Creative SB1540 User's Guide

User’ de

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Sound Blaster® R3/Audigy 6 USB (Sound Blaster R3/A6U)! This high performance USB sound module incorporates the advanced Sound Core3D™ audio processor -- the next generation multi-core sound and voice processor for accelerating advanced audio and voice processing technologies. It is designed to work perfectly with your computer and mobile devices, making your voice sound simply amazing while giving you a truly immersive listening experience!

Package Checklist

Your Sound Blaster R3/A6U package comes with the following components.

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The Sound Blaster R3/A6U device

1.5m Micro-USB 2.0 Cable

1.2m 4-Pole Analog Cable

2.4m Dynamic Microphone

2.4m 3.5mm Clip Microphone

Guitar clip for Clip Microphone

Note:

The dynamic microphone, clip microphone and guitar clip are available for selected countries only.

Minimum System Requirements

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Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or AMD® equivalent processor, 2.2 GHz or faster recommended

Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard

Microsoft® Windows® 8.1 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit,

Windows Vista® 32-bit or 64-bit (Service Pack 1 or higher)

Mac® OS X® 10.6 or higher

1GB RAM

>600 MB of free hard disk space

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive for software installation

Available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port

Registering Your Product

Registering your product ensures you receive the most appropriate service and product support available. You can register your product during installation or at www.creative.com/register . Please note that your warranty rights are not dependent on registration.

More Help

For the latest news and products for the Sound Blaster, please visit www.soundblaster.com

. The site also includes information on making purchases, technical help and the latest software updates.

Introduction - 1 -

Using Creative Software AutoUpdate

Locating, downloading and installing updates for your Creative products is now simpler and faster with the web-based Creative Software AutoUpdate system.

When you connect to Creative Software AutoUpdate via the Internet, the website will analyze your computer system to determine your operating system, language and which Creative products are connected to your system.

When this analysis is completed, you will then be given a list of only the most relevant software updates for your connected products. The files can then be retrieved and installed.

To learn more about the Creative Software AutoUpdate, please visit www.soundblaster.com/support .

Note:

First-time users of Creative Software AutoUpdate may be prompted to authorize the download of a browser component required for system analysis. Check to ensure that this content is signed by

Creative Labs, Inc., then click the Yes button.

Please ensure that all your Creative products are connected and installed on the same computer running Creative Software AutoUpdate.

Introduction - 2 -

About Your Hardware

Refer to the Quick Start leaflet for instructions on setting up your audio device. To learn more about your product, refer to the section below.

Your Audio Device

Your USB audio device has these jacks and connectors to enable the attachment of a wide variety of devices.

Front

Back

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Jack or

Connector

Mic-in 1 jack

Description

Mic-in 2 jack

Headphone jack

Line-out jack

Line-in jack

Mobile-in jack

USB port

Connects to a microphone using a 3.50 mm (1/8-inch) mono jack.

Connects to a microphone using a 3.50 mm (1/8-inch) mono jack.

Connects to stereo headphones using a 3.50 mm (1/8inch) stereo jack. Speaker output from the line-out jack is muted when the headphone jack is connected.

Connects to the Left and Right inputs on powered analog speakers or an A/V receiver.

Connects to line-level sources (for example, MP3 players).

Connects to a 4-pole analog jack of a mobile device.

Connects to a computer with a USB cable, or to a 5V 1A

DC power adaptor for standalone operation.

About Your Hardware - 3 -

Note:

When devices are connected to mobile-in and line-in simultaneously, the device connected to the mobile-in has higher priority.

Using display indicators and control dials

Your USB audio device has the following indicators and control dials to adjust and monitor operational status.

2

3

1

4

Control or Button Description

Reverb amount knob

Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the reverb effect.

Microphone mute button/indicator

Power/playback volume indicator

Playback volume/ mute knob

Push to mute/unmute microphone volume.

Lights up in red when microphone is muted.

Lights up in red when USB power is detected.

Pulse in red when volume is muted.

Blinks rapidly in red 3 times when playback volume knob is at maximum volume.

Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the playback volume. Push down to mute/unmute.

