Community Cloud1299 User manual

CLOUD12
12-Inch Ceiling Loudspeakers
Models:
CLOUD1299 / CLOUD1299T
CLOUD1266 / CLOUD1266T
CLOUD12SUB / CLOUD12SUB-T
Installation and Operation Manual

Community CLOUD12 – Installation and Operation Manual - Page 2
EC STATEMENT OF CONFORMITY
This document confirms that the range of products of Community Professional Loudspeakers bearing the CE
label meet all of the requirements in the EMC directive 89/336/EEC laid down by the Member States Council
for adjustment of legal requirements. Furthermore, the products comply with the rules and regulations
referring to the electromagnetic compatibility of devices from 30-August-1995.
The Community Professional Loudspeaker products bearing the CE label comply with the following
harmonized or national standards:
DIN EN 55013:08-1991
DIN EN 55020:05-1995
DIN EN 55082-1:03-1993
The authorized declaration and compatibility certification resides with the manufacturer and can be viewed
upon request. The responsible manufacturer is the company:
Community Light & Sound
333 East 5th Street
Chester, PA 19013
USA
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Chester, PA USA November 2008
Notice: Every effort has been made to insure that the information contained in this manual was complete
and accurate at the time of printing. However, due to ongoing technical advances, changes or modifications
may have occurred that are not covered in this manual.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 4
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION................................................................................................. 4
CLOUD12 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................. 5
Table 1: CLOUD12 models and accessories ......................................................................... 5-6
CLOUD12 ASSEMBLY .............................................................................................................13
WIRING AND INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................14
Installing Backbox Fittings for Conduit and Strain Relief ..........................................................14
Connecting Strain Relief to Cable and Loudspeaker Assembly ..................................................15
Connecting the Loudspeaker Cable for 8 Ohm (Low Impedance) Connections .............................16
Connecting the Loudspeaker Cable for 70V/100V Connections .................................................17
CLOUD12SUB Ceiling Mount Subwoofer Overview .............................................................17-18
Attaching Channel Rail Kits to the C12BB3 Backbox................................................................19
Suspending the C12BB3 Backbox ........................................................................................21
Attaching the CLOUD12 Loudspeaker to the C12BB3 Backbox .............................................23-24
Attaching the C12SQGRL Grille to the CLOUD12/C12BB3 Assembly ..........................................25
WARRANTY INFORMATION AND SERVICE .................................................................................26
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeaker mounted on a standard ported baffle .................................................... 6
Figure 2: C12BB3 metal backbox ................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 3: C12SQGRL square white grille........................................................................................................ 7
Figure 4: Channel rails available in lengths of 23.75 inches, ............................................................................ 7
Figure 5: CLOUD12 dimensions.................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 6: CLOUD12SUB dimensions .............................................................................................................. 9
Figure 7: C12BB3 backbox dimensions........................................................................................................ 10
Figure 8: C12SQGRL grille dimensions ........................................................................................................ 11
Figure 9: RAIL24-PR channel rail dimensions ............................................................................................... 11
Figure 10: RAIL30-PR channel rail dimensions ............................................................................................. 12
Figure 11: RAIL48-PR channel rail dimensions ............................................................................................. 12
Figure 12: CLOUD12 assembly with backbox, grille and channel rails.............................................................. 13
Figure 13: Knocking out the knockout with a hammer and punch ................................................................... 14
Figure 14: Connecting strain relief.............................................................................................................. 15
Figure 15: CLOUD1266 and CLOUD1299 input panel (8 ohm operation) .......................................................... 16
Figure 16: Attaching the loudspeaker cable to the CLOUD12 input panel ......................................................... 16
Figure 17: CLOUD1266T and CLOUD1299T input panel (70V/100V operation).................................................. 17
Figure 18: CLOUD12SUB and CLOUD12SUB-T.............................................................................................. 18
Figure 19: CLOUD12SUB wiring and input panel (8 ohm operation) ................................................................ 18
Figure 20: CLOUD12SUB-T wiring and input panel (70V/100V operation) ........................................................ 19
Figure 21: Channel rail kit with tools and accessories ................................................................................... 20
Figure 22: Tightening the rail kit to the backbox .......................................................................................... 21
Figure 23: “Snugging” the ¼-inch eyebolts.................................................................................................. 22
Figure 24: Eyebolt load ratings .................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 25: Proper handling of the CLOUD12 loudspeaker............................................................................... 23
Figure 26: Aligning the CLOUD12 with the backbox ...................................................................................... 24
Figure 27: CLOUD12 installed / gasket compressed ...................................................................................... 24
Figure 28: C12SQGRL grille in place on the CLOUD12 assembly ..................................................................... 25

