P o w e r e d

A U D I O

STEREO

The power to

CONNECT!
Get more out of your CD player, MP3 player, Video Gaming System or your PC. Its as simple as plug and play!
SIMPLIFY!dont require an Powered Speakers
expensive external amplifier and the quality of sound is truly Awesome! Just Listen!
Experience truly great sound, with clear, pure highs, full, rich mids, ultra deep bass and awesome power that will really move you!

EXPAND!

You can enjoy great sound in every room of your house With Powered Speakers you can plug and play just about anywhere!

SHARE!

Put away your headphones and turn your player into a Powerful Sound System that everyone can enjoy!

VS4221

S p e a k e rs

S u b w o o f e r

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS:
Altec Lansings superior sound comes from our proprietary technology, which utilizes custom-built, high-fidelity drivers, state-of-the-art equalization circuitry, and a harmonious mix of the following specifications: SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL): 98 dB TOTAL CONTINUOUS POWER: 35 Watts RMS
Front Speakers: 8 Watts/channel @ 4 ohms @ 10% THD @ 160 Hz - 20 kHz 2 Channels Loaded Subwoofer: 19 Watts @ 8 ohms @ 10 % THD @ 40 - 160 Hz Single Channel Loaded
SYSTEM RESPONSE: 40 Hz 20 kHz (-10dB) SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO @ 1 KHZ INPUT: > 80 dB DRIVERS (PER SATELLITE): Two 28mm full-range and one 3" midbass driver DIMENSIONS: 4.5" (W) x 4.6" (D) x 10.3" (H) 115 mm (W) x 118 mm (D) x 262 mm (H) SUBWOOFER DRIVER: One 6.5" long-throw woofer DIMENSIONS: 7.9" (W) x 9.6" (D) x 13.4" (H) 200 mm (W) x 245 mm (D) x 340 mm (H)
PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS:
MASTER CARTON QUANTITY: 2 MASTER CARTON DIMENSIONS: 23.5" (W) x 15.7" (D) x 16.1" (H) 596 mm (W) x 398 mm (D) x 408 mm (H) DISPLAY CARTON DIMENSIONS: 15.1" (W) x 11.4" (D) x 15.3" (H) 384 mm (W) x 290 mm (D) x 388 mm (H) MASTER CARTON WEIGHT: 29 lbs. (to be confirmed) DISPLAY CARTON WEIGHT: 14 lbs. (to be confirmed)
Specifications subject to change without notice.
High Style! High Performance!
Forget modesty, we really did it this time. The new Altec Lansing VS4221 speaker system is a stunner. Judge it by its specially engineered micro drivers that deliver crisp, clear highs. A down-firing 3" driver for a warm, uniform sound around the room. And, of course, the long-throw subwoofer that packs powerful enough bass to register on the Richter scale. The result is a rich, robust sound that very few systems can match at any price. And just look at it! The Altec Lansing VS4221 system is sleek and beautiful. A pivoting stand allows you to orient the micro drivers so they direct sound straight to your ears. And a convenient wireless remote and caddy put the controls right at your finger tips. High performance. High class looks. The new Altec Lansing VS4221 system is the perfect package.
VS4221 with wireless remote
Powerful sound Experience what great performance is all about!

Speakers

Subwoofer
2005 Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. ALTEC, ALTEC LANSING, the Altec Lansing logo, the swirl design, the Altec Lansing Powered Audio logo, the Plug + Play with Icons logo, Just listen to this!, and Experience True Performance! are registered trademarks or trademarks of Altec Lansing. Corporate Headquarters 535 Rte. 6 & 209. Milford, PA 18337-0277 o 800-ALTEC-88. 570-296-4434. o Fax 570-296-6887 Europe 13 Rue Beaumont, L-1219 Luxembourg, Luxembourg o Tel: +36 o Fax: +26 Asia/Pacific 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon, Hong Kong. o (852) 2735-7331. o Fax (852) 27307748 Engineered in USA. Made in China.

Exceptional sound dispersion Our uniquely concealed midrange driver fills the room with
richly diffused, accurate sound youll enjoy clean mids anywhere in the room.
Crisp high end Specially engineered Micro Drivers on pivoting stand reproduce highs with
thrilling clarity and deliver sounds straight to your ears.
Impressive bass Feel shakes and quakes from the front-firing, long-throw subwoofer housed

in a solid-wood cabinet.

