Definitive Technology UIW RCS III User manual

Congratulations
Congratulations on your purchase of the Definitive Technology
UIW RCS III Loudspeaker. This reference quality loudspeaker
provides the highest level of sonic performance and construction
quality and is designed for easy flush-mount installation in
ceilings of homes and commercial spaces. Six years of intensive
research and development by Definitive engineers, working in
collaboration with one of the world’sleading industrial design
firms, has produced the finest architectural loudspeakers on the
market. The beautiful upscale designer styling of this model
is perfect for the finest homes belonging to the most
discriminating homeowners.
UIW RCS III™
Reference Series In-Ceiling Speaker
Owner’s Manual

The UIW RCS IIIs have been voiced by Definitive engineers (using the
superb facilities of the Definitive Technology Advanced Research Facility) to
the same high-end standards as all Definitive loudspeakers. The drivers and
baffles are perfectly integrated into the design to minimize the diffraction
problems that are inherent with most other in-wall loudspeakers. Toensure
that you experience the finest performance possible from your UIW RCS IIIs,
we encourage you to read this owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the
proper installation and set-up procedures.
The RCS III:
• Incorporates high power, high definition cast basket Definitive
bass/midrange drivers combined with pressure-coupled low-
frequency radiators and state-of-the-art Definitive 1" dome tweeters.
• Incorporates polypropylene cones with butyl rubber surrounds.
• Incorporates a complete precision crossover system designed by
Definitive engineers for seamless driver blending.
• Incorporates a completely sealed non-resonant medite enclosure to
assure you of laboratory reference quality performance in your home.
•Is moisture resistant to allow use in bathrooms, etc.
•Is easily paintable and comes complete with mounting templates
and plastic paint masks.
•Can be used as an exceptional left main, right main, center channel
or rear/side surround in a state-of-the-art home theater system or as
stereo pairs in a 2-channel music system.
The Sound Quality Is Extraordinary
The UIW RCS III Loudspeaker
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Please Inspect For Shipping Damage
Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or
concealed damage most likely will have occurred in handling after it left the
plant and should be reported at once to your Definitive dealer or the delivery
company that delivered your loudspeakers. Please unpack your system
carefully. Save all cartons and packing materials in case you move or need
to ship your system. Record the serial numbers found on the back of the
UIW RCS III Loudspeakers in the appropriate place on your warranty card.
Unpacking Your UIW RCS III Loudspeakers
UIW RCS III Applications
The UIW RCS III is designed to be mounted in ceilings and used as a front
main left, right or center channel loudspeaker in a stealth home theater
system of the highest quality. In addition, they can be used as rear or side
surround speakers or as left and right stereo speakers.
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UIW RCS III Positioning
Definitive’s UIW RCS III Loudspeakers are designed to be mounted in ceil-
ings with excellent results. Because of their wide dispersion characteristics
and other aspects of their superb sonic performance, mounting position in
your room is very flexible. Due to the different requirements of the wide
variety of room shapes and sizes, we recommend that you consult with the
custom installation specialist at your Definitive Technology dealer regarding
your own particular needs.
Your Complete Definitive Home Theater
For best results, we recommend that you use Definitive speakers in
combination with your RCS IIIs for the best overall sonic performance.
Apopular choice for matching side or rear surround speakers is the
Definitive UIW RSS III. In-wall or free-standing subwoofers may be used
with the RCS III. Popular choices are the in-wall Definitive UIW Sub 10/10,
UIW Sub Reference or our freestanding SuperCube subs.

The UIW RCS III Loudspeakers are easily paintable and are shipped with
plastic paint masks (which should be retained even if you initially decide not
to paint the speakers). The grille and frame must be painted separately, and
for best results, prior to installation.
For the grille, spray painting is the recommended method. Follow the paint
manufacturer’s directions for ventilation and correct spraying procedure. Be
very careful not to clog the speaker grille with too heavy a coat of paint as
this will impair system sonic performance.
For the frame, spray painting is preferred but brush or roller will also give
good results. The supplied frame masks should be put in place to protect the
speaker components for whichever method you choose.
Painting Your UIW RCS III Loudspeakers
The RCS III is designed to be installed inside the ceiling of your home
quickly and easily. Because of its superb sonic performance, installation loca-
tion within your room is very flexible. Your room is not like anyone else’s
room, and because of its unique size and shape will have its own require-
ments for optimal sonic performance. We recommend that you consult with
the Custom Installation Specialist at your Definitive Technology dealer
regarding your special needs or if you are at all uncertain about the best and
safest way to install your RCS III.
• Installation of this product must follow all local and state building code
requirements. We strongly recommend using a qualified, professional
installer who is knowledgeable of local building codes.
•The UIW RCS III is designed for mounting inline or at 90 degrees
to 12" on-center ceiling joists.
• If ceiling joists are wider than 12" apart, you will need to shim (or frame in
the enclosure) with appropriate framing material.
• Before starting construction or modification of your ceiling, you should
familiarize yourself with any applicable local fire and building codes.
• Make sure the locations you select do not conceal studs, electrical wiring
or plumbing. Prior to installation, hold the speaker in your chosen location
to make sure it meets the clearance requirements around obstacles such as
studs, corners, beams, lighting fixtures and door/window frames.
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Installation Procedure Overview