About Your Hardware - 4 -

Setting Up Your Audio Device

Connecting to a Computer

Connect your USB audio device to a computer using the Micro-USB to USB cable provided. The power indicator will light up in red once the device is properly connected.

Plug in your headphones or speakers to the device and experience the power of Sound Blaster with all your audio and music played from your computer.

Setting the default audio device

For Windows:

After the Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel is installed, Sound Blaster R3/A6U will be automatically set as the default audio device. Alternatively, you can set the desired default audio device from the

Windows Sound Control Panel.

For Mac:

1. Go to System Preferences and click Sound.

2. Select Sound Blaster R3/A6U in both the Output and Input tabs.

Setting Up Your Audio Device - 5 -

Connecting to a Mobile Device

Enjoy your favourite music from your mobile devices including iPhones, Android phones and tablets, by connecting your mobile device to the mobile-in jack of the Sound Blaster R3/A6U using the 4-pole analog cable provided.

To power up the USB audio device, connect an external power source, e.g. 5V 1A USB power adapter to the USB port.

Connect your microphone(s) and headphones/speakers to the audio device. You can now play music directly from your mobile device and sing along to your favourite songs! For more information, refer to

Using Your Audio Device.

Setting Up Your Audio Device - 6 -

Using Your Audio Device

Your audio device works seamlessly with many external devices. To connect these peripherals, refer to their relevant sections below: l l l l

Playing Music

Singing Karaoke

Creating/Recording Music

Broadcasting/Podcasting

Playing Music

Experience enhanced audio from your computer or mobile device, by connecting analog stereo speakers to the line-out jack or by connecting stereo headphones to the headphone jack of the Sound Blaster

R3/A6U.

Playing Music from a Computer

OR 

Using Your Audio Device - 7 -

3

4

5

1

2

Component

MicroUSB-to-USB cable

USB port

Analog speaker cable

Analog stereo speakers

Headphones

Playing Music from a Mobile Device

OR

Using Your Audio Device - 8 -

3

4

5

1

2

Component

4-pole analog cable

Headset jack

Analog speaker cable

Analog stereo speakers

Headphones

Using Your Audio Device - 9 -

Singing Karaoke

To play karaoke music from external sources like computer or mobile device, connect the audio source to the USB port or mobile-in jack of the audio device. Then, connect your microphone(s) to the mic-in jack(s) and headphones to and headphone jack respectively.

Singing Karaoke on a Computer

4

5

6

1

2

3

Component

MicroUSB-to-USB cable

USB port

Analog speaker cable

Analog stereo speakers

Microphone(s)

Headphones

Note:

When headphones and a line-out device are connected simultaneously, audio will output to the headphones.

Using Your Audio Device - 10 -

Singing Karaoke on a Mobile Device

1

4

5

2

3

6

Component

4-pole analog cable

Headset jack

Analog speaker cable

Analog stereo speakers

Microphone(s)

Headphones

Note:

When headphones and a line-out device are connected simultaneously, audio will output to the headphones.

Using Your Audio Device - 11 -

Creating/Recording Music

Put together your own compositions consisting of audio inputs from a guitar and/or a microphone.

Attach a clip microphone to your guitar and connect it to the mic-in jack. Refer to Attaching a Clip

Microphone to a Guitar.

Note:

The Sound Blaster R3/A6U does not support Hi-Z output from a guitar. Do not attempt to connect the

Hi-Z output directly to the mic-in jack on the USB audio device.

To record audio from the microphones, ensure that you connect your computer, mobile device, or even external recording devices to the USB port or mobile-in/line-in jack.

For more information on configuring the software for live instruments recording, refer to Using the

Creative Software Suite - Microphone Settings.

Recording Music on a Computer

4

5

6

1

2

3

Component

MicroUSB-to-USB cable

USB port

Microphone

Clip Microphone

Guitar

Headphones

Using Your Audio Device - 12 -

Recording Music on a Mobile Device

3

4

1

2

5

6

Component

4-pole analog cable

Headset jack

Microphone

Clip Microphone

Guitar

Headphones

Attaching a Clip Microphone to a Guitar

1. Mount the clip microphone on the rim of the guitar's sound hole.

2. Adjust the gooseneck microphone to your preferred position.

3. To detach, gently push the clip out of the guitar's sound hole.

Using Your Audio Device - 13 -

Broadcasting/Podcasting

To do online streaming or broadcasting, connect your computer or mobile device to the USB port or mobile-in jack. You can also connect an external device like DAT (Digital Audio Tape) player or CD player to the line-in jack for music input.

