JL Audio FATHOM IWS-SYS-108 User manual
Enclosure Installation Manual
IWS-SYS-108
IWS-SYS-208
Page 3| Fathom IWS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read the Instructions — All safety and operating instructions should be
read before the subwoofer is operated.
2) Retain the Instructions — ese instructions should be retained
for future reference.
3) Heed Warnings — All warnings in these instructions should be followed.
4) Water and Moisture — e enclosure and subwoofer should NOT be used
near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc.
5) Heat and Flames — e enclosure and subwoofer should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, replaces, or other
devices which produce heat. Do not place candles nearby.
6) Object or Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not fall
into and liquids are not spilled onto the enclosure, subwoofer or grille. Do not
expose to dripping or splashing from liquids. Do not place objects lled with
liquids nearby. For example: ower vases, beverages, liquid-fueled lamps, etc.
7) Damage Requiring Service — e subwoofer should be serviced by qualied
service personnel when:
a. objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the subwoofer
b. the subwoofer has been exposed to rain
c. the subwoofer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance
d. the subwoofer driver’s cone and/or suspension has been
physically damaged
WARNING
THIS SUBWOOFER IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING VERY HIGH SOUND
PRESSURE LEVELS. PLEASE EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN ITS OPERATION TO
PROTECT YOUR HEARING FROM PERMANENT DAMAGE.
| Fathom IWSPage 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions: ........................................... 3
Introduction and Overview: ............................................. 4
System Components: ................................................. 5-7
Installation Hardware / Tools for Installation: ............................. 8
What’s In e Box?: .................................................... 9
Enclosure Installation Procedure: .................................... 10-18
Notes: ................................................................ 19
Specications: ........................................................ 20
INTRODUCTION
ank you for choosing the JL Audio Fathom In-Wall Subwoofer System, also
known as the IWS.
is document contains detailed instructions for the installation of the Fathom
IWS enclosure. Since a portion of the enclosure will be inaccessible aer installation,
we strongly recommend reading these instructions completely before beginning the
installation process. Please note, these instructions are for the installation of one (1)
IWS enclosure. Simply repeat the steps to install additional enclosures.
FATHOM IWS SYSTEM OVERVIEW
e Fathom IWS is oered in two options:
- IWS-SYS-108 includes all elements for the installa tion of one (1) subwoofer.
- IWS-SYS-208 includes all elements for the installation of two (2) subwoofers.
Each Fathom IWS System consists of four elements:
IWS-SYS-108 IWS-SYS-208
(1) Enclosure (2) Enclosures
(1) Subwoofer (2) Subwoofers
(1) Grille Assembly (2) Grille Assemblies
(1) 300W Amplier (1) 600W Amplier
Each system includes specialized hardware to ensure proper installation.
Page 5| Fathom IWS
THE ENCLOSURE
e Fathom IWS enclosure utilizes extensive architectural features aimed at
improving rigidity while keeping a very low prole and minimal wall thickness.
A unique port design vents through a slot located at the perimeter of the driver
mount to enhance eciency and low-bass output. Designed to t snugly within
a 2 x 4 stud wall cavity, the enclosure has various spacers and padding applied
to specic areas, allowing it to only make gentle contact with its surrounding
wallboard surfaces. e placement and amount of pressure applied by these
pads is a critical design aspect to ensure proper t and should not be altered
in any way. Failure to use the proper enclosure and/or alteration of the spacers
and padding will result in loss of performance and unwanted wall vibrations.
Enclosure Dimensions*
61.26-inches x 14-inches x 3.25-inches
(1,565 mm x 355 mm x 83 mm)
*Dimensions listed are approximate and do not include various spacers and padding.
Spacers and
padding will vary to
ensure a proper t.
| Fathom IWSPage 6
THE SUBWOOFER
Derived from JL Audio’s groundbreaking technologies used to develop our
free-standing powered subwoofers, the Fathom® IWS in-wall subwoofer systems
deliver remarkable bass performance, while remaining largely concealed within
most home audio/theater environments. e 8-inch diameter driver is smaller
and easily integrates into all standard, 16-inch, on-center stud openings, and
operating through very small grilles.
