Amina iQ1 User manual

Installation Guide
V2.6 February 2016
iQ Developer Series
Invisible Loudspeakers
Products may vary from items pictured

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 Fahrenheit)
This product should not be used with single thick coat plaster solutions or with other finishing
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) acoustic 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.
Equally, using the product in simple (stud or rafter with plasterboard or floor board directly
attached on both sides) stud walls & wooden rafter ceiling/floor structures will also transfer
substantial sound energy to the other side of the wall or floor above. It is therefore recommended
that the product be fitted in acoustically isolated stud walls or ceiling sections where possible.
Completed and fully dried plaster surfaces should be finished with permeable coatings / materials
to allow moisture in that coating or the adhesives used to apply those materials, to dry into the
environment quickly.
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 Amina 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.
When plastering over, ensure only 2mm of
material covers the product. More than this will
degrade the performance of the product and
could lead to product failure.
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, cold bridges
and heat sources, strong vibrational forces,
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.
Caution: Read before installing this product
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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.

01 Message from the Managing Director
02 Included in the carton / Packaging
03 How to use this manual
04 Installation overview diagram
Section
Preparing the wall / ceiling and
fixing the product
05 Cavity Installation steps 1 + 2
06 Cavity Installation steps 3+4
07 Cavity Installation steps 5 + 6
08 Cavity Installation with backbox steps 1 + 2
09 Cavity Installation with backbox steps 3
10 Solid Wall Installation with backbox steps 1 + 2
11 Solid Wall Installation with backbox steps 3
12 Solid Wall Installation with backbox steps 4
13 Solid Wall Installation with backbox step 5
Section
Alignment and plastering preparation
14 Retrofit (patch plastered)
15 Retrofit (feathered skim)
16 Retrofit (full wet skim)
Section
Testing
17 Testing the speakers
Section
Finishing
18 Plastering and decorating steps 1 + 2
19 Plastering and decorating steps 3, 4 + 5
20 Setup tips
21 Setup tips
22 Further details
23 Troubleshooting
24 Specifications / IQ Series & APU
25 Spacesaver information
26 Warranty & copyright information
27 Accessories
28 Contact information
Contents
A
B
C
D
FIRE PROTECTION:
When making an intrusion into an internal wall or ceiling to install an Amina loudspeaker be sure
to check the appropriate regulations pertaining to the required fire rating. Depending on the
location of the intrusion and the applicable regulations it may be necessary to build in or install
additional fire rated components or products to surround the speaker and back box. Amina
Technologies take no responsibility for the correct specification and installation of any such fire
protection system that is required behind their speakers.

Message from the Managing Director
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing an Amina Technologies iQ 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 iQ loudspeaker have been developed specifically to provide the
ultimate in sound quality and reliability, whilst 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 iQ Series loudspeaker is our high performance acoustic 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.
Thank you 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. Our invisible loudspeakers have been used in a wide range of both
commercial and residential applications for over fourteen years.
Luxurious hotels & spas, exclusive retail outlets and stunning private residences have all
benefitted from using Amina invisible loudspeakers, not only for its’ incredible aesthetic quality,
but for its’ absolute ability to reproduce sensationally clear audio across any space. Amina has
created the very best discrete audio solution for architects, interior designers and all design
conscious clients.
See our website for more details about Amina and a selection of prestigious projects completed
using our products.
01
iQ1 iQ2 iQ3
Our high power neodymium magnet structures

Included in the carton
Please check that your carton contains the correct number of items.
Model Number Single Pair
iQ1 1x iQ1 Loudspeaker 2x iQ1 Loudspeakers
iQ2 1x iQ2 Loudspeaker 2x iQ2 Loudspeakers
iQ3 1x iQ3 Loudspeaker 2x iQ3 Loudspeakers
Packaging
CAUTION:
Take care when removing the speakers from the carton.
The packaging for the IQ 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 to Amina. Please recycle the packaging should you wish to dispose of it.
The outer carton is made up of 80% recycled single wall board.
Fixing options (ordered separately)
01 Basic fixing block kit
(used in cavity walls and ceilings, when BackboxCV300
cannot be used.)
02 BackboxCV300
(used in cavity walls and ceilings to reduce airborne
sound generation from the rear of the speaker and
create an optimum acoustic cavity.)
03 Firehood 300
(60 minute fire rated Backbox, which additionally
reduces airborne sound generation from the rear of the
speaker.)
04 BackboxSW300
(stainless steel backbox to build into solid
walls prior to installation of speaker.)
05 Shims
(Various thicknesses available to align speaker with the
front of non-standard plasterboard structures.
01
02
03
04
05
02

How to use this manual
The following pages contain step by step advice to help you achieve a successful installation of
your IQ Series loudspeaker.
The IQ 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 BackboxCV or
our basic fixing block kit (both BackboxCV and the basic fixing block kit are sold separately).
Wherever possible we recommend you use the BackboxCV as the IQ Series loudspeaker has
been tuned to work optimally in this setup. The BackboxCV also reduces (although doesn’t
entirely stop) the rearward sound output of the IQ Series loudspeaker which is important when
considering the amount of airborne 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 separately). 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.
A
B
C
D
03

