Altec lansing 641 User Manual

The lightning flash with arrowhead, 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 sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.

Caution: To prevent the risk of electric

shock, do not remove cover (or back).
No user- serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.

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 appliance.

Safety Instructions

CAUTION
To prevent electric shock do not use this (polarized) plug with an
extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully
inserted to prevent blade exposure.

WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Connecting the Power Cord (AC Wall Socket)

Long slot is neutral
(ground) side.

Insert the wide blade
into the ground side
slot.

Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before
the appliance is operated.

Retain Instructions — The operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.

Heed Warning — All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.

Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture — The appliance should not be used near water – for example,

near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.

Outdoor Use — Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this appliance to rain or moisture.

Location — The appliance should be installed in a stable location.
Ventilation — The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does

not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be
situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation
openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a closed bookcase or cabinet
that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

Heat — The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

Power Sources — The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the
type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.

Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the appliance.

Grounding or Polarization — The precautions that should be taken so that the
grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.

Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only with a polishing cloth or a soft
dry cloth. Never clean with furniture wax, benzene, insecticides or other volatile
liquids since they may corrode the cabinet.

Non-Use Periods — The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the
outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

Ligthning Storms - Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms.
Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do

not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
Accessories - Only use attachment accessories specified by Altec Lansing

Technologies, Inc.

Damage Requiring Service — The appliance should be serviced by
qualified service personnel when:

• The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.

• Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance.

• The appliance has been exposed to rain.

• The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits
a marked change in performance.

• The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the appliance. Servicing should
be referred to qualified service personnel or returned to the dealer or call the Altec
Lansing service line for assistance.

The FCC Wants You to Know

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
d) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Warning

Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user
authority to operate the equipment under FCC Rules.

One Year Limited Warranty

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. warrants to the end user that all of its speaker

systems are free from defects in material and workmanship in the course of normal
and reasonable use for a term of one year from the date of purchase.

This warranty is the exclusive and only warranty in effect relative to Altec Lansing
speaker systems and any other warranties, either expressed or implied, are invalid.
Neither Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. nor any authorized Altec Lansing
Technologies, Inc. reseller is responsible for any incidental damages incurred in the
use of the speakers. (This limitation of incidental or consequential damage is not
applicable where prohibited.)

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. obligation under this warranty does not apply to
any defect, malfunction or failure as a result of misuse, abuse, improper installation,
use with faulty or improper equipment or the use of the computer speaker systems
with any equipment for which they were not intended.

The terms of this warranty apply only to speaker systems when such speakers are
returned to the respective authorized Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. reseller
where they were purchased.

Under the terms of this warranty the original consumer purchases has certain legal
rights and may have other rights which vary worldwide.

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing
and support of high quality multimedia personal computer and home entertainment
sound systems. As manufacturers of multiple award-winning systems for both
design and sound quality, our products are at the forefront of emerging
technologies.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the extraordinary world of Altec Lansing high fidelity sound.

Delivering 400 Watts total system power, the 641 is a superb multimedia
system designed for use with a variety of personal audio devices.
Including gaming consoles, MP3 players, DVD players, CD players,
cassette players, personal computer systems and various other
video/audio sources.
In combination with the Rear Satellite wall-mount option, the 641
achieves enhanced usability by allowing various installation
arrangements for optimum setup in a variety of environments.

The inclusion of an auxiliary input encourages maximum utility: set up
two personal audio devices for separate use with the system, or mix
audio from two separate sources.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

• 400 Watts total system power, 200 Watts RMS

• Tri-Mode selector, including gaming, music (Stereo X2), Stereo mode,
creates optimal listening environment.

• Front-firing, wooden subwoofer featuring two 6.5" (165 mm)

drivers for extended low frequency response.

• Separate Subwoofer volume control for fine-tuning

system balance and overall system low volume/high
volume performance.

• A patented control circuit automatically boosts bass

at low volume to maintain musical sound "realism".

• 4 Satellite speakers: 2 Front Satellite speakers and 2

Rear Satellite speakers each designed with a 1"
(24 mm) tweeter and 3" (75 mm) full-range driver
delivering crisp, clear highs and smooth mid-bass.

• Separate wired Digital Controller including power on/off, volume,

treble, bass and mode controls allows optimum speaker placement
without worrying about control access.

• A headphone jack for private listening is located on

the System Controller unit for easy access.

• Front and Rear Inputs for computer gaming.