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Always follow these basic safety precautions when using or installing CLOUD12 loudspeakers and
accessories:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions, particularly those pertaining to rigging, mounting, hanging and electrical
connections.
5. Only use accessories that are specified and approved by the manufacturer.
The terms caution, warning, and danger may be used in this manual to alert the reader to important safety
considerations. If you have any questions or do not understand the meaning of these terms, do not proceed
with installation. Contact your local dealer, distributor, or call Community directly for assistance. These
terms are defined below:
CAUTION: describes an operating condition or user action that may expose the equipment
or user to potential damage or danger.
WARNING: describes an operating condition or user action that will likely cause damage to
the equipment or injury to the user or to others in the vicinity.
DANGER: describes an operating condition or user action that will immediately damage the
equipment and/or be extremely dangerous or life threatening to the user or to others in the
vicinity.
The loudspeakers described in this manual are designed to be ‘flown’ or suspended for maximum acoustical
performance using a variety of rigging hardware, means, and methods in some applications. It is essential
that all installation work involving the suspension of these loudspeaker products be performed by
competent, knowledgeable persons who understand safe rigging practices. Severe injury and/or loss of life
may occur if these products are improperly installed. Please read the section on wiring and installation for
additional information.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
CLOUD12 loudspeakers are inherently rugged and are carefully packed in sturdy cartons. However, it is
wise to thoroughly inspect each unit after it has been removed from the packaging, as damage could occur
during shipping.
Please note that once the shipment has left your dealer or the Community factory, the responsibility for
damage is always borne by the freight company. If damage has occurred during shipping, you must file a
claim directly with the freight company. It’s very important to contact the freight company as soon as
possible after receiving your shipment, as most freight companies have a short time limit within which they
will investigate claims. Make sure to save the carton and the packing material, as most claims will be
denied if these materials are not retained. Your Community dealer and the factory will try to help in any
way they can, but it is the responsibility of the party receiving the shipment to file the damage claim.
It’s always a good idea to retain the carton and packing materials indefinitely, if possible, in the event that
the unit may need to be returned to your dealer or distributor for repair in the future.
Each shipping carton contains the following items:
•CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeaker mounted on a standard ported baffle (Qty 1)
•Four 8/32 screws (for mounting the baffle to a C12BB3 backbox sold separately)
•Operation manual (Qty 1)
•Warranty card (Qty 1)

