Clark Synthesis TST209 User manual

TST209 TRANSDUCER
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Important Product Information
Introduction
Supplies/Required/Optional Items
Installation: Overview
Installation: Chairs and Couches
Installation: Traditional Floors and Platforms
Wiring and Connections
Troubleshooting
Warranty

2
3
4
6
8
9
10
14
15
For Technical Support
and Customer Service,
call Parts Express at
1-800-338-0531

TST209 Transducer www.clarksynthesis.com
2
!
1. DO NOT DROP THE TRANSDUCER- The Transducer can be damaged both internally and externally if
dropped. Damage caused by dropping the Transducer is not covered under the warranty.
2. DO NOT EXPOSE THE TRANSDUCER TO HIGH DISTORTION LEVELS- Exposing the Transducer to high
levels of distortion may damage the unit. This type of damage is not covered under the warranty. If the
Transducer stops playing, it is likely that the built-in protection circuit has activated. In the event this


the Transducer.
3. USE CAUTION WHEN INSTALLING IN FURNITURE- If using this Transducer on a chair, sofa, or couch, insure

Severe damage may occur to the wiring. This type of damage is not covered under the warranty.
4. 

5. DO NOT CARRY THE TRANSDUCER BY THE CABLE- Never carry the Transducer by its cable. This can
damage the strain relief and internal wiring of the Transducer. Damage of this type will not be covered
under the warranty.
6. 


7. AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT- Exposure to excessive heat will result in internal temperatures that can cause
damage to the components. Damage caused by neglect will not be covered under warranty.
8. STORAGE- Insure the components are adequately protected when storing or transporting.
9. 
ohms and delivers at least 100 to 150 watts into 4 ohms per Transducer.
10. EXTERNAL VOLUME CONTROLS- Do not use with external volume controls rated at less than 100 watts.
IMPORTANTPRODUCTINFORMATION

TST209 Transducerwww.clarksynthesis.com 3
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Clark Synthesis Tactile
Sound®Transducer, and welcome to the amazing world
of Tactile Sound!
For many years, Clark Synthesis has been giving
its customers the ability to experience sound in a

sound we hear reaches our ears via airborne vibrations,
like those produced by loudspeakers. However, there
are four additional pathways through which we perceive
acoustic energy, all of which fall into the category of
tactile sound. These additional pathways include:
• Deep tissue and muscle mass
• Skeletal Joints
• Skin Sensation
• Bone Conduction
To capitalize on these additional means by which we
perceive acoustic energy, Tactile Sound Transducers
have been designed to send high-quality audio to the
listener by producing vibrations over a full range of
tactile and audible frequencies. When attached to a
resonant surface, the Transducers supplement ordinary

proportion of tactile sound. Consequently, you feel the
natural percussive impact of sounds, bringing life to


enjoying greater clarity, depth, and realism.
Additionally, because Transducers increase the perceived
“loudness” of the sound you are hearing, you are able to
lower the volume on your system to a level that is both
safer for your ears and less bothersome to neighbors.
Some of the most common applications for Tactile
Sound Transducers include home theaters, listening
rooms, outdoor decks, military simulators, theme
park attractions, game chairs, professional music, and
swimming pools.
In home theaters and listening rooms, our
Transducers provide the user with a greater depth
of experience when watching movies, listening to
music, and playing video games.
For outdoor applications, our AW339 & AW429
All-Weather Transducers mount underneath decks,
keeping the audio equipment out-of-sight while
transferring audio to the surface of the deck.

TST329 Gold Transducers to bring a greater sense of
realism to training exercises.
Pool enthusiasts use our AQ339 Diluvio™ Underwater
pool speakers to send full-range audio into the water,
providing high-quality underwater music.
As you can see, the uses for our Transducers are
many and the experience is amazing! We are glad
you chose Clark Synthesis Transducers and we hope
your listening experience takes you to new levels of
acoustical enjoyment!
Before you drill holes and run wires, take a few moments to review this Installation Guide.
Then plan out the steps you’ll need to take for your particular application. This will save you
time in the end and reduce the possibility of errors and/or damage to the Transducer.

