Paradigm Aera User manual

2
Owners Manual
The Ocial Sound of YOU™
AirPlay Speaker System
Unlimited streaming potential via AirPlay

Made for :
iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
iPod nano (6th generation)
iPhone 4S
iPhone 4
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 3G
iPad 2
iPad
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
Requires a MAC or PC running iTunes (version 10.0 or later)
or an iPod touch, iPad or iPhone running version 4.3 or later.
NETWORK REQUIREMENTS
A wired or wireless TCP/IP network connection.
Wired Networks require:
A minimum of 100BaseT connection
Wireless Networks Require:
802.11b/g or 802.11n

FCC ID: XCO-AERA
RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES FOR EUROPE
In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive eective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you that this product
may contain regulated materials which, upon disposal, according to the WEEE directive, require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason Paradigm Electronics Inc.
(manufacturers of Paradigm speakers and Anthem Electronics) has arranged with our distributors in European Union member nations to collect and recycle this product at no
cost to you. To nd your local distributor please contact the dealer from whom you purchased this product or go to our website at www.paradigm.com/shift. Please note that
the product only falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of packing and other shipping material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.
IC: 7756A-AERA.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept
any interference received, including information that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
WIRELESS TRANSMITTER COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
The term“IC” before the radio certication number only signies that Industry Canada technical specications were met.
This equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance
20cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
permitted for successful communication.
AirPlay, iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc. AERA is a trademark of Paradigm Electronics Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...................................................1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......................................2
SERIAL NUMBER .........................................................3
ABOUT PARADIGM .......................................................3
ABOUT YOUR AERA ......................................................3
BREAK-IN ................................................................4
CARE ....................................................................4
FEATURES OF YOUR AERA ................................................4
WHAT’S REQUIRED .......................................................4
PLACEMENT .............................................................4
OPERATION ..............................................................5
Onboard Interace...................................................5
Remote Control ....................................................5
QUICK SETUP ............................................................6
AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL CONNECTION ..................................7
Connecting your AERA to a Wi-Fi Network for AirPlay ................7
Automatic Connection: Wireless Set-Up Using a Wi-Fi Protected
Set-Up (WPS) .......................................................7
Manual Connection: Wireless Set-Up for iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad...8
PLAYBACK OPTIONS......................................................9
AirPlay (iPod Touch / iPhone / iPad)..................................9
PC or Mac ..........................................................9
Dock/USB/3.5-mm Connections ...................................10
TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................12
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................13
LIMITED WARRANTY ....................................................13

1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
WARNING!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“Dangerous voltage”within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sucient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (Servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE, AND
OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT
BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE
OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE,
REPLACE THE FUSE ONLY WITH THE SAME AMPERAGE AND VOLTAGE
TYPE. REFER REPLACEMENT TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: UNIT MAY BECOME HOT. ALWAYS PROVIDE ADEQUATE
VENTILATION TO ALLOW FOR COOLING. DO NOT PLACE NEAR A
HEAT SOURCE, OR IN SPACES THAT CAN RESTRICT VENTILATION.
WARNING!
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry a cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding
type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third ground-
ing prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particu-
larly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they
exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
14. Use the mains plug to disconnect the apparatus from the mains
or ”TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC
MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE
AC RECEPTACLE.
15. “WARNING – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC – SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE”
16. “DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING
AND ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS
VASES, ARE PLACED ON THE EQUIPMENT.”
17. “THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD SHALL REMAIN
READILY OPERABLE.”

