Sonance Invisible series, INVISIBLE IS4, INVISIBLE IS4 SST, INVISIBLE IS2, ISW Installation Instructions Manual

SONANCE INVISIBLE SERIES
SPEAKER INSTALLATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION: INVISIBLE SPEAKERS 2-3

SPECIFICATIONS 2-3

IS SPEAKER INSTALLATION DETAIL VIEW 4

WIRE GAUGE CHART 4

NEW CONSTRUCTION 5-8

EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 9-11

FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS 12-16

NOTES 17

WARRANTY 18

SONANCE and the SONANCE Logo are trademarks of Dana Innovations. ©2013 Dana Innovations. All rights reserved.

SONANCE.COM

1

INTRODUCTION

SONANCE offers what few have before: the ability to contribute to brilliant architecture and genius
design by removing an element. By removing dated protruding fixtures and other traditional wall-mounted
necessities, and replacing them with flush fixtures, the products bow out of the spotlight and allow the
artistic structure to take center stage. SONANCE INVISIBLE SERIES offers audiophile quality and ease
of installation to any design project.

SONANCE INVISIBLE SERIES

IS4

The new benchmark for invisible speakers. The IS4 features state of the art planar diaphragm
technology. The rigid metal frame and optional enclosure make this speaker the best
sounding fully concealed speaker in the world.

SPECIFICATIONS

Tweeter 4 sq. in (27 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 1” (25mm) voice coil
Midrange 17 sq. in (110 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 1” (25mm) voice coil
Woofer 113 sq. in (732 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 2” (50mm) voice coil
Frequency Response 40Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance 8 ohms nominal
Power Handling 100 watts RMS
Sensitivity 90dB (1W/1 meter)
Dispersion 170º hemispherical up to 10kHz
Finish Paper surface ready for texture and paint
Overload Protection Three independent self-resetting gel switches (low, mid and high)
Cutout Dims ­Without Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-1/8” x 24-1/8” x 2” (409mm x 613mm x 51mm)
Cutout Dims ­With Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-1/8” x 24-1/8” x 3-13/16” (409mm x 613mm x 97mm)
Shipping Weight 25 lbs (11.25 kg) pair

IS4 SST

The IS4 SST features single stereo technology, the ability to drive one speaker with two inputs.
The IS4 SST is impedance matched to ensure proper amplifier protection. The perfect choice
for small areas, such as hallways and corridors where two speakers would be impractical or
impossible to install.

SPECIFICATIONS

Tweeter 4 sq. in (27 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 1” (25mm) dual voice coil
Midrange 17 sq. in (110 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 1” (25mm) dual voice coil
Woofer 113 sq. in (732 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 2” (50mm) dual voice coil
Frequency Response 40Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance 8 ohms nominal
Power Handling 100 watts RMS
Sensitivity 90dB (1W/1 meter)
Dispersion 170º hemispherical up to 10kHz
Finish Paper surface ready for texture and paint
Overload Protection Three independent self-resetting gel switches (low, mid and high)
Cutout Dims ­Without Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-1/8” x 24-1/8” x 2” (409mm x 613mm x 51mm)
Cutout Dims ­With Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-1/8” x 24-1/8” x 3-13/16” (409mm x 613mm x 97mm)
Shipping Weight 13 lbs (5.85 kg) each

2

ISW

The ISW is a low frequency reinforcement to the IS line. Two voice coils drive the diaphragm
for unsurpassed invisible low end response.

SPECIFICATIONS

Woofer 170 sq. in (1098 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by two 2” (50mm)
voice coils
Frequency Response 35Hz – 150Hz ±3dB
Impedance 8 ohms nominal
Power Handling 100 watts RMS
Sensitivity 90dB (1W/1 meter)
Dispersion 170º hemispherical up to 10kHz
Finish Paper surface ready for texture and paint
Overload Protection Self-resetting gel switch
Cutout Dims ­Without Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-1/8” x 24-1/8” x 2” (409mm x 613mm x 51mm)
Cutout Dims ­With Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-1/8” x 24-1/8” x 3-13/16” (409mm x 613mm x 97mm)
Shipping Weight 13 lbs (5.85 kg) each

IS2

The IS2 is designed for tight installations or very small spaces yet delivers sound that is only
bested by the IS4.