Installation overview
Section
Section
Preparing the wall / ceiling
and fixing the product
Alignment and plastering preparation
in retrofit applications
Cavity
installation with fixing
blocks
Typically a new build
or full refurbishment
Start at page 05
Solid structure
installation
with backbox
New builds or full refurbs
Start at page 10
Cavity installation
with backbox
For new builds or full refurbishment
where sound transmission
needs to be reduced
Start at page 08
A
B
Section Testing
page 17
C
Section Finishing
page 18
D
04
A1 A2 A3
Patch plastered
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plastered
Page 13
Feathered skim
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plastered
Page 14
B2 B3
B1
Full wet skim
For walls/ceilings
that have already
been plaster fin-
ished
Page 15

Cavity installation
Preparing the wall/ceiling and xing the product
Typicall y a new build or full refurbishment /
Uses mounting blocks (sold separately)
01
02
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 joists/studs. Ensure the
spacing between them is at least 305mm
(12.01”) for a portrait orientated speaker.
Important: If the space in between joists is
less than 310mm (121/4”), consider using the
AIW350E/S200 loudspeaker which only
requires a 200mm (77/ 8 ”) wide cavity.
Create 405mm x 305mm aperture
Using a sharp knife or pad saw, cut an
aperture with dimensions 405mm x
305mm (157/ 8 ” x 12”) 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 405mm x 305mm (157/ 8 ” x 12”)
305mm
(minimum)
cut a small
hole in plasterboard
to check stud location
01
02
sharp knife
pad saw
05
Cut-out Template
The supplied template may be
useful in marking the cut lines
A1

Cavity installation with xing blocks
continued...
03
04
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.
Attach mounting 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
thickness.
03
04
drywall screws
06
A1

Cavity installation continued...
05
06
Connect the IQ Series speaker
Connect the speaker cable to the speaker
using a high quality crimping tool.
Your IQ Series speaker is fitted with blue
butt splice crimp connectors which are
suitable for speaker cable thicknesses of
1.5mm - 2.6mm (16 - 14AWG). This type of
connector ensures a permanent
“shake-proof” connection is created inside
your wall cavity.
Secure the speaker to the fixing blocks
Important: Ensure there is an all round
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 17 - testing)
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 13, 14 + 15
05
06
Top View
Plasterboard
Stud
Fixing block
2mm
screw through
here
07
22
A1

Cavity installation with backbox
For new builds or full refurbishment where sound transmission
needs to be reduced or fire rating is required.
01
02
Locate cable and position backbox
Choose speaker location and create
aperture by following steps 01 + 02 on
page 05. Use the cut-out template as a
guide.
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 face of the plasterboard.
Use the fold out tabs at either end of the
backbox to help support it in a vertical
position before securing it to the
plasterboard.
A 75mm/3” cavity depth is required to fit a
BackboxCV.
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.
Side View
Using the
foldout tabs...
08
Plasterboard
Fixing screw
Mounting
Lip
Backbox
Side View
Front View Fixing screw
01
02
A2

Cavity installation with backbox continued...
05 Connect the speaker
Follow step 05 on page 07
Secure the speaker
Position the cable away from the rear of
the loudspeaker. 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 CV and
Firehood) 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 17 - testing)
Reference pages for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 13, 14 + 15
Side View
12.5mm
05
screw through
here
09
Ensure cable
is not resting
on back of
speaker
A2

02
Solid wall installation with
BackboxSW
For new builds or full refurbs
01
02
Create aperture in brickwork/ concrete
Using the combination of an angle grinder
and a jackhammer drill, create a cavity
of 410mm x 310mm (16” x 121/4 ”) 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 that thickness from 50mm (2”) to
calculate the minimum cavity depth you
will need to create.
Create channel for cable
Using an angle grinder or hammer and
chisel, create a channel that runs into this
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.
01
10
A3

Solid wall installation with backbox
continued...
03 Install backbox
Temporarily remove recycled denim pad
from backbox and retain for re-installation
immediately prior to installation of the
speaker. Ensure that the ‘plastic trim’ lines
up with the front face of the surface which
will have the final 2mm plaster skim coat
applied to it. If the wall is to be rendered,
please ensure that the plastic trim is lined
up with the front of the render and not the
front of the blockwork. If no render is to be
used, please line the plastic trim with the
front of the blockwork itself.
We recommend shims are fitted behind the
BackboxSW to achieve a level solid fixing. It
is recommended to add expanding foam
around the sides and rear to prevent
resonance.
NB: Re-fit the previously removed recycled
denim pad into the backbox and remove
plastic trim from the backbox front lip
immediately prior to installation of the
speaker. Do not re-fit denim or remove
plastic trim before rendering is complete.
11 A3