3
SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number for your AERA is located on the bottom of the unit.
We suggest you record the following information in the manual in the
event you need to contact Paradigm about your system:
Serial Number:
Retail Outlet or Website where product was purchased:
Retail Outlet Phone Number:
Purchase Date:
Retain sales receipt and Owners Manual for warranty purposes.
ABOUT PARADIGM
In the early 1980s Paradigm was just an idea in the minds of a couple
of twenty somethings who loved music and wanted to share the love.
Unlike today, there was no 225,000-square-foot factory, no 36,000-cu.-
ft. on-site anechoic measurement chamber, just a desire to make really
good sounding speakers and sell them at a down to earth price. Today,
Paradigm speakers are sold on six continents. We’ve been voted the #1
Speaker Brand 22 times* and fans scour the web to buy used versions of
our original speakers. That should tell you something about the quality
of our products. In our Paradigm SHIFT™ Series we’ve taken everything
we’ve learned about sound reproduction and adapted it for wireless
digital media. For more info visit www.paradigm.com/shift.
*Rated #1 Best Price/Value. Inside Track Dealer Survey. An annual independent nationwide
survey of consumer electronics specialist retailers and custom installers.
ABOUT YOUR AERA
Your AERA is a high-performance design that takes audio quality to
a higher level. For those who salivate over technical details we’ve
included Technical Specications in the back of this manual to give you
the skinny on why your AERA sounds so good!
The dierence the AERA will make to your music can’t be put into
words, but you’ll hear it and you’ll feel it. It’s an experience that
takes you beyond an AirPlay speaker system to a place where you’re
absolutely lost in the audio experience. That’s the Paradigm Dierence.
We guarantee you won’t be able to keep that dierence a secret and we
hope you don’t. Spread the word. Talk about your AERA. BRAG about it.
Play your AERA and let others listen.
Music, movies, gaming. We’re all dierent and our sound should reect
that. No matter who you are or where you live, what you like or what
you do, we want to be The Ocial Sound of YOU™.
Read this manual and follow all instructions. If you still have questions
visit the Q&A page on our website at www.paradigm.com/shift.
IMPORTANT! To prevent damage to equipment from
voltage variations and power spikes use a safety-
agency-approved surge protector.

4
BREAK-IN
As with all high-performance audio products, a preliminary break-in
will result in improved performance. Allow a full 48 hours for break-in
at moderate listening levels before doing any critical listening.
CARE
Wipe only the surface of the AERA with a soft, damp cloth when required.
FEATURES OF YOUR AERA
• StreammusicwithAppleAirPlaywirelessconnectivity:iTunes,
Spotify, Pandora, Slacker, Songza, Turntable, AOL, Last.fm, RDIO, etc.†
• ProprietaryDSP-controlledamplierforrich,articulatesound,even
when the AERA is playing at loud levels.
• Top-loading30-pinconnectortsAppleproducts(see list of versions
in beginning of manual).
• USB2.0inputallowsyoutosimultaneouslyplayandchargeyour
Apple device.
• 3.5-mmauxiliaryinputforconnectingexternalportablemedia.
• Convenientoperationviaonboardcontrolsorthroughthefull-
function remote.
• Remotecontrolwithlong-lifelithiumbattery.
†Access to streaming services will depend upon geographic location and/or your Internet
Service Provider’s network capabilities.
WHAT’S REQUIRED?
To stream audio wirelessly you will need:
• TheAERAandsuppliedpowercable.
• AWi-Ficapablerouter.
• AhostforyouriTunesMusicLibrary—iPodTouch,iPhone,iPadwith
version 4.3 or later installed or a Wi-Fi enabled PC or Mac with iTunes
version 10.0 (or later) installed.
For a wired connection you will need (not supplied):
• 30-pin/USBcable.
• 3.5-mmcable.
PLACEMENT
Place the AERA on a at surface. If you
plan on using your AERA with a music
device docked on top, allow a minimum
of 6˝ (15 cm) clearance between the
docked device and any cupboard or
cabinet above.
6”

5
12 3 4 567 8
1 Press to turn system On/O
2 Press to decrease volume
3 Press to increase volume
4 Press to play previous selection
5 Press to Play/Pause
6 Press to play next selection
7 Press to enable AirPlay
8 Press to enable Dock/USB / Press twice
to enable Analog 3.5-mm connection
9 Press for Mute
10 Press for Shue
11 Press to Repeat
12 Press for Bass Boost
OPERATION
Your AERA has two primary methods of operation:
the On-Board Interface (below) and the Remote Control (at right).
Onboard Interface
Remote Control
8
4
2
9
10
1
7
3
6
5
11
12