• 2 audio inputs (Front & Aux) to allow mixing of audio

signals from two audio sources.

• Dual angle Satellite stands for optimum audio

positioning.

• Detachable stands and wall-mount brackets for Rear

speakers.

• AAC1 Y-adapter included for easy connection

to gaming consoles.

The Satellite speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent color
distortion on video displays. However, the Subwoofer is not
magnetically shielded and should not be placed in close proximity to a
computer monitor, television, or computer hard drive.

IMPORTANT

If you experience any difficulties with your speaker system, check the
Troubleshooting section of this Guide. The answers to most setup and
performance questions can be found there. If you cannot find the
information you need, please call our customer service team for
assistance before returning the speakers to your retailer under their
return policy. We’re available 7 days a week for your convenience:

Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

1-800-ALTEC-88 (1-800-258-3288)

Color Coding: Notice that the input jacks on the subwoofer are

color coded to prevent errors. The plugs that are inserted into these
jacks have matching colors. As an example, the left front speaker
satellite has a brown connecting plug. The plug is inserted into the left
front jack with the brown color strip marking. All other connections are
made in the same way.

CONNECTIONS

System setup configurations to achieve Gaming
Mode, Stereo x2 Mode, and Stereo Mode

Various connection schemes from your audio source device to the 641
are available. Based on the features of your audio source, your
selection of one of these schemes will determine the operational mode
of your system.

Do not insert the power plug into an AC outlet until all connections are
made. Turn off the audio source device before connecting its output(s)
to the 641 input(s).

To insure first-time operation as expected, please follow the setup
sequence below carefully in the order indicated.

Gaming setup:

All Satellites will be connected to the back of the subwoofer. Each
Satellite has a cable composed of two stripped wires. The positive wire
is marked with a dot-dash design. The positive wire will be connected to
the appropriate spring clip opened by the red push button. The
negative wire will be connected to the appropriate spring clip opened by
the black push button.

1. Insert the ends of the stripped wires from the RIGHT FRONT Satellite
into the spring clip marked RIGHT FRONT on the Subwoofer (dot-dash
design wire into red push button clip; plain wire into black push button
clip); repeat this procedure for the LEFT FRONT Satellite, inserting the

positive and negative stripped wires into the spring clips marked LEFT
FRONT on the Subwoofer.

2. Insert the ends of the stripped wires from the RIGHT REAR Satellite

into the spring clip marked RIGHT REAR on the Subwoofer (dot-dash
design wire into red push button clip; plain wire into black push button
clip); repeat this procedure for the LEFT REAR Satellite, inserting the
stripped wires into the spring clips marked LEFT REAR on the
Subwoofer.

3. Connect the gray DIN plug from the System Controller unit into the

gray DIN jack marked CONTROLLER on the Subwoofer. Note that the
DIN plug has an arrow. The arrow should be face up for correct
insertion into the DIN jack on the Subwoofer.

4. Shut the computer system down using the manufacturer's

recommended procedures.

5. The 641 provides two inputs labeled FRONT and REAR, located on

the Subwoofer. Computer gaming sound cards have at least 2 outputs.
Most often, the outputs will be marked as front output, and rear output.
Some slightly different terminology may be used. However, the sound
card instructions will provide information so that you can determine what
outputs to use with a two input speaker system. Make the connections
using the two 6.5' (5 m) green and black cables with matching 3.5 mm
stereo plugs on each end. These cables are included with the 641
system.

6. Connect the power cord (at back of Subwoofer) to an AC Wall socket.

7. The unit is now ready to operate. Turn on the audio source device.

Note: Always turn on your audio source device before turning on your
Altec Lansing 641 Speaker System. If you turn on the speaker system
before turning on the audio source, you will hear a loud POP sound
when the audio device is turned on.

2. Insert the ends of the stripped wires from the RIGHT REAR Satellite
into the spring clip marked RIGHT REAR on the Subwoofer (dot-dash
design wire into red push button clip; plain wire into black push button
clip); repeat this procedure for the LEFT REAR Satellite, inserting the
stripped wires into the spring clip marked LEFT REAR on the
Subwoofer.

3. Connect the gray DIN plug from the System Controller unit into the
gray DIN jack marked CONTROLLER on the Subwoofer. Note that the
DIN plug has an arrow. The arrow should be face up for correct
insertion into the DIN jack on the Subwoofer.

