Amina AIW1X User manual

Installation Guide AIWX Series
Invisible LoudspeakerV2.2 March 201 1
(Model shown: AIW5X)

Caution: Read before installing this product
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To ensure optimal performance, please read
this guide carefully and keep in a safe place
for future reference.
Install this product in a cool, dry, clean place -
away from direct sunlight and heat sources,
vibration, chemical fumes, dust and moisture
(steam).
Do not expose this product to sudden
temperature changes or locate it in an
environment with high humidity. This is to
prevent condensation forming inside which
may cause damage to the product.
Do not clean this product with chemical
solvents as this may damage the finish. Use
a clean, dry or damp cloth.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Before installing, ensure that the building is environmentally sealed, de-humidified and at a stable
temperature of at least 16 degrees centigrade (61 degrees farenheit)
Please be aware that when this product is directly fitted into a solid wall structure (e.g when using the solid
wall backbox) vibrational energy is inevitably transferred into the solid wall structure. This energy can travel
for some considerable distance up, down and along the structure. It is therefore recommended the
product be fitted within acoustically insulated stud walls or ceiling sections where possible. The use of the
product directly embedded in solid walls is not recommended in multi occupation buildings.
Ensure that all installation mounting surfaces
are able to support the weight of the
product.
After installation, avoid pushing on the wall or
ceiling surface immediately in front of the
speaker. Excessive excursion, whilst unlikely
to damage the speaker, will undoubtedly
crack the plaster around its perimeter.
Do not attempt to modify or repair the
product. Contact your distributor or
manufacturer if a fault should occur.
The rear of the product should not be subject
to chemical cleaning and should not be
painted in any way.
WARNING:
No attempt should be made to install this product within existing building structures unless you are certain
that no electric cables, water pipes, gas pipes or supporting joists will be cut through.

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03
04
05
06
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1 0
1 1
1 2
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1 9
2 0
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Contents
Message from the Managing Director
Included in the carton / Packaging
How to use this manual
Installation overview diagram
Cavity Installation steps 1 + 2
Cavity Installation steps 3+4
Cavity Installation steps 5 + 6
Cavity Installation with backbox steps 1 + 2
Cavity Installation with backbox steps 3+4
Cavity Installation with backbox step 5
Solid Wall Installation with backbox steps 1 + 2
Solid Wall Installation with backbox steps 3+4
Solid Wall Installation with backbox step 5
Retrofit / plasterboard (patch plastered)
Retrofit / plasterboard (feathered skim)
New Build / plasterboard
Retrofit / solid wall (feathered skim)
Retrofit / solid wall (patch plastered)
New Build / solid wall
Retrofit / drywall (patch plastered)
Retrofit / drywall (feathered skim)
2 2
2 3
2 4
2 5
2 6
2 7
2 8
2 9
3 0
3 1
3 2
Testing the speakers
Plastering and decorating steps 1 + 2
Plastering and decorating steps 3, 4 + 5
Setup tips
Speaker selection guide
Further details
Troubleshooting
Specifications / AIWX Series & APU2
Specifications / AIW3X/S200
Spacesaver information
Warranty, copyright, contact information
Section
Preparing the wall / ceiling and
fixing the product
Section
Alignment and plastering preparation
Section
Testing
Section
Finishing

Message from the Managing Director
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing an Amina Technologies AIWX high performance
invisible loudspeaker.
At Amina we are proud of being at the forefront of flat panel loudspeaker technology. All the
components that make up your AIWX have been developed specifically to provide the ultimate in
sound quality and reliability, while allowing you to decorate, furnish and enjoy your home in any way
you wish without any visible “clutter” from your audio system.
At the heart of an AIWX is our high performance vibrational panel driver. Featuring a unique high
power neodymium magnet motor system. This enables the product to provide high quality, high sound
pressure levels from such a compact design. Please take a moment to read this guide which will help
you achieve the best possible performance from your product.
Thanks and enjoy listening.
Richard Newlove
MD - Amina Technologies Ltd
About the manufacturer
Amina Technologies Ltd is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of truly invisible loudspeaker
solutions. Their invisible loudspeakers have been used in a wide range of both commercial and
residential applications for over twelve years.
Exclusive hotel spas, fashion retail outlets and stunning private residences have all benefited from using
Amina invisible loudspeakers. Amina has the discreet solution ideal for architects, interior designers and
all design conscious clients.
See their website for more details about Amina and a selection of prestigious projects completed using
our products.
01
Our high power neodymium magnet structures

