Cambridge SoundWorks PCWorks Speaker System operating instructions Playback Levels

Playback Levels

Controlling Background Noise and Distortion

PCWorks is intended for individual or small group listening and will achieve surprisingly high output levels. However, playing the sys- tem 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 vol- ume when the system shows obvious signs of stress, i.e. it sounds “raspy,” “fuzzy,” and/or “muddy.”

The PC Works has high input sensitivity, so it will work well with low signal output program sources (like some TVs or comput- ers). This same high sensitivity will amplify hum or hiss present at the output of some strong program sources.

If hum or hiss is heard coming from the PC Works speakers when there should be no sound coming from your program source, it is probably because the PCWorks Volume Control is set to a high setting and your program source’s output level control is set to a low setting. To reduce the background hum and noise, use one of the following two approaches:

1.For program sources where it is convenient to use the PCWorks Volume Control:

Set the program source’s vol- ume control to a high setting (70% of its range or higher).

Please note that some computer systems may have two software level controls that work at the same time (for instance, your sound card’s software control and your operating system’s sound output control). All of these level controls should be set to a high setting. Use the PC Works Volume Control to adjust the overall output level, leaving any other controls at their higher settings.

2.For program sources with their own convenient volume control, like a remote-controlled TV:

Set the program source’s vol- ume control to a high setting (70% of its range or greater). Adjust the PCWorks Volume Control to a setting where hum and hiss are inaudible. Leave the PCWorks Volume Control at this setting and set it aside. Use the output level control of the program source to control the overall output of the system.

Keep in mind, PCWorks has

sonic fidelity sufficient to reveal noise and distortion inherent in many digital sound processors. You may not have noticed these imperfections before, even with so- called “CD-equivalent” cards.

Background noise present in a few, fixed-level program sources may be audible when the PCWorks Volume Control is set to a high level and program material is silent or playing at a low level. This behavior is intrinsic to the fixed-level signal source and is not the fault of PCWorks.

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