Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theater 5.1 user manual

™

DeskTop Theater 5.1

Amplified Five Satellite/Subwoofer

Speaker System With Dolby Digital Processor

Installation and Operating Instructions

© 1998 Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc.

Notice for the USA

FCC Part 15: 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, this notice is not a 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 one or more
of the following measures:

❑ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
❑ Increase the distance between the

equipment and receiver.

❑ Connect the equipment to an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

❑ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/

TV technician.

CAUTION: To comply with the limits for the
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules, this device must be installed with
computer equipment certified to comply with the
Class B limits.

Safety & Regulatory Information

The following sections contain notices for various countries:

All cables used to connect the computer and
peripherals must be shielded and grounded.
Operation with non- certified computers or non­shielded cables may result in interference to radio or
television reception.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the grantee of this device could void the user’s
authority to operate the device.

Modifications

Notice for Canada

This apparatus complies with the Class “B” limits for
radio interference as specified in the Canadian
Department of Communications Radio Interference
Regulations.

Cet appareil est conforme aux normes de CLASSE “B”
d’interference radio tel que spe’cifie’ par le Ministère
Canadien des Communications dans les règlements
d’interfe’rence radio.

Declaration of Conformity

According to the FCC96 208 and ET95- 19
Name: Creative Labs Inc.
Address: 1901 McCarthy Boulevard

declares under its sole responsibility that
the product

Trade Name: Creative Labs/

Model Number: Desktop Theater 5.1,

has been tested according to the FCC /
CISPR22/85 requirement for Class B devices
and found compliant with the following
standards:

EMI/ EMC: ANSI C63.4 1992, FCC Part 15
Subpart B

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 interference that may
cause undesirable operation.

Ce matériel est conforme à la section 15 des
régles FCC. Son Fonctionnement est soumis
aux deux conditions suivantes:

1. Le matériel ne peut étre source
d’interférences et

2. Doit accepter toutes les interférences
reques, Y compris celles pouvant
provoquer un fonctionnement
indésirable.

Compliance Manager
Creative Labs, Inc.
August 20, 1998

Milpitas, CA. 95035

United States

Tel: [phone]

Cambridge SoundWorks

CSW3000

This product conforms to the following Council

Compliance

Directive:
❑ Directive 89/ 336/ EEC, 92/ 31/ EEC (EMC)

WARNING: To prevent fire
or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.

Important Notice

The serial number for the DeskTop Theater 5.1 is
located on the Decoder Amplifier. Please write this
number down and keep it in a secure area. This is
for your security.

i

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ INSTRUCTIONS - All safety and oper-

ating instructions should be read before the

DeskTop Theater 5.1

satellite system is operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The safety and

operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.

HEED WARNINGS - All warnings on the

subwoofer and in the operating instruc­tions should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operating

and use instructions should be followed.

CLEANING - Unplug the Power Supply

Adapter from the 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
SoundWorks as they may cause hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE - Do not use the

Decoder Amplifier near water—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

Theater 5.1

stable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The Decoder Amplifier may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or adult, and
serious damage to the product. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by Cambridge Sound­Works, or sold with the product. Any mount­ing of the satellites or subwoofer should
follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and

amplified subwoofer/

DeskTop

Decoder Amplifier on an un-

should use a mounting accessory recom­mended by Cambridge SoundWorks.

VENTILATION - Slots and openings in the

Decoder Amplifier are provided for venti­lation and to ensure reliable operation of
the Decoder Amplifier and to prevent it
from overheating. 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 Decoder Amplifier should
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 Decoder Amplifier should be

situated away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other
products (including amplifiers) that pro­duce heat.

POWER SOURCES - The Decoder Amplifier

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
product dealer or local power company.
For products intended to operate from
battery power, or other sources, refer to
the operating instructions.

POLARIZATION - The power supply may be

equipped with a polarized alternating-cur­rent 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-CORD PROTECTION - 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 Decoder Amplifier.

LIGHTNING - For added protection for the

DeskTop Theater 5.1

ning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, un­plug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent
damage to the Decoder Amplifier due to
lightning and power-line surges.

OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall out-

lets, extension cords, or integral conve­nience 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 Decoder Am­plifier through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the speak­ers or the Decoder Amplifier.

SERVICING - Do not attempt to service the

any part of the
self as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel.

system during a light-

DeskTop Theater 5.1

your-

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE - Unplug

the power supply from the wall outlet or
other power source and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the fol­lowing 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 Decoder Amplifier has been ex­posed to rain or water.
d) If the subwoofer does not operate nor­mally by following the operating instruc­tions; 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 ser­vice technician has used replacement
parts specified by Cambridge SoundWorks
or have the same characteristics as the
original parts. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.

SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any

service or repairs to the

5.1

system, ask the service technician to

perform safety checks to determine that

DeskTop Theater 5.1

the
proper operating condition.

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING - The

DeskTop Theater 5.1

mounted to a wall or ceiling only as rec­ommended by Cambridge SoundWorks.

DeskTop Theater

system is in

satellites should be

ii

Contents

Declaration Of Conformity ........................................................................... i

DeskTop Theater 5.1

Safety Precautions ................................................................................... i, ii

Introduction ............................................................................................... 1

Inspecting For Damage ................................................................................ 2

Important Notes .......................................................................................... 2

Installation Sequence .................................................................................. 3

Speaker Placement ...................................................................................... 3

The Satellite Desktop Stands ....................................................................... 6

The Center Channel Stands.......................................................................... 6

The Floor Stands ......................................................................................... 7

Mounting The Speakers............................................................................... 7

Decoder Amplifier Placement....................................................................... 8

Making Connections .................................................................................... 8

Wiring Diagram ........................................................................................... 9

Decoder Amplifier Functions ....................................................................... 9

Surround Reference ................................................................................... 11

Specifications ............................................................................................ 13

Important .................................................................................................. 13

Technical Support ..................................................................................... 13

1-Year Limited Warranty ........................................................................... 15

Dolby Digital.......................................................................................... 11

Dolby Surround with Pro Logic ............................................................. 11

Creative Multi Speaker Surround .......................................................... 12

Audio Mode Selection ............................................................................ 12

iii

Introduction

hank you for purchasing
DeskTop Theater 5.1 by
Cambridge SoundWorks.

T

DeskTop Theater 5.1 lets you

experience the full potential of Dolby

®

Digital

multichannel sound from
your computer. It makes the most of
your computer DVD player,
processing both Dolby Digital and
Dolby Surround
It will decode the Dolby Surround
cut-scenes in many of today’s best
CD-based action games, and it’s
ready for the new era of DVD­based games.

DeskTop Theater 5.1 offers discrete
four-channel support for Microsoft
DirectSound®3D and its other
derivatives.

Also included is Creative Multi
Speaker Surround, which lets you
hear all of your favorite stereo
program material with a new and
exciting three-dimensional quality.

®

program material.

Cambridge SoundWorks

1-800-FOR-HIFI

(1-800-367-4434),
8 AM to Midnight,

Eastern time

1 PM to 4 AM

Greenwich Mean Time

In Canada: 1-800-525-4434

Outside US or Canada:

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.hifi.com

or e-mail us at [e-mail]

®

Inspecting
For Damage

Examine each unit carefully for signs of
shipping damage. If there is any damage,
do not install the system. Consult the
store where you purchased the system or
call the appropriate Creative Technology,
Ltd. support group at the number listed at
the end of this publication. Save the
shipping carton and inserts in case you
have to transport the system later.

All the items shown in the illustration
should be included. If anything is
missing, notify the retailer.

Important Notes

These instructions assume you
have a DVD player with a SPDIF
output jack. This jack should provide
the Dolby Digital (AC-3) compressed
data stream (for example, the
Creative Labs PC-DVD Encore). These
instructions also assume your sound
card supports processing of
DirectSound

®

3D, including front and
rear two-channel minijack line
outputs (like Creative Labs Sound
Blaster PCI 64, PCI 128 or Sound
Blaster Live!). Conventional 2-

channel sound cards such as Sound
Blaster 16 or the Sound Blaster
AWE series can also be used with
DeskTop Theater 5.1, but these
cards will not provide rear channel
output when playing games using
DirectSound

One pair of satellites has cables
that are 3 meters (9 feet) long. The
other pair has cables that are 4
meters (12 feet) long. Typically, the
two satellites with the longer cables
will be used on the surround
channels, but the satellites are
otherwise identical. If you need
extra cable length for the front

®

3D or its derivatives.

channel satellites, use the pair with
the longer cables instead.

One satellite of each pair has a
white plug. The other satellite has a
red plug. Use a satellite with a white
plug in the Left Front and Left
Surround positions. Use a satellite
with a red plug in the Right Front
and Right Surround positions.

The Subwoofer and Center
Channel speakers both have black
plugs on their cables to help
distinguish them from the smaller
satellites.

All the speakers are magnetically
shielded, including the subwoofer.

Power Supply Adapter

Control Amplifier Auto-Detected Digital Modes

Dolby Digital (AC-3) Mode

DeskTop Theater 5.1 will auto-detect a
Dolby Digital compressed bitstream
(carrying a 5.1 channel program) and
illuminate the Dolby Digital indicator.