THE GRILLE ASSEMBLY
e grille assembly is comprised of a removable outer metal mesh and
grille tray. e grille assembly should be installed only aer the surrounding
wallboard and grille assembly have been painted and the room’s interior is free
of construction debris. A plastic paint guard is included to shield the inner black
section of the grille tray from overspray during painting. e grille tray and
outer metal mesh grille should be painted separately to prevent them from
sticking together.
Two sets of dierent length thumb screws are included with the grille assembly
to t a range of wallboard thicknesses. It is critical to use the correct thumb screw
length for a proper t. Refer to the table at right to select the thumb screw length
that is compatible with the wallboard thickness used in your application.
Thumb Screw Length Wallboard Thickness
1.75”
2.5”
1/4-20 x 1.75 in.
1/2 in. to less than 1-1/16 in.
13 mm to less than 27 mm
1.75”
2.5”
1/4-20 x 2.5 in.
1-1/16 in. to less than 1-3/4 in.
27 mm to less than 44 mm
Page 7| Fathom IWS
THE AMPLIFIER
Engineered with powerful features and versatile functionality, the Fathom
SA-600W is a state-of-the-art amplier designed to power a top-ight subwoofer
system in home theater and home audio systems.
Utilizing a precisely-engineered switching power supply, the SA-600W is
capable of eciently generating unclipped output voltages equivalent to 600
watts of RMS power, while remaining calm and stable. Managing all of the
SA-600W’s on-board features is an intuitively designed interface for adjusting
all settings and controls with ease.
| Fathom IWSPage 8
INSTALLATION HARDWARE
e Fathom IWS-108 enclosure package includes all parts and hardware
necessary for the installation of one (1) enclosure. Since a portion of the
enclosure will be inaccessible aer installation, we strongly recommend
reading these instructions completely before beginning the installation
process. Please note, these instructions are for the installation of one (1)
enclosure. Simply repeat the steps to install additional enclosures.
TOOLS FOR INSTALLATION
Below is a list of recommended tools to perform the installation of the Fathom
IWS-108 enclosure. Depending on the specics of your installation, you may
need additional tools, hardware and/or accessories.
• Safety glasses • Tape measure (100-inch minimum)
• Cordless drill/driver with #2 Phillips bit • Drill bits
• Wire strippers • Utility knife or scissors
• Wire cutters • Right angle driver (optional)
• Pencil or Marker • Drop cloth (optional)
• Masking tape (optional)
Page 9| Fathom IWS
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Enclosure with
Pre-Attached parts*
(x1)
L-Brackets
(x4)
Terminal Covers
(x2)
Foam Gasket
(x1)
1.00
2.00
1.25
#8 x 1-inch Pan Head Screws
(x22)
1.00
2.00
1.25
#8 x 2-inch Pan Head Screws
(x8)
1.00
2.00
1.25
#8 x 1.25-inch Wafer Head Screws
(x30)
* Part A - Wallboard Template
(x1)
* Part B - Upper Stud Mount
(x1)
* Part C - Lower Stud Mount
(x1)
* Part D - Floor Support
(x1)
| Fathom IWSPage 10
ENCLOSURE INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Prepping the Work Area
e steps and photos in this manual illustrate installation in new construction
homes, however Fathom IWS-108 enclosures may also be installed in pre-existing
construction applications. When working with pre-existing construction, you
will need to open a stud bay and expose the studs on either side of the opening.
For pre-existing construction installations, we recommend using masking tape
and a drop cloth to protect the home’s interior from construction debris. For
your safety, make sure there are no live electrical circuits/conduits within the
stud bay prior to beginning the installation.
Evaluating the Wall Cavity
e IWS-108 enclosure is designed to mount in between two studs, within
the wall cavity, so anything coming into contact with it can lead to unwanted
vibrations and rattles that cannot be accessed/corrected aer the installation.
Before proceeding, verify that your wall cavity meets these requirements:
• At least 75-inches of unobstructed height (measured from the oor)
• Continuous width inside the studs, over the entire 75-inches must be no less
than 14 3/8-inches and no greater
than 15 ½-inches.
