Amina BackboxSW 345 User manual

Installation guide BackboxSW
345/300/200

3
Index
Caution: Read before installing this product............................................................4
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................4
Compatibility........................................................................................................................4
Unpacking ..................................................................................................................................5
Unpack the unit...................................................................................................................5
Contents..................................................................................................................................5
Overview.....................................................................................................................................5
Installation..................................................................................................................................6
BackboxSW size..................................................................................................................6
Cavity size .............................................................................................................................6
Marking up.............................................................................................................................6
Final cavity depth ..............................................................................................................6
Removable plastic trim ................................................................................................6
Retrofit / pre-skimmed solid wall cutaway (Feathered plaster finish)....7
Cavity depth......................................................................................................................7
Finishing ..............................................................................................................................7
Retrofit / pre-skimmed solid wall cutaway (Patch plaster finish)..............8
Cavity depth......................................................................................................................8
Finishing ..............................................................................................................................8
New build/New solid walls cutaway (Full wet skim finish)............................9
Cavity depth......................................................................................................................9
Finishing ..............................................................................................................................9
Cutting cavities .................................................................................................................10
Cutting a cable channel ...............................................................................................10
Mounting the BackboxSW............................................................................................. 11
Fixing the speaker ........................................................................................................... 12
Testing and plastering ................................................................................................... 12
Removal ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Warranty ................................................................................................................................... 14
Copyright information ....................................................................................................... 14

4
Caution: Read
before installing
this product
• To ensure correct installation, 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, cold
bridges, vibration, chemical fumes,
dust and moisture (steam).
• Do not clean this product with
chemical solvents as this may cause
damage to the finish. Use a clean, dry
or damp cloth.
• Ensure that all installation mounting
surfaces are able to support the
weight of the BackboxSW plus that of
your chosen speaker.
• Do not attempt to modify or repair
the product. Contact your distributor
or manufacturer if it is faulty or
damaged in any way.
• Installation of the BackboxSW will
require the use of power tools.
Ensure that all personnel working
on an installation are fully trained
in the use of these power tools and
are adequately protected from the
dangers of dust and noise.
ENVIRONMENTAL: Please be
aware that whilst this product
reduces the rearward sound
output of the loudspeaker some
vibrational energy may still travel
some considerable distance
up, down and along the wall or
ceiling structure. It is therefore
recommended the product be
fitted in conjunction with vibration
absorbing materials to minimise
these effects.
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
load bearing will be cut through.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Amina
Technologies BackboxSW. This product
has been designed to be used in the
installation of Amina Series Invisible
Loudspeakers into solid (eg. brick,
concrete) walls and ceilings. Constructed
from stainless steel, the BackboxSW is
rugged enough to be installed early in
the build process.
NOTE: BackboxSW is not suitable for
installation of Amina Series Invisible
Loudspeakers into partition walls.
Installation is simple, however, please
follow this guide carefully as it contains
important advice on speaker alignment
for plastering and the reduction of
structural sound energy transference.
This BackboxSW design includes a
removable plastic trim that is aligned
during installation to a level 2mm behind
the final plaster skim covering to ensure
that the BackboxSW sits at exactly the
correct depth in the cavity.
The BackboxSW also includes a recycled
denim absorption pad to improve the
acoustic performance and reduce sound
transmission into the wall.
Compatibility
There are three different versions of the
BackboxSW to match different speaker
types. These are listed in the table below.
Model Compatible speakers
SW 345 Evolution series except
S200 models and
AIW750i HF panels.
SW 300 iQ series and LFieMT
series.
SW 200 Evolution S200 models
and AIW750i HF panels.
Ensure that you are installing the correct
model of BackboxSW for the speakers
you will be installing.

5
Unpacking
Unpack the unit.
Retain this User Guide. If you pass the
unit on to a third party make sure you
pass on the User Guide.
Retain the packaging. If you dispose of
it, do so having regard to any recycling
regulations in your area.
NOTE: Do not remove any of the following
from the BackboxSW before installation -
• The six foam pads fixed to the
speaker supports (these should never
be removed).
• The Plastic trim surrounding the front
edge of the BackboxSW.
NOTE: The denim absorption pad will
need to be temporarily removed from the
backbox during installation, but should
be retained to go back in just before the
speaker is installed into the backbox.
Contents
The carton should contain:
• BackboxSW (200, 300 or 345)
• Template
• Denim absorption pad (packed loose
inside the BackboxSW)
• Flange-head screws x 4
• Installation guide
If any items are missing or damaged,
contact your supplier immediately.
Overview
1. Speaker mounting tabs with foam pads
2. Cable grommets
3. Mounting slots
4. Plastic alignment trim
5. Denim pad (shown cutaway)
a
a
a
a
a
a
b
bb
b
bc
c
b
d
e