Digital Pro Logic Mode

(Auto Detected)

DeskTop Theater 5.1 auto-detects that
a two-channel, Dolby Surround­encoded program is carried within the
Dolby Digital compressed bitstream.
Dolby Surround programs are decoded

by the Pro Logic decoder. Both the
Dolby Digital and the Digital Pro Logic
indicators are illuminated.

Control Amplifier Analog Playback Modes

Creative Multi-Speaker

Surround (CMSS) Music Mode

CMSS Music Mode is automatically
selected when the DeskTop Theater 5.1
is first turned on and no Dolby Digital
bitstream is present at the SPDIF IN
input. CMSS Music Mode improves any
stereo music or game program. All five

main speakers play instead of just two.

Dolby Digital

Input

Speaker

bitstream detected.

Program Material

Processed

output

5.1

SPDIF IN

Speaker

Input

output

Processed

5.1

SPDIF IN

Speaker

Input

Program Material

output

Processed

Any analog stereo
program source, such
as a CD or a musical

5.1

LINE IN

program recorded on
a Video CD.

DVD with compressed Dolby
Digital (AC-3) bitstream output.

Program Material

DVD with compressed Dolby
Digital (AC-3) bitstream output
carrying a program encoded
with Dolby Surround.

PRO LOGIC

PRO LOGIC

DOLBY

STEREO/

MUSIC MOVIE

FOURPOINT

DIGITAL

ANALOG

DIGITAL

DOLBYMODE

CREATIVE

MULTI-SPEAKER SURROUND

Pro Logic decoder is
automatically engaged by
Dolby Digital bitstream.

STEREO/

PRO LOGIC

PRO LOGIC

DOLBY

MUSIC MOVIE

FOURPOINT

ANALOG

DIGITAL

DIGITAL

CRETAIVE

DOLBYMODE

MULTI-SPEAKER SURROUND

POWER

MASTER

STEREO/

PRO LOGIC

PRO LOGIC

DOLBY

MUSIC MOVIE

FOURPOINT

DIGITAL

ANALOG

DIGITAL

CREATIVE

DOLBYMODE

MULTI-SPEAKER SURROUND

Quick reference guide

Satellites (2) with 4m speaker wire attached

2

STEREO/

DOLBY

MUSIC MOVIE

FOURPOINT

DIGITAL

CRETAIVE

DOLBY SURROUND AUDIO MODE

MULTI SPEAKER SURROUND

POWER

DESKTOP THEATER 5.1

Decoder Amplifier

Subwoofer

PRO LOGIC

DIGITAL IN

ANALOG IN

LL RR

MASTER CENTER

SPEAKER TEST

MUTE

SUBWOOFER

SURROUND

Desktop Stands for satellites (4)

Monitor Stand

Satellites (2) with 3m speaker wire attached

Center Desktop Stand

Center Channel Speaker

Audio Cable (Black Miniplugs)

Audio Cable (Green Miniplugs)

SPDIF Cable (RCA to RCA)

Hook & Loop fasteners

(4) square

(2) rectangular

(2) Apex Joints

(4) Solid Legs

(2) Slotted Legs

(6) Rubber foot plugs

(5) Wall Mounting Hardware

Strips of 5 feet (5)

1. Read all of the instructions
before installing the
speaker system.

2. Using the placement instructions
as a guide, position the satellites,
the center channel speaker and
subwoofer around your com­puter. Install the Desktop Stands
and Floor Stands as appropriate.

3. Connect the satellite speakers,
center channel speaker, and
subwoofer to the back of the
Decoder Amplifier. Be sure to
connect the subwoofer’s black
plug to the LFE output jack and
the center channel speaker’s
black plug to the C output jack.

4. Connect the SPDIF output of your
digital program source to the
Decoder Amplifier. Connect the
stereo output of your sound card
(line out) to the LINE IN of the
Decoder Amplifier. If present,
connect the rear stereo output of
your sound card to the REAR IN
input of the Decoder Amplifier.

5. Verify the Decoder Amplifier’s
power switch is in the “off”
position. Connect the power
supply adapter to the
Decoder Amplifier.

6. Turn on the power. Set the
Volume Control to approximately
“10 o’clock”. Press the Speaker
Test button. Use the test sound to
verify that each speaker is
operating properly. Then adjust
the position of each loudspeaker
so each can be heard clearly.
Finally, adjust the Center,
Subwoofer and Surround level
controls for balanced output
between the speakers. Press
the Test mode button again,
if necessary.

7. You may wish to experiment with
speaker placement briefly before
concealing the connecting cables
and making the installation
more permanent.

8. The unit is ready for you to enjoy.
Refer to the Quick Reference
guide for information about
settings for specific program
sources like DVD, CDs, Video CD
and games.

Speaker PlacementInstallation Sequence

The Front Satellites. The front
satellites play stereo music, the off­screen sounds of video playback
and the front channels of four
channel games.

