Amina Evolution AIW150E User manual

AIW150E/AIW350E
AIW550E
Invisible Loudspeaker
Installation Guide
V1.1 August 201 2

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)
This product should not be used with single thick coat plaster solutions or with other finshing methods that
take days (rather than hours) to dry out.
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 occupancy 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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1 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 step 3
Solid Wall Installation with backbox steps 1 + 2
Solid Wall Installation with backbox steps 3+4
Solid Wall Installation with backbox step 5
Retrofit (patch plastered)
Retrofit (feathered skim)
Retrofit (full wet skim)
Drywall (patch plastered)
Drywall (feathered skim)
1 8
1 9
2 0
2 1
2 2
2 3
2 4
2 5
2 6
2 7
2 8
Testing the speakers
Plastering and decorating steps 1 + 2
Plastering and decorating steps 3, 4 + 5
Setup tips
Setup tips
Further details
Troubleshooting
Specifications / Evolution Series & APU
Spacesaver information
Warranty & copyright information
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 Evolution Series 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 Evolution Series loudspeaker 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 Evolution Series loudspeaker 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
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 well over a decade.
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
AIW150E /
AIW350E /
AIW350E/S200 /
AIW550E
Please check that your carton contains the correct accessories.
Single
1x Loudspeaker panel
1x APU (Protection unit)
1x Spacesaver template
Pair
2x Loudspeaker panel
1x APU (Protection unit)
2x Spacesaver template
AIW150En /
AIW350En /
AIW350En/S200 /
AIW550En
1x Loudspeaker panel
1x Spacesaver template
2x Loudspeaker panel
2x Spacesaver template
Packaging
The packaging for the Evolution Series loudspeaker 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 outer carton is made up of 80% recycled single wall board.
CAUTION:
Take care when removing the speakers from the carton.
Fixing options (ordered separately)
Basic fixing block kit
(used in cavity walls and ceilings)
01
BackboxFS - aluminium
(used in cavity walls and ceilings to reduce sound
generated from the rear of the speaker)
02
BackboxFSS - steel
(used in cavity walls and ceilings to reduce sound
generated from the rear of the speaker and to provide a
fire barrier where one is required)
03
BackboxSW
(steel backbox to build into solid walls prior to installation
of speaker)
04
01
02
03
04

How to use this manual
The following pages contain step by step advice to help you achieve a successful installation of your
Evolution Series loudspeaker.
The Evolution Series loudspeaker 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
This is the most common type of installation and requires you to use the Amina BackboxFS or our basic
fixing block kit (both BackboxFS and the basic fixing block kit are sold separately). Whenever possible
we recommend you use the BackboxFS as the Evolution Series loudspeaker has been tuned to work
optimally in this setup. The backboxFS also reduces (although doesn’t entirely stop) the rearward
sound output of the Evolution Series loudspeaker which is important when considering the amount of
sound transmission that is acceptable through to adjacent rooms/properties.
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 (e.g, 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, both before and after plastering.
Section : Finishing
This section covers plastering and decorating once your speaker has been installed and aligned
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
in retrofit applications
Section
Section
Cavity
installation with
fixing blocks
Typically a new build
or full refurbishment
Start at page 05
Cavity installation
with backbox
For new builds or full refurbishment
where sound transmission
needs to be reduced
Start at page 08
Solid structure
installation
with backbox
For new builds or
full refurbs
Start at page 10
Full wet skim
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plaster finished
Page 15
Patch plastered
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plaster finished
Page 13
Feathered skim
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plaster finished
Page 14
Drywall
patch plastered
For new drywall
walls/ceilings that
will be taped
and joined
Page 16
Drywall
feathered skim
For new drywall
walls/ceilings that
will be taped
and joined
Page 17
Testing
page 18
Section
Section Finishing
page 19
1 2 3
1 2 3 4 5

Cavity installation with fixing blocks
05
Locate joist/stud 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 joists/studs. Ensure the
spacing between them is at least 350mm
(133/4”) for a portrait orientated speaker.
Important: If the space in between joists is
less than 350mm (133/4”), consider using the
AIW350E/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 product. 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, wall
or ceiling. Uses fixing blocks (sold seperately)
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 prior to
installing by securing it to the studwork.
Secure the speaker cable to the Spacesaver
before any building electrical inspection.
See page 26 for full details.
1

Cavity installation with fixing blocks
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.
This is essential in ceiling locations where the
mineral wool will also prevent debris falling
onto the rear of the speaker over time.
The mineral wool can rest against the back
of the speaker but not so much as to put
pressure on the panel.
Ensure the speaker cable is laid behind the
mineral wool and can not rest against the
rear of the panel.
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 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
thicknesses.
04
04
03
drywall screws
1

06
Top View
Plasterboard
Stud
Fixing block
05
Cavity installation with fixing blocks
continued...
07
Connect the Evolution Series speaker
Connect the speaker cable to the speaker
using a high quality crimping tool.
Your Evolution Series 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 18 - testing)
06
2mm
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 13, 14 + 15
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 16 + 17
screw through
here
1

