Cambridge SoundWorks FPS1800 User Manual

Cover.fm Page 1 Thursday, July 20, 2000 8:21 AM

™

Cover.fm Page 2 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:49 PM

311 Needham Street, Newton MA USA 02464

1-877-367-4434 Fax: [phone]

www.cambridgesoundworks.com

or e-mail us at [e-mail]

0200000000015 Rev. A

FPS1800.fm Page -2 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

IMPORTANT

The lightningflash,witharrowhead
within an equilateral triangle, alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage within a
product’s enclosure that maybe of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to people.

TOPREVENT THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVESUBWOOFER’S
COVER. NO USER­SERVICEABLEPARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIEDSERVICE
PERSONNEL.

READ AND HEED IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

ON BOTTOM OF SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE

CAUTION: T OPREVENTELECTRICSHOCK,

MA TCHWIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE
SLOT, INSERT FULLY.

ATTENTION:POUR EVITER LES CHOCS

ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA
PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANSLA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET
POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.

POUR EVITER TOUT RISQUE
DECHOCELECTRIQUE, NEPAS
DEMONTER LE COUVERCLE
DU HAUT P ARLEUR. AUCUN
ENTRETIEN DES PIECES
INTERIEURES N’EST REQUIS.
TOUT SERVICED’ENTRETIEN
NE DOIT ETRE EFFECTUE QUE
PARDUPERSONNEL
D’ENTRETIEN QUALIFIE.

WARNING:

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOTEXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The serial number for your FPS1800 islocatedonthe
subwoofer. Please write this number down and keep it in a
secure area. This is for your security.

The exclamation point within an
equilateraltrianglealerts youtothe
presence of important operating
and maintenance (service)
instructions.

COMPLIANCE

THIS PRODUCT
CONFORMS TO
THE FOLLOWING
COUNCIL
DIRECTIVE:

DIRECTIVE 89/ 336/
EEC, 92/ 31/ EEC
(EMC), 73/ 23/ EEC
(LVD)

-2

FPS1800.fm Page -1 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

READ INSTRUCTIONS – All safety and
operating instructions should be read
before the FPS1800 amplified subwoofer/
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 subwoofer from the
wall outlet or other power source before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
ATTACHMEN TS – Do not use attachments
not recommended by Cambridge
SoundWorks as they may cause hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE – Do not use the
subwoofer near water, for example, near a
bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or
laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a
swimming pool.
ACCESSORIES – Do not place the FPS1800
system on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The subwoofer or
satellites may fall, causing serious injury to
a person, 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 should
use a mounting accessory recommended by
Cambridge SoundWorks.

VENTILATION – Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation, to
ensure reliable operation of the subwoofer
and to prevent it from overheating; and
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
subwoofer 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 subwoofer should be situated
away from heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, and other products
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
POWER SOURCES – The subwoofer 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 subwoofer may be
equipped with a polarized alternating­current 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 – Power­supply 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 subwoofer.
LIGHTNING – Unplug the FPS1800 system
during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of
time. This will prevent damage to the
subwoofer due to lightning and power-line
surges.
OVERLOADING – Do not overload wall
outlets, 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 subwoofer
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
subwoofer.
SERVICING – Do not attempt to service the
subwoofer yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE – Unplug
the subwoofer 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 an object

has fallen into the subwoofer.

c) If the subwoofer 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
replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement
parts specified by Cambridge SoundWorks
or have the same characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
SAFETY CHECK – Upon completion of any
service or repairs to the FPS1800 system,
ask the service technician to perform safety
checks to determine that the FPS1800
system is in proper operating condition.

-1

FPS1800.fm Page 0 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

Thank you for buying Cambridge SoundWorks’

FourPointSurround FPS1800, a powerful surround

sound system ideal for intense gaming.