These satellites should be placed

to the sides of your monitor (see
Diagram A). Be sure to have a clear
line of sight from your listening
position to these satellites. The
satellites intended for front
placement have 3 meters (9 feet)
of cable.

Install the satellite’s Desktop
Stands when using them on the
desktop. Be sure to apply the self­adhesive feet to the Desktop Stands.
The feet prevent movement on the
desktop.

The satellites may also be hung on
the wall behind the monitor using the
screw and wall anchors provided (see
“Mounting The Speakers”, page 7).

If you wish to save desktop space,
use the hook and loop fasteners to
attach the satellite speakers to the
sides of the computer monitor
(see Diagram B).

The Center Channel Speaker. The
center channel speaker provides the
on-screen dialog and sounds in
Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround or
Creative Multi Speaker Surround
modes. It should be placed as close to
the center of your computer monitor
as possible.

A

B

3

The center channel speaker may
be used with either of its two stands
(Monitor Stand or Center Desktop
Stand). It can be attached directly to
the top of a monitor.

The Monitor Stand attaches with
hook and loop fasteners to the top
of the computer monitor. It directs
the sound down towards the
listener (see Diagram C).

If your computer monitor’s
construction directs the sound of
the center channel satellite towards
you (without a stand), attach the

satellite directly to the top of the
monitor, using the hook and loop
fasteners (see Diagram D). Position
the face of the center channel so
that it is as far forward as possible.

The Center Desktop Stand lets
you place the Center Speaker in
front of the monitor. It directs the
sound up towards the listener
(see Diagram E).

The Center Speaker may also be
hung on the wall behind the
monitor using the screw and wall
anchors provided (see “Mounting
The Speakers”, page 7).

The Rear Satellites. The rear
satellites provide the surround
effects in Dolby Digital, Dolby
Surround and Creative Multi
Speaker Surround modes. They
also provide the discrete rear
sounds produced in four
channel gaming.

4 meters (12 feet) of cable is
provided with the two remaining
small satellites for more flexibility in
rear channel placement.

The rear satellites may be placed
in any convenient sites alongside
the listener, including sites slightly
forward of the listening location.
The rear satellites do not have to be

at exactly the same height, nor at
the same height as the front
satellites.

If you have side walls close to
your listening position, excellent
placement for the rear satellites is
slightly behind your listening
position, slightly above ear level
(see Diagram F). The satellites may
be hung on the wall using the screw
and wall anchors provided (see
“Mounting The Speakers”, page 7).

Do not be concerned if this
placement is not practical. Any rear
satellite placement to the left and
right side of the listening position
will provide strong directional and
surround effects.

C

D E

F

G

4

The rear satellites may be installed
on their convenient floor stands. While
listening, the stands should be
positioned to the left and right of your
listening position (see Diagram G).

The Floor Stands are small enough
to be stowed underneath a desk
when not in use. See page 7 for floor
stand assembly instructions.

Larger work surfaces can
accommodate both front and
surround pairs of satellites on their
stands. Try the extreme corners of a
desk using the Desktop Stands (see
Diagram H).

Also, you may attach the rear
satellites under a desktop or at the
sides of a desk using the hook and
loop fasteners (see Diagram I).

After you positioned the rear
satellites, use the test sound to
make sure each speaker can be
heard clearly.

The Subwoofer. The subwoofer’s
optimum position is on the floor
against the wall under the
computer desk. The nearer the
subwoofer is to the corner of the
room, the stronger its maximum
bass output will be. We strongly

recommend placing the subwoofer
on the floor (see Diagram J).

Leave at least 8 cm (3 inches) of
space between the subwoofer face
and a wall. Small objects in front
of, but not touching the subwoofer
(table legs, for instance) will have
no effect on its sound

If you have no available floor
space, the subwoofer can be placed
on a shelf, desktop or other sites,
but its maximum output will be
reduced. The subwoofer is mag­netically shielded, allowing place­ment near computers or monitors.

H I

J

5

The Satellite Desktop Stands

Install a Satellite Desktop Stand
by inserting it into the “T”-shaped
socket in the back of each satellite,
feeding the cable through the
stand’s cut-out (see Diagram K) .

Apply the five self adhesive feet
to the base of the Desktop Stands
(see Diagram L). The feet prevent a

K

satellite from sliding across the
desktop should it be inadvertently
bumped or jostled.

Note: If you wish to install the

rear Satellites in the Floor Stands,
do not apply the self adhesive feet
to the base of their Desktop Stands.

L

The Center Channel Stands

The stands for the center channel
speaker are installed by inserting
the strut of the stand into the
recess in the back of the Center
Channel speaker (see Diagram L1).