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• The speaker enclosure needs to be against joists or framing material on the
2parallel sides that are to be fastened with the screws.
• The clearance required on outside ceiling surface is 1" around the cutout to
clear the speaker bezel. On inside surface, 11/4"of clearance is required to
clear lock arms on the sides that will not be fastened to the joists or framing
material.
• Also note that the installation of the RCS III may require some modifica-
tion of the joist structure in your ceiling. This should only be done by a
competent professional who will configure the studs to maintain their
structural integrity and make sure that everything is in compliance with all
local and state building code requirements.
•Speaker wire must be run inside your ceiling as part of the installation
process of in-wall loudspeakers. Plan the connection before you start your
loudspeaker installation.
Installation Procedure Overview (continued)
Step-by-Step Installation
Mounting options overview
• Installation of this product must follow all local and state building codes.
• We strongly recommend using a qualified, professional installer who is
knowledgeable of local building codes.
Required cutout and cavity size
• Template cutout size: 103/8"W x 103/8"L.
• Minimum size of installation cavity (inside ceiling and between joists)
is as follows:
–Depth: 57/8"
–10
1/2"between joists on the sides the wood screws are to be installed in.
– 123/4"between joists on sides the lock arms are to be used
(11/4"ofspace required on each side to clear lock arms).
See Diagram 1, page 9 for reference.

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Step-by-Step Installation (continued)
Hole location options and requirements
• Mounting in ceiling with joists 12" on-center.
– Place template against inside edge of joist.
– Trace around template with pencil.
– Cut hole.
See Diagram 1, page 9 for reference.
• Mounting in ceiling with joists wider than 12" on-center.
– Place template at least 11/4"away from existing joists
(to clear lock arms).
– Template does not need to be centered between joists.
–Trace around template with pencil.
– Cut hole.
– Install framing material inside cavity, running 90 degrees to
existing joists, leaving 101/2"between frame sides.
See Diagram 2, page 9 for reference.
•Mounting in ceiling with joists 12" on-center where crossbeam
is closer than 11/4"from side of enclosure.
– Enclosure MUST be against the crossbeam and 2 joists, boxing
it in on 3 sides. Shim as required.
– This will require 1 additional #8 x 31/2"wood screw and side
gasket material (not included) to secure to crossbeam and prevent
rattling.
– Place template against crossbeam and mounting joist.
– Trace around template with pencil.
– Cut hole.
See Diagram 3, page 10 for reference.

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Gasket requirements and application
• There are 2 sizes of gasket strips included in the accessory pack with the
owner’s manual.
–5long gaskets.
–1short gasket.
• The gaskets are to be applied as follows:
–2long gaskets on back of enclosure.
–2gaskets on each side of enclosure to be placed against joist or
framing material.
– The short gasket is provided to run on the side of the enclosure where
the terminal cut-away is located.
Connecting the speaker
• Run color-coded wires between the speaker cavity and amplifier
unit. When running the wires inside the ceiling to the opening, leave a
minimum of 18" of additional length in the cavity to facilitate speaker
connection.
• Fish wiring out of hole.
• Connect the speaker wires to the UIW RCS III taking care to make red to
red (+) and black to black (-) terminal connections.
• Refer to your amplifier or receiver loudspeaker wiring instructions, turn
off the unit and connect the speaker wires to the appropriate colored out-
put terminal on the unit, again making red to red (+) and black to black (-)
connections. This will ensure absolute phase throughout the system.
Securing speaker
• Installation of this product must follow all local and state building
code requirements.
• We strongly recommend using a qualified, professional installer who is
knowledgeable of local building codes.
• We recommend holding the unit by the bezel and outer edges
of the speaker to avoid damaging the drivers.
• Place speaker in hole and secure to joists (or framing material) with at
least 2 of the screws provided. Tighten screw on one side before installing
and tightening the opposing side.