Community CLOUD12 – Installation and Operation Manual - Page 5
CLOUD12 OVERVIEW
Thank you for purchasing your new Community CLOUD12 Series High Output Ceiling Loudspeakers. The
CLOUD12 and CLOUD12SUB ceiling loudspeakers are extremely high output devices, intended to meet the
needs of the professional sound contractor for a variety of professional sound installation applications.
Available in either 60 x 60 degree or 90 x 90 degree coverage patterns, and in both 8 ohm and 70V/100V
formats, the 12-inch woofer and high output co-axially mounted 1-inch tweeter deliver high quality sound
over a wide coverage area. For installations that require extra bass output, the CLOUD12SUB provides a
matched 12-inch ceiling-mount subwoofer.
The CLOUD12 and CLOUD12SUB are provided with multi-terminal barrier strips for amplifier connection. The
70V/100V versions of the CLOUD12 and CLOUD12SUB are provided with the following 70V wattage taps:
25/50/100/200W. For applications outside North America, the following 100V taps are offered:
50/100/200W.
The CLOUD12 and CLOUD12SUB loudspeakers employ Community's advanced technology DYNA-TECHTM
driver protection system. Functioning as a multi-stage limiter, DYNA-TECH circuitry provides precise and
repeatable protection by reducing excessive power to the drivers under abusive conditions. There are
numerous advantages to this type of multi-stage protection circuitry. The trip point is pre-set to engage at
exactly the same time on all loudspeakers that are powered from the same amplifier. The initial stages of
DYNA-TECH protection circuitry do not rely on, and are not affected by heat build-up. If the system is
operated in the second-stage mode of protection for a long period of time, or if the input level is increased
to try to overcome the volume drop from the second-stage protection circuitry, a solid-state circuit breaker
will trip and remove all signal from the loudspeaker until the input level is reduced. Because this circuit
breaker is heat sensitive, it provides a final level of protection that takes heat into account as well as power.
The CLOUD12 and CLOUD12SUB come mounted on a standard ported baffle, and are equipped with eight
(8) mounting points for industry standard backboxes. Each package includes four (4) 8/32 screws for
mounting the baffle to a backbox.
The CLOUD12 and CLOUD12SUB can be flush-mounted into any ceiling type, or alternatively can be
suspended in an open ceiling. For proper installation, the CLOUD12 assembly must be mounted to a
backbox, such as the Community C12BB3 heavily braced 3.0-cubic foot metal backbox. Additional
accessories available for the CLOUD12 include the C12SQGRL square white grille, and installation channel
rails in 23.75-inch, 30-inch and 47.75-inch lengths (RAIL24-PR, RAIL30-PR and RAIL48-PR, respectively).
Table 1 lists a summary of the available CLOUD12 models and accessories.
Table 1: CLOUD12 models and accessories
Part Number Description
CLOUD1266 Two-way, full-range 12-inch coaxial ceiling loudspeaker with 60° x
60° coverage, 8 ohm operation
CLOUD1266T Two-way, full-range 12-inch coaxial ceiling loudspeaker with 60° x
60° coverage, 70V/100V operation
CLOUD1299 Two-way, full-range 12-inch coaxial ceiling loudspeaker with 90° x
90° coverage, 8 ohm operation
CLOUD1299T Two-way, full-range 12-inch coaxial ceiling loudspeaker with 60° x
60° coverage, 70V/100V operation
CLOUD12SUB 12-inch ceiling mount subwoofer, 360° x 180° coverage, 8 ohm
operation
CLOUD12SUB-T 12-inch ceiling mount subwoofer, 360° x 180° coverage, 70V/100V
operation
C12BB3 3.0 cubic foot metal backbox for CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeakers

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C12SQGRL Square white grille for CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeakers
RAIL24-PR Pair of 23.75-inch channel rails for CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeakers
RAIL30-PR Pair of 30-inch channel rails for CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeakers
RAIL48-PR Pair of 47.75-inch channel rails for CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeakers
1/4EYBLTKIT Kit of four (4) 1/4"-20 forged eyebolts
Figure 1: CLOUD12 ceiling loudspeaker mounted on a standard ported baffle
Figure 2: C12BB3 metal backbox

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Figure 3: C12SQGRL square white grille
Figure 4: Channel rails available in lengths of 23.75 inches,
30 inches and 47.75 inches (sold in pairs)

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Figure 5: CLOUD12 dimensions

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Figure 6: CLOUD12SUB dimensions

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Figure 7: C12BB3
backbox dimensions

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Figure 8: C12SQGRL grille dimensions
Figure 9: RAIL24-PR channel rail dimensions

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Figure 10: RAIL30-PR channel rail dimensions
Figure 11: RAIL48-PR channel rail dimensions

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CLOUD12 ASSEMBLY
The assembly diagram below illustrates how the CLOUD12 loudspeaker, C12BB3 backbox, C12SQGRL grille
and channel rails are assembled together. Please note that the C12BB3 ships as a backbox only, and all
other parts shown are optional accessories.
Figure 12: CLOUD12 assembly with backbox, grille and channel rails