If using the Center Desktop
Stand, apply the provided self­adhesive feet to it’s bottom surface.
The feet prevent a satellite speaker
from sliding across the desktop
should it be inadvertently bumped
or jostled.

Use the provided hook and
loop fasteners to adhere the
Monitor Stand to the top surface
of the monitor (see Diagram L2).

L2

FRONT

LEFT

L1

Apply feet only to
Center Desktop stand

6

The Floor Stands

The rear satellites (with their
Desktop Stands attached) may be
installed in their floor stands.

1. Two of the six floor stand legs

have a full length slot, with short
notches opposite the slot at each
end. The slot allows the satellite
cable to be concealed. Insert a
satellite 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 M).

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 N).

3. Insert the two solid legs into the

outside sockets in the apex joint.

4. Slide the back edge of the

satellite’s desktop stand into the
front of the slot in the apex joint
(be sure there are no feet attached
to the base of the desktop stand).

The front of the slot is the side
further away from the rear leg
socket. Make sure the stand is
securely pressed into the slot.

5. At the base of the rear leg, gently
pull on the satellite cable to
remove any unnecessary slack in
the cable.

6. 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 O).

O

Mounting The Speakers

Screw Mounting: The Satellite
and Center Channel speakers may
be hung on a wall using a No.10
screw and their keyhole openings.

First attach four self-adhesive feet
to the back of each satellite (see
Diagram P). This feet insure a
vibration-free, secure installation.
Leave about
screwhead exposed to fit into the
back of the speaker.

3

/8 of an inch of the

N

Plastic anchors may be needed
to secure the screws into particu­larly hard or soft material. If so,
drill the appropriate sized holes in
the wall and tap the anchors into
the holes until they are flush with
the wall. Insert the screws into the
anchors until they protrude
inch from the wall.

P

3

/8

M

7

Hook and Loop Fasteners:

When mounting speakers with
hook and loop fasteners, make
sure that all surfaces are clean
and free of dirt and grease. Hard,
flat, unpainted surfaces work best
with hook and loop fasteners (see
Diagram Q).

Attach the fastener to the
speaker first, remove the backing
and adhere to the chosen surface.

Q

Decoder Amplifier

Making Connections

Placement

The Decoder Amplifier can be placed
on the desktop, a shelf or any site that
makes the controls convenient.

The Power Adapter cord must be
able to reach from the Decoder
Amplifier back panel to your AC
power receptacle.

Place the Decoder Amplifier on a
hard, flat surface.

There are ventilation slots on the
bottom and top of the Decoder
Amplifier’s enclosure. Don’t block the
ventilation slots by placing material on
top of or below the Decoder Amplifier.

R

Consult the Wiring Diagram

on the next page before making
any connections.

Speaker Connections. Insert
one satellite’s plug into the
corresponding Speaker Output on
the Decoder Amplifier. Repeat
this process for the remaining
satellites and subwoofer.

Signal Connections. Connect
the Dolby Digital/SPDIF output of
your signal source to the Decoder
Amplifier using the cable with
RCA plugs at each end.

Use the signal cable with green
stereo miniplugs at each end to
connect the stereo line output of
your sound card to the LINE IN
input of the Decoder Amplifier.

Use the signal cable with black
stereo miniplugs at each end to
connect the rear output of your
sound card (if present) to the
REAR INPUT of the Decoder
Amplifier.

Power Supply Adapter Connec­tions. Confirm the power switch is

in the “OFF” position. Insert the
power supply’s AC plug into an
appropriate receptacle. Insert the
small DC connector into the “15V
DC IN” receptacle on the back of
the Decoder Amplifier.

8

Wiring Diagram

SOUNDCARD OUTPUT

DVD OUTPUT

(EXAMPLE-CREATIVE LABS

PC-DVD ENCORE Dxr2)

DOLBY DIGITAL
(AC-3) SPDIF IN

RIGHT SURROUND

SATELLITE

RIGHT SATELLITE

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

GREEN

LINE IN REAR IN

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

C LFE RS LS R L

BLACK

BLACK

CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKER

(EXAMPLE-SOUND BLASTER LIVE!)

BLACK

BLACK

RED

RED

WHITE

SUBWOOFER

REAR

OUT

WHITE

LINE
OUT

GREEN

15V

DC IN

LEFT SURROUND

LEFT SATELLITE

SATELLITE

POWER
SUPPLY

ADAPTER

Decoder Amplifier Functions

When the power is switched
“ON”, the green indicator lights on
the face of the Decoder Amplifier
will sequentially light from the
right to the left. The CMSS Music
light will remain illuminated after
start up. The indicator light for
Dolby Digital will illuminate
automatically if a Dolby Digital
program is playing.