Included in the carton 02
Model Number
AIW1X
AIW1Xn
AIW2X
AIW2Xn
AIW3X
AIW3Xn
AIW4X
AIW4Xn
AIW5X
AIW5Xn
AIW3X/S200
(slimline)
AIW3Xn/S200
(slimline)
Please check that your carton contains the correct accessories.
Single
1x AIW1X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW1X Loudspeaker
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW2X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW2X Loudspeaker
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW3X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW3X Loudspeaker
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW4X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW4X Loudspeaker
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW5X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW5X Loudspeaker
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW3X/S200 Loudspeaker
1x APU2
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
1x AIW3X/S200 Loudspeaker
4x plastic fixing blocks, 1x Spacesaver
Pair
2x AIW1X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
8x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
2x AIW1X Loudspeaker
8x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
2x AIW3X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
8x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
2x AIW3X Loudspeaker
8x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
2x AIW5X Loudspeaker
1x APU2
8x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
2x AIW5X Loudspeaker
8x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
2x AIW3X/S200 Loudspeaker
1x APU2
4x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
1x AIW3X/S200 Loudspeaker
4x plastic fixing blocks, 2x Spacesaver
Packaging
The packaging for the AIWX has been carefully designed to protect the product during transit. Please
retain it in the unlikely event you need to return the product to your dealer or manufacturer. Please
recycle the packaging should you wish to dispose of it.
The AIWX outer carton is made up of 80% recycled single wall board.
CAUTION:
Take care when removing the speakers from the carton.

How to use this manual
The following pages contain step by step advice to help you achieve a successful installation of your
AIWX Series loudspeaker(s).
AIWX Series loudspeakers can be installed into walls or ceilings of various construction types. This
installation guide covers the two basic building construction types; plasterboard cavity walls/ceilings
and brick/concrete walls/ceilings. For other construction types please contact Amina.
Cavity wall or ceiling
There are two options here for the installer. Either the supplied, basic fixing blocks can be used to mount
the speaker to the plasterboard/drywall or an optional backbox (BackboxFS) can be used. If you are
using the basic fixing blocks there will be no containment of the speaker’s rearward sound output. This
may or may not be an issue, however the potential for sound transfer into unwanted areas should be
considered very carefully.
If the speaker’s rearward sound output needs to be reduced due to sound transference considerations,
it is highly recommended to use a BackboxFS. This will substantially reduce, although not stop entirely,
the rearward sound output from the speaker. It also has the added benefit of providing a standardised
enclosure volume for the speaker to operate in, which will reduce variances in sonic performance.
Solid wall or ceiling
For installation into brickwork or concrete you will need to pre-install an Amina BackboxSW (sold
seperately). When the BackboxSW is installed according to this guide it will position the speaker
correctly and securely in the wall/ceiling, ready to be plastered over.
The details below and the flow chart on the opposite page will allow you to select the correct
installation steps to follow for your particular type of installation.
Section : Preparing the wall / ceiling and fixing the product
In this section, select the type of installation you will be carrying out and begin from the start page
given. This will direct you through the stages, step by step.
Throughout the step by step process, reminders will advise you to view specific pages within Section B.
At this point you will need to ascertain the specific page that best matches your installation
requirement within this section (i.e is it a retrofit installation or a new build?).
Section : Alignment and plastering preparation
Section B is the reference section which is to be used in conjunction with Section A. Please ensure the
correct alignment and plastering method for a retrofit installation or a new build is followed. Reminders
on each page throughout Section A will guide the installer to the correct reference page.
Section : Testing
This section advises you on the correct procedures for speaker testing.
Section : Finishing
This section covers plastering and decorating once your speaker has been installed correctly. It may
again be necessary to refer to Section B in order to apply the correct plastering method.
03