SPECIFICATIONS

Tweeter 4 sq. in (27 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 1” (25mm) voice coil
Woofer 50 sq. in (320 sq. cm) planar diaphragm, driven by a 1” (25mm) voice coil
Frequency Response 50Hz – 20kHz ±3dB
Impedance 8 ohms nominal
Power Handling 80 watts RMS
Sensitivity 88dB (1W/1 meter)
Dispersion 170º hemispherical up to 10kHz
Finish Paper surface ready for texture and paint
Overload Protection Two independent self-resetting gel switches (low and high)
Cutout Dims ­Without Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-3/32” x 12-3/32” x 2” (409mm x 307mm x 51mm)
Cutout Dims ­With Enclosure (WxHxD) 16-3/32” x 12-3/32” x 3-13/16” (409mm x 307mm x 97mm)
Shipping Weight 12 lbs (5.5 kg) pair

3

UNDERSTANDING THE INVISIBLE SERIES INSTALLATION

INVISIBLE SERIES SPEAKER INSTALLATION DETAIL VIEW

16” (40.6cm) standard framing

Stud

Enclosure required for all open attic installations

SONANCE INVISIBLE SERIES SPEAKER

Joint Compound

Drywall

Drywall Screw (wall board)

Fiberglass Mesh Tape

Height Shim

Speaker Frame

Drywall Screw (speaker)

Note: IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION FOR LOCATING THE IS2, IS4, IS4SST AND ISW ON WALLS

For wall installations, locate the bottom of the Invisible Series Speaker at least 7 ft. (2.1m) up from
the floor. Placing the speaker lower on the wall will put it at risk for having picture nails or other
hanging devices driven through the diaphragm and damaging the speaker. Since the final surface finish
enables the speaker to completely disappear, it is critical to locate the speaker high enough on the
wall to protect it for the future. Resulting damage of this type is not covered by the warranty.

1/8” (3mm) maximum topping compound
buildup over active speaker area

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT
CALL [phone]
OR VISIT WWW.SONANCE.COM/PRODUCTS/INVISIBLE

WIRE GAUGE GUIDE

Extra resistance in the speaker wire can make speakers
sound less dynamic and reduce definition of the bass
frequencies. In extreme cases, it can even attenuate
high frequencies. Also, amplifier power is wasted in wire
with extra resistance, reducing your system’s maximum
output level. To prevent degrading sound quality, the
total wire resistance should be less than 10% of the
speaker’s impedance. This means that for an 8-ohm
speaker, the total resistance of the wire should be
less than 0.8 ohms. Refer to the following table when
selecting the proper wire gauge for your system:

4

WIRE RESISTANCE IN OHMS vs. LENGTH OF CABLE RUN

DISTANCE IN FEET

20 Gauge

18 Gauge

16 Gauge

14 Gauge

12 Gauge

10 Gauge

50’

1.04

.65

.41

.26

.16

.10

100’

2.07

1.30

.82

.52

.32

.20

150 ’

3.11

1.96

1.22

.77

.49

.31

200’

4.14

2.61

1.63

1.03

.65

.41

250’

5.18

3.26

2.04

1.29

.81

.51

300’

6.22

3.91

2.45

1.55

.97

.61

NEW CONSTRUCTION

1. Wire stud bay prior to mounting drywall. See page 4 for
wire gauge chart.

3. With the aid of a level, screw the space saver to the studs.
Ensure the speaker cable will have easy access once the space
saver is removed.

Space Saver Part Numbers:
IS4 & ISW = 92723
IS2 = 92722

4. Secure edges of the space saver.2. Place space saver in desired final location of speaker.

5

NEW CONSTRUCTION

5. After all drywall is hung, begin speaker installation by
removing space saver.

6. Be careful not to damage the exposed drywall during
space saver removal.

6

NEW CONSTRUCTION

7. Pull 2-conductor speaker wire down into the
exposed opening.

9. Peel off corresponding adhesive backing.

8. Select the appropriate shim for the application.*

Use cardboard shims for fine tuning.

TALL SIDE
5/8 ” (16MM)
DRYWALL

*All installations in 1/2" (13mm) and 5/8" (16mm)

drywall with wood stud construction require a shim.

