Creative AVPSB1660 User manual

Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Creative Sound Blaster Free (SB1660) Bluetooth®speaker. With its high
performance speaker drivers, the water resistant portable speaker delivers powerful audio and
enhanced bass response for your audio playback.
Connect it wirelessly through Bluetooth or through a wired analog connection for immense sound on
demand – it even supports digital USB audio streaming from a PC or Mac!Play music directly from your
microSD card with the integrated music player, or double it up as a Bluetooth speakerphone.
Package Checklist
Your Sound Blaster Free package comes with the following:
lSound Blaster Free Bluetooth speaker
l0.4m Micro-USB cable
lDrawstring cloth pouch
System Requirements
For Windows®OS
lIntel® Core™2 Duo or AMD equivalent processor, 2.8 GHz or faster recommended
lMicrosoft®Windows 8.1 64-bit or 32-bit, Windows 8 64-bit or 32-bit, Windows 7 64-bit or 32-bit,
Windows Vista™ 64-bit or 32-bit
l1 GBRAM
l600 MB of free hard disk space
lPowered USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
For Mac®OS
lIntel® Core™2 Duo, 2.8 GHz or faster recommended
lMac OS X® 10.6.8 or higher
l1 GB RAM
l600 MB of free hard disk space
lPowered USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 port
For iOS device
liPhone® / iPad® running iOS 5.1.1 or higher for Bluetooth
For Android device
lPhone / tablet running Android 2.3 or higher for Bluetooth
Registering Your Product
Registering your product ensures you receive the most appropriate service and product support
available. You can register your product during installation or at register.creative.com. Please note that
your warranty rights are not dependent on registration.
Introduction 1

More Help
For the latest news and products for the Sound Blaster, please visit www.soundblaster.com. The site
also includes information on making purchases, technical help and the latest software updates.
Using Creative Software AutoUpdate
Locating, downloading and installing updates for your Creative products is now simpler and faster with
the web-based Creative Software AutoUpdate system.
When you connect to Creative Software AutoUpdate via the Internet, the website will analyze your
computer system to determine your operating system, language and which Creative products are
connected to your system.
When this analysis is completed, you will then be given a list of only the most relevant software updates
for your connected products. The files can then be retrieved and installed.
To learn more about the Creative Software AutoUpdate, please visit support.soundblaster.com.
Note:
First-time users of Creative Software AutoUpdate may be prompted to authorize the download of a
browser component required for system analysis. Check to ensure that this content is signed by
Creative Labs, Inc., then click the Yes button.
Please ensure that all your Creative products are connected and installed on the same computer
running Creative Software AutoUpdate.
Introduction 2

Product Overview
The Sound Blaster Free has input and output jacks to enable connection to various devices. A
touchscreen interface located at the top of the Sound Blaster Free gives you basic control over the
system's functions.
Top
Item Description
1Bluetooth
LEDindicator
Indicates the Bluetooth pairing and connection
status.
Blue blinking:Bluetooth discovery mode
Blue:Bluetooth paired
2Phone/
Bluetooth
icon
Tap to enter Bluetooth pairing mode or pick up
phone calls.
Bluetooth:Tap and hold 2 seconds
Answer/end call:Tap once
(when there's a phone call)
3Volume +
icon
Tap to increase volume.
4Power icon Tap to power on/off.
5Battery
status
indicator
Indicates the device's battery level.
Product Overview 3

Item Description
6Volume - icon Tap to decrease volume.
Music Player
Item Description
7LOUD button Press to activate LOUD mode.
8Play/Pause
button
Press to play or pause a track.
9Shuffle/Repeat
All button
Press to select random play or repeat all tracks.
Product Overview 4

Item Description
10 Next/Previous
button
Press to skip track.
Press and hold to skip folder.
11 Mic Mute
button
Press to mute or unmute internal microphone.
Input / Output Interface
Item Description
12 Micro-USB
port
Connects to the USB port of a computer for audio
streaming and battery charging.
13 Aux-in jack Connects to line-level sources (such as MP3
players).
14 MicroSD slot Supports up to 64GB SD card for audio playback
and recording.
15 Rear passive
radiator
For enhanced bass. (TBD)
Product Overview 5

Setting Up Your Audio Device
Step 1:Charging Your Sound Blaster Free
Sound Blaster Free comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hours of playtime
when fully charged. Charge the speaker for at least 8 hours before its first use by connecting it to a
USBport on your computer. Each subsequent charge cycle takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Power Saving Mode
The speaker automatically powers down after 15 minutes of inactivity. When it is connected to a
computer, it automatically powers down when the computer shuts down or enters hibernation.
Note:
Lithium polymer battery life may suffer when it is constantly fully depleted or overexerted at low
voltage. It is a good practice to keep the battery well charged.
Step 2: Turning On Sound Blaster Free
Tap on the Power icon to turn Sound Blaster Free on. Tap again to power it off.
Note:
If the speaker has not been paired with any devices previously, it will go into Bluetooth discoverable
mode. Otherwise, it will be automatically paired to previously paired devices.
Setting Up Your Audio Device 6