04
Solid wall installation with backbox
continued...
04 Connect speaker
Connect the speaker cable to the speaker
using a high quality crimping tool.
Your IQ 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 “shake-
proof” connection is created inside your
wall cavity.
12
A3

Solid wall installation with Backbox
continued...
05 Secure the speaker
Ensure the speaker cable is laid behind the
recycled denim pad and cannot rest
against the speaker itself.
Remove the backing paper from the six
adhesive pads on the backboxSW
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 backboxSW) to fix the corners of the
speaker to the four corner support tabs.
If the correct steps are taken to align the
backboxSW 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.
Please see Amina Technologies
BackboxSW Installation Guide for more
information on solid wall installations.
Continue on to Section C
(page 17 - testing)
Reference page for correct retrofit alignment and plastering method: 13, 14 + 15
A3
13
Recycled
Denim Pad

For walls /ceilings that have already been plaster
finished.
Speaker alignment required for plastering
After removing a 30-50mm (approx 2”) wide
section of existing plaster surrounding the cut
out, the front face of the speaker should be
flush with the paper face of the plasterboard.
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.
14
Retrofit / pre-skimmed plasterboard
Patch plastered nish
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
Retrot / pre-skimmed plasterboard
Patch plastered nish
Alignment and plastering preparation
Continue to section C
B1
Retrofit / pre-skimmed surfaces
Patch plastered nish
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
(2”)
shims
Continue to section
plasterboard
stud wall or
ceiling
solid wall
plasterboard
render

Retrot / pre-skimmed plasterboard
Feathered skim nish
For walls /ceilings that have already been plaster
finished.
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
To feather finish:
Allow a much larger area around the speaker
(approx. 1m (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®.
Retrofit / new drywall
Feathered skim nish
21
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.
raw drywall
surface
This is the method that will be used during
plastering (Section D). The method positions
the speaker for a large area (approx. 1m
2
(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.
For new drywall walls /ceilings that will be
taped and joined.
(North American construction)
2
Continue to section C
B2
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
15

16
Retrot / pre-skimmed surfaces
Full wet skim nish
For walls /ceilings that have already been plaster
finished.
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 full wet skim finish:
The speaker will be skim coated along with
the rest of the wall or ceiling.
Retrofit / new drywall
Feathered skim nish
21
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.
raw drywall
surface
This is the method that will be used during
plastering (Section D). The method positions
the speaker for a large area (approx. 1m
2
(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.
For new drywall walls /ceilings that will be
taped and joined.
(North American construction)
Continue to section C
B3
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

Testing the speakers
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Important: Always test the speaker before plastering over it and again once plaster is dry.
The following procedure is required as a minimum.
CAUTION:
Without plaster on the surface of the speaker it is highly efficient and will generate very high
sound pressure levels with minimal power input. Take care to protect your ears when testing
at this stage.
Using a multimeter and without the APU protection device connected, check the nominal
impedance (DC resistance) of the speaker at the amplifier end of the speaker cable. Allow
for approx. +10% for cable resistance. The impedance should coincide with the values on
the respective loudspeaker datasheets. If it measures significantly different, check for
breaks or shorts in the cable.
Amina recommends a tone sweep be used at a moderate volume level (0.5 Vrms). Such
a test will quickly highlight any buzzes or rattles that could be caused by loose screws,
cables touching the speaker or loose elements/studs within the wall itself.
If the plasterboard is not securely fastened to the joists this could also create a buzz or a
rattle. Apply more screws if necessary - particularly around the speaker location.
Ensure that the speaker cable is not touching any part of the speaker (or backbox) as
this can lead to buzzes and rattles. To avoid this it is advised to lay the cable behind the
mineral wool, recycled cotton or other wadding.
If metal studs are used, ensure the crossover point of the studs are secured together. This
can be achieved by applying drywall screws through the wall surface and through the
metal joists. If they are not secure this may well lead to audible vibrations and rattles.
Play music to check for buzzes and rattles during transient peaks: if these are apparent,
check the above points again. Do not judge the speaker’s tonal balance at this stage. The
overall speaker performance must be clean and distortion free, although at this stage it
will appear biased toward mid and high frequencies. Once plastered over the speaker will
have a fuller, richer sound.
Always connect the APU when testing, except when measuring impedance.
Perform these tests again after the plaster is fully dry (This could take some days).
If the correct 2mm thick plaster coat has been applied, the speaker face, when tapped with
fingers, will sound slightly more hollow than the surrounding areas of plasterboard. If there
is little or no difference between these two sounds it is almost certain the plaster coat is
too thick. This will compromise the speaker performance.
Full frequency response tests are recommended before and after plastering
Amina have a lot more information available from its technical help desk for those wishing to
measure frequency response curves at different stages of the installation.
Please contact [phone] for assistance.
Continue on to Section D (page 18 - plastering & decorating)
C
Testing
17