JL Audio FATHOM ICS-SYS-108 User manual

Enclosure Installation Manual
ICS-SYS-108
ICS-SYS-208

Page 3| Fathom ICS
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 splashin+g 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 qualied
service personnel when:
a. the subwoofer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance
b. 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 ICSPage 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions: ........................................... 3
Introduction and Overview: ............................................. 4
System Components: ................................................. 5-7
Tools for Installation / Prepping the Work Area: ........................... 8
What Is In e Box?: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Enclosure Mounting Hardware: ......................................... 10
Enclosure Installation Procedure: .................................... 11-31
Grille Installation Procedure: .........................................32-33
Specications: ........................................................ 34
INTRODUCTION
ank you for choosing the JL Audio Fathom In-Ceiling Subwoofer System, also
known as the ICS.
is document contains detailed instructions for the installation of the Fathom
ICS enclosure. Since a portion of the enclosure will be inaccessible aer installation,
we strongly recommend reading these instructions completely before beginning the
installation process. Please note, these instructions are for the installation of one (1)
ICS enclosure. Simply repeat the steps to install additional enclosures.
FATHOM ICS SYSTEM OVERVIEW
e Fathom ICS is oered in two options:
ICS-SYS-108 includes all elements for the installation of one (1) subwoofer.
ICS-SYS-208 includes all elements for the installation of two (2) subwoofers.
Each Fathom ICS System consists of four elements:
ICS-SYS-108 ICS-SYS-208
(1) Enclosure (2) Enclosures
(1) Subwoofer* (2) Subwoofers*
(1) Grille Assembly ** (2) Grille Assemblies**
(1) 300W Amplier ** (1) 600W Amplier **
* Pre-installed in enclosure. ** Not included with enclosure.
Each system includes specialized hardware to ensure proper installation.

Page 5| Fathom ICS
THE ENCLOSURE
e Fathom ICS enclosure utilizes extensive architectural features
aimed at improving rigidity while keeping a very low prole and minimal
wall thickness. A unique port design vents through a slot located at the
perimeter of the driver mount to enhance eciency and low-bass output.
e ICS enclosure is outtted with various spacers and padding in specic
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 vibrations.
Designed to t most in-ceiling installations, the ICS enclosure includes
mounting hardware to accommodate ceiling cavities with assembled joists
ranging from 16-inches to 25 ½-inches wide on center. While primarily
intended for ceiling applications, the ICS enclosure is also compatible with
in-wall applications with walls constructed with 2 x 6 studs or larger.
Enclosure Dimensions*
40.71 inches x 14.00 inches x 5.13 inches
1,034 mm x 355 mm x 130 mm
*Dimensions listed are approximate and do not include various spacers and padding.
Spacers and
padding will vary to
ensure a proper t.

| Fathom ICSPage 6
THE SUBWOOFER
Derived from JL Audio’s groundbreaking technologies used to develop our
free-standing powered subwoofers, the 8-inch Fathom® ICS 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 most ceiling and wall cavities, 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 aer 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 dierent 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 below 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 ICS
THE AMPLIFIER
Engineered with powerful features and versatile functionality, the Fathom
SA-600W is a state-of-the-art amplier 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 eciently 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 ICSPage 8
TOOLS FOR INSTALLATION
Below is a list of recommended tools to perform the installation of the Fathom
ICS enclosure. Depending on the specics of your installation, you may need
additional tools, hardware and/or accessories. We also recommend having a
second person to assist with liing the enclosure during in-ceiling installations.
• 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)
PREPPING THE WORK AREA
is manual illustrates installation in new construction homes, however
Fathom ICS enclosures may also be installed in pre-existing construction
applications. When working with pre-existing construction, you will need to
open a ceiling cavity or stud bay to expose the joists or 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.
WARNING
For your safety, make sure there are no live electrical circuits/conduits
within the ceiling cavity or stud bay prior to beginning the installation.