TST209 Transducer www.clarksynthesis.com
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SUPPLIED/REQUIRED/OPTIONALITEMS
SUPPLIED PARTS (ILLUSTRATED BELOW)
A. (1) TST209 Transducer
B. (1) Unimount Bracket
C. (1) 3/8”-16 x 3” Hanger Bolt
D. (1) 3/8”-16 x 3” Threaded Stud
E. (1) 3/8”-16 x 1.5” Threaded Stud
F. (1) 3/8”-16 x 1” Hex Bolt
G. (4) #12 x 1” Screw
H. (2) 3/8” Jam Nut
I. (4) #12 Washer
J. (4) #12 Lock Washer
K. (1) 3/8” Washer
L. (1) 3/8” Lock Washer
M. (1) T-Nut
• Installation Guide
REQUIRED TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Depending on your application, you
will need some or all of these tools and
materials for your installation:
• #2 Phillips Screwdriver
• (2) 9/16” Open-Ended Wrenches
• Drill
• Saw
• Wire Stripper
• Soldering Gun or Wire Nuts
• Adhesive (construction glue)
• Hardwood (oak, maple, ash, etc., not
pine or softwoods) for creating mounting
bridges
• Speaker Cable (min. 16 AWG; 12-14
AWG recommended)
AB
Side View
3-D View
Front View
C L MD E F G H I J K

TST209 Transducerwww.clarksynthesis.com 5
One of the best materials for carrying tactile vibrations is wood. In most
applications, the TST should be centrally located on the structure (chair,
floor, riser, deck, etc.) in order to evenly distribute the tactile effect. When
two or more TSTs are used on one structure, they should be spaced
equidistant from each other and the edges/boundaries of the structure.
Mounting to a bridge, joist, or frame member is preferred.
NOTE: The TST209 Transducer is designed to be mounted in any orientation.
General Location Diagram
Transducer mounted to chair frame
Transducer mounted inside platform or riser

GENERALINFORMATION

TST209 Transducer www.clarksynthesis.com
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INSTALLATION:OVERVIEW
Minimum 4-1/2” vertical space required,
including 1/2” clearance between the
Transducer and the oor.
Minimum
3/4”-thick
Joist
(edge view)
Drill 5/16” hole
3/8”-16
Hanger Bolt
Jam Nut (down)
Transducer Lead Wire
Jam Nut
3/4”-thick
mounting
surface
Unimount
Bracket
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
Screw
Jam Nut (up)
Jam Nut (down)
3/8”-16
Threaded Stud
Transducer Lead Wire
Washers
Screw
Jam Nuts
Tip: Tighten
two Jam Nuts
against each
other to screw
in Hanger Bolt
using wrench.
Installation Type: Unimount Bracket Installation Type: Hanger Bolt
NEVER TIGHTEN
BY TURNING THE
TRANSDUCER.
MAKE SURE TO
TIGHTEN THE JAM
NUT AGAINST THE
TRANSDUCER’S
BRASS NUT
Minimum 3-1/2” vertical space required,
including 1/2” clearance between the
Transducer and the oor.
Screws into the bottom of the mounting surface. Requires
access only to the bottom of the mounting surface. Requires a

Screws into the bottom of the mounting surface (into a
5/16” drilled hole. Requires access only to the bottom of
the mounting surface.

TST209 Transducerwww.clarksynthesis.com 7
INSTALLATION:OVERVIEW
3/4”-thick
mounting
surface
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
Jam Nut (up)
3/8”-16
Threaded Stud
Jam Nut (down)
Transducer Lead Wire
Washers
Jam Nuts
Drill 7/16” hole
T-Nut Drill 7/16” hole
3/8”-16
Hex Bolt
Flat Washer
Maximum
1/4”-thick mounting
surface
Lock Washer
Jam Nut (up)
Jam Nut (down)
Transducer Lead Wire
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
Jam Nuts
Installation Type: T-Nut Installation Type: Hex Bolt
Minimum 3-1/2” vertical space required,
including 1/2” clearance between the
Transducer and the oor.
Requires initial access to the top of the material to insert

hole for the T-Nut.)
For use with metal or other high-tensile mounting surfaces
no thicker than 1/4”. Requires access to the top of the
mounting surface both to install the bolt and to tighten it.
Minimum 3-1/4” vertical space required,
including 1/2” clearance between the
Transducer and the oor.
NEVER TIGHTEN
BY TURNING THE
TRANSDUCER.
MAKE SURE TO
TIGHTEN THE JAM
NUT AGAINST THE
TRANSDUCER’S
BRASS NUT