Wireless Control Stand-by, master volume, bass, treble, and loudness are at your fingertips with a wireless remote. Just sit back and enjoy! Revolutionary, low-profile design Looks great and fits virtually anywhere. Also features Built-in controls with power on/off and volume, a headphone jack, built-in RCA
inputs for your TV or video gaming system, shielded satellites for use near PC monitors, and colorcoded cables for easy installation.
w w w. a l t e c l a n s i n g. c o m

VS4221

Users guide Mode demploi
Gua del usuario Guia do Usurio
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Caution: To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

CAUTION

To prevent electric shock do not use this (polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
ALTEC LANSING TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (TWO-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ASIA)
What Does The Warranty Cover?: Altec Lansing warrants that its products shall be free from defects in materials or workmanship, with the exceptions stated below. What Is The Period Of Coverage?: For units purchased in European Union or Asia, this warranty runs for two year from the date of purchase. For units not purchased in Europe or Asia, this warranty runs for one year from the date of purchase. The term of any warranties implied by law shall expire when your limited warranty expires. Some states and/or Member States in the European Union do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. What Does The Warranty Not Cover?: This warranty does not cover any defect, malfunction or failure that occurs as a result of: improper installation; misuse or failure to follow the product directions; abuse; or use with improper, unintended or faulty equipment. (For information on proper installation, operation and use consult the manual supplied with the product. If you require a replacement manual, you may download a manual from www.alteclansing.com.) Also, consequential and incidental damages are not recoverable under this warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. What Will Altec Lansing Do To Correct The Problem?: Altec Lansing will, at its option, repair or replace any product that proves to be defective in material or workmanship. If your product is no longer being manufactured, or is out of stock, at its option, Altec Lansing may replace your product with a similar or better Altec Lansing product. How To Get Warranty Service: To get a covered product repaired or replaced, you must contact Altec Lansing during the warranty period by email (csupport@alteclansing.com). You must include in your email, your name, address, email address, telephone number, date of purchase and a complete description of the problem you are experiencing. In the United States, you may alternatively contact Altec Lansing by telephone at 1-800-ALTEC88 please be prepared to provide the same information. If the problem appears to be related to a defect in material or workmanship, Altec Lansing will provide you a return authorization and instructions for return shipment. Return shipments shall be at the customer's expense, and the return must be accompanied by the original proof of purchase. You should insure the shipment as appropriate because you are responsible for the product until it arrives at Altec Lansing. How Will State Law Affect Your Rights?: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Please note that in the European Union, you as a consumer might have other legal rights under national legislation of European Union Member States governing the sale of Altec Lansings goods. Those rights are not affected by this guarantee. The above limited warranties and remedies are sole warranties and remedies available to purchaser, if, and to the extent, valid and enforceable under the applicable law.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CONNECTING

POWER CORD (AC WALL SOCKET)
Long slot is neutral (ground) side.
Insert the wide blade into the ground side slot.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 6. Clean only with dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. The apparatus should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings. The apparatus must not be placed in a built-in installation, such as a closed bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings. Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the openings with items such as newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. 10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet. 11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 12. Do not install in an area which impedes the access to the power plug. Disconnecting the power plug is the only way to completely remove power to the product and must be readily accessible at all times. 13. Power source Use only power supplies of the type specified in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance. If a separate power supply is included with this apparatus, do not substitute with any other power supply use only manufacturer-provided power supplies. 14. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 15. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. For service, refer to qualified service personnel, return to the dealer, or call the Altec Lansing service line for assistance. 16. For products which incorporate batteries, please refer to local regulations for proper battery disposal.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The answers to most setup and performance questions can be found in the Troubleshooting guide. You can also consult the FAQs in the customer support section of our Web site at www.alteclansing.com. If you live in North America and still cant find the information you need, please call our customer service team for assistance before returning the speakers to your retailer under their return policy. Tel: 800-258-3288 Email: csupport@alteclansing.com If you live outside of North America, please visit our website at www.alteclansing.com and select your region to locate your countrys distributor. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check our Web site at www.alteclansing.com. 2003 Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. Designed and engineered in the USA and manufactured in our ISO9002 certified factory. United States Patents 4429181 and 4625328 plus other patents pending.
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
International customers: For information regarding the distribution of Altec Lansing products in your country, please visit www.alteclansing.com and click on your region.

