Mounting Issues for System 5 LCR (IWTS-5 LCR)
NOTE: We always recommend a professional be involved in the installation of InWall Theater System speakers, if at all possible.
The System 5 LCR speaker can be easily mounted in most any standard wall material, from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Its rotating wall clamps firmly fix it to the wall surface after the proper cutout has been made. Here are some important precautions to take before mounting:
Keep the sides of the actual mounting hole at least 1-1/2 inches away from beams or studs. The clamps require 3/4 of an inch to rotate, and a stud or other obstruction that’s too close will stop them from properly doing their job.
Wall cavity size will effect the bass and midrange performance of any in-wall speaker. The System 5 LCR is designed to play optimally in a 0.5 to 1.0 cubic foot space (measured before wall insulation is inserted). Cubic dimensions can be determined by multiplying the length x width x height of the cavity. A larger cavity won’t hurt, but a smaller one will definitely impact the bass and midrange response of the system.
Some of the sound from the speaker will transmit to the space on the other side of the wall cavity. If this is a major concern, you can build a box within the wall that provides the required cubic volume. The larger the volume, the better the bass response will be, up to .75 cubic feet. Beyond this size there will be no effective performance gain. Also please note that there is very little room behind the drivers in a standard “2 x 4” wall cavity (there’s only 1/4 inch), so the back of any enclosure box must be made from relatively thin ma- terials, yet it should not physically contact the back wall. Typically then, the back wall material of your enclosure will be roughly 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
For optimum sound install the Atlantic Technology IWTS Foam Damping Kit in the speaker cavity. If you don’t install this kit, at the very least line the cavity with fiberglass wool (insulation), observing all the relevant precautions and instructions from the insulation manufacturer. If you have built a back box, you can use common fiberglass insulation or open cell foam rubber in the enclosure. Be sure to push the insulation back from the drivers to ensure that it doesn’t get into the moving cone area.
Ceiling Mounting
It is especially important when mounting the speaker in a ceiling that you cover the back of the system with a fiberglass window screening (available at any home center or hardware store) to keep insulation and other foreign matter out of the assembly. You also should install safety wires from the rear of the assembly to a secure mounting place, like adjacent beams or the floor above, for added security. Should you be installing System 5 speakers in a suspended ceiling, it is imperative to install safety wires from the speaker to the support structure above, to ensure security under all conditions.
Installation of System 5 LCR in New Construction
Atlantic Technology offers an optional Rough-in Frame Kit to ease installation in new construction. Instructions for its use are included with this kit. The kit’s model nomenclature is IN-NC-5
Atlantic Technology®
Installation of System 5 LCR in Existing Construction
Removing and Installing the Grille
Remove the grille from the speaker using an awl or the point of a drywall screw in a grille opening near one of the grille corners. Slowly pry the grille out, being careful not to damage the speaker’s frame or its finish. Install the grille by pressing it carefully into the appropriate opening in the frame as- sembly. Since it’s designed to fit snugly, please take your time and use care when installing the grille.
Cutting the Opening
After determining the best location for the speaker as outlined above, use the enclosed template to cut the proper size hole (9-3/4” x 7-1/8”).
WARNING: Exercise extreme care before making any wall cuts to ensure that you will not cut through any wires, pipes, or other items that may be in the wall. You may sometimes, but not always, be able to determine the approximate location of wires and pipes by looking at the locations of nearby outlets and plumbing. But their location or absence is never an assurance that there is not something within the wall cavity.
8-1/2 in.
| | Outside Speaker |
| | Dimensions |
| | 7-1/8 in |
| in. | Speaker Cutout |
| -111/16 |
| in |
| | Dimensions |
| | 9-3/4 |
Installing the Mounting Frame
The clamping mechanism allows the wall material to range from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches (12 to 38 mm) in thickness. There must be a minimum depth behind the wall face of 3-5/8” (92 mm). As noted above, be sure to keep the edges of the cutout at least 1.5 inch (37.5mm) away from any stud or obstruction, as the rotating clamps will not operate properly if you don’t. The speaker baffle (the part with the drivers mounted in it) is designed to mount into the white frame, after the frame is mounted into the wall.
Insert the frame into the cutout and using a level or square carefully align it so it is (or it appears) level. Tighten the mounting screws, which will cause the attached clamps to rotate and position themselves properly behind the wall. Continue to tighten until the frame is snug in the wall. You want the bezel to conform to the wall board, and the frame not to rattle from the speaker’s vibration but be very careful not to overtighten the screws.