6
QUICK SETUP
Connecting Your AERA to the same Wi-Fi Network as Your iPhone,
iPad, or iPod Touch
After the power cord is inserted it will take approximately 35 seconds
for your AERA to boot up. During boot-up the LED indicator on the back
of your AERA will begin quickly blinking green (see below).
Before you begin, make sure your AERA is powered on and has
successfully booted-up (the Green status indicator should blink slowly).
Make sure your Wi-Fi router is powered on and functioning.
The Quick Setup method will allow your AERA to connect to the same
network as your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
To use the Quick Setup method, connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod
Touch via the USB connection onthe rear of your AERA or via the 30-pin
connector on top of your AERA.
Quick Setup
1. Plug in iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch via methods pictured above
2. Press and hold for 5 seconds. The STATUS indicator will blink green.
Your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch will ask if you would like to share the
Wi-Fi settings with your AERA, tap ALLOW. The STATUS indicator will
turn solid green. AERA is now connected to your network.
Problems?
If the STATUS indicator continues to blink green, connection has failed.
Wait at least two minutes then try connecting again. If the problem
persists, use the Automatic or Manual Connection methods that follow.
WPS
or
or
or
or
DC Power Input

7
AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL CONNECTION
Connecting Your AERA to a Wi-Fi Network for AirPlay
After the power cord is inserted it will take approximately 35 seconds
for your AERA to boot up. During boot-up the LED indicator on the back
of your AERA will begin quickly blinking green (see below).
Before you begin, make sure your AERA is powered on and has
successfully booted-up (the Green status indicator should blink slowly).
Make sure your Wi-Fi router is powered on and functioning.
There are two ways to connect your AERA to a home Wi-Fi network:
Automatic Connection or Manual Connection. To use the WPS method,
your Wi-Fi router must support both WPS (Wi-Fi-Protected Setup) and PBC
(Push-Button Connection). Check your router’s Owners Manual to see if
it supports WPS and PBC. If it does, use the ‘Automatic Wi-Fi Connection’
steps that follow. If your router DOES NOT support WPS and PBC, skip to
the‘Manual Wi-Fi Connection’instructions later in this section. Once you
have successfully connected, AERA will remember your settings allowing
you to enjoy the convenience of AirPlay.
WPS Connection
1. Press and release the Wireless Network Setup button on the AERA’s
back panel.
2. Press the WPS button on your Wi-Fi router.
The indicator light should alternately blink between red and green. The
Wi-Fi status indicator light will stop blinking within two minutes and
change to solid green.
You have now successfully connected AERA to your wireless network.
Problems?
If the Wi-Fi Status indicator continues to blink green, connection has
failed. Wait at least two minutes then try connecting again. If the
problem persists, use the Manual Connection method that follows.
WPS
WPS
Wireless Network
Setup button
DC Power Input

8
Manual Connection
NOTE: Before connecting manually, you must access the AERA
web page. To do this you will need a Wi-Fi-enabled device with an
Internet browser. This will allow a temporary connection to your
AERA for initial conguration.
1. Open your web browser and type 192.168.1.1 into the address eld.
2. Check your current settings and jot down the following items for
use later:
a. Your network name (SSID)
b. Wi-Fi security (normally a choice of either ‘None’, ‘WEP,’ ‘WPA’or
‘WPA2’). One of these options will have a checkmark beside it.
Note that item.
c. If any security is enabled, jot down your Wi-Fi password
Keep the above information handy for use in the following steps.
3. Press and hold the Wireless Network Setup button on the back of
your AERA for at least ve seconds. The status indicator should blink
alternately between orange and green. You are now in the Manual
Setup Mode.
AERAwillappearinthelistofavailablenetworks—itmaytakeupto
a minute for it to appear on the screen. NOTE: The network will only
allow connection to one Wi-Fi device.
4. After connecting to the Paradigm AERA network, launch your
browser and type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar. Your AERA’s
setup page will now be displayed.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to change and save your AERA’s
Wi-Fi settings. Once complete, the status indicator on the rear of your
AERA will glow solid green to show that the manual connection was
successful.
Once setup is successfully completed, return your Wi-Fi-enabled device to
the Wi-Fi network to which it is normally connected.
Problems? If the indicator light does not change to solid green, connection
has failed. Turn o your router and the AERA, wait 10 seconds, turn them
both back on again and follow the Manual Connection steps again.
WPS
Wireless Network
Setup button

9
PLAYBACK OPTIONS
AirPlay
iPod Touch / iPhone / iPad
1. Launch the Music app on device. 2. Press the AirPlay icon.
3. Select Paradigm AERA from the 4. Select a song and press play.
Airplay list.
Enjoy your music!
Problems? If you do not hear music after a successful Wi-Fi setup,
using your iPod Touch / iPhone / iPad follow the Troubleshooting
Tips later in this manual.
PC or Mac
1. Launch iTunes. 2. Click the AirPlay icon in the
Must be iTunes version 10 or later. lower right of your screen.
3. Select AERA from the list. 4. Select a song and begin playback.
Enjoy your music!
Problems? If you do not hear music after a successful Wi-Fi setup,
follow the Troubleshooting directions later in this manual.