• As a minimum, the speaker must be secured using two screws provided on
2parallel sides.
See Diagrams 1 and 2, page 9 for reference.
• If speaker is mounted against a crossbeam, install one additional #8 x 31/2"
wood screw (included) into side that is against crossbeam to secure
speaker and prevent rattling.
See Diagram 3, page 10 for reference.
• Secure lock arms on sides that are not secured using wood screws.
See Diagrams 1, 2 and 3, page 9 and 10 for reference.
• The metal pivoting lock arms are pre-installed in the loudspeaker frame
with Phillips screws. The lock arms can be rotated left or right by turning
the screws.
•Fit grille on speaker bezel.
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Step-by-Step Installation (continued)
*VERY IMPORTANT*
Please note that the pivoting lock arms arenot designed to support
the weight of the speaker. They are only designed to pull the speaker
tight to the ceiling and prevent it from rattling. Do not use them for
supporting the speaker. The screws going through the speaker and
into the joists are there for support and must be properly used.

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1 1/4” MINIMUM CLEARANCE
REQUIRED TO CLEAR LOCKARMS
REAR VIEW (FROM INSIDE CEILING)
INSTALLATION IN CEILING WITH JOISTS 12” ON-CENTER
MINIMUM CAVITY REQUIRED:
• 10 1/2” BETWEEN JOISTS THAT WOOD SCREWS
ARE TO BE SECURED TO
• 12 3/4” BETWEEN JOISTS OR OBSTRUCTIONS
ON SIDES LOCK ARMS ARE TO USED
• DEPTH: 5 7/8”
EXISTING CEILING JOISTS
12” ON-CENTER
WOODSCREW
(2 PLACES)
LOCK ARM
(4 PLACES)
10 1/2” MINIMUM CAVITY
SIZE BETWEEN JOISTS
BEAM TO SHOW MINIMUM DISTANCE
REQUIRED TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTION
10 3/8” TEMPLATE CUT-OUT
10 3/8”
TEMPLATE
CUT-OUT
12 3/4”
MINIMUM CAVITY
SIZE REQUIRED TO
CLEAR LOCK ARMS
REAR VIEW (FROM INSIDE CEILING)
INSTALLATION IN CEILING WITH JOISTS 24” ON-CENTER
MINIMUM CAVITY REQUIRED:
• 10 1/2” BETWEEN INSTALLED MATERIAL THAT
WOOD SCREWS ARE TO BE SECURED TO
• 12 3/4” BETWEEN JOISTS OR OBSTRUCTIONS
ON SIDES LOCK ARMS ARE TO USED
• DEPTH: 5-7/8”
NOTE: UNIT DOES NOT NEED TO BE CENTERED
BETWEEN JOISTS. ALLOW FOR 1-1/4” OF CLEARANCE
ON EACH SIDE OF CLEAR LOCK ARMS
EXISTING CEILING JOISTS
24” ON-CENTER
ADDED FRAMING
MATERIAL
10-1/2”
CAVITY SIZE REQUIRED
BETWEEN INSTALLED
FRAMING MATERIAL
WOODSCREW
(2 PLACES)
LOCK ARM
(4 PLACES)
10 3/8” TEMPLATE CUT-OUT
10 3/8”
TEMPLATE
CUT-OUT
Diagram 1
Diagram 2

If you experience any difficulties with your UIW RCS III Loudspeakers,
try the suggestions described below.If you are still having problems, please
consult your Definitive Technology authorized dealer for assistance.
• Make sure all your system interconnections and power cords
are solidly in their place.
•Check to be sure that the power cords and/or speaker wires have
not been damaged.
• Many amplifier/receivers have sophisticated internal protection
circuitry.If for some reason the protection circuitry is tripped,
please turn down the system’s volume and wait five minutes
before trying the system again.
Troubleshooting Your UIW RCS III Speakers
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REAR VIEW (FROM INSIDE CEILING)
INSTALLATION IN CEILING WITH JOISTS 12”
ON-CENTER WITH OBSTRUCTING CROSSBEAM
• UNIT MUST BE AGAINST THE CROSSBEAM
AND 2 JOISTS
MINIMUM CAVITY REQUIRED:
• 10 1/2” BETWEEN JOISTS THAT WOOD SCREWS
ARE TO BE SECURED TO
• 12 3/4” BETWEEN JOISTS OR OBSTRUCTIONS
ON SIDES LOCK ARMS ARE TO USED
• DEPTH: 5 7/8”
10 1/2” MINIMUM CAVITY SIZE BETWEEN STUDS
HOLDING WOODSCREWS
EXISTING CROSSBEAM
CAUSING OBSTRUCTION
EXISTING CEILING JOISTS
12” ON-CENTER
WOODSCREW
(3 PLACES)
LOCK ARM
(2 PLACES)
10 3/8” TEMPLATE CUT-OUT
10 3/8”
TEMPLATE
CUT-OUT
11 3/8”
MINIMUM CAVITY
SIZE REQUIRED BETWEEN
CROSSBRACES TO
CLEAR LOCK ARMS.
UNIT MUST BE PLACED
AGAINST CROSSBEAM.
11/4”
MINIMUM
CLEARANCE
REQUIRED FOR
LOCKARMS
Diagram 3