Creative SB1660 User manual

User’s Guide
Model No: SB1660

Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Creative Sound Blaster FRee (SB1660) Bluetooth®speaker. With its high
performance speaker drivers, the splash-proof portable speaker delivers powerful 360° sound and
enhanced bass for your audio playback.
Play your favourite tunes wirelessly through Bluetooth or directly from a microSD card with the
integrated music player. It even supports digital USB audio streaming from a PC or Mac with added SBX
Pro Studio™ enhancements. It can be used as a Bluetooth speakerphone too!
Package Checklist
Your Sound Blaster FRee package comes with the following:
lSound Blaster FRee Bluetooth speaker
l0.4m Micro-USB cable
lQuick Start leaflet
lWarranty leaflet
lSafety &Regulatory leaflet
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
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® 10.7.5 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 buttons located at the top and rear of Sound Blaster FRee gives you basic control over the system's
functions. The rear of the speaker has jacks for USB and 3.5 mm analog audio in, as well as a
microSDslot for audio playback.
Top
Item Description
1Bluetooth
LEDindicator
Indicates the Bluetooth pairing and connection status.
Blue (slow blink):Bluetooth standby mode
Blue (fast blink):Bluetooth discovery mode
Blue:Bluetooth is paired
2Phone/
Bluetooth
button
Press to answer a call or enter Bluetooth discovery
mode.
Answer/end call:Press once to answer a call. Press
again to end it.
Bluetooth:Press and hold 2 seconds until a beep is
heard. The speaker will then enter Bluetooth discovery
mode.
3Volume +
button
Press to increase volume.
Press and hold to increase volume to maximum.
4Power button Press to power on/off.
5Battery status
indicator
Indicates the device's battery level.
Full
Med
Product Overview 3

Item Description
Low
Critical Low
(3 blinks):Minimum/maximum volume
6Volume -
button
Press to decrease volume.
Press and hold to decrease volume to minimum.
7Microphone Built-in microphone for voice pickup.
Music Player
Item Description
8LOUD button Press to boost volume and spaciousness.
LOUDmode will be automatically turned off when the
battery is critically low.
Caution:More power will be consumed in this mode.
Playtime will be reduced.
9Play/Pause
button
Press to play or pause a track.
10 Shuffle/Repeat
All button
Press to select random play or repeat all tracks.
Green:Shuffle
Off:Repeat all
11 Next/Previous
button
Press to skip track.
Product Overview 4

Item Description
Press and hold to skip folder.
12 Mic Mute
button
Press to mute or unmute internal microphone.
Red:Mic mute
Off:Mic unmute
Input / Output Interface
Item Description
13 Micro-USB
port
Connects to the USB port of a computer for audio
streaming and battery charging.
14 Aux-in jack Connects to line-level sources (smartphones, tablets,
MP3 players) with a 3.50 mm (1/8-inch) plug.
15 MicroSD slot Supports up to 32GB microSD card for audio playback.
16 Rear passive
radiator
For enhanced bass.
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 before its first use by connecting it to a USBport on your
computer or to a 5V USBpower adapter (not included). Each subsequent charge cycle takes around 3 to
4 hours.
Auto Power Off
To save power, the speaker automatically powers down after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Note:
Lithium-ion 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
Press the Power button to turn Sound Blaster FRee on. Press again to power it off.
Note:
If the speaker has not been paired with any devices previously, it will go into Bluetooth standby
mode. Otherwise, it will be automatically paired to previously paired devices.
Setting Up Your Audio Device 6

Step 3: Connecting to an Audio Source
Bluetooth Pairing
To activate Bluetooth, press and hold the Phone/Bluetooth button for 2 seconds.
Action LEDStatus Status
1 Press and hold the Phone/Bluetooth
button for 2 seconds.
Blue (fast blink) Bluetooth discovery 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 Bluetooth discovery 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 Bluetooth
devices 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.
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 8

MicroSDcard via integrated MP3 player
The Sound Blaster FRee can play audio files from a microSD card with the built-in MP3 player.
It supports microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards (not included)of up to 32GB in FAT16 or FAT32
format. You can play MP3, WAV or FLACformat files.
MP3 8 kHz - 48 kHz
8 kbps - 320 kbps
WAV(PCM) 8 kHz - 48 kHz, 16 bits
FLAC 8 kHz - 48 kHz, 16 bits
Setting Up Your Audio Device 9

Using Your Audio Device
Your Sound Blaster FRee works seamlessly with many external devices to perform different tasks.
Playing music
Connect your favourite music sources to the speaker in four simple ways.
lUSBconnection
lAnalog connection
lMicroSDcard
lBluetooth connection
Play/pause music: Press Play/Pause button
Boost volume and spaciousness:Press LOUDbutton
Skip tracks/folders
lSkip tracks: Press Next/Previous button
lSkip folders: Press and hold Next/Previous button
Shuffle/repeat all:Press Shuffle/Repeat All button*
Adjust speaker volume:
lIncrease volume: Press Volume + button
lDecrease volume: Press Volume - button
Note:
*The Shuffle/Repeat All function is only available for microSD card playback.
When an microSD card is inserted while Bluetooth is connected, the built-in MP3 player browses and
plays music from the microSD card.
Using Your Audio Device 10

Answering calls
When there's an incoming call, the call takes precedence over audio playback – playback stops and the
ringtone will be heard.
Press the Phone/Bluetooth button once to answer the call. Press again to end the call.
The music will resume after the call has ended.
Answer/end call: Press Phone/Bluetooth button
Mute/unmute mic: Press Mic Mute button
Adjust speaker volume:
lIncrease volume: Press Volume + button
lDecrease volume: Press Volume - button
Using Your Audio Device 11

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 12

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 13

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 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7
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 14

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.
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.
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, select your desired profile from the screen. Click the Edit button to modify the
profile you have selected.
Using the Creative Software Suite 15

SBX Pro Studio Settings
To configure SBX Pro Studio, 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 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.
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 - 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.
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.
Using the Creative Software Suite 16

Equalizer Settings
From the SBXPro Studio screen, click Equalizer to configure equalizer settings.
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 17

General Specifications
Controls and Indicators
Top Panel
lBluetooth LEDindicator
lPhone/Bluetooth button
lVolume + button
lVolume - button
lPower button
lBattery status indicator
Music Player
lLOUDbutton
lPlay/Pause button
lShuffle/Repeat All button
lNext/Previous button
lMic Mute button
Input/Output
lBuilt-in microphone
lMicro-USBport
lAux-in jack
lMicroSDslot
lRear passive radiator
Physical Specifications
lDimensions (L x W x H) : 68.5 x 71.1 x 200.8 mm
lWeight: Approx. 446 g
Technical Specifications
Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles:
lA2DP (Wireless Stereo Bluetooth)
lAVRCP (Bluetooth Remote Control)
lHFP (Hands-Free Profile)
lHSP(Headset Profile)
Bluetooth Operating Frequency: 2402 - 2480 MHz
Bluetooth Operating Range: Up to 10 meters / 33 feet
(Measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device.)
Audio Codec: FastStream, SBC
Operating Temperature range: 0°C to 45°C
(0°C to 40°C when powered by external power adapter)
Lithium Ion Battery: 3.7 V 2200 mAh
Power Input: DC 5 V, 0.5 A
General Specifications 18

Note:
Compliance markings are located on the rear of this product.
The serial number for your Sound Blaster FRee is located on the warranty leaflet.
Please write the serial number down and keep it in a secure place.
General Specifications 19