1) ON/OFF: Switches DeskTop
Theater 5.1 power on and off.

An indicator light signals the
power is on.

2) Master: Adjusts the volume of
the entire system.

3) Center, Subwoofer and
Surround: These controls adjust

the level of the indicated channels.
Their output level should be
balanced with the fixed output
level of the Left and Right front
speakers.

A Quick Reference Guide is
provided separately. Consult
this guide for advice about
playing different program
sources. Slip it underneath
the Decoder Amplifier for
future use.

Top Row

4) Creative Multi Speaker
Surround: CMSS processes analog

program material. Repeated presses
of this button steps through four
different operation modes.
Music: Creates a 5.1 speaker
soundfield appropriate for music
from any analog sound source.
Movie: Creates a 5.1 speaker
soundfield appropriate for movie or
game enjoyment from an analog
sound source.
Stereo/FourPoint: This mode
provides conventional, two-channel
stereo sound reproduction. If you
have a four-channel sound card, use
this mode for four-channel
positional audio effects.
No lights illuminated: Mutes any
analog stereo or CMSS output. Use
this setting if you wish to play an
analog stereo signal through the
Dolby Pro Logic processor.

For more information about
Creative Multi Speaker Surround,
see page 12.

9

5) Dolby Digital indicator
light: This light turns on

whenever a Dolby Digital signal
is detected at the SPDIF input of
the DeskTop Theater 5.1. For
Dolby Digital 5.1 sound reproduc­tion, make sure only this light is
illuminated.

6) Surround Mode: This button
cycles between Dolby Pro Logic
processing of the digital input,
then the analog input and no Pro
Logic processing.

7) Audio Mode: Use this button
to play just the left or right
channels of a stereo digital signal

CREATIVE

STEREO/

FOURPOINT

4

MUSIC MOVIE

MULTI SPEAKER SURROUND

DESKTOP THEATER 5.1

(PCM from an audio CD, a Video
CD or a stereo signal from a DVD).
Use this when, for example, a
Video CD has different languages
on the left and right channels.

Repeated presses of the button
selects which channel is fed to
both the Left and Right front
speakers.
LL-Left channel to both Left and
Right front speakers.
RR-Right channel program to
both Left and Right front
speakers. See “Audio Mode
Selection”, page 12 for further
information about this feature.

DOLBY

DIGITAL

PRO LOGIC

DIGITAL IN

ANALOG IN

LL RR

5

DOLBY SURROUND AUDIO MODE

POWER

1 2

MASTER CENTER

6 7 8

8)Speaker Test: Press this button
to start the “test sound” genera­tor. Use this test sound to position
all the speakers and to balance
their relative output.

The test sound moves in
sequence from the left satellite,
the center speaker, the right
satellite, then to the right
surround satellite, left surround
satellite and the subwoofer. All of
the indicator lights will blink on
and off while the test sound
generator is in operation.

SPEAKER TEST

SUBWOOFER

SURROUND

MUTE

9

3

The test sound will operate for three
complete cycles and then stop. You
can terminate the sound at any point
by pressing the Speaker Test button
again.

First use the test sound to verify
that each speaker is operating.

Then make sure the speakers are
positioned so that the test sound can
be clearly heard.

Finally, adjust the front panel level
controls for the center, subwoofer and
rear speakers. Adjust each control so
its speaker achieves a balanced output
level with the left and right satellites
(which provide a fixed “reference”
output level).

All Decoder Amplifier functions
except for the level controls are
disabled while the test sound
generator is running.

The speaker level controls operate at
all times. If desired, you may adjust
these controls during program
material to fine-tune the balance.

9)Mute: Mutes all output from the
DeskTop Theater 5.1. Press the button
once to mute. Press a second time to
restore audio output.

The CMSS, Dolby, Audio and
Speaker Test buttons operate during
mute.

10

Surround Reference

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital (earlier called AC-3)
delivers five discrete full-range
channels (left front, center, right
front, left surround and right
surround) plus a separate Low
Frequency Effects (LFE) channel.
Many soundtracks on the latest
generation laser discs, DVDs and
High Definition Television (HDTV),
are encoded with Dolby Digital
technology.

When a 5.1 channel Dolby Digital
program source is playing, such as
from a Creative PC-DVD player, the
Dolby Digital indicator light will
illuminate automatically.

Note: Not every section of a DVD
will be 5.1-channel encoded. On
many DVD’s, only the main movie
program will be available in 5.1
channel sound. Other supporting
chapters (like a “Director’s Comment”
section) may be in stereo or mono.
These sections will not light the
Dolby Digital indicator even though

the sound will be properly reproduced
by the DeskTop Theater 5.1.