FCC NOTE

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. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Inputs

Various connection schemes between your audio source and the speaker system are available. Determine if youll 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 appropriate section.
Three-Piece Powered Audio System
Thank you for purchasing this Altec Lansing product. For generations, Altec Lansing has been first in audio innovation. Today, our line of powered speakers has received more performance awards than any other brand. In all kinds of desktop environments, in every price range, Altec Lansing offers sound of distinction giving even the most demanding customers the audio enjoyment they seek. Just listen to this!
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 cards documentation should help you determine which outputs to use with your speaker system. Connect the lime green 3.5mm stereo cable to the lime green input labeled FRONT on your sound card.

Box Contents

Two speakers and one subwoofer Wireless remote Remote mounting bracket 3.5mm stereo cable Users guide Quick connect instructions (located on inner-flap of the package)

Console Gaming

Most console game systems feature dual-RCA outputs. To connect your speakers, follow the steps below: 1. Make sure the power to your console gaming system is turned off. 2. Locate the red and white RCA cable that came with your console gaming system. 3. Connect one end of the RCA cable to the matching red and white RCA jacks located on the back of the subwoofer, and the other end to the back of your console gaming system.

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 doesnt have to be placed in any particular relationship to the satellites. However, placing the subwoofer on the floor close to a wall or room corner provides better bass efficiency and optimum sound. Warning: The subwoofer is not magnetically shielded. As such, it SHOULD 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.).
Portable Audio Devices (MP3, Portable CD Players, etc.)
Connect the lime green 3.5mm stereo cable to the headphone jack on your portable audio device.

POWERING ON

1. After all other connections are made, plug the AC power cord (on the back of subwoofer) into a wall outlet. The speaker system is now ready to operate. 2. Turn on the audio source. 3. Turn on the speaker system by either simultaneously pressing the + and buttons located on the side of the right satellite, or by pressing the stand-by button on the wireless remote. An LED will light on the front of the right satellite when the power is ON. 4. Install the supplied battery in the remotes battery compartment. CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type Note: To avoid hearing a popping sound when you turn on your Altec Lansing speaker system, always turn on your audio source first.

Satellite Speakers

Arrange the satellite speakers to suit your listening tastes from right next to the monitor to as far apart as the speaker cords allow. For optimum sound, satellite speakers should be placed in a left/right configuration, preferably apart and at equal distance from the center of the listening area. This will offer the best stereo imaging and provide the most satisfying results. 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

Volume
Warning: Do not insert the speaker systems power plug into a wall outlet until all connections are made. Also, turn off audio source (i.e., your PC, MP3 player, Sony PlayStation, etc.) before connecting the outputs to the speaker systems inputs. To ensure first-time operation as expected, please carefully follow the connection sequences described below in the order indicated. The + and buttons on the side of the right satellite control the master volume. The + and buttons marked with the word volume on the wireless remote also control the master volume. Press the + button to increase the volume, and press the to decrease the volume.

Treble Speaker System

1. Connect the right satellite speaker (with a thicker cable and orange DIN connector) to the orange input on the back of the subwoofer, labeled RIGHT. Note that the arrow on the DIN connector must face up. 2. Connect the left satellite speaker (with a thinner cable and a brown RCA connector) to the brown input on the back of the subwoofer, labeled LEFT. 3. Connect one end of the audio input cable (with lime green connectors at each end) to the matching lime green input plug on the back of the subwoofer, labeled INPUT. 4. Connect the other end of the audio input cable to your desired audio source. The + and buttons marked with the word treble on the wireless remote control the treble. Press the + button to increase the treble, and press the to decrease the treble.
The + and buttons marked with the word bass on the wireless remote control the bass. Press the + button to increase the bass, and press the to decrease the bass.

Loudness

The button marked with the word "loud" on the wireless remote contours the high and low frequencies to maximize the perceived audio.

Stand-By

To mute the speaker system, simultaneously press the + and buttons located on the side of the right satellite, or press the stand-by button on the wireless remote. The LED on the front of the satellite will turn off. To un-mute, perform either command again. Note: While in stand-by mode, the system continues to receive power. To completely shut down the unit, simultaneously press the + and buttons located on the side of the right satellite, or press the stand-by button on the wireless remote, then unplug the unit from the wall.

Default

The button marked with the word "default" on the wireless remote restores tone controls to original factory settings.

Headphones

To use headphones with the system, plug them into the labeled jack on the right satellite. When headphones are connected, the speaker system is muted.

