INSTALLING INVISIBLE LOUDSPEAKERS

01CHECK THE BUILDING STRUCTURE FIRST

Before installation, check the wall or ceiling construction, available installation depth, cable routes and planned surface finish. Allow space for the loudspeaker and connections; if using an installation frame (backbox), also allow for its dimensions and accessories. Installation dimensions and fixing points depend on the model.

The structure must be load-bearing, dry and level. Remove loose parts and material debris. Plan the intended listening level and bass reproduction early: the more strongly the system excites the structure, the more carefully connections and fittings need to be installed.

CLEAN THE INSTALLATION AREA AND CAVITY

Before inserting the panel, check the mounting area and accessible cavity for debris; if using an installation frame (backbox), also clean its interior. Remove loose screws, metal shavings, board offcuts and other construction debris completely. Any items left behind can be excited by sound reproduction and cause vibration or rattling noises.

Use the System Builder for loudspeaker selection and system configuration. This guide focuses on installation.

02INSTALL LOUDSPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFERS IN PLASTERBOARD

The following instructions cover direct installation in a plasterboard wall or ceiling without an installation frame (backbox). Follow the installation requirements for the specific loudspeaker or subwoofer. Additional instructions for installation with an installation frame (backbox), including masonry and concrete walls, appear at the end of this section.

PREPARE THE OPENING AND SUPPORT SURFACES

Have the load capacity of the wall or plasterboard ceiling and its supporting structure professionally checked before installation. Make the opening to the model’s specifications and provide stable, flat support surfaces at every specified fixing point. Where necessary, add reinforcing battens securely connected to the supporting structure. The panel must have full support and allow flush alignment.

Leave an approximately 5 mm joint around the entire perimeter between the loudspeaker or subwoofer panel and the adjacent plasterboard. During subsequent finishing, fill this joint completely, without voids, using a suitable polymer-modified filler.

INSULATION WITHOUT PRESSURE ON THE LOUDSPEAKER

Arrange the insulation so that it exerts no pressure on the loudspeaker. It must not protrude too far or be compressed or trapped by the loudspeaker during insertion. This applies with and without an installation frame (backbox).

Before tightening the screws, the loudspeaker must fit easily, without force, into the prepared opening or installation frame (backbox) and align with its intended mounting position. If resistance is felt, correct the insulation or installation conditions. Do not use the fixing screws to pull the loudspeaker into position against the insulation.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Make reliable loudspeaker cable connections and check polarity before finally securing the panel. Keep the amplifier switched off while making connections. Route and secure cables separately so they neither touch the panel nor rest on the plasterboard lining. Detailed guidance on channel assignment, presets and operating protection follows under Set up wiring and amplification.

FIXING AND PERIMETER JOINT

Use suitable plasterboard screws with large heads to secure all loudspeaker and subwoofer panels. The screws must be appropriate for the timber or metal supporting structure. The panel must sit fully against every specified support surface, without gaps.

For timber supporting structures, use partially threaded screws with an unthreaded shank section. Fully threaded screws are unsuitable here: they can raise material on the timber surface as they are driven in, preventing full contact and flush installation of the panel.

Recess the screw heads into the panel so that their top faces sit 1–2 mm below the panel surface. Use every specified fixing point and ensure even, full contact with the support surfaces.

Install with an installation frame (backbox)

The cerasonar installation frame (backbox) is suitable for both drywall and solid walls. Depending on the installation, it is supplemented with optional mounting components, such as the drywall ceiling kit for ceiling installation. Use the size appropriate to the loudspeaker model.

PREPARATION BEFORE INSTALLATION

First prepare the installation frame (backbox): fit the cable grommet, install the required optional mounting components and prepare the cable route. Then bond the supplied Basotect insulation, already cut to size, into place. Remove the release liner from its adhesive surface, position the insulation in the designated location and press it down firmly.

LOAD CAPACITY AND SCREW PENETRATION

The load capacity of the plasterboard ceiling and its supporting structure must be professionally assessed before installation. Where necessary, additional reinforcing battens must be connected to both the supporting structure and the installation frame (backbox).

