Audioengine Hd4 Home Music System Manual

Audioengine Hd4 Home Music System

Premium Wireless Speaker System

Welcome to the Audioengine family and congratulations on your purchase of the Audioengine HD4 music system!

Audioengine is dedicated to bringing you the highest-quality listening experience possible and the Audioengine HD4 was designed with the same attention to detail and operational simplicity as our other products.

We wish to sincerely thank our customers and the entire Audioengine team for the inspiration to create yet another great product.

What’s in the box

• HD4 powered (left) speaker
• HD4 passive (right) speaker
• Speaker grills
• Antenna
• Speaker wire (16AWG), 2 meters (~6.Sft)
• AC power cord
• USB cable, 1.5 meters (~5 feet)
• 3.5mm mini-jack audio cable, 2 meters (~6.Sft)
• RCA audio cable, 2 meters (~6.Sft)
• Cloth speaker bags
• Cloth cable bag
• Quickstart guide

Features

• Built-in analog power amplifiers
• High-fidelity Bluetooth® aptX HD® + extended wireless range
• High-performance headphone amplifier
• USB computer audio input
• Dual analog audio inputs
• Variable preamp/subwoofer audio output
• Custom aramid fiber woofers and silk tweeters
• Hand-built cabinets with detachable magnetic grills

Safety Instructions

1. Please read these instructions before using this product.
2. Keep these instructions for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings on the product and in this guide.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water or moisture.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth and as directed by the manufacturer.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus that produce heat.
9. 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 wider blade or third prong are provided for your safety
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/appara­tus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time to prevent damage to this product.
14. 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.

Operating Temperature Range: 32′ to 104’F (O’ to 40’C)

Unpacking

Your speakers were carefully tested and inspected before shipping, but please check for any damage during unpacking. It is rare that damage would occur but if this should happen please contact the shipping company immediately.

Quick setup

1. Connect the included speaker wire between the HD4 speakers by firmly pressing each of the four speaker wire connectors into the ends of the terminals on each speaker. Note to observe proper wire polarity to each speaker connector.
2. Attach the Bluetooth antenna to the HD4 rear panel.
3. Verify that the power switch on the rear panel of the left speaker is in the OFF position.
4. Connect the AC power cable to the HD4 left speaker rear panel and plug the other end of the cable into a functioning power outlet.

Wireless connection

1. Turn power on via the rear panel power switch. HD4 will automatically go into Bluetooth “pair mode” and the Pair button on the rear panel will flash.
2. On your device (phone, tablet, or computer) turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
3. Select “Audioengine HD4” to pair and connect. The Pair indicator light on the HD4 rear panel should now be on solid.
4. Play your music and adjust volume levels for HD4 and your device.

Pairing additional devices

To add additional wireless devices, enable Bluetooth pair mode by discon­necting HD4 from your device or by pressing and holding the Pair button on the HD4 rear panel for about 3 seconds until the pair indicator light starts flashing. Repeat steps 2 & 3 to connect another device.
HD4 wirelessly connects to one Bluetooth device at a time, however it will pair to and remember up to six different devices.

Wired connection

1. Connect one of the included audio cables between your device and an input on the HD4 rear panel.
2. Play music and adjust the volume on the speakers and your device to your desired listening levels.

USB computer audio connection

1. Connect the included USB cable between your computer and the USB input on the rear panel of the HD4 left powered speaker.
2. If using Windows, your HD4 should be recognized automatically. For MacOS, under System Preferences/Sound/Output, select “Audioengine HD4”.

Inputs and volume settings

Multiple devices may be connected to the speakers at the same time and the wireless and aux inputs are open and active, so it’s easy to switch between your phone, tablet, computer, TV, etc.
To adjust the volume, we recommend you first set a level on HD4 and then use the volume control on your device to adjust the overall level. Volume settings are flexible and there is no right or wrong so feel free to experiment to find what works for you.

Variable audio output

HD4 includes a variable full-range preamp audio output so you can connect a subwoofer or another music sytem. The HD4 output is adjustable so the volume level can be controlled from the HD4 volume control or your phone, computer, or tablet.

You can also wirelessly stream music wirelessly from HD4 to other systems around your house by connecting the Audioengine W3 wireless adapter to the audio output.

The HD4 system includes built-in power amplifiers so do not connect the H D4 speaker terminals directly to the speaker outputs of a stereo receiver or power amplifier. Instead use the preamp output of your stereo receiver connected to one of the audio inputs of the HD4.