4. Select one 6.5' (5 m) cable with lime green 3.5 mm stereo plugs on
each end and connect one end into the jack labeled FRONT on the
Subwoofer and the other to the 3.5 mm output jack on your audio
source.

5. Optional: Connect a second audio source to the Aux (Auxiliary) input
at the back of the Subwoofer. See How To Enhance Presentations With
Dialogue and Other Uses For The Aux (Auxiliary) Input below.

6. Connect the power cord (at back of Subwoofer) to an AC Wall socket.

7. The unit is now ready to operate. Turn on the audio source device.

Note: Always turn on your audio source device before turning on your

Altec Lansing 641 Speaker System. If you turn on the speaker system
before turning on the audio source, you will hear a loud POP sound
when the audio device is turned on.

8. Turn on the Altec Lansing 641 Speaker System. See USE OF
CONTROLS below.

FRONT INPUT AND
AUX (AUXILIARY) INPUT

8. Turn on the Altec Lansing 641 Speaker System. See USE OF

CONTROLS below.

Stereo and Stereo x2 Setup:

There are two modes of operation for stereo input: Stereo and Stereo
x2. In Stereo mode, the Front Satellites as well as the Subwoofer are
operational. In Stereo x2 mode, both Front and Rear Satellites are
operational. The Front and Rear Satellites in the left channel will
perform as the stereo left channel and the Right Front and Rear
Satellites will be the stereo right channel.

All Satellites will be connected to the back of the subwoofer. Each
Satellite has a cable composed of two stripped wires. The positive wire
is marked with a dot-dash design. The positive wire will be connected to
the appropriate spring clip opened by the red push button. The
negative wire will be connected to the appropriate spring clip opened by
the black push button.

1. Insert the ends of the stripped wires from the RIGHT FRONT Satellite

into the spring clips marked RIGHT FRONT on the Subwoofer (dot-dash
design wire into red push button clip; plain wire into black push button
clip); repeat this procedure for the LEFT FRONT Satellite, inserting the
positive and negative stripped wires into the spring clips marked LEFT
FRONT on the Subwoofer.

Both inputs are equal. The Aux (Auxiliary) Input is located on the top
front of the Subwoofer. One input can be used for computer output and
the other as described in "How to Enhance Presentations with
Dialogue." Make connections as described above (CONNECTIONS).
Do not insert the AC power plug into the wall outlet before all
connections are made.

Headphones

Connect your headphones to the jack on the System Controller. When
headphones are connected, all speakers are muted.

USE OF CONTROLS

Power On/Off

The Power On/Off button is located on the System Controller. Press the
POWER button to turn on the speaker system. Push it again to turn the
unit off. One of the Mode LEDs will glow to show power is on.

Master Volume Control

Locate the rotary knob on the System Controller. The rotary knob acts
as the Master Volume control and has several functions. It operates as
a Master Volume control for the overall system when no other buttons
have been pushed. It is also used to individually adjust the levels of

bass, treble, or rear sound. If any of these functions is selected and not
used for a few seconds, the control reverts back to Master Volume
control function.

Since there is no rear output in Stereo Mode, there is no rear volume
level adjustment in this mode. The default Rear Satellite speaker level is
at the center LED position.

Five level indicators around the rotary knob show the position of the
control. In the extreme counterclockwise position all LED's are off. As
the control is rotated clockwise the LED's illuminate one at a time until in
the maximum position, when all LED's are glowing.

If one of the functions buttons has been depressed (Bass, Treble or
Mode), the master level rotary control will adjust the level of the function
selected. The green function indicator associated with the function
selected will be illuminated. See Treble/Bass Selectors below.

Treble/Bass Selectors

Bass and Treble selectors are located on the System Controller. When
the Bass button is pushed, the Bass LED will turn on and the rotary knob
will change the level of bass on all Satellites, having the greatest effect
on the Subwoofer. The LEDs around the rotary knob will light one at a
time to indicate the level of bass boost or reduction. The center LED
indicates the default position. Pushing the Bass button again will
immediately exit this function. The default bass level is at the center
LED position. To reset the bass level to the default position, hold the
Bass button down for three seconds.

Pushing the Treble button will result in a similar pattern. When the
Treble button is pushed, the Treble LED will turn on and the rotary knob
will change the level of treble on all Satellites. The LEDs around the
rotary knob will light one at a time to indicate the level of treble boost or
reduction. The center LED indicates the default position. Pushing the
Treble button again will immediately exit this function. The default treble
level is at the center LED position. To reset the treble level to the
default position, hold the Treble button down for three seconds.

