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Welcome
Welcome to the extraordinary world of Altec Lansing high-fidelity
sound. The 221 is an amplified speaker system featuring a subwoofer
for extended low frequency response and especially designed for an
enhanced PC Audio experience.
With 50 watts total system power, it delivers quality performance and
sound from MP3 players, CD players, cassette players, DVD players,
gaming consoles, and other audio/video sources.
Box Contents
• 2 Satellites
• Subwoofer
• Manual
• QCC
Placing Speakers
SUBWOOFER
All stereo-encoded information is heard through the satellite speakers.
The subwoofer contains no stereo imaging, and its sound is non-
directional. As a result, the subwoofer doesn’t have to be placed in any
particular relationship to the satellites. However, placing the
subwoofer on the floor close to a wall or in a corner provides better
bass efficiency and optimum sound.
Warning: The subwoofer is not magnetically shielded. Therefore, it
SHOULD always be placed at least 2 feet (0.6m) from TVs, computer
monitors, computer hard drives or any other magnetic media (e.g.
floppy disks, Zip disks, computer or audio tapes, etc.).
SATELLITE SPEAKERS
Arrange the satellites to suit your listening tastes—from directly next
to the monitor to as far apart as the speaker cords allow.
Note: The satellite speakers ARE magnetically shielded and can be
placed close to video displays such as TVs and computer monitors
without distorting the image.
Making Connections
WARNING:
Do not insert the speaker system’s power plug into an AC outlet until
all connections are made. Also, turn off audio sources (i.e., your PC,
MP3 player, console game, etc.) before connecting their outputs to the
221’s inputs.
To ensure first-time operation as expected, please carefully follow the
connection sequences described below in the order indicated.
SATELLITE SPEAKERS
The satellites are connected together. To set-up the 221 system, insert
the orange DIN connector, connected to the right satellite, into the
input marked RIGHT SPEAKER on the rear of the subwoofer. Then, plug
the lime green audio input plug, which is connected to the right
satellite, into the audio device’s output.
For easy insertion of the DIN connector, notice that the arrow on the
connector must face up.
INPUTS
Various connection schemes between your audio source and the 221
are available. Determine if you’ll be setting up the speaker system for
PC audio/PC gaming, DVD playback, console gaming or with portable
audio devices (such as MP3 or portable CD players), then skip to the
section with that title.
PC AUDIO/PC GAMING/DVD PLAYBACK
All PC sound cards have audio outputs. Typically, the outputs will be
marked as “front output” and “rear output.” In some cases, slightly
different terminology may be used. The sound card’s documentation
should help you determine which outputs to use with your speaker
system.
1. Connect the cable with the lime green 3.5 mm stereo plug,
connected to the right satellite, into your sound card to the input
labeled “FRONT,” which is also lime green in color.
CONSOLE GAMING
(Requires the AAC1 Y-adapter, which is not included but can be
purchased on our Web site at www.alteclansing.com)
Most console game systems feature dual-RCA outputs. Popular console
systems manufacturers include Sony™, Microsoft™, Nintendo™ and
Sega™. To connect your speakers, follow the steps below:
1. Make sure the power to your console gaming system is turned off.
2. The AAC1 Y-adapter has a lime green 3.5 mm stereo jack on one end
and two RCA jacks on the other—one red and one white.
3. Locate the red and white RCA plugs on the end of the cable connected
to the back of your console gaming system. Connect them to the
matching red and white RCA jacks on the AAC1 Y-adapter cable.
4. Locate the lime green 3.5 mm stereo plug, which is connected to the
right satellite.
5. Insert the lime green plug on this cable into the lime green jack on the
AAC1 Y-adapter cable.
PORTABLE AUDIO DEVICES (MP3, PORTABLE CD PLAYERS, ETC.)
1. Locate the lime green 3.5 mm stereo plug, which is connected to the
right satellite.
2. Insert the lime green plug into the headphone jack on your portable
audio device.
Headphones
To use headphones with the system, plug them into the labeled
jack on the front of the right satellite. When headphones are
connected, both satellites and the subwoofer are muted.
Powering On
1. After all other connections are made, plug the power cord, located
on the rear of the subwoofer, into an AC wall socket. The speaker
system is now ready to operate.
2. Turn on the audio source.
3. Turn on the Altec Lansing 221 speaker system by pushing the power
button located on the front of the right satellite . A green LED
will light next to the button when the power is ON.
Note: To avoid hearing a popping sound when you turn on your Altec
Lansing speaker system, always turn on your audio source first.
MASTER VOLUME
The knob on the front of the right satellite is the master volume
control for the speaker system. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the
volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
3-Piece Amplified
Speaker System
221