• A minimum 3 ½-inches of depth
• Studs on either side of the wall cavity should be straight, plumb and parallel,
without any twisting or bowing.
• If your stud bay has any obstructions, such as wiring, conduits or cross-
members, you’ll need to discuss removing or relocating them with your
general contractor, or you will need to choose a dierent
stud bay.
Page 11| Fathom IWS
Attach the Floor Support (Part D)
To simplify installation, the
enclosure is shipped with the
following parts pre-attached:
Part A – Wallboard Template
Part B – Upper Stud Mount
Part C – Lower Stud Mount
Part D – Floor Support (shrink
wrapped to enclosure)
Place the enclosure on a supported
surface/table and remove the shrink
wrap from the Enclosure/Floor Stand
(Part D).
Position the Enclosure/Floor Stand
(Part D) in the recessed area of the
Wallboard Template (Part A) and
Lower Stud Mount (Part C). Using the
predrilled pilot holes as guides, install
four #8 x 1.25-inch wafer head screws
to attach the Enclosure/Floor Stand
(Part D) to the Wallboard Template
(Part A) (Figure 1)
Test Fit Enclosure
Place the enclosure into the wall
cavity, with both Stud Mounts (Parts
B & C) pressed against the stud faces
and supported by the Enclosure/
Floor Stand (Part D). (Figure 2 & 3)
Using the ends of the Stud Mounts
(Parts B & C) as guides, adjust the
enclosure’s horizontal position
to the center of the wall cavity.
To temporarily hold the enclosure’s
position, install one #8 x 2-inch
black pan head screw through one
of the guide holes located at each
end of the Upper Stud Mount (Part
B). Select the guide hole locations
that will place each screw at or near
the center of each stud. (Figure 4)
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 1
Figure 2
| Fathom IWSPage 12
Mark the Top L-Bracket Locations
Place an L-Bracket on the top
of the enclosure, with its foam
padded section positioned against
one stud. Mark a line along the
L-Bracket’s edge to note its position.
Repeat this procedure for the
L-Bracket on the opposite side of
the enclosure’s top. (Figure 5-7) Figure 5 Figure 6
Figure 7
Page 13| Fathom IWS
L-Bracket Installation
Remove the enclosure from the
wall cavity and place on a supported
surface/table. Each L-Bracket includes
two slotted openings for installation
over two rows of predrilled pilot holes
located at each end of the enclosure’s
top and bottom. e slotted openings
allow adjustment of the L-Brackets
when mounting the enclosure within
the wall cavity. (Figure 8)
Place an L-Bracket along one of the
marked lines on the enclosure’s top,
with its slotted openings positioned
over the pilot holes. Select two, non-
adjacent pilot holes within each slotted
opening (one to two holes apart) and
fully install two #8 x 1-inch pan head
screws. en, partially back out each
screw, leaving just one to two threads
exposed beneath each screw head.
e L-Bracket should remain loose,
allowing it to slide for adjustment
during installation. Repeat this
procedure with the other marked line
on the enclosure’s top. (Figure 9 & 10)
Noting the L-Bracket screw
locations on the enclosure’s top,
attach the two remaining L-Brackets
to the enclosure’s bottom in the
same manner. Each screw should
be installed in the same pilot hole
locations as on the enclosure’s top.
(Figure 11)
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 8
Figure 11
| Fathom IWSPage 14
Set the Enclosure’s Final Position
Slide all four L-Brackets inward,
then place the enclosure into the wall
cavity, supported on the oor by the
Enclosure/Floor Stand (Part D). Both
Stud Mounts (Parts B & C) should be
pressed against the stud faces.
Using a level and the ends of
the Stud Mounts (Parts B & C)
as guides, adjust the enclosure’s
horizontal position to the middle
of the wall cavity. Centering the
enclosure’s position within the
wall cavity, so that no sides of the
enclosure are in contact with the
studs, will reduce the potential for
unwanted noise and vibration.
Install two #8 x 2-inch black
pan head screws through the guide
holes located at each end of the Stud
Mounts (Parts B & C) to set the
enclosure’s position. Select the guide
hole locations that will place each
screw at or near the center of each
stud. (Figure 12 & 13)
Uninstall the four #8 x 1.25-
inch wafer head screws from the
Enclosure/Floor Stand (Part D)
and remove it for recycling.