Locate cable and position backbox
Choose speaker location and create aperture
by following steps 01 + 02 on page 05.
(remember to keep the 455mm x 350mm
(18” x 14”) cavity)
Next, 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.
Apply the Backbox through the hole at an
angle until the end cheeks rest 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.
Cavity installation with backbox 08
01
02
For New Builds or full refurbishment where
sound transmission needs to be reduced.
01
Side View
Using the
fold out tabs...
2
02
Fix backbox
Using a minimum of 8 drywall screws (4 at
each end) fix the backbox by screwing
through the plasterboard and self tapping
into the flat end cheek 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.
Connect the speaker by following step 05 on
page 07.
Plasterboard
Fixing screw
Mounting
Lip
Backbox
Side View
Front View Fixing screw

Side View
12.5mm
Cavity installation with backbox continued...
09
Connect the speaker
Follow step 05 on page 07
03
Secure the speaker
With the speaker resting on the backbox
mounting lip, use screws provided to secure
the speaker onto the backbox by self tapping
into the mounting lip, through the pilot holes
provided at each corner.
Ensure the speaker face is flush with the front
of the plasterboard 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 18 - testing)
04
03
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 13, 14 + 15
Reference pages for correct drywall alignment and plastering method: 16 + 17
screw through
here
2

01
Solid wall installation with backbox 1 0
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. 3

04
rendered wall
render yet to
be applied
03
Solid wall installation with backbox
continued...
1 1
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 have the final 2mm skim coat of
plaster applied.
We recommend shims are fitted behind the
backbox to achieve a level solid fixing. It is
recommended to add expanding foam
around the sides and rear to prevent
resonance and also to add mineral wool
(max 1”) to the inside of the Backbox.
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
03
Connect speaker
Connect the speaker cable to the speaker
using a high quality crimping tool.
Your Evolution Series 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.
04
Expanding foam
Shim
Mineral Wool
3

Top View
05
Solid wall installation with backbox
continued...
1 2
Secure the speaker
Ensure the speaker cable is laid behind the
mineral wool and cannot rest against the
speaker itself.
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 render, the
loudspeaker, when screwed in place, will also
sit flush with the front face of the 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 18 - testing)
05
Reference page for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 13, 14 + 15
screw through
here
3
Shim
Brickwork/concrete
Expanding
foam
Render

Retrofit / pre-skimmed surfaces
Patch plastered finish
Alignment and plastering preparation
1 3
Speaker alignment required for plastering
After removing a 30-50mm (3/16 - 2”) wide
section of existing finishing plaster
surrounding the cutout, the front face of the
speaker should be flush with the paper face
of the plasterboard or render.
To patch plaster:
Skim across the speaker front and blend with
the existing finished plaster.
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
plaster finished.
sand down to
create taper
existing plaster
remove existing
plaster from
plasterboard
around perimeter
of hole
1
30-50mm
3/16 - 2”
shims
Continue to section
plasterboard
stud wall or
ceiling
solid wall
plasterboard
render

Retrofit / pre-skimmed surfaces
Feathered skim finish
1 4
Speaker alignment required for plastering
Using a 2-3mm shim set (contact your Amina
supplier) applied 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.
To feather finish:
Allow a much larger area around the speaker
(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.
Amina recommend British Gypsum Easi-fill®.
existing plaster
shim
existing render
plasterboard
speaker face
flush with
existing plaster
existing plaster
For walls /ceilings that have already been
plaster finished.
2
Continue to section
plasterboard
stud wall or
ceiling
solid wall

Retrofit / pre-skimmed surfaces
Full wet skim finish
1 5
To full wet skim finish:
The speaker will be skim coated along with
the rest of the wall or ceiling.
For walls /ceilings that have already been
plaster finished.
3
existing plaster
shim
existing render
existing plaster
plasterboard
speaker face
flush with
existing plaster
Speaker alignment required for plastering
Using a 2-3mm shim set (contact your Amina
supplier) applied 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.
Continue to section
plasterboard
stud wall or
ceiling
solid wall

Retrofit drywall
Patch plaster finish
1 6
Speaker alignment required for plastering
Using shims if required, the front face of the
speaker should be located 2mm (5/64”)
behind the face of the wall/ceiling.
raw drywall
surface
shims (if required)
remove a section
of drywall around
the cutout
30-50mm
3/16 - 2”
For drywall walls /ceilings that will be taped
and joined.
(typically in North America but becoming
common elsewhere)
4
To patch plaster:
Apply a 2mm skim across the speaker front
and blend with the drywall.
Amina recommend British Gypsum Easi-fill®
which allows a smooth accurate finish using
fine sandpaper or a wet sponge.
Continue to section

Retrofit drywall
Feathered skim finish
1 7
Speaker alignment required for plastering
The front face of the speaker should be flush
with the face of the wall/ceiling.
raw drywall
surface
For drywall walls /ceilings that will be taped
and joined.
(typically in North America but becoming
common elsewhere)
To feather finish:
Allow a much larger area around the speaker
(approx. 1m2 (39”)) to be skimmed. This
1-2mm (5/64”) thick skim is then feathered
outward at the edges and blended into the
drywall.
Amina recommend British Gypsum Easi-fill®.
Continue to section
5
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