SHORT SIDE
1/2 ” (12MM)
DRYWALL

THIN SHIM
5/16” (8MM)
INTERNATIONAL
APPLICATIONS

10. Press shim firmly into position, aligning screw holes.

7

NEW CONSTRUCTION

11. Connect speaker wire to the appropriate terminal on
the speaker. (Speaker shown with optional enclosure.)

12. Insert speaker into opening.

13. Secure speaker with at least 4 drywall screws on each

side. Top and bottom are optional. Do not over tighten.

TEST THE SPEAKER FOR 60 SECONDS WITH
AN AUDIO SOURCE BEFORE COVERING WITH
DRYWALL COMPOUND!
This is the last point any wiring corrections can
be made. After test is complete finish securing with

remaining drywall screws.

8

14. Go to Finishing Instructions starting on page 12.

EXISITNG CONSTRUCTION

1. Determine the location for the speaker.

2. Using a stud finder, locate the first studs/joists to

the right and left of the speaker position.

3. Mark the centers of the studs/joists.

(See Figure 4, below.)

7. Using a utility knife, cut the drywall along the vertical
marks at the centers of the studs/ joists. Use the
utility knife to complete the horizontal cuts at each
stud/joist. (See Figure 5, below.) Remove the drywall
from the opening.

 •This should exposeonly ¾”(19mm) ofeach stud/

joist or half of the stud/joist surface. (See Figure 6.)

1. Mark Stud
Centerlines
on Wall

FI GU R E 4: MA RK I NG T H E SP EAK ER LO CA TIO N

2. Hold Speaker
Against Wall
at Mounting
Location

3. Mark Top
and Bottom
Edges on
Wall

4. Using the speaker as a template, determine the desired
speaker location on the wall. Mark the speaker’s top
and bottom edges on the drywall. (See Figure 4, above.)

5. Before proceeding, perform an obstruction survey
to be certain that there are no studs, conduit, pipes,
heating ducts, pocket doors, or air returns in the wall
cavity that will interfere with the speaker.

6. Using a drywall saw, cut the drywall along the top
and bottom horizontal marks UP TO THE INSIDE
EDGES OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT STUDS/JOISTS.

(See Figure 5 below.)

Half (¾”) of

Each Stud/Joist

Should Be

Exposed

FI GU R E 6: EX PO S ED S T UD S AFT ER DR YW ALL I S R EM OVE D

8. Test-fit the speaker into the opening, verifying that
all of the speaker’s edges are even with the drywall
edges. If necessary, trim the edges of the drywall to
properly accommodate the speaker.

2. Use Utility Knife
to Cut Along Stud

1. Use Drywall Saw
to Cut Along Top
and Bottom Lines
Up to Inside Edges
of Studs

FI GU R E 5: CU TT I NG T H E MO UNT IN G H OL E

Centerlines

3. Use Utility Knife
to Complete
Horizontal Cuts

9

EXISITNG CONSTRUCTION

9. Pull 2-conductor speaker wire down into the
exposed opening.

11. Peel off corresponding adhesive backing.

10. Select the appropriate shim for the application.*

Use cardboard shims for fine tuning.

TALL SIDE
5/8 ” (16MM)
DRYWALL

*All installations in 1/2" (13mm) and 5/8" (16mm)

drywall with wood stud construction require a shim.

SHORT SIDE
1/2 ” (12MM)
DRYWALL

THIN SHIM
5/16” (8MM)
INTERNATIONAL
APPLICATIONS

10

12. Press shim firmly into position, aligning screw holes.

EXISITNG CONSTRUCTION

13. Connect speaker wire to the appropriate terminal on
the speaker. (Speaker shown with optional enclosure.)

14. Insert speaker into opening.

15. Secure speaker with at least 4 drywall screws on each

side. Top and bottom is optional. Do not over tighten.

TEST THE SPEAKER FOR 60 SECONDS WITH
AN AUDIO SOURCE BEFORE COVERING WITH
DRYWALL COMPOUND!
This is the last point any wiring corrections can
be made. After test is complete finish securing with

remaining drywall screws.

11

FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill the gap between speaker and drywall with 5 minute

setting type joint compound (hot mud).