Broadcasting with a Computer

1

2

3

4

Component

Microphone

USB port

MicroUSB-to-USB cable

External recording devices (DAT players, CD players, etc.)

Using Your Audio Device - 14 -

Broadcasting with a Mobile Device

1

2

3

4

Component

Microphone

Headset jack

4-pole analog cable

External recording devices (DAT players, CD players, etc.)

Using Your Audio Device - 15 -

Installing and Uninstalling Software

To take full advantage of your Sound Blaster R3/A6U audio device, you need to install device drivers and applications. At times, you may also need to uninstall some or all of the device drivers and applications to correct problems, change configurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications. To learn how to do so in all supported Windows and Mac operating systems, consult the following sections: l l

Installing Drivers and Applications

Uninstalling Drivers and Applications

Installing Drivers and Applications

Ensure that your audio device is connected before proceeding. For instructions on installing your audio device, consult your Quick Start leaflet.

After you have connected your audio device, turn on your computer. Windows automatically detects your audio device and searches for device drivers.

For Windows Vista / Windows 7

1. Insert the Installation CD into your CD or DVD drive.

Your CD should start automatically. If it does not, follow the steps below: i. Click Start > Computer.

ii. Right-click the CD or DVD drive icon, and then click Open AutoPlay.

2. To complete the installation, follow the instructions on the screen.

3. When prompted, restart your computer.

For Windows 8 / Windows 8.1

1. Insert the Installation CD into your CD or DVD drive.

2. In a short while, a drive icon will be displayed. Click on the icon, and then choose Run setup.exe.

If you do not see the drive icon, follow the steps below: i. For Windows 8, right-click on the background of the Windows Start screen, and then click All

apps.

For Windows 8.1, go to the Windows Start screen to see a list of all the applications installed on your PC.

ii. Click Computer / This PC.

iii. Right-click the CD or DVD drive icon, and then click Open AutoPlay.

3. To complete the installation, follow the instructions on the screen.

4. When prompted, restart your computer.

For Mac OS

1. Using your web browser, visit www.creative.com/support and locate the software package for the

Mac OS.

2. Download this package into your local hard disk.

3. Double-click the downloaded file to uncompress it.

4. Double-click the uncompressed DMG file.

5. Double-click the Install icon and follow the subsequent on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Installing and Uninstalling Software - 16 -

Uninstalling Drivers and Applications

In the event that an uninstallation is required (such as for upgrades), please follow the following procedure.

Before you begin, close all running audio applications. Applications that are still running during uninstallation will not be removed.

For Windows OS

1. From the Control Panel, click Uninstall a program.

2. Select your audio device's entry.

3. Click the Uninstall button or option.

If the User Account Control dialog box appears, click the Continue button.

4. Click the Yes button.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

For Mac OS

1. Click Applications > Creative > Creative Uninstaller

2. Select the Creative product to be uninstalled.

3. Click the Uninstall button.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Installing and Uninstalling Software - 17 -

Using the Creative Software Suite

The following software is designed for you to access the basic as well as the advanced features of your audio device. We recommended that you familiarize yourself with their functions in order to make full use of the rich features of your audio device.

Software Applications

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Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel

Creative Smart Recorder

Creative WaveStudio

Creative Software AutoUpdate

Creative System Information

Creative Product Registration

Various other bonus Creative applications are also compatible for your audio device. Visit www.creative.com/support and navigate to the relevant product page to view and download these applications.

Note

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The applications included with your audio device may differ from those described here.

Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel for Mac is available via web download.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 18 -

Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel

Adjusting Your Master Volume Settings

Drag the master volume slider to adjust the volume level. You can mute/unmute the volume by clicking the speaker icon.

