front right satellites
should be placed to the sides of the
monitor. When placing satellites on
the desktop, install the desktop
stands. If you wish to save desktop
space, use the hook and loop fasteners
to attach the satellites to the sides of
the computer monitor (see page 15).
If your are lucky enough to have
side walls close to your listening
position, excellent placement for the
left rear and right rear satellites is
alongside or behind your listening
position, slightly above ear level (use
the hook and loop fasteners, see
diagram A). Do not be concerned if
this is not practical, since any rear
location. The rear satellites do not have
to be at exactly the same height, nor at
the same height as the front satellites.
Try the extreme corners of a desk using
the desktop stands (C) or attach the
rear satellites under a desktop or at the
sides of a desk using the hook and loop
fasteners (D).
The subwoofer does not contribute to
directional sound effects. Its optimum
position is on the floor against the wall.
The closer the subwoofer is to the
corner, the stronger the maximum
bass output. Alternately, it can be
placed on a shelf or other sites, but its
maximum output will be reduced.
satellite placement to the left and right
side of the listening position will
provide strong directional and
surround effects.
The rear satellites may be installed
on their convenient floor stands (see
diagram B). When listening, the
stands should be positioned to the
immediate left and right of your
listening position. The stands are
small enough to be stowed underneath
or alongside a desk when not in use.
The rear satellites may also be
placed in any convenient sites
alongside the listener, including sites
slightly forward of the listening

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Your plug adapter may vary
depending on your country
Speaker Wiring Diagram
FRONTREAR
RF

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Satellite Connections
3. Remove the backing from the
remaining, longer “FRONT
LEFT” label and wrap it
around the opposite end of the
speaker cable you just
connected.
4. Connect this end of the
speaker cable to the red and
black “FRONT LEFT”
speaker connectors on the
subwoofer.
5. Repeat this process for the
Front Right, Rear Right and
Rear Left satellites. Be sure to
use the remaining 3 meter cable
for the other front speaker.
To connect the speaker wires to the
spring loaded connectors on the
satellite and subwoofer, push back
on a spring-loaded tab to expose the
connection hole. Insert
the bare end of the wire into the
exposed hole, then release the tab to
lock the wire in place. Connect
wires with red bands to red tab
connectors and unmarked wires
to black tab connectors.
Typically, the 3 meter speaker cables
will connect the front satellites to the
subwoofer and the 5 meter cables will
connect the rear satellites to the
subwoofer.
A panel of eight self-adhesive labels is
provided to identify each satellite and
the opposite end of the cable con-
nected to a satellite.
1. Identify the two 3 meter cables.
Most satellites will be used with
their desktop stands. In this
case, thread one end of a 3 meter
cable through the hole in the
desktop stand. Connect this end
to one satellite, (as shown in
diagram E). If used, carefully
insert the desktop stand’s
attachment arm into the socket
in the back of the satellite,
taking up any slack in the cable
as required.
2. Remove the backing from the
small, round “FRONT LEFT”
label and apply it to the back of
the satellite (see diagram E).
E

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Attaching The Floor Stands
cable inside one of these legs by
feeding it down the length of the
full length slot. At each end, feed
the cable through the short notches
(see diagram G).
2. Insert the satellite end of the leg/
cable assembly into the middle
socket of the apex joint. Make sure
the satellite cable exits through the
short notch and not the full length
slot (see diagram F).
The rear satellites (with their
desktop stands attached) may be
installed in their floor stands.
1. One leg of each floor stand has
a full length slot, with short
notches opposite the slot at
each end. Insert a satellite
3. Insert the two solid legs into the
outside sockets in the
apex joint.
4. Position the two “cut-away”
sections of the desktop stand
over the opening in the top of
the apex joint, as shown in
diagram F. Be sure to align the
face of the stand with the face
of the apex joint. Lower the
stand straight down into the
apex joint.
5. Holding the ends of the apex joint,
push on the front of the desktop stand
until it slips back into the slot in the
apex joint. Confirm a secure fit.
6. At the base of the rear leg, gently
pull on the satellite cable to
remove any unnecessary slack in
the cable.
7. Insert a rubber plug into the base
of each leg, taking care to feed the
cable out the short notch in the
rear leg (see diagram H).
F
GH
REAR
RIGHT