10
Controlling Music Playback from your AERA via iTunes
To control playback from your AERA, go to the iTunes Preferences and
choose Edit, select“Allow iTunes audio control from remote speakers”.
Dock/USB/3.5-mm Connections
The Dock and USB connector on your AERA supports Charge and
Playback on the following models:
Your AERA can charge and play your Apple device using the 30-pin
Connector on its top section or the USB socket on the rear panel. In order
to use the USB socket on the rear panel you need to use the Apple USB
cable that was supplied with your Apple device.
To begin playback via the Dock connector jack or USB socket,
1. Stop playback from any device using the AirPlay connection.
2. Carefully connect your Apple device to the AERA’s 30-Pin Dock
Connector or connect the Apple USB cable to your AERA’s USB
socket and then to your Apple device.
3.5-mm Stereo Connections
Your AERA can also be used with any analog portable media device
that supports a 3.5-mm connection. Simply connect a 3.5mm cable to
your AERA’s 3.5mm Stereo Connector and then to the device (cable not
included).
To enable the Dock or USB Socket
Press the Dock/USB button on the onboard user interface, the LED
indicator on the front of your AERA will ash Red.
To Enable the 3.5mm Stereo Connector
Press the Dock/USB button on the onboard user interface again to
access the 3.5mm connector. When in 3.5mm mode the LED indicator
on the front of AERA will ash Purple.
iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
iPod nano (6th generation)
iPhone 4S
iPhone 4
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 3G
iPad 2
iPad Dock/ USB /
3.5-mm

11
3.5mm Stereo Input DockUSB
or
or
or
or

12
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you do not hear music after
a successful Wi-Fi setup, please
follow these steps:
1. Disconnect and reconnect the Wi-Fi network.
2. Remove any Apps running in the background
3. Turn the device o, wait 10 seconds and then turn it back on.
4. Make sure your AERA is on the correct input.
5. Follow the steps for your choice of playback again.
PROBLEM SOLUTION
LIMITED WARRANTY
Paradigm warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and operation for
a period of one (1) year from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user purchaser. Maintain your original
sales receipt for proof of purchase. For additional product support, call Paradigm at 905-696-2868 or email
[email protected]

13
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Design ...........................................................4 driver AirPlay Speaker System
Amplier Power...................................................2 x 30 – watts Continuous RMS / 2 x 50 – watts Dynamic Peak Power
High-Frequency Drivers ...........................................2 x 1˝ (25-mm) mylar balanced dome tweeters
Bass / Midrange Drivers ...........................................2 x 4˝ (105-mm) composite cone woofers with rubber surrounds
Low-Frequency Extension* .......................................39 Hz
Frequency Response .............................................67 – 20 kHz ± 2 dB
Sensitivity – Room / Anechoic .....................................
85 dB spl for 0.1Vrms input (anechoic)
H x W x D .........................................................18.2 cm x 44.0 cm x 19.7 cm / 7.16 in x 17.3 in x 7.75 in
Weight (unpacked) ................................................9.03 lb / 4.1 kg est
Finish ............................................................Black

NOTES

NOTES

THE ULTIMATE IN SOUNDF OR MUSICANDHOM E THEATER™
Paradigm, AERA™ and their associated proprietary and patented designs and technologies are registered trade-
marks of Paradigm Electronics Inc. Copyright © Paradigm Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owner(s). Paradigm Electronics reserves the right to change specifications and/
or features without notice as design improvements are incorporated.
Paradigm Electronics Inc.
205 Annagem Blvd., Mississauga, ON Canada L5T 2V1
THE ULTIMATE IN SOUNDF OR MUSICANDHOM E THEATER™
120412