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