Step 3: Connecting Peripherals
Bluetooth Pairing
The Bluetooth discoverable mode is activated for 60 seconds after the headset is turned on. To activate
Bluetooth manually, tap and hold the Bluetooth/Phone icon for 2 seconds.
Action LEDStatus Status
1 Tap and hold the Bluetooth/Phone
icon for 2 seconds.
Blue (blinking) Pairing mode.
Ready to be paired with new device.
2 Turn on Bluetooth on your device.
Search and select "Sound Blaster Free".
Blue Ready to stream music.
Note:
If no device is paired within 1 minute, it will exit from pairing mode.
Bluetooth pairing between these devices may vary depending upon the model type. Consult your
device’s manual on how to pair.
The Sound Blaster Free supports dual connections, which means you can connect it to two
Bluetoothdevices at the same time. If you wish to connect it with a third device, you should
disconnect the existing two devices first before connecting it to the other device.
Setting Up Your Audio Device 7

USB Connection
Connect your Sound Blaster Free to a computer using the Micro-USB cable provided.
Setting Sound Blaster Free as the default audio device:
For Windows
i. Go to Control Panel and click Sound.
ii. Click the Playback tab, select Sound Blaster Free, then click the Set Default button.
For Mac
i. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.
ii. Click the Output tab, then select Sound Blaster Free.
Setting Up Your Audio Device 8

Analog Connection
The Sound Blaster Free also lets you connect devices using the 3.5mm mini stereo cable (not included).
Setting Up Your Audio Device 9

Using Your Audio Device
Your Sound Blaster Free works seamlessly with many external devices to perform different tasks:
lPlaying music
lAnswering calls
Playing music
Playing music from a Bluetooth device
Play/pause music: Press Play/Pause button
Skip tracks/folders
lSkip tracks: Press Next/Previous button
lSkip folders: Press and hold Next/Previous button
Adjust speaker volume:
lIncrease volume: Tap Volume + icon
lDecrease volume: Tap Volume - icon
Using Your Audio Device 10

Playing music from a microSD card
Note:
When an microSD card is inserted while Bluetooth is connected, the built-in music player browses
and plays music from the SD card.
Playing music from a computer via USB
Using Your Audio Device 11

Playing music from an aux-in device
Using Your Audio Device 12

Answering calls
When there's an incoming call, the call takes precedence over audio playback – playback stops and the
ringtone will be heard. The music will resume after the call has ended.
Answer/end call: Tap Phone/Bluetooth icon
Mute/unmute mic: Press Mic Mute button
Adjust speaker volume:
lIncrease volume: Tap Volume + icon
lDecrease volume: Tap Volume - icon
Using Your Audio Device 13

Installing and Uninstalling Software
To take full advantage of your Sound Blaster Free audio device, you need to install device drivers and
applications. At times, you may also need to uninstall some or all of the device drivers and applications
to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications. To learn how to
do so in all supported Windows and Mac operating systems, consult the following sections:
lInstalling Drivers and Applications
lUninstalling Drivers and Applications
Installing Drivers and Applications
Ensure that your audio device is connected before proceeding. For instructions on
connecting your audio device, consult your Quick Start leaflet.
After you have connected your audio device, turn on your computer. Windows automatically detects
your audio device and searches for device drivers.
For Windows OS
1. Using a standard web browser, visit support.creative.com.
2. Locate Sound Blaster Free and the software package for your Windows operating system.
3. Download this package into your local hard disk.
4. Locate and launch the software package.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
6. When prompted, restart your computer.
7. Launch the application by locating and clicking Sound Blaster Free Control Panel.
For Mac OS
1. Using a standard web browser, visit support.creative.com.
2. Locate Sound Blaster Free and the software package for your Mac OS.
3. Download this package into your local hard disk.
4. Double-click the downloaded file to uncompress it.
5. Double-click the uncompressed DMG file.
6. Double-click the Install icon and follow the subsequent on-screen instructions to complete the
installation.
7. Launch the Sound Blaster Free Control Panel from the Applications >Creative folder.
Note:
Depending on your operating system, model and software version, the user interface or color theme
may differ.
Installing and Uninstalling Software 14

Uninstalling Drivers and Applications
In the event that an uninstallation is required (such as for upgrades), please follow the following
procedure.
Before you begin, close all running audio applications. Applications that are still running
during uninstallation will not be removed.
For Windows OS
1. From the Control Panel, click Uninstall a program.
2. Select your audio device's entry.
3. Click the Uninstall button or option.
If the User Account Control dialog box appears, click the Continue button.
4. Click the Yes button.
5. When prompted, restart your computer.
For Mac OS
1. Click Applications >Creative >Creative Uninstaller.
2. Select the Creative product to be uninstalled.
3. Click the Uninstall button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Installing and Uninstalling Software 15