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Power Supply Adapter
Confirm that the power switch is in
the “OFF” position. Insert the
power supply’s AC plug into the
appropriate receptacle. Insert the
small DC connector into the
“15V DC IN” receptacle on the
back of the subwoofer.
I
Your plug adapter may vary
depending on your country
FRONTREAR

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The FPS2000 Digital comes with a
front/rear audio signal cable.
Connect this cable between your
sound card and the subwoofer (see
diagram J).
1. Insert one of the green
miniplugs into the green
minijack (LINE OUT) on
your sound card.
2. Insert the corresponding
black miniplug into the
black minijack (REAR OUT)
on your sound card.
3. Insert the green miniplug at
the other end of the cable
into the minijack (FRONT)
on the subwoofer.
4. Insert the black miniplug
into the minijack (REAR) on
the subwoofer.
Audio Signal Connections
J
Note: If you have a stereo sound card
(one without a rear stereo minijack line
output), connect a green miniplug cable
to the LINE OUT minijack of your
sound card and the opposite green
miniplug to the FRONT minijack on the
subwoofer. This will cause both left
front and left rear satellites to play the
left stereo channel and both right
satellites to play the right stereo
channel.
FRONTREAR

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H
Connection To Sound Blaster Live! Via DIGITAL DIN
If your Sound Blaster Live! sound card
includes a Digital I/O card, you can take
advantage of the clear, distortion-free
audio available from its Digital DIN
output.
1. Insert one end of the SPDIF cable into
the DIGITAL DIN output jack on the
Sound Blaster Live! Digital I/O card.
The position of the Digital DIN
connector on the Digital I/O card may
be different from this diagram. The
Digital DIN connector is
the only connector with
a 9-pin configuration.
2. To configure the Sound Blaster Live!
sound card for four speakers refer to
the on-line SBLive! documentation
Note: The FPS2000 Digital will detect
the presence of a plug connected to
the DIGITAL DIN input and give the
DIGITAL DIN input priority. Any
signal present at the AUDIO input will
be ignored. Be sure to remove the
plug from the DIGITAL DIN input if
you wish to listen to a sound source
through the analog AUDIO INPUT.

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Using The Volume Control
The Volume Control has a Front/
Rear Balance Control, a Master
Level Control (see diagram M), and
an On/Off power switch.
Use the Master Level Control
whenever you wish to adjust the
speaker output level.
Adjust the Front/Rear Balance
Control to achieve satisfactory
output from all four speakers. It
should not be necessary to adjust
the control more than once while
playing any single game. Different
games may benefit from different
Front/Rear Balance Control
settings.
Adjusting Output Level
In most instances, the FPS2000
Digital Master Level Control will be
the most convenient way to adjust
the overall playback level. It
responds instantly and doesn’t
require you to pause games or
programs. But there are other output
level controls present
in software to consider. Versions of
Microsoft® Windows® and most
other operating systems offer an on-
screen sound level Control, while
most game programs provide yet
another one. For the FPS2000
Digital Master Level Control to
perform at its best, these software
level controls should be set to an
‘optimum’ position and then left
alone.
Set any software volume controls to
approximately 75% of their
maximum output level. This should
allow the FPS2000 Digital Master
Level Control to achieve the highest
output level desired when set to its
loudest setting.
If the FPS2000 Digital’s maximum
output is still not sufficient at the
extreme setting of its Volume
Control, try increasing one, and only
one, of the software volume controls
to increase overall output. If you find
the optimum output level of the
FPS2000 Digital system occurs at
too low a setting of its Volume
Control, reduce the setting of one
software volume control (preferably
the operating system’s output level
control) to achieve greater control
range.
Note: Some software volume
controls may introduce distortion
when set to their maximum level.
Experiment to achieve the cleanest
sound.
M