Inventory ............................................................................................................ 1

™

Speaker Placement ............................................................................................. 2

Mounting Rear Satellites on Walls .................................................................... 3

Installing Desktop Stands.................................................................................. 3

Volume Control/Power Switch............................................................................ 4

Audio Source Connections ................................................................................. 5

Connecting Speakers .......................................................................................... 6

Controlling Noise and Distortion ....................................................................... 7

Specifications ..................................................................................................... 7

EAX..................................................................................................................... 8

1-Year Limited Warranty ................................................................................... 8

Technical Support/Customer Service.................................................................. 9

FPS1800.fm Page 1 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

❒

Examine each unit carefully. If
anything is missing or damaged,
do not install or use the system.
Contact the retailer where the
system was purchased.

❒

Save the carton and its inserts in
case you need to ship or move
your

FPS1800

system later.

OPTIONAL ITEM

Tripod Stands (availablefrom

www.creative.com)

Subwoofer

15V DC 3A Power Adapter

(varies from country to country)

1

Satellite Speakers (4)

Volume Control with Holder

Desktop Stands for Satellites (4)

3 meter (9 feet) Speaker Cables

for Front Satellites (2)

5 meter (15 feet) Speaker

Cables for Rear Satellites (2)

Screws and Plastic Anchors (2)

Audio Connection Cable

Strips of Rubber Pads (2)

Identification LabelsMounting Tape for Volume Control

FPS1800.fm Page 2 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

❒

For the strongest bass output,
place the subwoofer on the floor
in a corner.

❒

Place the front satellites to the
sides of your monitor.

❒

To connect the cables correctly
later, use the identification labels
provided to mark the satellites
and their cables.

❒

Keep the path between you and
the satellites clear.

Caution

❒

Do not place the subwoofer near
your monitor, on the work surface
or on a shelf.

A

Rear satellites mounted on walls

behind you

B C

Rear satellites placed at the extreme

corners of your desk

Rear satellites mounted on tripods

(if purchased)

2

FPS1800.fm Page 3 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

❒

Mount the rear satellites only on
walls that are structurally sound.

Drill a hole about 0.5 cm

1

(¼ inch) deep into wall.
Tap plastic anchor into hole

2

until it is flush with wall.
Screw a M5 x 25 mm screw

3

into anchor, leaving about

0.5 cm (¼ inch) protruding.

❒

Position the satellites behind you
and slightly above ear level.

Apply rubber

4

pads on the
back of each
rear satellite.

Apply identification

1

label to back of

satellite.

Thread satellite

3

cable through
holeindesktop
stand.

Push back red tab on

2

satellite. Insert bare end of
red-banded cable into hole
and release tab to lock.
Repeat for unmarked cable;
insert into black tab.

Insert attachment

4

arm into socket at
back of satellite.

Attachment arm.

Apply identification

5

label to cable.

Slip keyhole slot of each

5

rear satellite onto protruding
screw.

3

Note

: Typically, the shorter
3-meter cables are used for
the front satellites.

FPS1800.fm Page 4 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

❒

Attach the Volume Control holder
only to a mounting surface that
is smooth and clean, for example,
the side of your computer
monitor.

❒

The Front/Rear Balance Control
need not be adjusted more than
once during any single game.

❒

See “Controlling Noise and
Distortion” on page 7 for related
information.

Front/Rear Balance Control

Peel off the protective strip from

1

of the mounting tape.

one

side

Remove the remaining mounting

3

strip.

Master Level Control

Press the exposed adhesive side

2

firmly against the Volume Control.

Press the VolumeControlfirmly

4

against the mounting surface.

4

FPS1800.fm Page 5 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 5:39 PM

A

To computer audio card or 4-channel player
Front (Lime-green) and Rear (Black miniplugs)

Audio connection cable

To 2-channel computer audio card

B

Front (Lime-green miniplugs only)

C

To stereo players
Front (Lime-green miniplugs only)

5

To Front jack.

Audio connection cable

To Front jack.

Audio connection cable

FPS1800.fm Page 6 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

To power source.

Note:

Disconnect

from power source if

not in use for more

than a few days.

Front Left Satellite

Rear Left Satellite

PowerSupply Adapter

Place the left satellites to

your

left side,

and the right satellites to your right

Subwoofer

.