The installation frame (backbox) is made from 18 mm film-faced plywood. Screws used for accessories or additional reinforcement must not pass through the plywood. Limit penetration into the plywood to a maximum of 15–16 mm. This means the length actually entering the plywood, not the overall screw length. It is separate from the screw-head recess in the loudspeaker panel described above.

INSTALLATION IN MASONRY AND CONCRETE

1. Prepare the recess. Leave an approximately 2 cm gap around the perimeter between the installation frame (backbox) and the masonry or concrete.
2. Align using the blanking panel and battens. Attach the two supplied battens to the supplied blanking panel. Use this mounting aid to position the installation frame (backbox) centrally in the recess and align it to the intended installation plane.
3. Fill the gap with expanding foam. Once aligned, fill the gap between the installation frame (backbox) and the recess with suitable construction foam, securing the alignment while it cures.
4. Allow curing and add fixings if required. After the foam has fully cured, the installation frame (backbox) can optionally be secured to the masonry with additional wall plugs and screws. The blanking panel is replaced by the loudspeaker later.

The approximately 2 cm perimeter gap is between the installation frame (backbox) and the masonry or concrete. Then insert the loudspeaker panel into the installation frame (backbox) without force; it must not compress the insulation. For panel fixing, follow the screw requirements described above and the installation instructions for the specific model.

03PREVENT RATTLES IN METAL CONNECTIONS AND FITTINGS

A carefully built metal supporting structure is suitable for cerasonar installations. Stable lining, secure fixings and consistently prepared contact points are essential. The following measures help prevent rattling at profiles, lights and other fittings.

When using a metal structure, prepare all contact points consistently. For cerasonar installations, Würth Klebt + Dichtet, for example, is used between metal parts alongside the required mechanical fixings. Follow the adhesive’s substrate, application and curing instructions and the requirements of the construction system.

EVERY METAL CONNECTION COUNTS

Include profile joints, intersections, connectors, hangers and other metal contacts. Any connection can potentially rattle, including those far from the loudspeaker. Treating selected points is insufficient if other contacts remain loose. High listening levels and strong bass require the entire construction to be sound; weaker excitation often makes these weaknesses less noticeable.

LED DOWNLIGHTS AND OTHER COMPONENTS

An LED downlight can also rattle, for example at its retaining spring or a spring contact point. Where appropriate, a suitable contact point can be secured with compatible damping tape. The spring must retain its holding function, and the light's cooling and electrical operation must remain effective.

Check access panels, ventilation components and loose cables as well. A rattle near a loudspeaker may come from a neighbouring component. Always locate the actual source.

SECURE CABLES AND SERVICES SEPARATELY

Loudspeaker cables, power cables, air-conditioning lines, pipes and other building services must not rest on the plasterboard within the ceiling cavity. Secure them separately with suitable fixings and route them clear of the lining. Cables or services resting on the boards, or left loose, can be excited by sound reproduction and cause resonances or rattling noises. Also avoid contact with moving loudspeaker parts.

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION FOR HIGH OUTPUT AND STRONG BASS

Where possible, we recommend a KVH solid structural timber framework with a first, bonded layer of 18–22 mm OSB, followed by plasterboard. This rigid, multi-layer construction provides a stable mounting foundation, similar to a carefully built loudspeaker enclosure. It reduces potential rattling points and unwanted movement of larger board surfaces, which could otherwise be excited like an additional passive diaphragm.

We particularly recommend this timber construction for the 6280 reference pro and 6280 sub. A carefully built metal structure is a suitable option for the fit series and 4062 reference. The 4080 ultimate and 4080 sub can also be installed in metal structures; for these models, we already favour timber, particularly for high listening levels and strong bass reproduction. For the 30 mm shallow installation of the 4062 architect, use its specified drywall configuration.