Installation overview 04
Preparing the wall / ceiling
and fixing the product
Alignment and plastering preparation
Cavity installation Solid installation
Section
Section
Cavity
installation
Typically a new build
or full refurbishment
(wall/ceiling)
Start at page 05
Cavity installation
with backbox
For new builds or full refurbishment
where sound transmission
needs to be reduced
(wall/ceiling)
Start at page 08
Solid structure
installation
with backbox
New builds where the
wall/ceiling has not been
rendered or plastered
Start at page 11
New Build
For new
plasterboard
walls/ceilings
that have
not yet been
plastered
Page 16
Retrofit
patch plastered
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plastered
Page 14
Retrofit
feathered skim
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plastered
Page 15
Retrofit drywall
patch plastered
For new drywall
walls/ceilings that
will be taped
and joined
Page 20
Retrofit drywall
feathered skim
For new drywall
walls/ceilings that
will be taped
and joined
Page 2 1
Testing
page 22
Section
Section
New Build
For solid
walls/ceilings
that have
been rendered
but not
yet plastered
Page 19
Retrofit
patch plastered
For solid
walls/ceilings
that have
already
been plastered
Page 18
Retrofit
feathered skim
For solid
walls/ceilings
that have
already
been plastered
Page 17
Finishing
page 23

Cavity installation
05
Locate joist work
When you have chosen your speaker
locations, before cutting a hole in the
plasterboard it is important that you locate
the position of the wall studs. Ensure the
spacing between them is at least 350mm
(133/4”) for a portrait orientated speaker.
Important: If the spacing between joists is
less than 350mm (133/4”), consider using the
AIW3X/S200 loudspeaker which only
requires a 200mm (77/8”) wide cavity
01
Create 455 x 350mm aperture
Using a sharp knife or pad saw, cut an
aperture with dimensions 455mm x 350mm
(18” x 14”) in your plasterboard wall or ceiling.
Ensure aperture is created between
supporting joists or stud work.
We strongly advise that joists are not cut to
make space for the backbox. Any activity of
this sort may well influence the structural
integrity of your property.
Important: Double check the size of the
aperture is 455mm x 350mm (18” x 14”) as
this is important further on into the
installation process.
02
02
Typically a new build or full refurbishment.
Uses supplied fixing blocks
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 14 + 15
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 16
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 20 + 2 1
sharp knife
pad saw
350mm
(minimum)
cut a small
hole in plasterboard
to check stud location
01
Preparing the wall/ceiling and fixing the product
SPACESAVER:
The supplied Spacesaver may be used to
show the position of the speaker pre-install
by securing it to the wall.
Secure the speaker cable to the Spacesaver
before any building electrical inspection.
See page 31 for full details.

Cavity installation continued... 06
Install speaker cable and insert insulation
Ensure all speaker cables are pulled through
to the speaker location with plenty of slack.
This will make it easier to connect the cable
to the speaker later on in the installation
process.
It is recommended to add sound absorbing
mineral wool inside the cavity to reduce
sound transmission behind the speaker and
limit cavity resonances.
Important: Always place a mineral wool layer
above a ceiling mounted AIWX to prevent
debris falling onto its rear surface over time.
Ensure the mineral wool only rests upon the
back of the speaker, in no way should it be
forced tight against the speaker.
03
Attach fixing blocks (x4 per speaker)
Position a fixing block under the plasterboard
at each corner of the aperture. Fasten the
thicker section of the fixing blocks to the
underside of the plasterboard using two
drywall screws secured through the front
face of the plasterboard.
NB: ensure there is no gap between the fixing
block and the sawn edge of the plasterboard
aperture.
Important: The standard fixing blocks are
designed for 12.5mm (1/2”) plasterboard (1/2”
and 5/8” in North American markets).
Please contact your supplier if you require
fixings for an alternative plasterboard
thickness.
04
04
03
drywall screws
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 14 + 15
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 16
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 20 + 2 1

06
Top View
Plasterboard
Stud
Fixing block
05
Cavity installation continued...
07
Connect the AIWX speaker
Connect the speaker cable to the speaker
using a high quality crimping tool.
Your AIWX speaker is fitted with blue butt
splice crimp connectors which are suitable
for speaker cable thicknesses of 1.5mm2-
2.5mm2(16 - 14AWG). This type of connector
ensures a permanent connection is created
inside your wall cavity.
05
Secure the speaker to the fixing blocks
Important: Ensure there is an all around gap
of 2mm between the speaker and the
plasterboard. If necessary, increase the
aperture size before mounting the speaker.
Using drywall screws, fix the four corner
points of the speaker to the fixing blocks. Pilot
holes are not necessary as drywall screws will
easily self tap into the fixing block.
Ensure the front face of the speaker rests in a
position flush with the front of the
plasterboard and that it is firmly held in
position.
Continue on to Section C (page 22)
06
2mm
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 14 + 15
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 16
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 20 + 2 1
screw through
here

