Revel IW70 User Manual

Revel

®

IW70/IW90

In-Wall Loudspeakers

Owner’s Manual

2

Revel Performa IW70/IW90

Owner’s Manual

DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS

This document contains general safety, installation and operation instructions for the Revel®Performa™IW70/IW90 in-wall
loudspeakers. It is important to read this document before attempting to use these products. Pay particular attention to
safety instructions.

WARNING!

Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that,
if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or death.

CAUTION!

Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that,
if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage
to or destruction of part or all of the product.

Note:
Calls attention to information that is essential to highlight.

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90
Owner’s Manual

REVEL®PERFORMA

™

IW70/IW90 IN-WALL
LOUDSPEAKERS

Since 1996, the Revel name has stood for the best
in loudspeaker design and performance. Backed by
Harman International’s extensive research and design
facilities, Revel loudspeakers benefit from cutting-edge
development tools such as:

•a multichannel listening lab for double-blind,
position-independent listening tests

•a laser interferometer, which enables detailed driver
and baffle/frame analysis

• multiple large anechoic chambers, which allow for
precise tests and measurements

• finite element analysis, utilized for advanced
loudspeaker modeling

•a stereo lithography apparatus, which helps achieve
extraordinarily tight tolerances

Revel Performa IW70/IW90 in-wall speakers draw upon
the same research, resources and unique perspectives
that put all Revel loudspeakers in a class by them­selves. Revel Performa Series loudspeakers provide
unparalleled value and are known for their standard­setting low coloration and freedom from distortion over
an extraordinarily wide dynamic range.

Performa IW70/IW90 in-wall speakers provide audibly
superior performance – validated by state-of-the-art
Revel listening facilities – that far outclasses comparable
products from competitors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The IW70’s

7-1/2" (190mm) or

IW90’s

9" (230mm)
woofer with a Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) cone
produces high output with low distortion.

• The IW90 features a

3-1/2" (90mm) midrange with
an MCC cone for low-coloration, wide-dispersion
midrange reproduction.

• The 1" (25mm) angle-adjustable tweeter, with its
pure-titanium dome and integrated waveguide,
provides optimized response, both on- and off-axis.

• The high-order crossover network features
premium-quality components for exceptionally
accurate timbre reproduction.

• The boundary-compensation switch maintains
accuracy when placed near a secondary boundary
(wall or ceiling).

• The three-position tweeter-level control provides
optimum response, whether used with or without
grilles.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please register your IW70/IW90 in-wall loudspeakers
within 15 days of purchase. To do so, register online at
www.revelspeakers.com. Retain the original dated sales
receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90

Owner’s Manual

INSTALLATION
CONSIDERATIONS

Loudspeaker fidelity depends on the following factors:

• Loudspeaker accuracy and placement

• Listening-room acoustics

But not all listening spaces can accommodate the
ideal conditions for these two factors. Therefore,
careful attention to the placement of your Revel in-wall
loudspeakers will have the most significant impact on
the general performance of the loudspeakers.

The advanced design features of Revel loudspeakers
allow the Performa in-wall loudspeakers to achieve
the best possible sound quality in any listening space.
Revel loudspeakers also provide an unusually large
degree of adjustment of the sound of the speaker to
compensate for varying applications and room acoustics.
The boundary-compensation switch and high-frequency­level control provide fine-tuning ability, even after the
speaker has been installed.

BOUNDARY-COMPENSATION
CONTROL

The boundary-compensation switch controls the
level of bass output of the speaker to accommodate
the greater reflection of bass caused by a close
secondary wall or the ceiling.

Figure 1: IW70/IW90 control locations

When possible, avoid placing the loudspeakers within
2 feet of an adjacent wall or ceiling. If the loudspeaker
must be placed less than 2 feet from a secondary
boundary (wall or ceiling), turn the boundary­compensation switch to the “On” position.

HIGH-FREQUENCY-LEVEL
CONTROL

The high-frequency-level control allows for fine-tuning
of the tweeter output level. This three-position switch
provides the listener with the ability to adjust the high­frequency range for various acoustical environments.

The high-frequency-level control has three positions:

• Set the high-frequency-level control to the center
“0” position if the speaker will be used with the grille
on. This is the normal setting.

• Set the high-frequency-level control to the “–”
position if the speaker will be used without a grille.

• Set the high-frequency-level control to the “+”
position if an increased high-frequency level
is desired.

LOUDSPEAKER
PLACEMENT

The following general placement suggestions
are accompanied by diagrams for recommended
loudspeaker locations.