Using the Creative Software Suite
A specialized software for the Sound Blaster Free is developed to provide additional enhancements to
the audio and voice inputs and outputs of the product. The software bundle supports a range of
operating systems including:
lWindows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
lMac
To take full advantage of your Sound Blaster Free, we recommend downloading and installing this
software into your computer. The following applications are included in the software bundle:
For Windows OS,
lSound Blaster Free Control Panel
lCreative SoftwareAutoUpdate
lCreative System Information
lProduct Registration
lCreative ALchemy
lHost OpenAL
lCreative Driver
For Mac OS,
lSound Blaster Free Control Panel
lProduct Registration
lCreative Uninstaller
Note:
Some applications are available only for certain operating systems. To learn more about each
application, please consult its respective Online Help.
Using the Creative Software Suite 16

Sound Blaster Free Control Panel
The rest of this chapter explains how to use the Sound Blaster Free Control Panel to view and adjust the
various features of your Sound Blaster Free. The examples and screenshots below uses Windows as an
example. The UI for other operating systems may differ slightly.
Managing Your Profiles
The Sound Blaster Free Control Panel comes equipped with a set of pre-configured profiles to suit your
different needs including:
lMusic
lMovies
lGaming
To activate a profile,
Using the Creative Software Suite 17

1. Click the SBX Profile menu on the left to view the SBX Profile screen.
2. Select your desired profile from the screen.
To modify and save changes to the active profile,
1. Click the Edit button to modify the profile you have selected.
2. Navigate through the various other menu options of the Sound Blaster Free Control Panel and
modify the configurations as desired.
Adjusting Speaker Volume Via Software
A master volume slider is available at the bottom left corner of
the interface. Drag the slider to adjust the master volume. You
can also mute / unmute the speaker by clicking the speaker icon to the left of the slider.
Configuring Your General Settings
You can change the language settings or restore settings to their default values. Click from the top
right corner of the interface and select the option from the list.
The battery icon indicates the battery status of the Sound Blaster Free.
Using the Creative Software Suite 18

SBX Pro Studio Settings
To configure SBX Pro Studio, go to the SBX Profile screen, select a profile and click Edit to enter the
SBX Pro Studio screen. By default, the SBX effect is turned on. You may adjust the effects on this
screen.
1. Click the power button to toggle ON SBX Pro Studio.
2. Select the type(s) of enhancements to apply and drag the sliders to adjust the level for each
enhancement.
3. Click to test the audio output, if necessary.
4. Click Save to save the adjusted settings or Reset to restore default settings.
Note:
You can also toggle SBX Pro Studio ON via the physical touchscreen of the Sound Blaster Free.
Enhancement adjustments can only be made via the software.
SBX Pro Studio includes a number of enhancements for movies and gaming, elevating your movie and
gaming experience to the next level. These include:
lSBX Surround - designed to work best when you connect a pair of headphones to the Sound Blaster
Free, this technology provides immersion control to enhance the natural sense of audio depth and
spaciousness by creating virtual surround sound channels. Stereo content or multichannel content
will sound as if its coming from all sides while voices remain centered in front and original balance
and timbre is preserved.
lSBX Crystalizer - restores the natural dynamic range that is lost when music files (iTunes and
MP3) gets compressed. This makes the music sound as good as the artist originally intended, and
adds an enhanced level of realism for movies and games.
lSBX Bass - fills in the missing low frequency tones and gives the extra impact for a better
entertainment experience. Consumers no longer have to tolerate a lack of bass in speakers as the
SBX Pro Studio Bass technology dramatically improves the sound experience even in the absence of
a subwoofer.
Using the Creative Software Suite 19

lSBX Smart Volume - addresses the problem of abrupt volume level changes during playback and
between songs by continously measuring volume automatically, applying gain and attenuation
intelligently to compensate for any changes.
lSBX Dialog Plus - enhances the voices in movies for clearer dialog, allowing the listener to hear
the dialog over the rest of the soundtrack and over ambient noise in the listening environment.
Equalizer Settings
To configure Equalizer settings, select a profile from the SBX Profile screen. Click Edit and then click
Equalizer.
To adjust and apply an equalizer preset,
1. Check the EQ checkbox to enable the use of the equalizer.
2. From the drop down menu, select the preset to use.
3. Adjust the vertical slider bars to achieve your desired level.
4. Click Save to save the changes to the active preset or to a new preset.
You can also delete any user created equalizer presets by selecting the preset from the drop down menu
and clicking Delete.
Note:
All default equalizer presets cannot be deleted.
Using the Creative Software Suite 20