02
Cavity installation with backbox 08
Create 455 x 350mm aperture
Choose speaker location by following step 01,
page 5. Using a sharp knife or pad saw, cut
an aperture with dimensions 455mm x
350mm (18” x 14”) in your plasterboard wall
or ceiling. Ensure the aperture is created
between supporting joists or stud work.
We strongly advise that joists are not cut to
make space for the backbox. Any activity of
this sort may well influence the structural
integrity of your property.
Important: Double check the size of the
aperture is 455mm x 350mm (18” x 14”) as
this is important further on into the
installation process.
01
Locate cable and position backbox
Pull the speaker cable through the rubber
grommet in the top side of the backbox and
ensure speaker cables are pulled through
with a manageable length available.
Doing this will make it easier to connect the
cable to the speaker later on in the
installation process.
Position the backbox within the aperture so
as to rest it against the back side of the
plasterboard.
Use the fold out tabs at either end of the
backbox to help support it in position before
securing it to the plasterboard.
A 75mm/3" cavity depth is required to fit a
Backbox FS or Backbox FSS.
02
01
For New Builds or full refurbishment where
sound transmission needs to be reduced.
sharp knife
pad saw
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 14 + 15
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 16
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 20 + 2 1
Side View
Using the
fold out tabs...

03
Cavity installation with backbox continued...
09
Fix backbox and insert insulation
Using 8 drywall screws (4 at each end) fix
the backbox by screwing through the
plasterboard and self tapping into the flat
areas at each end of the backbox. When
positioned correctly, the backbox's speaker
mounting lip with soft foam surface should be
visible along all four sides of the aperture.
It is recommended to add sound absorbing
mineral wool inside the backbox to further
reduce sound transmission behind the
speaker. (2” maximum thickness)
03
Connect the speaker
Connect the speaker cable to the speaker
and crimp securely using a high quality
crimping tool.
Locate the speaker within the aperture
resting it on the soft foam on the backbox
mounting lip.
04
04
Plasterboard
Add mineral Wool
Fixing screw
Mounting
Lip
Backbox
Side View
Front View
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 14 + 15
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 16
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 20 + 2 1
Fixing screw

Side View
12.5mm
Cavity installation with backbox continued... 1 0
Secure the speaker
With the speaker resting on the backbox, use
drywall screws to secure the speaker onto
the backbox by self tapping into the
mounting lip, through the pilot hole at each
corner.
Ensure the speaker face is flush with the front
of the plasterboard wall and that everything
is firmly held in position. Shims may be
necessary. (See section B)
Amina backboxes (Backbox FS and FSS) are
designed for 12.5mm (1/2”) plasterboard.
Shims can be supplied to adapt the backbox
for different plasterboard thicknesses.
Contact your supplier when ordering.
Continue on to Section C (page 22)
05
05
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 14 + 15
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 16
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 20 + 2 1
screw through
here

01
Solid wall installation with backbox
1 1
Create aperture in brickwork
Using the combination of an angle grinder
and a jackhammer drill, create a cavity of
460mm x 355mm (182/16” x 1331/32”) within the
brickwork.
Before installing the backbox you will need to
know the thickness of render that will be
applied to the wall/ceiling prior to the finish
plaster skim.
Minus this thickness from 50mm (2”) to
calculate the minimum cavity depth you will
need to create.
01
Create channel for cable
Using an angle grinder or hammer and
chisel, create a channel that runs into the
cavity This will allow the speaker cable to be
pulled into a suitable position within the
cavity.
We recommend the cable is run in a suitable
conduit to protect it.
Leave enough cable slack to allow
connection to the speaker when it is held
away from the cavity.
02
02
For new builds or full refurbs where the wall or
ceiling has not been rendered or plastered.
Reference page for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 17 + 18
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 19