6
Installation
BackboxSW size
Before starting work, check which
speaker you are installing and refer to
the table on page 4 to ensure that you
have the correct model of BackboxSW.
Cavity size
The table below lists the cavity
dimensions for each model of
BackboxSW.
Model W H
SW345 460mm
(181/8”)
355mm
(1331/32”)
SW300 410mm
(161/8”)
310mm
(127 /32”)
SW200 460mm
(181/8”)
210mm
(89/32”)
A template is included with the
BackboxSW that can be used to mark up
the wall with the correct cavity width and
height.
You will need to create a cavity
depth of approximately 60mm
(21/2”). Ensure that your structure
is capable of accepting this depth
prior to starting work.
Marking up
The cables will be channelled into the
wall and enter the BackboxSW through
one of the grommeted holes in its side
or back walls. Consider where the cable
channels will run.
• Mark up the BackboxSW and cable
channel locations on the wall.
• Check that the locations you have
chosen for the BackboxSW and cable
channels are free of electric cables,
water pipes and gas pipes.
Final cavity depth
The depth of cavity for the BackboxSW is
critical in ensuring that the plaster skim
over the speaker surface is exactly the
correct thickness.
The plaster skim in front of the
speaker must be 2mm, or very
close to 2mm.
Removable plastic trim
The plastic trim around the edge of the
opening is used during installation to set
the correct depth for the cavity. It must
only be removed immediately prior to
fitting the speaker and applying the final
skim coat. It must be left in place during
the base coat render process.
• Refer now to the cutaway drawings
on the next 3 pages to identify the
plastering method you will use and set
the correct depth for the BackboxSW
cavity.

7
Installation
Retrofit / pre-skimmed solid wall cutaway
(Feathered plaster finish)
Finishing
This 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.
Existing plaster
skim
Shims
Removable
plastic trim
Existing render
BackboxSW
Expanding
foam
For solid walls /ceilings that have already
been plastered and painted.
Cavity depth
The cutaway drawing on the right shows
the alignment of the BackboxSW in the
cavity.
• Temporarily remove the denim pad.
• Use shims between the back of the
BackboxSW and the inside of the
cavity to align the front edge of the
plastic trim with the front face of the
finished wall.
• Use expanding foam to fill any
cavities behind and to the sides of the
BackboxSW.
• Replace the denim pad.
• When the BackboxSW is fixed
securely into the cavity, remove the
plastic trim ready for installation of
the loudspeaker and then application
of the final skim coat.

8
Installation
Retrofit / pre-skimmed solid wall cutaway
(Patch plaster finish)
Finishing
This method positions the speaker to be
patch plastered with a 2mm (5 /64”) skim
across the speaker front and blended
with the existing plaster.
Amina recommend British Gypsum Easi-
fill® which allows a smooth accurate finish
using fine sandpaper or a wet sponge.
Existing plaster
skim
Existing render
Removable
plastic trim
BackboxSW
Shims
Sand down to
create taper
Remove existing
plaster from
render
30 - 50mm
13/16” - 2”
Expanding
foam
This is an alternative to feathered skim
installation.
For solid walls /ceilings that have already
been plastered and painted.
Cavity depth
The cutaway drawing on the right shows
the alignment of the BackboxSW in the
cavity.
• Temporarily remove the denim pad.
• Use shims between the back of the
BackboxSW and the inside of the cavity
to align the front edge of the plastic
trim with the front face of the render.
• Use expanding foam to fill any
cavities behind and to the sides of the
BackboxSW.
• Replace the denim pad.
• When the BackboxSW is fixed
securely into the cavity, remove the
plastic trim ready for installation of
the loudspeaker and then application
of the final skim coat.

9
Installation
New build/New solid walls cutaway
(Full wet skim finish)
Finishing
This method allows the speaker to be
skim plastered over during the process of
the entire wall/ceiling being plastered -
2mm (5 /64”) maximum.
Shims
Removable
plastic trim
Render coat
BackboxSW
Expanding
foam
For solid walls /ceilings that are yet to be
rendered or have already been rendered
but not yet plaster skimmed.
Cavity depth
The cutaway drawing on the right shows
the alignment of the BackboxSW in the
cavity.
• Temporarily remove the denim pad.
• Use shims between the back of the
BackboxSW and the inside of the
cavity to align the front edge of the
BackboxSW with the (eventual) front
face of the base coat render.
• Use expanding foam to fill any
cavities behind and to the sides of the
BackboxSW.
• If base coat render is not in place,
render up to the plastic trim.
• Once the render is dry, remove the
plastic trim and replace the denim
pad ready for installation of the
loudspeaker and then application of
the final skim coat.