System Specifications*

Altec Lansings superior sound comes from our patented Dynamic EQ technology, which utilizes custom-built, high-fidelity drivers, state-of-the-art equalization circuitry, and a harmonious mix of the following specifications: Sound Pressure Level (SPL): Total Continuous Power: Front Speakers: 98 dB 35 Watts RMS 8 Watts/channel @ 4 ohms @ 10% THD @ 160 Hz 20 kHz 2 Channels Loaded 19 Watts @ 8 ohms @ 10% THD @ Hz Single Channel Loaded System Response: Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz input: Drivers (per satellite): Subwoofer: 40 Hz 20 kHz (-10 dB) > 80 dB Two 28mm full-range and one 3" mid-bass driver One 6.5" long-throw woofer

Subwoofer:

*Power rating conforms to FTC Amplifier Rule #16 C.F.R. Part 432.

Troubleshooting Symptom

No LEDs are lit.

Possible Problem

Power isnt turned on.

Solution

Turn on the speaker system by either simultaneously pressing the + and buttons located on the side of the right satellite, or by pressing the stand-by button on the wireless remote. Check to see if the Power On LED is illuminated on the right satellite. If not, connect AC power. If the AC power cord is plugged into a surge protector, make sure the surge protector is switched on. Plug another device into the wall outlet (same jack) to verify the wall outlet is working. Verify the AC power cord is plugged into the wall outlet. Turn on the speaker system by either simultaneously pressing the + and buttons located on the side of the right satellite, or by pressing the stand-by button on the wireless remote.
AC power cord isnt connected to the wall outlet.
Surge protector (if used) isnt powered on.
Wall outlet not functioning.
No sound from one or more speakers.

Volume is set too low.

Press the + button on the side of the right satellite to increase the volume. Check volume level on the computer sound card or alternate audio source device, and set at mid-level.
3.5mm stereo cable isnt connected to audio source.
Check plug connections on the audio source. Make sure the signal cables are inserted firmly into the correct jacks. Make sure the 3.5mm stereo cable is connected and fully inserted into the line-out, audio-out, or the headphone jack of the audio source. Test the speakers on another audio device. Remove the 3.5mm stereo cable from the audio source device and connect it to line-out, audio-out, or the headphone jack of another audio source.
3.5mm stereo cable is connected to wrong output on audio source. Problem with audio source device.

Symptom

Crackling sound from speakers.

Bad connection.

Check all cables. Make sure they are connected to line-out or audio-out jack on your sound card or other audio source NOT speaker-out. Check the computer operating system volume level and decrease it if necessary.

Volume level in computer operating system is set too high. A problem with your audio source device.
Unplug the stereo cable from the audio source. Then plug it into the headphone jack of an alternate audio source (e.g., Walkman, Discman or FM radio). Press the button on the side of the right satellite to decrease the volume. Adjust the computer operating system volume and balance levels to the center as a starting point, then adjust the level on the speaker using the volume control. WAV files are often of poor quality. So distortion and noise are easily noticed with high-powered speakers. Try a different sound source such as a music CD. Move your speakers until the interference goes away.

Sound is distorted.

Volume level set too high. Computer operating system volume level is set too high.
Sound source is distorted.
Radio interference. No sound from subwoofer.
Too close to a radio tower.
Check to make sure that all cables are connected properly and are making a clear connection. Many.WAV and.MID files often have little low-frequency content and sound flat when you listen to them on a computer. Try a song with more bass something from your CD collection. Some low hum may be detected when your speaker system is powered on without an audio source playing, or when the volume is set at an extremely low level. Unplug the AC power cord from the surge protector (if used), and plug directly into an AC wall outlet. Move your cables. Check to ensure they are making a clear connection.
Sound source has little low-frequency content.

Low hum from subwoofer.

The AC in your house is at 60 cycles per second, which is within the audio frequency of the subwoofer.

Loud hum from subwoofer.

Bass level set too high.
Press the button marked with the word bass on the wireless remote to decrease the bass. Disconnect your 3.5mm stereo cable from the audio source. If the loud hum goes away, lower the volume on the audio source. Lower the volume or bass level on your computer, portable device, etc.
Volume or bass level on your audio source device is set too high.

Distorted monitor.

Subwoofer too close to monitor.
Because the subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, it can cause distortion if its too close to your monitor. Move the subwoofer so its at least 2 feet from your monitor.
Le symbole figurant un clair dans un triangle quilatral est destin attirer lattention de lutilisateur sur la prsence dune tension dangereuse non isole pouvant tre damplitude suffisante pour constituer un risque dlectrocution.