Mode Selector

The Mode Selector button is located on the System Controller. The
Mode Selector changes the operation of the system from one mode to
the next: Stereo, Stereo x2, and Gaming. Pressing the Mode button
cycles through the three modes. In Stereo mode, the Front Input plays
on the Front Satellites and the Subwoofer. In Stereo x2 mode (system
default) the Front Input plays on both the Front and the Rear Satellites
and the Subwoofer. In Gaming mode, the Front Input plays on the Front
Satellites, the Rear Input plays on the Rear Satellites, and the Subwoofer
plays from both the Front and the Rear Inputs.

Rear Volume Level Adjustments

To adjust the volume level of the Rear Satellites, in either the Stereo x2
or Gaming mode, hold down the Mode button for approximately 3
seconds. The left-most LED around the Master Volume Control (rotary
knob) will then begin flashing, indicating that the Master Volume control is
now programmed to adjust the level of the Rear Satellites. The LEDs
around the rotary knob will light one at a time to indicate the strength of
Rear speaker level. Pushing the mode button again will immediately exit
this function. If the control is not actively used for a short while, the
control reverts back to Master Volume control function.

The rotary knob reverts to Master Volume control function when a period
of 3 seconds of inactivity occurs after adjusting the Bass, Treble, or Rear
speaker levels.

System Reset to Factory Default Settings

To return to factory default settings, press both the Bass and Treble
buttons at the same time and hold them down for about 3 seconds.
This will reset the bass, treble, mode, volume and rear volume settings.

PLACEMENT OF SPEAKERS

All stereo information is heard from the Satellite speakers. The
Subwoofer contains no stereo information and sound is non-directional.
As a result, the Subwoofer does not necessarily have to be placed in any
particular relationship to the Satellites. Placing the Subwoofer on the
floor close to the wall or corner of a room provides maximum bass
efficiency.

WARNING: The Subwoofer is not magnetically shielded. The

Subwoofer should NOT be placed near video display devices such as a
TV or computer monitor. The Subwoofer should NOT be placed near
computer hard drives. Position the Subwoofer at least 2 feet (0.6m)
away from computer hard drives, or any other media that uses magnetic
encoding.

The Satellite speakers are magnetically shielded and can be placed close
to a video display (TV, computer monitor) without distorting the video
image. The Front Satellites can be close to the monitor or stretched out
as far as the speaker cords allow. The placement depends on where the
listener sits. The Rear Satellites can be placed slightly behind the
listener. Usually best stereo effect is obtained by placing speakers as far
apart as their wiring allows. Try using this same principle if the wall­mount option is utilized for the Rear Satellites. Front Satellite and Rear
Satellites are usually placed at ear level or slightly above.

Sound effects may vary depending on how the recordings are made.
Therefore, it is not unusual to rearrange the speakers from time to time
until the listener finds which arrangement gives the best results.

HOW TO ENHANCE
PRESENTATIONS
WITH DIALOGUE

The 641 output jack (CONNECTIONS, Stereo and Stereo x2 Setup, step

4) is connected to a computer sound card. A CD player or other audio
source can be plugged into the unused Input. Mixing of the computer
audio output with another audio source can be accomplished by using
the volume control or On/Off switch on the second audio source. A
typical example may be as follows:

A lecturer may want to interject dialogue into a multimedia presentation.
If the lecturer has a wireless FM microphone system the output of the

microphone receiver can be connected to the unused input on
the 641. When the lecturer wishes to make a comment, he either turns
on the microphone switch to speak or he can raise or lower the
microphone volume control to mix his voice with the computer
audio program. Any other audio device can operate in the same
manner.

Note: Microphone location in relation to the speakers is important.

Position the microphone so that the speakers are located between the
microphone and the audience, or so that the microphone is behind the
speakers. If the microphone is placed in front of the speakers,
feedback will result.

OTHER USES FOR THE
AUX (AUXILIARY) INPUT

You may elect to hook up your Stereo system or Stereo TV to the
auxiliary input so that your speakers may be used for these devices
when your primary audio device is not in use. You can also connect your
modem audio-out to the second input.