Page 9| Fathom ICS
WHAT IS IN THE BOX?
Enclosure with
Pre-Attached parts*
(x1)
SKU 152446
SKU 152445
SKU 152444
SKU 152340
SKU 152339
SKU 152315
SKU 152314
* Part A - Wallboard Template
(x1) SKU: 152314
SKU 152446
SKU 152445
SKU 152444
SKU 152340
SKU 152339
SKU 152315
SKU 152314
* Part B: Upper Stud Mount
(x1) SKU: 152315
SKU 152446
SKU 152445
SKU 152444
SKU 152340
SKU 152339
SKU 152315
SKU 152314
* Part C - Lower Stud Mount
(x1) SKU: 152339
SKU 152446
SKU 152445
SKU 152444
SKU 152340
SKU 152339
SKU 152315
SKU 152314
* Part D - Floor Support
(x1) SKU: 152340
LEFT BRACKET
Part E - Left Joist Mounting
Brackets (x2) SKU: 193621
RIGHT BRACKET
Part F - Right Joist Mounting
Brackets (x2) SKU: 193620
SKU 152446
SKU 152445
SKU 152444
SKU 152340
SKU 152339
SKU 152315
SKU 152314
Part G - Extended Upper
Stud Mount (x1) SKU: 152444
SKU 152446
SKU 152445
SKU 152444
SKU 152340
SKU 152339
SKU 152315
SKU 152314
Part H - Extended Lower
Stud Mount (x1) SKU: 152445
SKU 152446
SKU 152445
SKU 152444
SKU 152340
SKU 152339
SKU 152315
SKU 152314
Part I - L-Bracket
Extensions (x2) SKU: 152446
Part J - L-Brackets
(x4) SKU: 153923 Foam Gasket (x1) Terminal Covers (x2)
1.50
1.00
2.00
1.25
#8 x 1.00-inch Pan Head
Screws (x22)
1.50
1.00
2.00
1.25
#8 x 1.50-inch Pan Head
Screws (x18)
1.50
1.00
2.00
1.25
#8 x 2.00-inch Pan Head
Screws (x8)
1.50
1.00
2.00
1.25
#8 x 1.25-inch Wafer Head
Screws (x42)

| Fathom ICSPage 10
ENCLOSURE MOUNTING
HARDWARE
e table at right lists the
correct enclosure mounts to use by
application type (see page 10). Before
proceeding, identify and familiarize
yourself with the appropriate mounts
for your specic installation.
Type Ceiling/Wall
Cavity Width Mount Part Note
IC-1
Joist Width
Range:
16-inches to
17 ½-inches
on center
Upper Stud Mount Part B Pre-Attached
Lower Stud Mount Part C
Left Joist Mounting Brackets (x2) Part E
Right Joist Mounting Brackets (x2) Part F
L-Brackets (x4) Part J
IC-2
Joist Width
Range:
>17 ½-inches to
25 ½-inches
on center
Left Joist Mounting Brackets (x2) Part E
Right Joist Mounting Bracket s(x2) Part F
Extended Upper Stud Mount Part GReplaces
Parts B & C
Extended Lower Stud Mount Part H
L-Bracket Extensions (x2) Part I
Must be cut to
size for joists
>17 ½-inches to
<24-inches on
center
L-Brackets (x4) Part J
IW-1
Stud Width:
16-inches
on center
Upper Stud Mount Part B
Pre-AttachedLower Stud Mount Part C
Floor Support Part D
L-Brackets (x4) Part J

Page 11| Fathom ICS
ENCLOSURE MOUNTING
APPLICATIONS
e Fathom ICS enclosure package
includes all parts and hardware
necessary for the installation of one
(1) enclosure. Since a portion of the
enclosure will be inaccessible aer
installation, we strongly recommend
reading these instructions completely
before beginning the installation
process. To install additional
enclosures, simply repeat the steps.
Designed to t most in-ceiling
installations, the ICS enclosure includes
mounting hardware to accommodate
ceiling cavities with assembled joists
ranging from 16-inches to 25 ½-inches
wide on center. While primarily
intended for ceiling applications,
the ICS enclosure is also compatible
with in-wall applications with walls
constructed from 2 x 6 studs or larger.
Refer to the gures at le to
identify which installation type
ts your specic application.
• Type IC-1: Ceiling cavities with
joist widths ranging from 16-inches
to 17 ½-inches on center.
• Type IC-2: Ceiling cavities
with joist widths ranging from
greater than 17 ½-inches to
25 ½-inches on center.
• Type IW-1: Wall cavities
constructed with 2 x 6
studs or larger, assembled
at 16-inches on center.
Note: is manual includes specic
steps and illustrations for in-ceiling
and in-wall applications. Make sure
to observe the Installation Type listed
at the top of the following pages for
your application (IC-1, IC-2, IW-1).
Ty p e I C-1
Ty p e I C-2
Type IW-1

| Fathom ICSPage 12
IN-CEILING INSTALLATION
Evaluating the Ceiling Cavity
e ICS enclosure is designed
to mount in between two joists,
within a ceiling cavity, so anything
coming into contact with it can
lead to unwanted vibrations and
rattles that cannot be accessed/
corrected aer the installation.
Before proceeding, verify that
your ceiling cavity meets these
requirements:
• At least 58-inches of unobstructed
length/space
• Continuous width inside the ceiling
joists, over the entire 58-inches must
be no less than 14 ½-inches and no
more than 24-inches.
• A minimum 5 ½-inches of height
• Joists on either side of the ceiling
cavity should be straight, plumb
and parallel, without any twisting
or bowing.
• If your ceiling cavity has any
obstructions, such as wiring,
conduits or ventilation ducts,
you’ll need to discuss removing or
relocating them with your general
contractor, or you will need to
choose a dierent ceiling cavity.
58-inches
minimum
5.50-inches
minimum
14.50 to
24-inches