Configuring Your Software Settings

Click each feature to access its settings page. More information on each feature can be found in their respective sections in this manual.

Configuring Your General Settings

Click and configure various options from the list that displays including: l l l l l

Select whether the Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel is activated when Windows starts.

Restore default settings.

Select the audio playback device.

Select the supported software languages available for your system.

General information regarding your Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel software.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 19 -

Using the Creative Software Suite - 20 -

Microphone Settings

You can now easily toggle between four different modes for microphone settings: Karaoke, Chat,

Broadcast or Recording. Switch between the different modes at any time and it will take effect immediately.

Karaoke Mode

Karaoke mode allows you to perform online singing with a third party karaoke application. In this mode, microphone settings are pre-tuned to support karaoke singing. For example, Microphone Monitoring will always be turned on.

Chat Mode

Certain karaoke applications provide chat function. Simply switch to Chat mode after singing by clicking on the Chat tab, and speak to the host in the karaoke room. FX will be turned off by default, and

Microphone Monitoring will always be turned off.

Switch back to Karaoke mode to start a new singing session.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 21 -

Broadcast Mode

Switch to Broadcast mode to perform online broadcasting with a third party broadcasting application.

Microphone Monitoring will always be turned off.

Recording Mode

Switch to Recording mode to make offline recordings with a recording application. Microphone

Monitoring and FX will be turned off by default. Users may record a singing session by using the bundled microphones.

In Recording mode, different microphone sources can be chosen from MIC 2.

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Select Vocal Mic for voice recordings using the microphone.

Select Instrument Mic for recording live instruments in high resolution (24-bit 48kHz).

Note:

When Instrument Mic is being selected, no microphone effect will be applied to the MIC 2 input. Both line-in jack and mobile-in jack will be disabled.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 22 -

SBX Pro Studio Settings

1. SBX Pro Studio enhancements

Select to turn on or turn off each enhancement. You can hover your mouse cursor over each enhancement to display a brief explanation.

2. Enhancement Level sliders

Adjust the amount of enhancement to apply.

3. Audio test controls

Play/Pause or Stop the demo video.

Enhancing Your Listening Experience

You can adjust the amount to apply for each enhancement by dragging its slider left to decrease or right to increase. To test the effects of the audio enhancements, click and listen to the demo video.

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SBX Pro Studio Crystalizer restores the dynamic range that is lost when iTunes and MP3 music gets compressed. This makes the music sound as good as the artist originally intended, and adds an enhanced level of realism for movies and games.

SBX Pro Studio Bass fills in the low frequency tones and gives the extra impact for a better entertainment experience. It dramatically improves the sound experience without a subwoofer.

SBX Pro Studio Smart Volume addresses the problem of abrupt volume level changes during playback and between songs by automatically and continously measuring volume, and intelligently applying gain and attenuation to compensate for those changes.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 23 -

Speakers/Headphones Settings

1. Speakers / Headphones Configuration

Displays the audio device that is currently connected to your computer.

2. Testing your audio playback

Click to hear a sample audio clip being played back through your setup.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 24 -

Mixer Settings

1. Volume sliders

Adjust the playback and recording volume for your various inputs and outputs.

2. Mixer Settings

Click the icon to mute/unmute the input/output. You can click the for your input/output.

3. To listen to the audio from the source connected to the line-in jack: icon to adjust the settings

For Windows systems,

Go to the Mixer page of the Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel. From the Instrument Mic/Line-

In option under REC, click , and enable Listen to this device.

For Mac systems,

1) Go to System Preferences and click Sound.

2) Click the Input tab and select Instrument Mic/Line-In as the default recording device.

3) Go to the Mixer page of the Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel. From the Instrument

Mic/Line-In option under REC, click , and enable Listen to this device.

Note:

For the audio source playback, ensure that your Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel is running.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 25 -

Equalizer Settings

1. EQ presets

Select an equalizer preset to apply to your audio.

2. EQ sliders

Adjust the equalizer settings.

Customizing Your EQ Settings

Select the EQ checkbox to enable this feature, then click the EQ drop-down arrow and select a preset from the list.