When listening to DVD movies with

5.1 channel Dolby Digital sound, be
sure to listen only to the digital
program source and not a mix of the
digital and analog signals that may be
present. You can insure this by:

1) making sure all three CMSS
indicator lights are off (MUSIC, MOVIE
and STEREO/FOURPOINT).

2) muting the “CD” input of your
computer’s software.

When playing a DVD game with a
mix of Dolby Digital 5.1 sound (a
digital signal at the SPDIF input) and
sound card wavetable output (a signal
at the analog input), be sure to en­gage one of the three CMSS settings.

Dolby Pro Logic

Dolby Surround is an earlier
surround sound standard which is
decoded with a Pro Logic processor
in the DeskTop Theater 5.1. The
Pro Logic steering circuitry
derives separate center and rear
channels from encoded stereo
program sources.

Pro Logic processing provides a
convincing movie soundfield when
the material is specifically encoded
for Dolby Surround. Most older
stereo movie soundtracks will only
be encoded for Dolby Surround, even
though the program source may be a
DVD’s digital output. Most DVD’s
containing Dolby Surround program
material will cause both the Dolby
Digital and Digital Pro Logic lights to
illuminate. DeskTop Theater 5.1 will
decode these Dolby Surround
programs through the digital Pro
Logic decoder automatically.

CD-ROMs and CD’s with Dolby
Surround encoding will feature
the Dolby Surround logo at the
beginning of the program or on the
packaging. Process these programs
by making sure all CMSS indicator
lights are off and selecting the Pro
Logic Analog Input setting of the
Surround Mode button.

Do not select a Pro Logic decoding
mode if the program material is
not encoded for Dolby Surround.
Excessive center channel output
will result, and most stereo effect
will be lost. Use CMSS “Movie” or
“Music” modes to upmix stereo
programs to a realistic 5.1 channel
sound field.

11

Creative Multi Speaker
Surround (CMSS)

CMSS is a 2 to 5.1 channel sound
processor similar in some aspects to
a Dolby Surround with Pro Logic
processor.

CMSS Music mode creates a
convincing 5.1 channel surround
soundfield with typical stereo
sources, whether they are Dolby
Surround-encoded or not. It works
well with Dolby Pro Logic, WAVE,
AVI and MIDI program material. In
essence, CMSS Music mode puts
you “on the stage” for the music’s
performance, surrounding you with
the performers.

In a similar manner, CMSS Movie
mode provides the sonic impression
of being front and center at a movie
screening. Dialog and all normally

centered sounds from a stereo
program are heard through the
center speaker. Use this mode
whenever a music program has
sounds you want to blend with on­screen action or dialog.

Unlike Pro Logic decoding, CMSS
Music and Movie modes are
appropriate for use with multi-coded
sources such as DVD games. In some
game titles, the movie sequences
may be encoded in Dolby Surround
but the game sequences may be in
the WAV format. CMSS Movie mode
supports 6-channel output for .WAV,
.AVI, .MIDI and other audio software
files. Dolby decoding cannot decode
WAVE formatted sources.

Audio Mode Selection

The stereo soundtracks of some
movies on the Video CD (VCD format)
contain different languages. For
example, a two channel soundtrack
may contain Mandarin on the right
channel and English on the left
channel. The VCD program literature
should indicate the presence of dual­language soundtracks. Similarly,
some movies in the DVD format will
contain dual-language soundtracks.
DeskTop Theater lets you select one
of these languages and play it
through both the Left and Right
speakers.

If there is no indication of which
channel is which and you hear two
different language soundtracks
during stereo playback, select the
“LL” and “RR” settings until you find
the language soundtrack you want.

The Audio Mode selection feature
can only be used with the PCM
digital soundtrack of a Video CD or
DVD with a stereo soundtrack, not a
DVD encoded with Dolby Digital 5.1
sound or Dolby Surround-encoded
material. If you have an analog
program with separate left and right
channels (the analog output of a CD
ROM, or the analog stereo output of
a “software” video CD, for instance),
you will have to use the balance
control in your PC’s audio software
to mute the undesired channel.

12

Specifications

DeskTop Theater 5.1

Six-channel

Amplifier Specification

Left, Right, Left Surround, Right
Surround amplifiers, each of
four: One channel driven into a 4

ohm load at less than 1% total
harmonic distortion, at 1 kHz–5
watts RMS

Center Channel amplifier: One
channel driven into a 4 ohm load at
less than 1% total harmonic
distortion, at 1 kHz–15 watts RMS

Subwoofer amplifier: One channel
driven into a 4 ohm load at less
than 1% total harmonic distortion,
at 100 Hz–15 watts RMS

s

Important

Playback Levels

DeskTop Theater 5.1 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.”