Community CLOUD12 – Installation and Operation Manual - Page 14
WIRING AND INSTALLATION
This manual will serve to assist in wiring and physically mounting CLOUD1266, CLOUD1266T, CLOUD1299,
CLOUD1299T, CLOUD12SUB and CLOUD12SUB-T loudspeakers. The directions include assistance to those
installers using a complete Community package of loudspeakers and accessories, including the C12BB3
backbox, C12SQGRL square grille and appropriate tile rails. If accessory products from a different
manufacturer are used, please refer to the installation manuals supplied with those products.
Installing Backbox Fittings for Conduit and Strain Relief
Required tools:
•One hammer and knockout punch tool
•One step-bit for adjusting knockout diameter (optional)
•Safety glasses, gloves and other personal safety gear are recommended as this process involves
striking metal parts and chipping away debris around the knockouts.
NOTE: All electrical installation connections for speaker lines are subject to local, state, and federal
building & fire codes. The selection of appropriate electrical hardware to interface with the C12BB3
lies solely with the installation professional. Community recommends that an appropriately licensed
engineer, electrician, or other professional identify and select the appropriate conduit, fittings, wire,
etc. for the installation.
Instructions for installing backbox fittings for conduit and strain relief:
1. The C12BB3 comes equipped with knockout fittings on each side panel measuring:
a. 21/32” (17mm) to accommodate 3/4” fittings
b. 15/16” (24mm) to accommodate 1” fittings
2. The knockouts are removed with a hammer and punch using the same techniques for removing
knockouts in other types of electrical boxes. A step-bit can be used to modify the diameter of the
knockout to accommodate larger conduit sizes.
3. Insert appropriate fittings and tighten sufficiently for wire path concealment and strain relief, in
accordance with applicable codes.
4. The acoustical damping batting material on the interior of the C12BB3 backbox should not cover the
inside surface of knockouts. If the batting covers the knockouts, peel back about four inches to
expose the knockouts. Trim off any excess batting that has been peeled back so that it will not
interfere with the loudspeaker’s function.
White mastic acoustical material on the C12BB3 (looks like white plaster) can be chipped away as needed to
allow electrical fittings to seat securely on the metal surface surrounding the knockout.
Figure 13: Knocking out the knockout with a hammer and punch

Community CLOUD12 – Installation and Operation Manual - Page 15
Connecting Strain Relief to Cable and Loudspeaker Assembly
Pass the loudspeaker cable through the appropriate knockout opening in the backbox and secure the cable
with a standard electrical tie-wrap (not provided) to provide strain relief (see figures below).
STRAIN RELIEF PREPARATION TIGHTENING STRAIN RELIEF #1
TIGHTENING STRAIN RELIEF #2 PREPARING TO CUT TIE-WRAP
CUTTING TIE-WRAP COMPLETED STRAIN RELIEF
Figure 14: Connecting
s
train relief

Community CLOUD12 – Installation and Operation Manual - Page 16
Connecting the Loudspeaker Cable for 8 Ohm (Low Impedance)
Connections
Connect the common side of the speaker cable to the " - " terminal on the input block. Connect the positive
side of the speaker cable to the " + " terminal on the input block. 14 AWG twisted pair speaker cable is
recommended for most 8 ohm applications when using spade or ring terminals. The speaker input block will
accept up to 10 AWG cable directly without spade terminals. For multiple speakers, attach the subsequent
speakers by parallel connecting them to the " - " and " + " input terminals of the previous speaker.
NOTE: Community recommends crimping a spade terminal (1/4” width spade) to the end of the
speaker wire prior to connection to the terminal block. In the absence of spade terminals, wire
ends can be stripped ¼” (7mm) and connected to the terminal block. Be careful not to strip too
much as frayed wire ends can short across the terminal block. Ring terminals do not fit.
Figure 15: CLOUD1266 and CLOUD1299 input panel (8 ohm operation)
Figure 16: Attaching the loudspeaker cable to the CLOUD12 input panel

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Connecting the Loudspeaker Cable for 70V/100V Connections
Connect the common side of the speaker cable to the “common” terminal on the input block. Connect the
positive side of the speaker cable to the appropriate 70V/100V wattage tap based on the requirements of
the project. For multiple 70V/100V speakers, attach the subsequent speakers by parallel connecting them to
the “common” and appropriate autoformer input terminals of the previous speaker.
NOTE: Community recommends crimping a spade terminal (¼" width spade) to the end of the
speaker wire prior to connection to the terminal block. In the absence of spade terminals, wire
ends can be stripped ¼" (7mm) and connected to the terminal block. Be careful not to strip too
much as frayed wire ends can short across the terminal block. Ring terminals do not fit.
Figure 17: CLOUD1266T and CLOUD1299T input panel (70V/100V operation)
CLOUD12SUB Ceiling Mount Subwoofer Overview
The CLOUD12SUB ceiling subwoofer is the same size and weight as the full-range CLOUD12 Series of ceiling
loudspeakers. All mechanical assembly and installation instructions and procedures are the same for the
CLOUD12SUB as the full-range assemblies. The autoformer tap selections on the 70V/100V version
CLOUD12SUB-T and the full-range assemblies are identical. Differences in sensitivity among the various
models will require different wattage taps, and all amplifier power is calculated using the total number of
loudspeakers, regardless of the mix of full-range and subwoofer assemblies.
NOTE: The electrical damping factor of the subwoofer amplifier is a critical factor when
selecting equipment to support the CLOUD12SUB. Damping factor refers to the power
amplifier’s ability to stop (or “dampen”) a reproduced frequency. The higher the damping
factor, the better the amplifier will control the LF driver. Bass frequencies are more difficult
to control than higher frequencies, and therefore the damping factor becomes more
important to the overall system. The higher the damping factor, the better the amplifier will