IW70/IW90 IN-WALL
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT –
2-CHANNEL STEREO

Before installing the loudspeakers, survey the listening
area, keeping the following points in mind and using
Figure 2 as a guide:

• Place the left and right loudspeakers as close to the
same distance from the primary listening area as
possible, and also at an equal distance from the
side walls. Ideally, the distance between the left and
right loudspeakers should be slightly less than the
distance between them and the primary listening
area. The distance between the left and right
loudspeakers should also be the same distance as
that from the loudspeakers to the side walls.

• When installing in the wall, position each speaker so
that the tweeter is as close to ear level as possible.

Note:
Avoid placing the woofers at the 1/4, 1/2 or
3/4 wall height positions, to prevent low­frequency cancellation.

• Refer to the following “Home Theater” placement
section if you also plan to use the speakers in a
home theater system.

High-Frequency-Level

Boundary-Compensation Control

Control

High-Frequency-Level

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90
Owner’s Manual

Figure 2: IW70/IW90 in-wall loudspeaker
placement – 2-channel stereo

IW70/IW90 IN-WALL
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT –
HOME THEATER

Before installing the loudspeakers, survey the listening
area, keeping the following points in mind and using
Figures 3 and 4 as guides:

• For front-channel use, place one speaker on the
left and another on the right along either side of
the video screen. Left and right front loudspeakers
should be relatively close to the sides of the video
screen. For example, left and right loudspeakers used
with a 50" video screen generally should not be
more than 80" apart.

• A center channel speaker should go directly above or
below the video screen and can be an in-wall, on-wall,
in-ceiling or freestanding center channel.

• When installing in the wall, position each speaker so
that the tweeter is as close to ear level as possible.

Note:
Avoid placing the woofers at the 1/4, 1/2 or
3/4 wall-height positions, to prevent low­frequency cancellation.

Figure 3: IW70/IW90 in-wall loudspeaker
placement – 5.1-channel system

Figure 4: IW70/IW90 in-wall loudspeaker
placement – 6- or 7.1-channel system

2-CHANNEL STEREO SOUND

• Place the left and right loudspeakers as close to
the same distance from the primary listening area
as possible, and also at an equal distance from the
side walls. Ideally, the distance between the left and
right loudspeakers should be slightly less than the
distance between them and the primary listening
area. The distance between the left and right
loudspeakers should also be the same distance as
that between the loudspeakers and the side walls.

Channel

Channel

Right Front

Subwoofer

(optional)

Couch

Left Front

Couch

Center Channel

(above or below video screen)

Subwoofer

(optional)

Right Front

Channel

Channel

Left Front

Channel

Surround

Left

Channel

Surround

Right

Couch

Center Channel

(above or below video screen)

Subwoofer

(optional)

Right Front

Channel

Left Front

Channel

Surround

Left

Channel

Surround

Right

Channel

Channel

Channel

Left Rear

Right Rear

Center Rear

Channel

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90

Owner’s Manual

MOUNTING
INSTRUCTIONS

The Performa Series in-wall speakers were designed to
be simple to install. However, if you are unable to clearly
and fully understand and follow the instructions in this
manual, or if you are unsure of your ability to properly
install these loudspeakers, please contact your Revel
dealer or a qualified installer.

Each loudspeaker comes with an integral wall-mounting
system, designed for installation in the wallboard
between the studs or rafters using the supplied hardware.

WARNING!

Harman International Industries,
Incorporated, assumes no
responsibility for improper
installation of hardware or for
any personal injuries or product
damage resulting from improper
installation or a loudspeaker
that has fallen.

CAUTION!

Do not substitute mounting
hardware! The supplied
hardware is part of a factory­tested mounting system that
works on wallboard only. To
obtain additional hardware,
contact your authorized
Revel dealer.

The tools required to properly install the in-wall
speakers are:

• Pencil

• Measuring tape

• Carpenter’s level

• Phillips-head #2 screwdriver – DO NOT use a powered
screwdriver of any kind

• Utility knife

• Awl

• Level

REMOVE POWER

The speaker wires must be connected before the speaker
is fully installed. To protect the audio system and the
installer from accidental electrical shorting and surges
during installation, turn all audio system power off before
starting the speaker installation.

SPEAKER WIRES

Using high-quality speaker wire will maintain the
best sound quality from your Revel in-wall speakers.
For distances of 100 feet or less, use at least #16-gauge
speaker wire with polarity coding. For distances of
greater than 100 feet, use at least #12-gauge wire
or heavier. The side of the wire with a ridge or other
coding is usually considered positive (+) polarity.
Also consult the owner’s manuals that were included
with your amplifier or receiver to confirm proper
connection procedures.