04DISTINGUISH RATTLES, STRUCTURE-BORNE SOUND AND REAR SOUND

Rattles can originate from loose connections or components and are addressed through careful installation. Structure-borne sound travels through solid connections into the building structure. Rear airborne sound radiates into the cavity behind the loudspeaker. These three cases require different measures.

The installation frame (backbox) and suitable cavity insulation can influence rear sound radiation. They do not replace structural decoupling against structure-borne sound and do not guarantee complete sound isolation from neighbouring rooms.

The cerasonar anti vibration kit can be used to reduce structure-borne sound transmission where it is compatible with the installation. An effective overall solution requires the rest of the construction to be appropriately decoupled too. The kit alone cannot compensate for remaining vibration bridges. Agree compatibility and installation details with cerasonar for the project.

05SET UP WIRING AND AMPLIFICATION

CONNECTIONS AND CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT

Make reliable, permanent loudspeaker cable connections with the amplifier switched off and check polarity. Clearly assign each amplifier output to its connected loudspeaker or subwoofer. Wiring, output mode and settings must follow the loudspeaker and amplifier documentation.

PRESET AND OPERATING PROTECTION

Before the first functional check, set up the protection specified for the model. Depending on the product, protection is provided by a suitable DSP amplifier with an approved preset, an appropriate cerasonar protection unit or cerasonar protection unit pro, or integrated protection circuitry. Consult the relevant product documentation for the binding requirements.

With DSP amplification, the loudspeaker model, operating mode, channel assignment, preset, filters and protection functions must match. Check this assignment for every channel before playback.

FACTORY-PRECONFIGURED AMPLIFIERS

All amplifiers supplied by cerasonar can be delivered preconfigured on request. The appropriate presets are already loaded. Small labels on the amplifier identify which preset is assigned to each loudspeaker or output channel. During installation, compare these labels with the actual wiring and record the channel assignment in the project documentation.

06TEST DURING CONSTRUCTION AND CORRECT NOISE SOURCES

Test as soon as loudspeakers and subwoofers are fully secured and the relevant connections remain accessible. Noise sources can then be corrected before closing or plastering the construction.

1. Check the protection configuration. Keep the protection specified for the model active. With DSP amplification, check the model, operating mode, channel assignment and preset. Test within the playback frequency range intended for the model.
2. Start at a low level. Check loudspeakers, subwoofers and channels individually first. Vibration and rattling noises can usually be detected at a moderate volume. A short, quiet sweep within the suitable frequency range can reveal troublesome points. Do not increase low-frequency levels simply because they sound quieter.
3. Narrow down the troublesome frequency. Note the frequency and stop the sweep. Then excite that point with short tone bursts with smooth fade-in and fade-out, at a low level. For targeted investigation, use a pattern with 10% tone time: one part tone and nine parts silence. Repeat only as long as needed to locate the source, then stop.
4. Switch off the signal and correct the construction. Depending on the cause, add suitable screws, elastic adhesive or reinforcement. Follow the component and building system requirements, including curing times.
5. Check the affected point again. Use the same limited test level to confirm that the noise has been resolved. Repeat testing after further fittings are installed.

Repeat the check after fitting lights, access panels and other components while the relevant connections remain accessible. Record troublesome frequencies, remedial work and the results of repeat checks.

07KEEP THE SURFACE FINISH AS THIN AS POSSIBLE

PRESERVE THE FACTORY-APPLIED ARDEX P4 PRIMER

All invisible cerasonar loudspeakers and subwoofers are primed with Ardex P4 at the factory. No additional primer is therefore required on the panel. Do not sand off the factory primer or remove it by any other means. Prepare adjacent absorbent plasterboard surfaces and cut edges in accordance with the chosen finishing system.

JOINT FILLING, JOINT TAPE AND THIN FILLER COATS

Use a suitable polymer-modified filler supplied as a powder for mixing, such as Ardex 828 or Knauf Uniflott. Mix and apply it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Begin finishing after the installation and functional checks have been completed successfully.