Break-in period

Your speakers will sound great out of the box and will get better over time. No need to do anything else but listen to them, however, we do recom­mend that you give them at least 40 to 50 hours break in time before doing any critical listening.

Cleaning

We don’t recommend using any solvents or cleaners. Just wipe down the cabinets with a soft, dry cloth.
For specifications and other product info go to: audioengine.com

Contact support

If you have any setup or troubleshooting questions please visit our help center, where you can also contact customer support: support.audioengineusa.com

Speaker placement

Although Audioengine speakers are very forgiving with regards to where you place them, it’s true that speaker location can have quite an impact on sound. There are many different recommendations for optimal speaker placement but rooms and tastes are different so it’s difficult to suggest a perfect setup. We do however, suggest you feel free to experiment to see what works for you.

Here are a few basic suggestions, assuming you have some flexibility regarding placement. But no need for concern if your listening space dictates the speakers’ location.

As a general rule of thumb for the best soundstage and imaging, tweeters should be at about eye-level in your most frequent listening location.

Both speakers should be at an equal distance from your primary listening position.

Placing the speakers at least 4-6 feet apart usually provides the best imaging and soundstage.

If you need to turn the speakers on their sides, position the tweeters toward the outside.

If used on a desktop for computer or multimedia speakers, the more solid the surface, the better your speakers will usually sound!

HD4 powered (left) speaker – front panel

HD4 powered (left) speaker – rear panel

HD4 passive (right) speaker- rear panel

Warranty information

All Audioengine products have a 3-year Limited Warranty on parts and labor from date of purchase. The Limited Warranty applies only to Audioengine products purchased in the United States. Your warranty is automatic, so there is no need to register. For Limited Warranty coverage elsewhere, please contact the Audioengine reseller or distributor in your country or region.

What is covered

All defective parts or faulty workmanship.

What is not covered

The Audioengine Limited Warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, excessive moisture, lightning, power surges, other acts of nature, unauthorized product modification or repairs, or failure to follow the instructions outlined in this guide.

What we will do

We will repair or replace any defective parts, at our option, within a reasonable amount of time and free of charge any time during the warranty period. After service, we will be responsible for shipping the product back to you at our expense to an address in the contiguous United States.

What we ask from you

You will be responsible for shipping charges to Audioengine or to an authorized dealer. We recommend you keep the original shipping materials to prevent shipping damage if service is needed. Audioen­gine cannot be responsible for any damages incurred during shipping due to poor packing, so please pack well and make sure to insure your shipment.

How to obtain Audioengine warranty service

If you have any questions or feel you may need service, please contact the reseller where you purchased your product. You can also visit our help center for FAQs and troubleshooting tips:
support.audioengineusa.com

And if you don’t find an answer to your question you can easily contact us by opening a support ticket. We will do everything we can to answer your questions and resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
Exclusive remedy

This Limited Warranty is fully transferable provided the current owner furnishes the proof of purchase and that the serial number on the product is intact. THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF AUDIOENGINE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL AUDIOENGINE BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES.

Product returns and refunds

We sincerely hope you get as much enjoyment from our products as we’ve had creating them. However, should you have an issue or are not satisfied with any Audioengine product for any reason contact the reseller where you purchased or contact us here:
support.audioengineusa.com

About Audioengine

Audioengine designs and builds innovative audio products and home music systems with all your music in mind. Great sound, simple but elegant designs, high-quality materials and truly useful features are what Audioengine is about.

FCC Part 15 Notice

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.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interfer­ence in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Information for Users on Disposal of Old Equipment [European Union]

This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic equipment should not be disposed as general household waste at its end-of-life. Instead, the product should be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling in accordance with your national legislation.

By disposing of this product correctly, you will help to conserve the environment and human health that could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. For more information about collection point and recycling of this product, please contact your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with national legislation.

[Other Countries outside the European Union]
If you wish to dispose of this product, please do so in accordance with applicable national legislation or other rules in your country for the treatment of old electrical and electronic equipment.

© 2020 Audioengine, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Audioengine and Audioengine HD4 are trademarks of Audioengine.
The Bluetooth name and the Bluetooth trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and are used by Audioengine under license.

The aptX® mark and logos are registered trademarks of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

HD4 Quick Setup

Step 1: Connect the speaker wire from the HD4 left (powered) speaker to the right (passive) speaker.

Step 2: Attach the wireless antenna to the HD4 rear panel.

Step 3: Insert the power cable into the HD4 rear panel and plug the other end into an AC power outlet.