Observe polarities when making speaker connections.
Connect each positive terminal on the back of the
amplifier or receiver to the respective positive or “+”
(red) terminal on each speaker. Connect the negative
or “–” (black) terminals in the same way.

CAUTION!

Do not reverse polarities
(i.e., + to – , or – to +) when
making connections. Doing so
will cause poor imaging and
diminished bass response.
Be certain that positive and
negative wire strands are
completely isolated to avoid
short circuits that may
damage your equipment.

Use high-quality loudspeaker cable with a maximum
total loop resistance of 0.07 ohms or less (for each wire
run). Refer to the table on the next page to determine
the appropriate maximum wire gauge.

All in-wall speaker wires must be UL-listed for use with
in-wall applications.

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90
Owner’s Manual

CAUTION!

Be sure to comply with
local wiring codes. Harman
International Industries,
Incorporated, is not responsible
for any damages or injuries that
may result from faulty wiring.

MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE

Gauge Length Length
(AWG) (Feet) (Meters)

68727

76921

85818

94313

10 34 10

11 27 8

12 22 7

13 17 5

14 14 4

15 11 3

16 9 3

17 7 2

18 5 2

NEW CONSTRUCTION

If you wish to preinstall a rough-in bracket before the
drywall is installed, you will need to purchase the correct
rough-in bracket kit for your loudspeaker model. Detailed
instructions are supplied with the rough-in kit.

INSTALLATION

IW70/IW90 IN-WALL
LOUDSPEAKERS

To add the IW70/IW90 in-wall loudspeakers to finished
construction, proceed with the following instructions.

CAUTION!

Ensure that all audio-system
power is off before beginning
the installation.

1. Remove the plastic
paint shield from the
speaker frame.

2. Determine the correct
speaker location and
use the template
included in the packing
materials and a level
to mark the drywall.

Always allow at least
1/2" between the wall
stud and the speaker
cutout or the locking tabs will not have the space to
swivel into place.

3. Ensure that the drywall, plywood or other appropriate
wallboard is at least 1/2" thick and capable of
withstanding the weight of the speaker being installed.

Cut the drywall along the speaker template marks
made in Step 2.

Paint Shield

Level

Template

≥1/2"

≥1/2"

≥1/2"

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90

Owner’s Manual

4. Connect the speaker wires to the speaker. Ensure
that the polarity of each connection is correct.

5. Ensure that all six locking tabs are properly
positioned against the locking-tab stops, located
on the speaker frame.

Carefully place the frame assembly into the wall,
ensuring that there is no more than 1/8" play
between the frame and the wall cutout.

After positioning the speaker in the mounting location,
back each screw out one full turn counterclockwise.

6. Screw down each of
the six Phillips-head
screws, alternating
between the six
screws.

The locking tabs will
swivel into place and
secure the unit to the
rear surface of the
wall panel. Hand­tighten with a nonpowered, straight-handle Phillips­head screwdriver only. Ensure that the speaker is
securely held in place and that all six locking tabs
are firmly resting against the wall panel.

Note:
Do not use a socket wrench, powered
screwdriver, drill or any other powered tool.

7. Attach the metal grille
and logo.

PAINTING THE SPEAKER FRAME
AND GRILLE

The Revel IW70 and IW90 loudspeakers can be painted
to match any décor. If you wish to change their color,
the satin finish on the grille and frame will function as
a primer coat. Follow these instructions for proper
painting procedure:

1. Before beginning, carefully remove the grille (if installed),
and install the supplied plastic paint shield securely
in the recess in the baffle. The paint shield will
protect the speaker components and baffle from
paint residue.

2. Gently remove the scrim cloth from the grille
before painting.

3. Use a high-quality spray paint and apply a thin
coat of color.

CAUTION!

Ensure that the grille perforations
remain free of paint. Filling
them with paint will diminish
the sound quality.

4. A replacement scrim cloth is supplied. After the paint
has dried, apply a light coat of spray adhesive to
the inside of the perforated grille and attach a new
scrim cloth.

5. Remove the paint shield from the baffle and
attach the grille.

Locking Tab

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90
Owner’s Manual

LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUT
LEVELS

High-order filters result in steep cutoffs to reduce potential
damage from “out-of-band” frequencies. Combined with
custom-designed transducers and high-quality filter
network components, this approach helps the IW70 and
IW90 loudspeakers to maintain their performance under
extreme operating conditions. However, all loudspeakers
have limits when it comes to continuous playback. To
extend these limits, avoid playback at volume levels
that result in distorted or strained sound.