3. Allow hot mud to set slightly before applying
mesh tape.

2. Feather all edges.

12

FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS

4. Place mesh tape over the drywall seams.

6. Do not tape over the raised portion of the
speaker (diaphragm).

5. Overlap tape slightly.

7. Allow hot mud to fully cure or harden.

13

FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS

8. Once hot mud has fully cured or hardened, begin to
Build layers of topping compound over speaker.

10. Feather in all surfaces.

9. Build layers of compound as needed to obtain a flat surface.

14

11. Allow first coat to fully cure or harden.

FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS

12. Start a second coat covering the entire surface of
the speaker and all adjoining surfaces.

14. Detail the compound to minimize tool marks.

13. Compound buildup on the active surface of the speaker

should not exceed 1/8” (3mm).

15. Build more coats as necessary to achieve desired finish.

15

FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS

16. Each successive coat should be thinner than the last.
The final coat should be a very light application (skim coat).

17. After final coat is applied and has dried, use a manual

pole sander or block sander on entire wall (do not use
a power sander). Wall surface should show no signs of
a speaker. If any defect is found, skim coat entire area,
and sand down again.

IMPORTANT

TOTAL MATERIAL OVER ACTIVE SURFACE OF
THE SPEAKER CAN NOT EXCEED 1/8TH OF AN
INCH (3mm).

BEST PRACTICE

A 60 MICRON SANDING FILM IS RECOMMENDED FOR
FINAL SANDING.

16

NOTES:

17

LIMITED FIFTEEN (15) YEAR WARRANTY

Sonance warrants to the first end-user purchaser that this Sonance-brand product (“Product”), when purchased from an authorized
Sonance Dealer/Distributor and installed by a Sonance installer, will be free from defective workmanship and materials in the
initial installation for the period stated below. Subject to the additional limitations stated below, Sonance will (a) at its option and
expense during the warranty period, either repair the defect or replace the Product with a new or remanufactured Product or a
reasonable equivalent, and (b) arrange at its reasonable expense to re-install the Product and prepare the surface of the speaker
and/or mounting platform for finishing and nothing more.

EXCLUSIONS

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS IN LIEU OF, AND EXCLUSIVE OF, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY SONANCE. ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR USE, AND IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED. No one is authorized to make or modify any
warranties on behalf of Sonance.

The warranty stated above is the sole and exclusive remedy and Sonance’s performance shall constitute full and final satisfaction of
all obligations, liabilities and claims with respect to the Product. IN ANY EVENT, SONANCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL, ECONOMIC, PROPERTY, BODILY INJURY, OR PERSONAL INJURY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE PRODUCT, ANY BREACH
OF THIS WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE.

This warranty statement gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do
not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitations of remedies, so the above exclusions and limitations may not apply. If your
state does not allow disclaimer of implied warranties, the duration of such implied warranties is limited to the period of Sonance’s
express warranty.

Your Product Model and Description: Sonance Invisible Series Speaker IS4, IS4 SST, ISW, IS2

Warranty Period for this Product: Fifteen (15) years from the date on the original sales receipt, invoice or other satisfactory proof
of purchase.

Additional Limitations and Exclusions From Warranty Coverage: The warranty described above is non-transferrable, applies only to
the initial installation of the Product, does not include re-finishing of the speaker and/or mounting platform or surrounding surface,
does not include damage to allied or associated equipment which may result for any reason from use with this Product, and does not
include Product failure caused by accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (e.g. overdriving the amplifier or speaker,
excessive heat or cold or humidity, outdoor installation), or from service or repair which has not been authorized by Sonance.

Obtaining Authorized Service: To qualify for the warranty, you (1) must contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or call
Sonance Customer Service at [phone] within the warranty period, (2) must obtain a return merchandise number (RMA), and
(3) deliver the Product to Sonance shipping prepaid during the warranty period, together with the original sales receipt, invoice or other
satisfactory proof of purchase.

©2013. All rights reserved. SONANCE and SONANCE INVISIBLE SERIES are registered trademarks of Dana Innovations.

Due to continuous product improvement, all features and specications are subject to change without notice.

For the latest SONANCE product specication information visit our website: www.sonance.com

212 Avenida Fabricante | San Clemente, CA 92672-7531 USA

T. [phone] or [phone] | F. [phone]

18

33-5758

Rev 05.17.13