SPECIFICATIONS

Total System Power 400 watts
Frequency Response 27 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz input > 70 dB
Crossover Frequency 100 Hz
System THD (distortion) < 0.3 % THD @ -10

dB full scale input
voltage

Input Impedance 10k ohms

Satellite Amplified Speakers

Drivers (per Satellite) 1" tweeter (24 mm)

3" mid-range

(75 mm)

Subwoofer

Drivers Two 6.5" (165 mm)

Long Throw woofers

Power Requirements

USA/Canada/and applicable
Latin American countries 120v 60 Hz AC
Europe/United Kingdom;
applicable Asian countries;
Argentina, Chile and Uruguay 230v 50 Hz AC
ETL / cETL / CE / NOM / IRAM Approved

TROUBLESHOOTING

All LEDs are unlit

No sound from any speakers

No sound from Subwoofer

Controller does not work

No sound from Rear satellites

Sound is distorted

Not enough treble
Too much treble
Too much bass or Subwoofer is

distorted

Power is not turned on
AC cord is not connected to wall outlet

Surge Suppressor (if used) is not powered on

System Controller is not connected to the Subwoofer

Wall outlet not functioning
Power is not turned on

Volume setting is too low

Audio cable is not connected to audio source

Audio cable connected to wrong output on audio
source
Problem with audio source device

Subwoofer volume is too low

Sound source has very little low frequency content

Fuse is blown

DIN connector not inserted in Subwoofer jack

Unit is not in Stereo x2 or Gaming mode
Rear level is too low
Set Rear level to default position

Volume level too high
Sound source is distorted: audio source is computer
sound card

Treble setting is too low
Set Rear level to default position
Treble setting is too high
Set Rear level to default position
Bass setting is too high
Set Rear level to default position

Press Power On button on the System Controller.
Check to see if the LED is illuminated on the rear of the Subwoofer. If

not, connect AC power.
If the AC line cord is plugged into a surge surpressor, make sure the

surge surpressor is switched on.
Connect System Controller to Subwoofer.

Plug another device into the wall outlet (same jack) to insure it is
functioning.
Verify the AC line cord from the back of the Subwoofer is plugged into
the wall outlet.
Verify the Power On switch has been pressed (LED is illuminated).
Turn the rotary knob to the right to raise the system Master Volume.
Check volume level on computer sound card or alternate audio source
device and set at mid level.
Connect audio cable from audio source, check plug connections on both
subwoofer and source. Make sure these signal cables are inserted
firmly into the correct jacks.
Make sure that the lime green 3.5 mm stereo jack is connected to the
line-out jack of the audio source; make sure it is fully inserted.
Test the speakers on another audio device. Remove the audio cable
from the audio source device and connect it to the line-out on another
audio device or the headphone jack of another audio source device.
If your model has a Subwoofer Volume control, try adjusting it to
increase the Subwoofer volume. If your model offers a Bass Selector
function on the System Controller, adjust Select Bass function and raise
volume level.
If listening to .WAV files over a computer sound card connection, try
listening to a CD on your computer CD or DVD player. .WAV files often
have little low frequency content. Try a music signal with more bass.
Power off the Altec Lansing speaker system. Unplug the Subwoofer
from the AC outlet. Check to see if the fuse in the Subwoofer is blown.
To do this, unscrew the black cap at the rear of the Subwoofer and
visually check to see if the filament is in place. If it is not in place, then
the fuse is blown. You'll need to replace it with a T2A (2 amp @ 250
Volt) "SLO BLO" fuse. You can purchase this fuse at most local
electronics stores.
Verify the gray DIN connector is firmly inserted into the DIN jack on the
Subwoofer. Refer to the "Connections" section of your User's Guide for
the correct position of the arrow on the DIN plug. It is important to
insure the pins are aligned from plug to jack.
Press the Mode button on the System Controller to select either Stereo
x2 or gaming Mode.
See User's Guide: "Rear Volume Level Adjustments". Increase the
Rear Volume level.
See User's Guide: "Rear Volume Level Adjustments".
Decrease master volume level.
.WAV files are often of poor quality so distortion and noise are easily
noticed with high powered speakers. Try a different sound source like a
music CD.
Push the Treble button on the System Controller and increase level.
See User's Guide: "Rear Volume Level Adjustments".
Push the Treble button on the System Controller and decrease the level.
See User's Guide: "Rear Volume Level Adjustments"
Push the Bass button on the System Controller and decrease the level.
See User's Guide: "Rear Volume Level Adjustments".