04
rendered wall
no render
03
Solid wall installation with backbox continued... 1 2
Install backbox
Make a small hole in one of the rubber
grommets and pull the speaker cable
through it and into the backbox. There are
four slots in the base of the backbox and
using suitable screws (not supplied), fix the
backbox to the brickwork within the cavity.
Ensure the front edge of the backbox aligns
flush with the front face of the surface which
will be plaster skimmed.
We recommend shims are fitted behind the
backbox to achieve a level solid fixing. It is
recommended to add sound absorbing
mineral wool (1” maximum thickness) to the
inside of the backbox and expanding foam
around the sides to prevent resonance.
NB: If there is a layer of render to be applied
or already applied to the brickwork, be sure
to align the front edge of the backbox to the
front edge of the render (as shown in the
lower section of the image)
03
Connect speaker
Connect the speaker cable to the speaker
and crimp securely using a high quality
crimping tool.
Locate the speaker within the aperture and
rest it against the 6 mounting tabs on the
backbox.
04
Mineral Wool
Expanding foam
Reference page for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 17 + 18
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 19

Top View
05
Solid wall installation with backbox continued...
1 3
Secure the speaker
Remove the backing paper from the 6
adhesive pads on the backbox mounting
tabs, carefully position the speaker onto the
support tabs and apply moderate pressure.
There should be an equal perimeter gap
between the backbox and the edge of the
speaker.
Use the flange head screws (supplied with
the backbox) to fix the corners of the
speaker to the four corner support tabs.
If the correct steps are taken to align the
backbox with the front face of the
wall/render, the loudspeaker, when screwed
in place, will also sit flush with the front face of
the wall/render.
Do not adjust the screws in any way, make
sure they are tightly screwed in place and
the whole assembly is firm.
Continue on to Section C (page 22)
05
Reference page for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 17 + 18
Reference page for correct new build alignment and plastering method: 19
screw through
here

Retrofit / pre-skimmed plasterboard
Patch plastered finish
Alignment and plastering preparation
1 4
Speaker alignment required for plastering
After removing a 30-50mm (3/16 - 2”) wide
section of existing plaster surrounding the
cutout, the front face of the speaker should
be flush with the paper face of the
plasterboard.
This is the method that will be used during
plastering (Section D). It positions the speaker
to be patch plastered with a 2mm (5/64”)
skim across the speaker front, blended with
the existing plaster on the plasterboard.
Amina recommend British Gypsum Easi-fill®
which allows a smooth accurate finish using
fine sandpaper or a wet sponge.
For walls /ceilings that have already been
plastered.
30-50mm
3/16 - 2”
sand down to
create taper
existing plaster
remove existing
plaster from
plasterboard

Retrofit / pre-skimmed plasterboard
Feathered skim finish
1 5
Speaker alignment required for plastering
Using a 2-3mm shim set (contact your Amina
supplier) between the back of the speaker
and the mounting surface of the backbox (or
fixing blocks), the front face of the speaker
should be flush with the front face of the
existing painted/plastered wall/ceiling.
This is the method that will be used during
plastering (Section D). The method positions
the speaker allowing a much larger area
around it (approx. 1m2 (39”)) to be skimmed.
This 1-2mm (5/64”) thick skim is then
feathered outward at the edges and blended
into the existing wall/ceiling finish.
existing plaster
speaker face
flush with
existing plaster
2-3mm shim
required between
speaker and
backbox
For walls /ceilings that have already been
plastered.

New build / new plasterboard
Full wet skim finish
1 6
Speaker alignment required for plastering
The front face of the speaker should be flush
with the face of the new wall/ceiling if
correctly installed.
This is the method that will be used during
plastering (Section D). The speaker will be
skim plastered over during the process of the
entire wall/ceiling being plastered.
raw plasterboard
surface
For new plasterboard walls /ceilings that have
not yet been plastered.

This is the method that will be used during
plastering (Section D). The method positions
the speaker for a large area (approx. 1m2
(39”)) to be skimmed over it. This 2mm
(5/64”) thick skim is then feathered outward
at the edges and blended into the existing
wall/ceiling finish.
Retrofit / pre-skimmed solid wall
Feathered skim finish
1 7
Speaker alignment required for plastering
Use noggins between the back of the
backbox and the inside of the cavity to align
the front edge of the backbox with the front
face of the finished wall.
existing render
and plaster skim
noggins
For solid walls /ceilings that have already been
plastered and painted.