Figure 13
Figure 12
Page 15| Fathom IWS
Mounting the Enclosure
At the enclosure’s top, slide each
L-Bracket outward and secure to each
stud using six #8 x 1.25-inch wafer
head screws per L-Bracket. (Figure 14)
At the enclosure’s bottom, slide
each L-Bracket outward and, while
holding upward against the enclosure’s
bottom, install six #8 x 1.25-inch wafer
head screws per L-Bracket to secure to
each stud. Next, fully tighten all screws
previously installed in the slotted
openings of the bottom L-Brackets.
(Figure 15 & 16) Lock the position of
the bottom L-Brackets by installing a
#8 x 1-inch pan head screw into one of
the two holes located in between the
slotted openings. (Figure 17)
At the enclosure’s top, fully tighten
all screws previously installed in the
slotted openings of both L-Brackets.
Lock the position of the top L-Brackets
by installing a #8 x 1-inch pan head
screw into one of the two holes located
in between the slotted openings.
(Figure 18 & 19)
Uninstall all screws from both Stud
Mounts (Parts B & C) and remove
them for recycling.
Figure 14
Figure 18
Figure 15 Figure 16
Figure 19
Figure 17
| Fathom IWSPage 16
Route the Speaker Cable
Route speaker cable into the
bottom of the wall cavity through
an adjacent stud and remove the
outer jacketing to expose the
individual wires. Two rubber covers
are included to insulate the speaker
terminals. Feed the individual
wires through each rubber cover
and remove the wire insulation.
While observing correct polarity,
connect the individual wires to the
push terminals located at the bottom
of the enclosure, then slide a rubber
cover over each terminal.
(Figure 20-22)
Note: To reduce the potential
for unwanted noise and vibration,
position the individual wires so
they do not come into contact with
any surrounding parts (enclosure,
mounting brackets, studs, wallboard
surfaces or any other surfaces within
the wall cavity). Any contact point
may lead to undesirable rattles or
buzzing, which will be inaccessible
once the surrounding wallboard has
been installed.
Figure 21
Figure 20
Figure 22
Page 17| Fathom IWS
Foam Gasket Installation
e included energy absorbing
adhesive foam gasket strip is used
to reduce the potential for noise and
vibration between the studs and
wallboard, especially in installations
with metal stud construction.
Remove the backing and rmly
press the foam gasket strip to all stud
faces surrounding the wall cavity.
Use a utility knife or scissors to cut
and trim the edges of the foam gasket
strip. (Figure 23 & 24)
Installing the Wallboard
Install the surrounding wallboard
using the Wallboard Template (Part
A) as a hard edge. e surrounding
wallboard should be installed ush
against the wallboard template on all
four sides. (Figure 25)
Note: It is critical that any gaps
between the wallboard template and
surrounding wallboard does not
exceed 1/8-inch. Use joint compound
to ll any spaces greater than 1/8-
inch. Once installed, the surrounding
wallboard should be painted.
Wallboard Template Removal
To remove the Wallboard Template
(Part A), uninstall the four 1/4 – 20 x
1.25-inch, T27 machine screws and li
it away from the enclosure. (Figure 26)
PRO-TIP:
You may nd it easier to partially
screw two screws into the center area
of the template to use as a grip as you
pull away from the wall.
Figure 23
Figure 24
Figure 25
Figure 26
| Fathom IWSPage 18
GRILLE INSTALLATION
PROCEDURE
Before you Begin
e following instructions
assume the IWS Enclosure
has already been installed.
The Grille Assembly
e grille assembly is comprised
of a removable outer metal mesh and
grille tray. e grille assembly should
be installed only aer the surrounding
wallboard and grille assembly have
been painted and the room’s interior
is free of construction debris. A plastic
paint guard is included to shield the
inner black section of the grille tray
from overspray during painting.
e grille tray and outer metal mesh
grille should be painted separately to
prevent them from sticking together.