10
Installation
Cutting cavities
• Remove the denim pad from the
BackboxSW and set it aside for use
when fitting the speaker.
• Cut each cavity into the masonry
using the combination of an angle
grinder and a jackhammer drill.
When the cavity is close to size, test
the fit of the BackboxSW in the cavity
occasionally.
Cutting a cable channel
• 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.

11
Installation
Mounting the BackboxSW
• Make a small hole in the rubber
grommet at the cable entry point and
pull the speaker cable through it and
into the BackboxSW.
• There are four keyhole slots in the
back of the BackboxSW. Using
suitable screws and wall plugs (not
supplied), fix the BackboxSW to the
brickwork/concrete within the cavity.
• Check that the BackboxSW is fitted
securely into the cavity.
• To complete the installation it is
recommended to add expanding
foam behind and around the sides of
the BackboxSW to prevent resonance.
• Render or make good up to the
plastic trim. Allow to dry.
• Remove the plastic trim immediately
prior to installing the speaker and
apply the finishing plaster skim coat.

12
Installation
Fixing the speaker Top view
• Re-fit the denim damping pad into
the BackboxSW.
• Connect the speaker to the cable.
• Remove the backing paper from
the 6 adhesive pads on the speaker
mounting tabs.
It is imperative that the foam
pads remain in place.
• Carefully position the speaker
onto the mounting tabs then apply
moderate pressure.
There should be an equal perimeter
gap between the BackboxSW and the
edge of the speaker.
• Use the flange head screws (supplied
with the BackboxSW) to fix the
corners of the speaker to the four
corner mounting tabs.
Each tab includes a pre-drilled hole
under the foam pad.
Foam pad
Speaker unit
Denim pad
BackboxSW
Solid wall
Testing and plastering
Speaker testing should always be done
before plastering. Please refer to the
speaker’s installation guide for testing
information and for details on how to
plaster your loudspeaker after you have
installed the BackboxSW.
Expanding foam

13
Removal
In the unlikely event of a problem
developing with the speaker, or if you
simply wish to remove the item to
change its location, please refer to the
following guidelines:
Locate the speaker by tapping the wall
or ceiling listening for a hollow sound
compared to the rest of the wall/ceiling.
Then, with a sharp chisel or decorator’s
scraper, carefully chip into the plaster to
expose a small area of the panel surface.
To ensure you do not damage the panel,
hold the tool at an acute angle to the
wall or ceiling.
Now, holding the scraper almost parallel
to the panel surface, work outwards
towards the product’s edge easing
the plaster away from the panel. Do
not worry if the panel surface receives
marks or indented scratches during this
process (it should not, however, have
holes entering through to the unique
honeycomb panel). Once the product is
plastered back into its original or new
location, the new skim of plaster will
cover all these imperfections and the
speakers performance will not be unduly
affected.
Clear the surface plaster material
from the surrounding area of wall or
ceiling to expose all the joint tape and
subsequently remove it. Use a narrow
chisel or flat blade screwdriver to remove
the plaster and expose the screws at
each corner of the speaker. Using a
suitable screwdriver, remove the four
screws and then ease the speaker from
the wall or ceiling and disconnect the
speaker cable.
Next locate the screws fixing the
BackboxSW to the wall/ceiling and
carefully remove them. Cut away any
expanding foam from around the sides
of the BackboxSW with a sharp knife and
pull the BackboxSW out of the cavity.
If any products become damaged during
removal, please return them to Amina
Technologies Ltd where the product can
be repaired or replaced.

14
Warranty
The Amina BackboxSW is designed to
last for many years. Correctly installed
in accordance with these instructions,
Amina warranties the BackboxSW
against defective materials and
workmanship for a period of five years in
commercial applications and ten years in
residential applications.
At the end of the product’s useful life it
should be responsibly receycled. The
structural backbox is stainless steel,
the denim pad is cotton. If you have
any questions please contact Amina
Technologies Ltd.
Please refer to our full warranty
statement for details, available on our
websites, or alternatively contact us via
email on [e-mail].
Copyright
information
This document is Copyright of Amina
Technologies Ltd, 2016
Easi-fill is a registered trademark of
British Gypsum Ltd
Amina is a registered trademark of Amina
Technologies Ltd

Amina Technologies Ltd
Cirrus House, Glebe Road
Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 7DL England
T: [phone]
W: www.amina.co.uk / E: inspir[email protected]o.uk
Copyright 2016
BackboxSW 2015 V1.1