Altec Lansing boast about 4 main features in their new wonder toy.  These are:

• Digital powercube design 
• True Digital Audio 
• USB connection
• Multi-channel surround sound 

The main innovation is USB support, which wasn’t found in earlier Altec Lansing models. The other was the multi-channel surround effect achieved by the two drivers at the top of the satellites. The next thing you notice is the name “True Digital Audio” found with the ADA 305 name.  In the first place, this is not exactly digital audio but a term used by Altec Lansing to describe the speaker connection with the USB port, which transmits undecoded digital audio streams directly without any distortion. 

As a result of USB support, Altec Lansing includes a program called “Audio Management" which gives you greater control of your listening environment over the ADA 305 True Digital Audio speaker system. The program itself has a very user-friendly interface. This on-screen software allows you to individually adjust each audio channel and to add preset audio settings, which includes Music, Games, Action, Sports, and Movie. And you also have the ability to customize your listening environment if you’re not satisfied with the preset settings. In addition to the on-screen controls, the Audio Management software program allows the user to simultaneously control the primary and speaker volumes. You can also switch between stereo or Dolby Pro Logic mode. For stereo mode, the two satellites will work as two speakers instead of four. When Dolby Pro Logic mode is activated, the angled secondary drivers on top of the satellites will work independently, producing a 4-channel surround effect.

For those of you who don’t have USB support in your computer, fear not. Just like in a conventional PC speaker system, the subwoofer contains controls for manual operation. So don’t concern yourself over these on-screen controls. 
 

For more information regarding true Digital Audio please visit their website.