1. Fill the installation joint completely. In plasterboard installations, carefully fill the approximately 5 mm perimeter joint between panel and plasterboard with suitable filler, without leaving voids.
2. Reinforce the joint. For a standard plaster/plasterboard installation, embed approximately 5 cm wide fibreglass joint tape in the filler over the transition between panel and plasterboard. Follow the materials’ application instructions for embedding the tape and subsequent work. Full-face mesh reinforcement is not generally required for this installation.
3. Coordinate the individual stages. Observe the materials’ application, drying and curing requirements. Proceed to the next stage only once the required conditions have been reached.
4. Finish with a thin coat. Apply only as much material as needed for a proper surface finish. Feather the transitions into the surrounding surface without building unnecessary thickness on the panel.

SANDING AND PAINTING

After sufficient drying, work carefully on the filler surface by hand using a suitable fine abrasive. Preserve the panel and its factory-applied Ardex P4 primer. Before painting, prepare the filler surface as specified by the chosen paint system; any primer required on the finished filler surface is distinct from the existing panel primer.

The finished surface can be painted multiple times. Apply paint in accordance with the chosen paint system and allow sufficient drying between coats. Avoid unnecessary material build-up; agree special or heavily textured finishes with cerasonar in advance. The 2 mm limit applies to the combined filler thickness on the panel.

SUBSEQUENT REDECORATION

The surface can also be repainted during subsequent redecoration. Refer to the documented loudspeaker positions during later work. Before adding more filler, review the existing build-up: even after redecoration, the combined filler thickness on the panel must not exceed 2 mm. Avoid damage to the panel or its factory primer when removing wallpaper or making repairs. Repeat the functional check after sufficient drying.

08AGREE SPECIAL SURFACES IN ADVANCE

For installation behind wood or veneer, use a suitable reference pro model prepared for that application and an approved panel construction. Rear milling, remaining material, adhesive and mechanical retention must match the mounting system. The 2 mm filler limit does not approve arbitrary wood or veneer constructions.

The cerasonar panel pocket mount kit provides additional mechanical retention; the specified adhesive remains necessary. Use the correct wood preset with the approved amplifier configuration. Further information is available under Wood & Veneer Interiors.

Thick or textured wallpaper can attenuate high frequencies. Have the specific material assessed before installation. A material sample and measurement may be required for an individual DSP adjustment.

KEEP LOUDSPEAKER SURFACES CLEAR

Do not hang or place pictures, mirrors, furniture or other objects directly in front of the integrated loudspeaker surface. Keep the surface clear for unobstructed sound radiation. Refer to the documented loudspeaker positions when furnishing the room or carrying out later renovations.

09CHECK AND DOCUMENT THE INSTALLATION

Record installation positions with measurements and photographs while the structure remains visible. Document loudspeaker models, amplifier, wiring configuration, protection configuration, preset version, operating mode and channel assignment. Add troublesome frequencies, remedial work and the results of repeat checks.

HANDOVER TO THE PLASTERBOARD AND DECORATING TRADES

Agree the following application requirements with the finishing trade before work begins and record them in the site documentation:

• Installation and functional checks before filling are complete; vibration and rattling noises have been resolved.
• The factory-applied Ardex P4 primer is preserved and must not be sanded off or removed.
• Use a suitable polymer-modified powder filler for mixing, such as Ardex 828 or Knauf Uniflott; fill the perimeter joint completely and apply approximately 5 cm wide fibreglass joint tape over the transition.
• Keep the finish on the panel as thin as possible; the combined thickness of all filler coats must not exceed 2 mm.
• Observe the application, drying and curing requirements of the materials used.

FINAL FUNCTIONAL AND MUSIC CHECK

After sufficient drying and curing, check each channel individually and the complete system with music at the intended listening levels within the operating limits. Keep the appropriate protection configuration in place. Listen for remaining noise sources associated with lights, access panels and other fittings. Compare the result after finishing with the earlier check and document the installation and materials used. Resolve unexplained differences before handing the system over to the user.