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Bass Level Control
The output of the subwoofer can be
adjusted to suit the listener’s taste.
Start with the control in the 12
o’clock position (see diagram N).
After using the system for a couple
of hours, adjust the control up or
down to fine-tune it.
Important
Playback Levels
FourPointSurround FPS2000 Digital
is intended for individual or small
group listening and will achieve
surprisingly high output levels.
However, playing the system
continuously at overly loud,
distorted levels on heavy bass
program material may cause its
internal fuse to blow.
The fuse can be replaced only by
a qualified representative. To avoid
this inconvenience and a possible
non-warranty repair charge, reduce
the playback volume when the
system shows obvious signs of
stress, i.e. it sounds “raspy,”
“fuzzy,” and/or “muddy.”
N

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Mounting The Satellites
To a flat surface:
To mount the satellites the side of a
monitor or other flat surface, use
the self-adhesive “hook and loop”
fastener squares.
To the wall:
To wall-mount the cubes on
structurally strong surfaces (a wall
stud or wood panelling), screw the
No. 10 screws into the material.
Allow their heads to protrude about
1/4 inch to fit into the keyhole slots
on the back of each cube (as shown
below).
The plastic anchors supplied will
be needed to secure the screws in
most wall surfaces. If so, drill 1/4
inch holes in the wall, then tap the
anchors into the holes until they are
flush with the wall. Then screw the
screws into the anchors until they
protrude about 1/4 inch.
Be sure to apply the stick-on
rubber feet to the back of the satellite
cubes. This assures an acoustically
secure installation.
Hook and loop fastener mounting Keyhole slot mounting
Specifications
FPS2000Digital’s
Four-channel
AmplifierSpecification
s
Subwoofer: 25 watts RMS.
Satellite: 7 watts RMS per channel.
These specifications apply to a
FPS2000 Digital operating from a
15V DC power adapter.

16
IfYou Have a Problem
Please retain all contents including packaging and proof of purchase until you
are fully satisfied with product.
If you find that you have a problem with your Creative product and believe
that it needs to be repaired or replaced, you should verify the purchase date
and take the appropriate action as detailed below:
Less than 30 days since date of purchase
Should your store receipt indicate that the product is less than 30 days old,
you have the option of calling Technical Support for assistance or returning
the full product to the dealer/retailer for a replacement or credit (see Creative
Technical Services section for contact numbers).
More than 30 days since date of purchase
First contact European Technical Support (see Creative Technical Services
section for contact numbers) to establish the nature of the problem and details
on 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 the
packaging, in which you return the hardware item in question.
•Upon receipt of the faulty item, Creative Labs will process your request
and arrange return.
Note: Creative may replace or repair the product with new or reconditioned
parts and the faulty parts will become the property of Creative. The warranty
period for your repaired/replacement items is 90 days from the date of
shipment from Creative, or what is left on the original item’s warranty, which
ever is longer.
To avoid tariffs when shipping a product to Creative Labs from outside the
E.U., you must complete the relevant customs documentation before shipping
the product (please allow 30 Days).

17
Creative Labs (Ireland) Limited (“Creative”) warrants to you, the original
purchaser only, that the hardware product will be free of defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of two years after the date of purchase, or such
other period as may be required by applicable law (“Warranty Period”).
Creative’s entire liability and your remedy will be, at Creative’s sole
discretion, the repair or replacement (with the same or similar model of any
hardware or accompanying item(s) not meeting the “Limited Warranty”
explained above that is returned to Creative’s authorised distributor or dealer
during the Warranty Period with a copy of your receipt.
What this warranty does not cover
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Creative disclaims all
other warranties and conditions, expressed or implied, including the
conditions of quality, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with
respect to the use of this product. Creative also disclaims any obligation to
support products for all operating environments - for example, by ensuring
interoperability with future versions of software or hardware. In no event
shall Creative or its licensors be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or
consequential loss or for any lost profits, savings or data arising from or
relating to the use of this product, even if Creative or its licensors have been
advised of the possibility of such loss.
Specifically, this warranty does not cover failures of the product which
result from accident, abuse, misuse, alterations (by persons other than
Creative or its authorised repair agents), moisture, corrosive environments,
shipping, high voltage surges, or abnormal working conditions. This warranty
does not cover normal wear and tear. You are specifically advised to take a
backup copy of any software provided with the Creative product for security
purposes.
Note: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights
which vary from country to country. Certain limitations in this warranty are
not permitted by the jurisdiction of some countries, so some limitations here
may not apply to you.
Limited Warranty

18