3
INTRODUCTION
Applications
Ratio speakers provide room-fi lling sound in any
multiroom system with amplifi ed keypads. In many
cases where an external amplifi er would be added for
conventional speakers, a pair of Ratio speakers powered
directly by the keypad will suffi ce.
Designed for optimal performance with amplifi ed key-
pad systems, Ratio speakers make it possible to use such
systems in places where higher-powered systems would
otherwise be used. This provides an economical alterna-
tive to high-powered multiroom systems.
Speaker Placement
Following are some general placement guidelines for
stereo listening and background music applications.
Other things to consider for speaker placement include:
• Locations of unobstructed wall or ceiling cavities in
which to mount the speakers
• Accessibility for running cables through the walls or
ceilings to the speaker locations
Stereo music listening
Speaker placement for stereo music listening is impor-
tant for proper imaging. Imaging is the ability of the
speaker pair to reproduce sounds so they appear to
come from between the speakers.
In a stereo music system, we recommend placing the
left and right speakers about 60 degrees apart when
viewed from the center listening position. In-wall
speakers should be centered at ear level.
Background music
Speaker placement for background music is less critical
than for stereo listening. Often the goal is to provide
even coverage throughout the room, without regard to
a fi xed listening position. In this case, the speakers can
be placed so they cover equal portions of the room.
In other cases, the goal is to provide background music
only in part of a large room or open area, often where
the seating is located. In this case, the speakers can be
located to provide coverage in that part of the room.
Placement near corners
Placing the speakers near the corners of a room can
help emphasize bass frequencies. This is fi ne if both
speak ers in a stereo pair are mounted near corners, but
avoid placing one speaker in a corner and another in a
large open area.
The best acoustic performance will result if the speakers
face the same type of surface and are placed in similar
positions on the same type of wall or ceiling surface.
Small rooms
The RC61S stereo ceiling speaker is useful for providing
coverage for a small room from a single point. Usually it
should be placed near the center of the room.
Avoid wet locations
Ratio indoor speakers are designed to provide reliable
long-term service as long as they are not installed
in wet or damp locations such as showers. Also, they
should not be installed in areas continually subject to
high humidity, such as unventilated bathrooms and
porches in humid climates.
Speaker placement for background music
in a seating area
Speaker placement for stereo listening