Page 13| Fathom ICS
Figure 2
Arrows indicate pre-drilled
attachment holes
Represents the horizontal
center line of driver/grille.
Not used with in-ceiling installations.
(Remove and recycle.)
Figure 1
Remove 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)
For in-ceiling installations, the
Floor Support (Part D) will not
be used. Place the enclosure on a
supported surface/table and remove
the shrink wrap to detach the Floor
Support (Part D). (Figure 1)
Stud Mount Attachment Points
e enclosure is equipped with
engraved arrows that point to the
approved mounting locations (pre-
drilled holes) for attaching the
Stud Mounts (Parts B & C) or the
Extended Stud Mounts (Parts G &
H) to the enclosure. Note: Installing
fasteners at any other locations is not
recommended and may create air
leaks in the enclosure. (Figure 2)
Driver/Grille Center Line
e dashed line at le represents
the horizontal center line of the
wallboard template aer the enclosure
is installed. is may be used for
referencing the placement of the
driver/grille at its nal position within
the desired oor plan. (Figure 2)

| Fathom ICSPage 14
INCEILING INSTALLATION
Type: IC-1
Mounting Hardware
e table at right lists the
correct enclosure mounts to use
for installation into ceiling cavities
with joist widths ranging 16-inches
to 17 ½-inches on center. Before
proceeding, identify and familiarize
yourself with the appropriate mounts
for your specic installation.
Install Joist Mounting Brackets
Mark the bottom edge of each
ceiling joist at the desired position
of the center of the driver/grille
within the oor plan. Note: From
this mark, there must be at least
17-inches of unobstructed space
to the nearest obstacle and at least
41-inches of unobstructed space
in the opposite direction. Next,
place a second mark 25-inches away
from each of the rst marks.
Position the Joist Mounting
Brackets (Parts E & F) at the inscribed
marks and fully install three #8 x
1.25-inch wafer head screws into
each. Note: Ensure that all ends of
the mounting brackets are oriented
as shown with the long side of each
bracket ush with the inside face of
each joist. (Figure 3)
Figure 3
Joist Width Range Mount Part Note
16-inches to 17 ½-inches
on center
Upper Stud Mount Part B Pre-Attached
Lower Stud Mount Part C
Left Joist Mounting Brackets (x2) Part E
Right Joist Mounting Brackets (x2) Part F
L-Brackets (x4) Part J
25-inches
17-inches
minimum
41-inches
minimum
Center line
of driver/grille

Page 15| Fathom ICS
INCEILING INSTALLATION
Type: IC-1
Test Fit Enclosure
With the assistance of a helper, li
the enclosure into the ceiling cavity,
positioning the Stud Mounts (Parts
B & C) above the ends of the Joist
Mounting Brackets (Parts E & F) and
slide the enclosure inward until the
Stud Mounts (Parts B & C) contact the
Joist Mounting Brackets (Parts E & F).
To prevent the enclosure from falling
out, ensure that the exposed dowel
pins at the ends of the Stud Mounts
(Parts B & C) are located on the
outside of the Joist Mounting Brackets
(Parts E & F). (Figure 4)
Set the Enclosure’s Final Position
Adjust the enclosure’s position
to the middle of the ceiling cavity.
Centering the enclosure within the
ceiling cavity, so that no sides of the
enclosure are in contact with the
joists, will reduce the potential for
unwanted noise and vibration.
Install two #8 x 2.00-inch pan
head screws through the guide holes
located at each end of the Stud Mounts
(Parts B & C) to set the enclosure’s
nal position. Select the guide hole
locations that will place each screw at
or near the center of each joist.
(Figure 5)
Note: As this is the last
opportunity before permanently
mounting the enclosure, we highly
recommend to double-check
that the position of the driver/
grille (Wallboard Template -
Part A) is at the desired location
within the oor plan.
Figure 4
Figure 5

| Fathom ICSPage 16
INCEILING INSTALLATION
Type: IC-1
Mounting the Enclosure
Place an L-Bracket (Part J) at one of
the corner ends of the enclosure, with
its slotted openings positioned over
the pilot holes. Within each slotted
opening, select two non-adjacent pilot
holes (spaced one to two holes apart)
and fully install two #8 x 1.00-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. (Figure 6)
Slide the L-Bracket (Part J)
outward and secure to the ceiling joist
using six #8 x 1.25-inch wafer head
screws. Repeat this procedure with
the remaining L-Brackets (Part J)
at the remaining corner ends of the
enclosure. Next, fully tighten all screws
previously installed in the slotted
openings and lock the position of all
L-Brackets (Part J) by installing a #8 x
1.00-inch pan head screw into one of
the two holes located in between the
slotted openings. (Figure 7)
Uninstall all screws from all Joist
Mounting Brackets (Parts E & F) and
remove for recycling. Uninstall all
screws from both Stud Mounts (Parts
B & C) and remove for recycling.
PROCEED TO ROUTING THE
SPEAKER CABLE page 30)
Figure 6
Figure 7
2 3
1

