9
PRE-FINISHING TESTING
GUIDELINES
Once a finish is applied to an invisible speaker, it will
be too late to go back and fix any audio connection
or installation problems.
Installation Fit Test
Lightly place a straight edge across the face of the
speaker to verify that the diaphragm of the speaker
is co-planar with the surrounding drywall and has
been installed correctly. Adjust shims if necessary. It
is normal for the beveled edge of the speaker to be
recessed from adjacent drywall.
Audio Test
Connect a high-quality audio source and Sonance
DSP-2-750 amplifier (in 8 Ohm mode) to the
installed IS15W subwoofer. Ensure the correct EQ
preset is applied using SonArc software. Adjust
the output for a moderate volume level consistent
with how the speakers will be used in the space.
Play music to check for overall fidelity and listen
for any buzzes or rattles. We also recommend
a slow tone sweep from 20Hz to 500Hz for
subwoofers and 20Hz to 5kHz for full-range
speakers to help pinpoint any buzzing that could
be caused from loose studs/screws/drywall, cable
vibration, or rattling of outlets, lighting components,
construction fixtures, etc.
Fix any installation or audio issues before moving
on to the next steps.
We highly recommend active project management
practices as described on page 5-6. Only after
passing these testing guidelines should you
proceed to the finishing stage.
IS15W FINISH THICKNESS
GUIDELINES
Sound quality and installation durability will be
adversely effected if finish materials are applied too
thick.
TOTAL FINISH THICKNESS FOR OPTIMAL
PERFORMANCE OF IS15W SUBWOOFER:
Apply the absolute minimum finish necessary to
make the speaker totally invisible. Typically 3/64”
(1.0mm) or less.
MAXIMUM TOTAL FINISH THICKNESS
FOR IS15W SUBWOOFER:
1/16” (1.5mm)
Validate finish thickness using the Sonance DG-1
depth gauge (SKU 93491).
Do not use hard-setting or stiff materials over the
surface of invisible speakers, such as fast-setting
drywall mud (“hot mud”), genuine Venetian plaster,
stucco, metal panels, tile, etc. Use only flexible
materials to finish invisible speakers such as
lightweight drywall topping compound.
When using flexible sheet materials such as
wallpaper or veneer, ensure that the total thickness
of any drywall compound, adhesives, and the
finishing substrate itself does not exceed 1/16”
(1.5mm). For wood veneer finishes, use only 20mil
(0.5mm) veneer with paper backing.