5
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Follow the installation instructions in this manual
precisely to ensure outstanding speaker performance
and true invisibility. To accomplish this flawlessly
every time requires project management and close
coordination with the drywall and finish trades along
with the General Contractor and sometimes even the
client. Here are some best practices that will prevent
unmet expectations and expensive rework:
• After IS speakers are connected and screwed in but
before any drywall mudding, taping, or finishing
has started, schedule a walk-through with the client
from the screw.
Listening Test
These are key tips for testing the subwoofer.
• Allow construction adhesive to dry before
energizing the subwoofer.
• During listening testing prior to mudding, listen for
buzzes, squeaks, and chung.
• Fix noise problems before drywall mud is applied.
• Let the subwoofer play at a moderate to high
level for 30 minutes to allow possible noises to be
discovered.
Drywall
The stud bays above and below the subwoofer cutout
as well as the stud bays on either side of the subwoofer
cutout should have construction adhesive added to
front and back of studs when attaching drywall. Drywall
can loosen over time and create buzzing and slapping
noises. In addition to the construction adhesive, screws
must be used instead of nails. Screws should be placed
every four inches around the subwoofer opening and
every six inches for the stud bays on either side of the
subwoofer cutout. Do not have a drywall joint at the
IS15W location. Use studs to support any drywall joint
near the IS15W. Place construction adhesive on the
bottom plate as well to prevent air leaks and chung
sounds.
FINISH MATERIALS
Prior to speaker installation, verify that the topping
compound and final finish are flexible materials (slow-
setting drywall mud/topping compound, wallpaper,
acrylic-based Venetian plaster, thin wood veneer) and
will not exceed 1/16” (1.5mm).
Our recommended target for optimal performance
is between 3/64”-1/16” (1.0-1.5mm) of topping
compound. Sound quality and installation durability
will be adversely eected if too much topping
compound is applied. For wood veneer finishes, use
only 20mil (0.5mm) veneer with paper backing.
Do not use hard-setting or sti materials over the
surface of invisible speakers, such as fast-setting
drywall mud (“hot mud”), genuine Venetian plaster,
stucco, metal panels, tile, etc.
(or client’s representative), the General Contractor,
and the finish manager. Listen to every speaker
for a couple minutes. This is the best opportunity
to discover any anomalies or issues with invisible
speaker performance.
• All in attendance should sign o on audio
performance, speaker-by-speaker and room-by-
room. Prepare a checklist like the example below
and ask all parties to sign and date, acknowledging
that the Sonance IS speakers perform to everyone’s
expectations.
• Review all installation steps and processes with the
finish manager, emphasizing to cover the speakers
with only enough flexible material to make the
speakers disappear and no more. This typically ends
up being our recommended target of 3/64”-1/16”
(1.0-1.5mm). Also emphasize the maximum of 1/6”
(1.5mm) finish thickness. Review our guidelines for
recommended materials on page 4 and 14 with the
finish manager. Construction adhesive must be used
between drywall and studs.
• Use the Sonance DISC system and DG-1 depth
gauge (SKU 93491) to validate the finish thickness.
It is helpful to lend the gauge to the finish manager
so that it can be used during the actual process.
• Once the finish material has completely dried,
perform another room-by-room listening check of
each speaker. If the speakers do not sound similar
to the performance you heard prior to finishing,
it is likely that the finish thickness exceeds the
maximum of 1/16” (1.5mm). Now is the time to
correct this by removing material.
• Remember: once the flooring is installed and the
furniture is in place, it is too late to remove excess
finish material from the Sonance IS speakers
without significant cost, cleanup, and/or complexity.
Eective project management, sign-os, and proactive
communication with the trades will prevent unexpected
results and provide consistent, beautiful installs that
wow the client and end-users.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For CAD files, detailed dimensions, and other technical
information, scan the QR code below or visit
www.sonance.com/in-wall-in-ceiling/invisible-series