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control the LF driver. The damping factor of an amplifier is dependent largely on its output
impedance. A high damping factor indicates that an amplifier will have greater control over
the movement of the speaker cone, particularly near the resonant frequency of the driver’s
mechanical resonance. Community recommends that the damping factor of the subwoofer
amplifier be greater than 100 @ 8 ohms. Additionally, the cable chosen should be at least
14 AWG for optimum LF reproduction with minimum line loss and minimum reduction in
damping factor. It should be further noted that damping factor is more of an influence in a
low impedance (8 ohm) system than a high impedance (70.7V) system.
The CLOUD12SUB ceiling subwoofer is shipped with 24 inches of two-conductor, 16 AWG speaker cable
attached via crimped spade terminals on one end. The other end is stripped and ready to connect via wire
nut to incoming cable. See the figure below for input terminal designation.
Figure 19: CLOUD12SUB wiring and input panel (8 ohm operation)
Figure 18: CLOUD12SUB and CLOUD12SUB-T
CLOUD12SUB
(
8 OHM OPERATION
)
CLOUD12SUB-
T
(70V/100V OPERATION)

Community CLOUD12 – Installation and Operation Manual - Page 19
The CLOUD12SUB-T ceiling subwoofer is shipped with a 5-conductor cable for connection to the appropriate
autoformer input position. See the figures below for input terminal designation.
Attaching Channel Rail Kits to the C12BB3 Backbox
Community offers rail kits in three popular lengths: 24 inches, 30 inches and 48 inches. Choose the
appropriate size kit to fit the architectural structural supports for the CLOUD12 speaker and C12BB3
backbox assembly. The CLOUD12 speaker system is meant primarily for installation in ceilings, and these
instructions follow that path. Other installation locations, such as in walls, are also possible.
Rail kits can be installed directly to the building structure, and can be used to create additional rigging
solutions. Please remember that when using rail kits for rigging supported by steel wire, rope, chain, or
similar materials, the center of gravity of the assembly might be above the attachment points on the rail kit.
NOTE: The rail itself may not provide sufficient stiffness if rigged from a point located far
from the backbox tabs. Community recommends all mounting and rigging methods be
approved by a qualified Professional Engineer.
Required tools:
•Two 7/16” (11mm) wrenches, socket drivers, or spin-tights (nut drivers).
•Torque wrench (as needed) to verify proper fastener torque.
Figure 20: CLOUD12SUB-T wiring and input panel (70V/100V operation)

Community CLOUD12 – Installation and Operation Manual - Page 20
Figure 21: Channel rail kit with tools and accessories
Instructions for attaching the channel rails to the backbox:
1. Unpack the RAIL24-PR, RAIL30-PR, or RAIL48-PR kit and find the following contents:
a. Two mounting rails
b. (4) 1/4-20 x 1” Hex Head Screws
c. (4) 1/4” Hex Nuts
d. (8) 1/4” Flat Washers
e. (4) 1/4” Lock Washers
f. Liability Waiver Card
2. Set rail along one side of the C12BB3 backbox so that the leg of the rail aligns with the slotted holes
against the slotted tabs.
3. Orient the leg with the row of ten 9/32” holes in the desired direction for it to fasten to the building
structure. The installer will likely orient the rail so that this leg faces the same direction as the
speaker and will rest on top of the ceiling structure. However, keep in mind there are other
installation scenarios that require placing the rail in the opposite orientation.
4. Assemble the hex screws hardware. For each tab location, use one hex screw, one hex nut, two
washers, and one lock washer.
5. Tighten the hex screws to a maximum 10 lb-ft torque.
6. Repeat the above steps for the other rail on the other side of the C12BB3.
7. Please note that the slotted hole in the rail can be used to adjust the position of the rail horizontally
for best installation location.
8. Please note also that the slotted tab on the C12BB3 permits the rail to be adjusted vertically to
adjust the trim height of the loudspeaker in the ceiling.