TST209 Transducer www.clarksynthesis.com
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INSTALLATION:CHAIRS&COUCHES
As a general rule, most chairs and couches have an
underlying wooden frame. The Transducer can be
mounted directly to a frame member or to a hardwood
bridge that is rigidly secured to chair or couch’s bottom
frame. The bridge should be at least 3/4" thick and cut
to span the two frame members or connect two sides
of a box frame. The more centrally located the frame
member or bridge is on the overall structure, the better
the distribution of tactile sound.
For best results, the Transducer should be parallel to the
ground (horizontal) so that the motion is up and down as
opposed to sideways. The Transducer can be mounted to
either the top or bottom of the bridge. When attaching
the Transducer to the top of the bridge, be sure that the
Transducer and the wiring does not interfere with any
recliner mechanism. When attaching the Transducer to
the bottom of the bridge, be sure that the Transducer
does not touch the floor.
A chair or couch with armrests is preferred since a
significant amount of tactile sensation is felt in the hands
and arms. Transducer mounted
under the bridge
Transducer mounted
over the bridge
Hardwood Bridge (min. 3/4” thick)

TST209 Transducerwww.clarksynthesis.com 9
INSTALLATION:TRADITIONALFLOORS&PLATFORMS
TRADITIONAL FLOORS
Transducers may be mounted under a floor by attaching a
hardwood bridge between adjacent floor joists, or by installing a
2” x 6” bridge with a curved niche. When installing under a floor,
access may be from the basement or the ceiling below the floor.
The TST will be mounted to a bridge connected between adjacent
floor joists.
If your goal is to excite the area of the floor directly beneath a
chair, then attach the Transducer to the closest joist underneath
the chair.
Note: Carpeting and padding may reduce the tactile effect.
PLATFORMS
Recommendation: Clark Synthesis recommends using only
TST429 Platinum Transducers for platforms. Use of (1) TST429
Platinum Transducer for every 4 ft. by 8 ft. area of the platform is
suggested.
Platforms are a great alternative to mounting a
Transducer directly to a chair. This method is especially practical
in home theaters with multiple rows of seating placed on
platforms. An activated platform will deliver tactile sensations to
your feet as well as the rest of your body via the chair.
Whether constructing a new platform or fitting Transducers
onto an existing one, it is best to space the Transducers an equal
distance from each other and the edges of the platform. If using
only one Transducer, locate the Transducer in the center of the
platform. Be sure to leave a way to access the Transducer should
service be required.
To minimize energy loss into the floor, use Isolation Feet between
the platform and the floor. Do not glue a platform to a concrete
floor.
Clark Synthesis recommends using plywood or hardwood
for the platform’s top surface. DO NOT USE MDF (medium-
density fiberboard). We highly recommend using adhesive and
screws instead of nails. Loose fitting joints can cause unwanted
vibrations and buzzing noises.
Tip: Tighten
two Jam Nuts
against each
other to screw
in Hanger Bolt
using wrench.
Mounting Detail
2” x 6” Bridge with Curved Niche
3”
6”
Jam Nut
Glue and screw

to all frame members
including the bridge
Glue and screw all joints

TST209 Transducer www.clarksynthesis.com
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WIRING&CONNECTIONS
HOME THEATER


discovered that approximately half of our customers prefer using the LFE/SUB signal with
their Transducers. The other half prefer using the Right Front (RF) and Left Front (LF) signals.
Additionally, there are a few people who like to use multiple signals concurrently. In the
following instructions, we provide you with general diagrams for each of these hookup
methods.
LFE/SUB Hookup
The LFE, SUB, or Subwoofer output is the signal that you send to the subwoofer.
If your receiver has only one LFE/SUB/Subwoofer output port, connect a “Y” adapter to that
output. This will allow you to split the signal between the Transducer and the subwoofer. To

to the other side of the “Y” adapter. To reduce the amount of noise produced when using this

connect the signal into both the Left and Right 
L
R
OUT LFE/SUB IN
Y Adapter
To Input of
Powered
Subwoofer
Y Adapter
Subwoofer
Transducer
Surround-Sound Receiver
Amplier
(100 - 150
Watts into
4 ohms)
Output
–+