Selecting a preset will move the EQ sliders to the appropriate values. You can then adjust the equalizer setting by dragging the sliders up or down to the desired level. Click configuration as a new preset.

to save the new

Note:

The list of default EQ presets cannot be deleted or overwritten.

Using the Creative Software Suite - 26 -

General Specifications

Connectivity

Inputs

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Two 3.5 mm (1/8") jacks for mono analog microphone input

One 3.5 mm (1/8") jack for stereo line-level analog input

One 3.5 mm (1/8") jack for 4-pole analog cable

USB Input: 5V  500mA

Outputs

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One 3.5 mm (1/8") jack for stereo analog headphones

One 3.5 mm (1/8") jack for stereo line-level analog output

Interfaces

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One Micro-USB port

One microphone mute button/indicator

Others

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One playback volume/mute knob

One reverb amount knob

General Specifications - 27 -

Troubleshooting and Support

This section provides solutions to problems you may encounter during installation or normal use. This includes: l l l

Problems with Sound

Problems with Simultaneous Playback/Recording

Tips to Improve Your Singing/Recording Quality

Problems with Sound

No sound from the headphones.

Check the following:

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The headphones are connected to the headphone jack.

In the Speakers/Headphones selection of Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel, the Headphones option is selected.

No audio output when playing digital files such as WAV, MIDI files or AVI clips.

Check the following:

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The speakers' volume control knob is set at mid-range. Adjust the volume mixer settings in Sound

Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel, if necessary.

The powered speakers or external amplifier are connected to the Line Out jack.

The Speakers/Headphones selection in Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel corresponds to your speaker or headphone configuration.

No audio from the instrument microphone/line-in can be heard from the source connected to line-in or mic-in jack.

Do the following:

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In the Mixer selection of Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel, go to Instrument Mic/Line-In option under REC, click , and enable Listen to this device.

No audio can be recorded from the source connected to line-in or mic-in jack.

Do the following:

i. Navigate to Windows Control Panel > Sound > Recording tab.

ii. Select Vocal Mic or Instrument Mic/Line-In as the default recording device.

iii. In the Mixer selection of Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel, unmute the Vocal Mic or Instru-

ment Mic/Line-In from REC option.

Problems with Simultaneous Playback/Recording

An error message appears when recording and playing back simultaneously.

This may occur due to data transfer limitations if your computer is using a USB 1.1 connection. It may not be possible to play back, or simultaneously record and play back, content at the highest bit rate and/or frequency supported (24-bit 48kHz). Select lower bit depth and sampling rates for reduced CPU consumption and lower USB bandwidth requirements. Select lower settings if you encounter performance problems or if you run out of USB bandwidth. Lower sampling and bit depth rates, however, usually result in lower audio quality.

This should not be a problem if you are using a USB 2.0 connection.

Troubleshooting and Support - 28 -

Tips to Improve Your Singing/Recording Quality

The Sound Blaster R3/A6U Control Panel allows you to configure various audio settings to enhance your karaoke singing/recording experience. You may toggle between the pre-configured microphone settings or adjust the audio configurations, such as microphone input volume, microphone equalizer, pitch shift, microphone boost, etc.

There are certain third party karaoke singing/recording applications which also have controls to let you choose your preferred audio effects and quality. Try tuning the audio settings in the application too, until you have found the perfect singing/recording quality you desired.

Additional Support

If you encounter any other issues or have any other enquiries about your Sound Blaster R3/A6U or any other Creative products, please visit our comprehensive knowledge base at support.creative.com or www.soundblaster.com

for additional information.

Troubleshooting and Support - 29 -

License and Copyright

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd.

The Software License Agreement is found in a separate folder on the Installation CD.

Copyright © 2013 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. Creative, the Creative logo, Sound

Blaster, the Sound Blaster logo, Audigy, SBX Pro Studio and the SBX logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. AMD and AMD Athlon are trademarks of Advanced Micro

Devices, Inc. Microsoft, Windows Vista, Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.

and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Use of this product is subject to a limited hardware warranty. Actual contents may differ slightly from those pictured. The software included in this packaging may not be used separately from the hardware. Before using the software, you must agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the end user license agreement.

Version 1.0

November 2013

License and Copyright - 30 -