Wireless Connection

Step 4:  Turn on the HD4 power switch located on the rear panel.  HD4 will automatically go into Bluetooth “pair mode” and the Pair button on the HD4 rear panel should start flashing.

Step 5 : On your device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.

Step 6:  Select “Audioengine HD4” to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the HD4 rear panel should be solid. Play your music and adjust volume levels on HD4 and your device.

Step 7:  To add additional devices put HD4 back into pair mode by disconnecting HD4 from your device or by pressing and holding the Pair button on the HD4 front panel until the pair indicator starts flashing. HD4 can wirelessly connect to only one device at a time, however it will remember up to six different devices.

Wired Connection

Step 8:  Connect one of the included audio cables to your music player (phone, tablet, computer, TV, etc) and the other end to an input on the HD4 rear panel.

Step 9:  Play your music and adjust the volume on the speakers and your device to the desired listening levels.

HD4 Troubleshooting Tips

Standard HD4 troubleshooting tips

The following troubleshooting tips can help diagnose and correct most concerns with the HD4. We have attempted to make this list as comprehensive as possible. Although some of these tips may not apply to your issue, please still go through each one.

1. Verify that the volume/power control on the rear panel is not turned all the way down or powered off (we recommend setting the volume to at least the 10 o’clock position).
2. Double check that your audio source is on and that its volume is not set to the minimum level.
3. Check the speaker wire connections from the left (powered) speaker to the right (passive) speaker. Confirm this by removing the speaker wire from each speaker and then reconnecting them.  Also, check the speaker wire polarity by verifying that the wires are going to the same terminals on both speakers (black to black, red to red, etc.).
4. Make sure that the cables from your audio sources to the speakers are properly connected. Confirm this by unplugging the audio cables and then reconnecting them.
5. Decrease the volume of the input audio source and increase the volume of the speakers.
6. Try using different audio source devices to see if the problem follows.
7. Try swapping your left and right speaker via the RCA left and right inputs to see if the issue remains in the same channel or follows the speaker.
8. When using a computer with your HD4 speakers, make sure that the level is turned up on your various volume controls (media players, internet radio, master control, device volume, etc.) and that the balance control is centered.

• If your input source has its own EQ, then please make sure the low end is at a moderate level, as having too much bass can cause distortion.
• If you are using a wireless adapter, preamp, or external DAC with these speakers, then remove them temporarily and connect the audio input source directly to the speakers.
• Move your speakers to a different location to see if something is causing interference in the current setup. Something as simple as a wireless internet router, mobile phone or halogen lamp near the speakers can cause interference.

HD4 troubleshooting tips – Internal USB digital-to-analog converter

Try these tips if your computer does not recognize the speaker through your computer’s USB input. Additionally, try these tips if the sound through the USB input isn’t functioning correctly.

If you are using a Windows computer, uninstall the USB driver from your computer. Then, disconnect the USB cable to remove the HD4 from your computer and plug it back in to allow the USB driver to re-install automatically. You can find complete instructions from Microsoft on how to reinstall a plug-and- play device under Windows here.

If you are using a Mac, try a NVRAM/PRAM reset. This resets the system configurations for some audio and video related items and can many times help clear up problems related to audio. See Apple’s support page for information on how to do this. Also, be sure to check the App store to see if there’s a newer version of Mac OS you could be running.

HD4 troubleshooting tips – Bluetooth

1. Verify that the HD4 is connected to power and that the rear power switch is turned to the “on” position. If you haven’t already, power cycle your speakers by switching them off and back on.
2. If your HD4 is already connected to a device via Bluetooth, the Bluetooth pair light on the front panel of the left speaker will be on and solid (note that if your HD4 has been idle and not connected to a device for more than 2-5 minutes, the Pair light will automatically turn off).  Tap the Pair button, and it will begin blinking (or pair to your HD4 using your source device, and the LED will go from off to on and solid).
3. Try playing audio from more than one application on your phone, tablet or computer.
4. Check to make sure your source device (computer, tablet, phone, etc.) is running the most up-to-date version of software available.
5. Disconnect from and forget the HD4 speakers in your device’s Bluetooth settings. Then, pair to the HD4 speakers again.
6. Try using a different source device with your HD4 to see if the issue follows.  Also, be sure to test your HD4’s analog input.
7. If possible, move your HD4 speakers to a different location to see if the issue persists.  Nearby devices (such as a wireless internet router, mobile phone, halogen lamp, etc.) can sometimes cause interference in your setup.

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