TST209 Transducerwww.clarksynthesis.com 11
Right Front (RF) and Left Front (LF) Hookup
For this hookup, connect the RF and LF inputs.
NOTE: Not all receivers have Pre-Amp outputs for the Right Front and Left Front outputs. If
you have a question about your receiver’s outputs, please consult your owner’s manual or
contact your receiver’s manufacturer.
Multiple Signal Hookup
mixer to make this
work. Connect the signals you want to use to the mixer input. Then, connect the mixer
“Y” adapter.
L
L
R
R
OUT
OUT
OUTPUT
LF
LF CENTER LFE/SUB
CH4CH3CH2CH1
Pre-Amp Audio Out
Pre-Amp Audio Out
RF
RF
IN
IN
Y Adapter
Transducer
Transducer
Surround-Sound Receiver
Surround-Sound Receiver
Mixer
Output
Output
–
–
+
+
Amplier
(100 - 150
Watts into
4 ohms)
Amplier
(100 - 150
Watts into
4 ohms)
WIRING&CONNECTIONS

TST209 Transducer www.clarksynthesis.com
12
Input Audio Input Signal
Amplier
(100 - 150
Watts per
Channel into
4 ohms)
Output
–+
–+
R L
L
R
OUT IN
Transducer
Amplier
(120 - 150
Watts into
8 ohms)
Output
–+
Audio Input Signal
Transducer
WIRING&CONNECTIONS
Transducer Transducer
Two Transducers with Stereo Amplier
Two Transducers with Mono Amplier

TST209 Transducerwww.clarksynthesis.com 13
NOTES

TST209 Transducer www.clarksynthesis.com
14
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Troubleshooting Question Remedy
No Tactile Sound Is the Transducer connected? Connect the Transducer properly.
Is the input source connected to the

Connect the input source.
Is the source outputting a signal? Connect the source to another

working.
Is the Gain (Volume) Control turned
up?
Slowly turn up the Gain (Volume)
Control.

the Transducer?

enough and stable with a 4 ohm load.
Did the Transducer stop working? Turn the Gain Control down, wait a few
minutes, then try again.
Not Enough Tactile Sound Is the Gain (Volume) Control adjusted
properly?
Turn up the source volume and the


the Transducer?

enough and stable with a 4 ohm load.
Is the Transducer not powerful enough
for your application?
Add another Transducer. Use a more
powerful Transducer.
Sound Comes and Goes Did the Transducer output suddenly
decrease or did the Transducer stop
working?
Turn the Gain Control down, wait a few
minutes, then try again.

the Transducer?

enough and stable with a 4 ohm load.
I Hear a Rattling or
Buzzing Noise
Are all hardware components
tightened down?
Tighten all screws and jam nuts.
Is the Transducer touching anything? Make sure the Transducer body is not
touching any surfaces.
Is the signal to the Transducer
clipping?
Make sure that the signal to the
Transducer is not clipped. Try turning
down the original signal.
I Hear Noises from my
Recliner
Is the recliner “loose”? Check to make sure that all recliner
hardware is tightened. Try wrapping

scissor hinges to dampen the
vibrations.
Is the Transducer connected to the
surround receiver’s center channel?
Connect the Transducer’s receiver to
either the LFE/Subwoofer signal, or to
the LF/RF signals. (Note: Some DVDs
contain voices in the LF/RF signals)

TST209 Transducerwww.clarksynthesis.com 15
United States Warranty and Return Policy
TST209 Transducer WARRANTY
Clark Synthesis, Inc. warranties the TST209 Transducer to be free from defects and workmanship
under normal use for a period of two (2) years from date of original purchase. For industrial or
commercial use, the warranty period is six (6) months.
This warranty is valid for the original purchaser and is not extended to subsequent owners. Any
applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to a period of the express warranty as provided
herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether
expressed or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on

legal rights; however, you may have other rights that vary from state to state.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed. It does
not cover the following:
• Damage caused by excessive heat
• Damage through negligence, misuse, accident, or abuse
• Damage caused by incorrectly mounting the Transducer
• 
• Freight damage
• Items repaired by an unauthorized repair facility
• 
• Items purchased from unauthorized individuals or dealers
• Cost of shipping product to Clark Synthesis, Inc.
• Return shipping on non-defective items
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE
Contact Parts Express at 1-800-338-0531.
WARRANTY

www.clarksynthesis.com
© 2021 Clark Synthesis, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
MAN001 E
For Technical Support
and Customer Service,
call Parts Express at
1-800-338-0531