Two sets of dierent length thumb
screws are included with the grille
assembly to t a range of wallboard
thicknesses. It is critical to use the
correct thumb screw length for a
proper t. Refer to the table at right
to select the thumb screw length that
is compatible with the wallboard
thickness used in your application.
Wallboard Template Removal
To remove the Wallboard Template
(Part A), uninstall the four 1/4 – 20 x
1.25-inch, T27 machine screws and li
it away from the enclosure. (Figure 1)
Figure 1
PRO-TIP:
You may nd it easier to partially
screw two screws into the center area
of the template to use as a grip as you
pull away from the wall.
Thumb Screw Length Wallboard Thickness
1.75”
2.5”
1/4-20 x 1.75 in.
1/2 in. to less than 1-1/16 in.
13 mm to less than 27 mm
1.75”
2.5”
1/4-20 x 2.5 in.
1-1/16 in. to less than 1-3/4 in.
27 mm to less than 44 mm
Grille Assembly
1 Outer Metal Mesh
2Grille Tray
3Rubber Stoppers
4Thumb Screws
2 3 41
Page 19| Fathom IWS
Grille Assembly Installation
With the Wallboard Template
(Part A) removed, test t the grille
tray by inserting it into the opening
with the JL Audio logo positioned
at the bottom. (Figure 2) e grille
tray’s outer edge should make contact
with the outer wallboard surface.
Refer to the table on page 2 to select
the correct thumb screw length and
secure the grille tray in place using
four thumb screws, with each thumb
screw installed into the threaded inserts
located within the enclosure. Tighten
each thumb screw by hand, being
careful not to over tighten. (Figure 3)
Rubber screw stoppers are included
to prevent the thumb screws from
loosening. To install, press a rubber
stopper over each thumb screw with the
“THIS SIDE DOWN” imprint facing
down. Position each rubber stopper
with its narrow tip pointing towards
the corners of the grille tray. (Figure 4)
e outer metal mesh grille ts
in the center of the grille tray and
is held in place with embedded
magnets. To install, simply bring
the mesh grille near the grille tray,
allowing the magnets to pull it into the
recesses of the grille tray. (Figure 5)
is completes the installation of
the IWG-108 grille.
Figure 3
Figure 2
Figure 5
Figure 4
SKU#011480 101017
Printed in U.S.A.
www.jlaudio.com
10369 North Commerce Parkway • Miramar, Florida • 33025 • USA
“JLAudio”, “Ahead of the Curve”, “Fathom”and the JLAudio logo are registered trademarks of JLAudio, Inc.
©2017 JL Audio, Inc. • U.S. PATENTS: #6,229,902 #6,243,479 #6,294,959 #6,501,844 #6,496,590 #6,441,685 #6,219,431
#6,625,292 #D480,709 Other U.S. & Foreign patents pending. Due to our policy of continuous product development, all
specifications are subject to change without notice.
8-inch Fathom® IWS Enclosure Specifications:
Specifications Fathom® IWS-SYS-108 Fathom® IWS-SYS-208
Enclosure Type: Single Ported Enclosure Two Ported Enclosures
Driver(s): 8-in.
(nominal diameter)
8-in.
(nominal diameter)
in each of two enclosures
Frequency Response (anechoic):
24.9 Hz - 109 Hz (+/- 1.5 dB)
-3dB at 24.6 Hz / 111 Hz
-10dB at 23.4 Hz / 118 Hz
Effective Piston Area: 31.62 sq. in.
0.0204 sq. m.
63.24 sq. in.
0.0408 sq. m.
Effective Displacement: 47.5 cu. in. (0.78 liters) 95.0 cu. in. (1.56 liters)
2 x 4 Enclosure Dimensions:
(H) Height x (W) Width x (D) Depth
Does not include L-Brackets or padding material.
61.26 in. x 14 in. x 3.25 in.
1,565 mm x 355 mm x 83 mm
Cabinet Finish: Black Texture-Coated
Grille Dimensions:
(H) Height x (W) Width
10.50 in. x 10.50 in.
267 mm x 267 mm
Wall Opening Dimensions:
(H) Height x (W) Width
9.75 in. x 9.75 in.
248 mm x 248 mm
Grille Finish: White (paintable)
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