If a subwoofer is in use in the system, the in-wall
loudspeakers should have crossovers at 80Hz or above.
Some A/V receivers or processors are set by identifying
the loudspeakers as “small.”

AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES

PCK7 preconstruction kit (rough-in frame) for IW70
PCK9 preconstruction kit (rough-in frame) for IW90

FBB7 fire-rated back box for IW70
FBB9 fire-rated back box for IW90

OBTAINING SERVICE

To obtain warranty or nonwarranty service, contact an
authorized Revel dealer. Refer to the included Revel
warranty card for warranty information.

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90

Owner’s Manual

Specification IW70 IW90

Frequency Response 40Hz* – 40kHz +/–3dB 32Hz* – 40kHz +/–3dB
(2π anechoic)

Recommended Amplifier 15 – 150 Watts 15 – 200 Watts
Power Range

Sensitivity 87dB 89dB
(2.83V, 2π anechoic)

Nominal Impedance 8 Ohms 8 Ohms

Crossover Frequency 2600Hz; 18dB/octave 560Hz; 12dB/octave, 2800Hz; 18dB/octave

Low-Frequency Driver 7-1/2" (190mm) 9" (230mm)

Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) diaphragm Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) diaphragm

Midrange Driver N/A 3-1/2" (90mm)

Micro Ceramic Composite (MCC) diaphragm

High-Frequency Driver 1" (25mm) Pure titanium 1" (25mm) Pure titanium

External Dimensions 12-1/2" x 10-5/8" 17-15/16" x 12-3/16"
(H x W) (317mm x 270mm) (456mm x 309mm)

Mounting Cutout Size 11-13/16" x 9-15/16" 17-1/4" x 11-7/16"
(H x W) (300mm x 252mm) (438mm x 291mm)

Mounting Depth 3-13/16" (97mm) 3-13/16" (97mm)

Recommended Optimum 60 Liters 60 Liters
Enclosure Volume (or full stud bay) (or full stud bay)

Weight (Net) 7.0 lb (3.2kg) 12.0 lb (5.4kg)

* will vary, depending on installation

SPECIFICATIONS

Declaration of Conformity

We, Harman Consumer Group, Inc.

2, route de Tours
72500 Ch

â

teau du Loir

France

declare in own responsibility that the products described

in this owner’s manual are in compliance with technical

standards:

EN 61000-6-3:2001

EN 61000-6-1:2001

Laurent Rault

Harman Consumer Group, Inc.

Ch

â

teau du Loir, France 1/09

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Revel Performa IW70/IW90
Owner’s Manual

A valid serial number is required for warranty coverage.
This Revel warranty protects the original retail purchaser for
a period of five (5) years (parts and labor) from any failure
as a result of original manufacturing defects, so long as:

1. The Revel products were purchased within the 50 United
States, its territories or Canada.

2. The dealer from whom the Revel products were
purchased was authorized to sell such products at the
time of the original purchase.

3. The original, dated Bill of Sale is presented whenever
service is required during the warranty period.

The balance of this warranty is transferable only if the used
product is purchased from an authorized Revel dealer.This
warranty is only valid for service within the United States,
its territories and Canada; please contact an authorized
Revel dealer for warranty and service information.

Any Revel product not performing satisfactorily may be
returned to the factory for evaluation. Return authorization
must first be obtained by either calling or writing Customer
Service prior to shipping the product. The customer is
responsible for shipping charges to the factory. Customer

Service will pay return shipping charges within the United
States only in the event that the product is found to be
defective, as mentioned above. There are other stipulations
that may apply to shipping charges.

There is no other express warranty on this product. Neither
this warranty nor any other warranty, express or implied,
including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness,
shall extend beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is
assumed for any incidental or consequential damages, so
that the above exclusion or limitation may not apply.

This warranty provides specific legal rights. Other states may
provide additional rights. This warranty is applicable in the
United States, its territories and Canada. Outside of the
United States, its territories and Canada, please contact an
authorized Revel dealer for warranty and service information.
The information this document contains is subject to change
without notice. In the event that there are differences between
this warranty and the provisions of any advertisements,
documentation, product brochures or packaging cartons,
the terms of this warranty will prevail.

For customer service and product shipment information,
go to www.revelspeakers.com.

LIMITED WARRANTY

For customer service and product shipment information,
go to www.revelspeakers.com.

Part No. 406-000-06002-E

©2009 Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
All rights reserved.

Revel, the Revel logo and Performa are trademarks
of Harman International Industries, Incorporated,
in the United States and/or other countries.

Features, specifications and appearance are subject
to change without notice.