Technical Support

Inside U.S.A., Canada and Latin America

Creative Labs Inc. Technical Support

If you need technical assistance, call 405-742-6622. Technical support is
available seven days a week from 8:00 am to midnight, Central time.

You can get the latest program and driver updates from Creative Labs’ bulletin

board, 24 hours a day. Call 405-742-6600; use modem settings:

Baud rate: 300 to 14400

(V.32/V.42 bis)

Data bits: 8
Parity: none
Stop bits: 1

You can also send a FAX at 405-742-6633 or write us at:

Technical Support
Creative Labs, Inc.
1523 Cimarron Plaza
Stillwater, OK 74075

To reach Creative Technical support via the Internet, visit our technical support

web site at http://www.creativehelp.com, for troubleshooting help.

For information about this product and other Creative Labs products, visit

Creative Zone at http://www.soundblaster.com. Or, call Customer Service at

800-998-1000

Faxback information is available by calling 405-372-5227

13

Inside Europe

Creative Labs (Ireland) Ltd. Technical Support

Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown Dublin, 15 Ireland

Ireland Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]
BBS: [phone] (HST)

[phone] (ZyXEL)

Belgium Tel: [phone] (French)
(for Benelux) Fax: [phone] (Dutch)

BBS: [phone] (HST V.34)

[phone] (V.34)

Denmark Tel: [phone] (Freephone)

BBS: [phone] (HST V.34)

[phone] (V.34)

Finland Tel: [phone] (Freephone)

BBS: [phone] (HST V.34)

[phone] (ZyXEL 19,200)

France Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]
BBS: [phone] (HST)

[phone] (V.32bis)

Minitel: 3615 CREATIVE and 3617 CREATIVE

Germany Tel: [phone]
(for Central and Fax: [phone]
Eastern Europe) BBS: [phone]

Holland Tel: [phone]
Italy Tel: [phone]
Norway Tel: [phone] (Freephone)

BBS: [phone] (HST V.34)

[phone] (ZyTEL 19,200)

Scandinavia Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Spain Tel: [phone] (Freephone)
Sweden Tel: [phone] (Freephone)

BBS: [phone] (HST V.34)

[phone] (ZyTEL 19,200)

UK Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

BBS: [phone]
Operating hours
Mon-Fri: Business Hours
Sat-Sun: Closed
Faxback is a facility that allows you to obtain product and technical
information through facsimile services. In Europe, use the following number:
[phone].

14

1-Year Limited Warranty

Inside Asia

Creative Technology Ltd. Technical Support

31 International Business Park,
Creative Resource, Singapore 609921

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Operating hours (Singapore Time)
Mon-Thu: 9am-6:30pm
Fri: 9am-6pm
Sat-Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

© 1998 Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. All rights reserved. Cambridge SoundWorks is a registered trademark, and PCWorks and Desktop Theater 5.1 are trademarks of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc.,
Newton, MA. The Creative logo and Sound Blaster logo are registered trademarks and the Environmental Audio logo and Creative Multi Speaker Surround are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd.
The Desktop Theater 5.1 Dolby Digital Decoder Amplifier is manufactured under the license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Dolby Digital”, “Pro Logic”, “AC-3”, and the Double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works. Copyright 1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Microsoft and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Inc. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Actual contents may differ
slightly from those pictured.

BBS: [phone]

o the original purchaser,
Cambridge SoundWorks,
Inc. (a division of

T

Creative Technologies,
Ltd.) will warrant the
DeskTop theater 5.1 system to
be free of defects in material
and workmanship for a period
of one (1) year from date of
purchase. With respect to
defects, Cambridge SoundWorks
will, at its option, replace the
product or repair the defect in
the product with no charge to
the original purchaser for parts
or labor.

This warranty does not
extend to any defect, malfunc­tion or failure caused by
misuse, abuse, accident, faulty
hookup, defective associated
equipment or use of the speaker
with equipment for which it is
not intended.

This warranty is valid only when
the speaker is returned to the
retailer that sold the DeskTop
Theater 5.1 to the original pur­chaser.

This is the sole and express
warranty. This warranty is in lieu
of all other warranties, expressed
or implied, of merchantability,
fitness for purpose or otherwise. In
no event shall Cambridge
SoundWorks be liable for inciden­tal or consequential damages or
have any liability with respect to
defects other than the obligations
set forth as stated.

To ensure warranty coverage, it
is incumbent upon the original
purchaser of DeskTop Theater 5.1 to
inform the retailer of the defect
within the warranty period. The
only acceptable method of
establishing warranty status is
a copy of the original proof of
purchase indicating customers
name and purchase date.

15

311 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02464

1-800-367-4434 Fax: [phone]

www.hifi.com or e-mail us at [e-mail]

898 Rev. A

Printed In China