Audio Connection Cable

Front Right Satellite

Adjust the Bass Level

control to achieve the bass

output you like.

Rear Right Satellite

VolumeControl

To audio source, e.g., computer audio

card, 4-channel player, CD player.

See page 5.

6

FPS1800.fm Page 7 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

FPS1800

so it may amplify the hum and hiss
inherent in some audio program
sources.

the speaker system. You can minimize
this background noise by following
these guidelines:

❒

has high input sensitivity,

This noise is not due to a fault in

Decide which volume control you
would like to use as the master
level control: the
volume control or the program
source’s volume control.
If you choose to use the
volume control, first set the
program source’s volume control
high (at least 70% of the
maximum level). Where there is
more than one software level
control, set all volume controls
high. Then leave the controls. Use
the

FPS1800

adjust overall output.

FPS1800

volume control to

FPS1800

If you choose to use the program
source’s volume control, first set
the program source’s volume
control high (at least 70% of the
maximum level). Then adjust the

FPS1800

distortion is inaudible. Set the

FPS1800

Use instead the program source’s
volume control to adjust overall
output.

❒

Adjust the output control of your
audio card until the noise
disappears. This may require trial
and error.

volume control until the

volume control aside.

FPS1800
Five-Channel Amplifier

Satellite speaker:

Subwoofer:

These specifications apply to

FPS1800

15 V DC 3A power adapter.

operating from the supplied

8 watts RMS
per channel
22 watts RMS

7

FPS1800.fm Page 8 Wednesday, July 19, 2000 7:28 PM

EAX is a collection of powerful,
innovative audio technologies.
Designed by Creative’s world-class
audio scientists and built into
groundbreaking Personal Digital
Entertainment (PDE) Internet
solutions, EAX is changing the way
audio is experienced.

EAX offers advanced, interactive
audio and high-definition sound to a
new generation of portable audio
appliances, audio applications, and
Internet services. Advanced
technologies for incredible, cutting
edge audio are built into powerful
tools. EAX-enabled products let you
shape and customize your audio
experience, and include advanced
audio features for music composition
and sound design.

With its four compact, amplified
satellite speakers and separate
subwoofer, the

FPS1800

is an
excellent EAX speaker system. With
it, you will experience truly
immersive 3D Positional Audio when
used with the powerful Sound Blaster
Live! family of audio cards. It is also
the perfect multi-channel speaker
system for use with Creative’s other
cool EAX-enabled products such as
the NOMAD Jukebox.

For more information on EAX, be

sure to visit EAX.creative.com.

o the original purchaser,
Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc.
will warrant the speaker 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 where
the

FPS1800

was purchased.

This is the sole and expressed
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 above. To ensure warranty
coverage, it is incumbent upon the
original purchaser to contact the
retailer where the

FPS1800

was
purchased and inform them 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 customer’s
name and purchase date.

8

FPS1800.fm Page 9 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:48 PM

Inside U.S.A., Canada and

Inside Asia

Latin America

Creative Labs Inc.
Technical Support
1523 Cimarron Plaza
Stillwater, OK 74075
Tel: [phone]
Fax [phone]
Operating hours (Central Time):
Daily 8:00

To reach Technical Support via the

Internet, visit our web site at

http://www.creativehelp.com.

You can reach Customer Service by
phone at
Mon–Fri 8:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. (Central
Time).

You can also use our Faxback
service at

©2000 Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. All rights reserved. Cambridge SoundWorks and SoundWorks are registered trademarks of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc., Newton, MA. All other brands and
products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Actual contents may differ from those pictured.

A.M

.–12 Midnight

1–800–998–1000

1–405–372–5227

,

.

Creative Technology Ltd.
Technical Support
31 International Business Park
Creative Resource
Singapore 609921
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Operating hours (Singapore Time):
Mon–Fri 9:00
Sat–Sun & Public Holidays closed

To reach Technical Support via the

Internet, visit our web site at

http://www.creative-asia.com/
support

A.M

.–6:00 P.M.

9