Page 17| Fathom ICS
This page intentionally left blank.

| Fathom ICSPage 18
Joist Width Range Mount Part Note
>17 ½-inches to
25 ½-inches
on center
Left Joist Mounting Brackets (x2) Part E
Right Joist Mounting Brackets (x2) Part F
Extended Upper Stud Mount Part GReplaces
Parts B & C
Extended Lower Stud Mount Part H
L-Bracket Extensions (x2) Part I
Cut to size
for joists
>17 ½-inches to
<24-inches on
center
L-Brackets (x4) Part J
INCEILING INSTALLATION
Type: IC-2
Mounting Hardware
e table at right lists the correct
enclosure mounts to use for installation
into ceiling cavities with joist widths
ranging from greater than 17 ½-inches
to 25 ½-inches on center. Before
proceeding, identify and familiarize
yourself with the appropriate mounts
for your specic installation.
Install Joist Mounting Brackets
Mark the bottom edge of each
ceiling joist at the desired position
of the center of the driver/grille
within the oor plan. Note: From
this mark, there must be at least
17-inches of unobstructed space
to the nearest obstacle and at least
41-inches of unobstructed space
in the opposite direction. Next,
place a second mark 25-inches away
from each of the rst marks.
Position the Joist Mounting
Brackets (Parts E & F) at the inscribed
marks and fully install three #8 x
1.25-inch wafer head screws into
each. Note: Ensure that all ends of
the mounting brackets are oriented
as shown with the long side of each
bracket ush with the inside face of
each joist. (Figure 8)
Figure 8
25-inches
17-inches
Center line
of driver/grille
41-inches
minimum

Page 19| Fathom ICS
INCEILING INSTALLATION
Type: IC-2
Understanding the Extended
Stud Mounts
e Extended Stud Mounts (Parts G
& H) are designed so the enclosure can
be positioned at the center of the ceiling
cavity or towards a joist, away from the
wide end of the Extended Stud Mounts
(Parts G & H).
= Wide End
= Narrow End
To position the enclosure in the
opposite direction, simply rotate the
orientation of the Extended Stud
Mounts (Parts G & H).
Note: Regardless of orientation,
each Extended Stud Mount (Parts G &
H) must remain within its respective
Joist Mounting Bracket (Parts E & F).
(Figure 9)
Determine the Enclosure’s Center
Place the Extended Lower Stud
Mount (Part H) into the bottom Joist
Mounting Brackets (Parts E & F), with
its narrow end, centered below the
joist. (Figure 10)
Mark a line on the edge of the
Extended Lower Stud Mount (Part
H), at the desired center position of
the enclosure. Note: e enclosure’s
nal position within the ceiling
cavity requires at least 7.50-inches
of unobstructed space, in either
direction from the enclosure’s center,
towards the bordering joists.
Aer marking the enclosure’s
desired center position, transfer (copy)
this mark from the Extended Lower
Stud Mount (Part H) to the Extended
Upper Stud Mount (Part G).
Figure 9
Figure 10
Center narrow
end below joist.
7. 50 - in ch es
minimum 7. 50 - in ch es minimum
Desired Center
of Enclosure

| Fathom ICSPage 20
INCEILING INSTALLATION
Type: IC-2
Attach the Extended Stud Mounts
e pre-attached Stud Mounts
(Parts B & C) will not be used in this
application. Place the enclosure on a
supported surface/table and remove
the Stud Mounts (Parts B & C) for
recycling (retain the #8 x 1.25-inch
wafer head screws).
Position the Extended Stud Mounts
(Parts G & H) on the enclosure, with
the inscribed center marks aligned with
the vertical center of the enclosure.
Attach the the Extended Stud Mounts
(Parts G & H) to the enclosure using
the wafer head screws that were
removed earlier. Make sure to install
the wafer head screws into the same
mounting holes of the enclosure that
were used for the pre-attached Stud
Mounts (Parts B & C) removed earlier.
(Figure 11)
Note: e enclosure is equipped
with engraved arrows that point to
the approved mounting locations
(pre-drilled holes) for attaching
the Stud Mounts to the enclosure.
Installing fasteners at any other
locations is not recommended and
may create air leaks in the enclosure.
Figure 11
Arrows point to pre-drilled
attachment holes locations.
Align the inscribed
center position marks
with the vertical center
of the enclosure.