Focal 300iw6 2-way In-wall Loudspeaker User Manual

Focal 300IW6 2-Way In-Wall Loudspeaker

Package contents

• 1 x loudspeaker from the 300 Series range
• 1 x grille
• 1 x acoustic cloth
• 1 x quick start manual
• 1 x cut-out template
• 1 x set of safety instructions and warranty terms and conditions

Key points

• Aluminum/magnesium alloy inverted dome TNV2 tweeter the tweeter developed for these products uses Focal’s exclusive inverted dome technology, allowing optimal energy transfer and limited directivity. The dome’s aluminum/magnesium alloy guarantees exceptional performance in terms of rigidity and dampening, to provide a soft and dynamic treble.
• Flax speaker driver cones: all the speaker driver cones of the 300 SERIES range are made using Flax sandwich technology. Flax is an eco-textile with astounding structural properties: it is light, rigid and well-damped, for a greater neutrality of the timbre and better definition.
• Magnetically-attached protective grille: easy to fit and improved integration.
• OPC® (Optimum Phase Crossover): phase optimisation for a more accurate, stable and natural sound image.
• Usable in humid environments: such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
• Optional mounting kit.
• The fire-rated back can (optional): ensures compliance with product fire retardancy standards.
• Running-in Period
  The speaker drivers used in the Integration 300 Series loudspeakers are complex mechanical assemblies which need a break-in period to operate at their best and to become acclimatised to the temperature and humidity of your environment. This break-in period varies depending on the conditions in question and  may take several weeks. To reduce this time, we recommend operating your loudspeakers for about 20consecutive hours. Once the loudspeakers’ characteristics have totally stabilised you will be able to enjoy your Integration 300 Series loudspeakers’ performance to the full.
  Pre-installation wiring
  You can only install your speakers once you have wired them up. Make sure you leave enough cable length to be able to connect your product with ease (approximately 50cm). We recommend using a cable with a  marker to ensure the polarity of the speaker drivers is respected (+/-). Choose good quality cables with across-section appropriate for their length: your dealer will be able to advise you.
• Choosing an amplifier
  It is not an excess of amplifier power that can damage your loudspeakers and drivers, but rather a lack of  power. In fact, if the volume is too high, the amplifier saturates and generates parasite signals that may destroy the tweeter. The dynamic capacity and definition of Integration 300 Series loudspeakers are high enough to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of whatever amplifier is connected to them. Your dealer will be able to guide your choice to suit your tastes and budget.

Installation

• Loudspeaker positioning
  The loudspeakers in the 300 Series range have been developed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction, whether they are used for stereo music or home cinema. Nonetheless, a few simple rules should be followed to optimise their performance and to guarantee good tonal balance and a realistic sound image.
• Use in multiple loudspeaker systems (ceiling)
  For use in multiple loudspeaker systems (each loudspeaker working independently of the others), the loudspeakers can be installed according to your requirements and the room’s architectural constraints. However, take care not to install the loudspeakers too close to a wall or a corner, to avoid excessive lowfrequency levels.
• Use in stereo systems (ceiling or wall)
  The loudspeakers should be positioned symmetrically, facing the listening area, ideally forming an isosceles triangle with it. The space between the two loudspeakers will be between 2.5m and 4m for a listening area between 3m and 6m (fig. 1). However, it is possible to vary these distances to find an ideal compromise depending on the specific room layout. The loudspeakers should be positioned at the same height and in the same horizontal plane (fig. 2).
  For in-ceiling use, right and left front loudspeakers should be placed in the same horizontal line, between 0.3 and 0.6m from the wall. The space between the right and left loudspeakers should be between 2.5m and 4m (fig. 3).

Use in home cinema systems (ceiling or wall)

• Right, left and central front loudspeakers
  For in-wall use, the right and left front loudspeakers should be placed symmetrically on either side of the screen and at mid-height, facing the listening area, ideally to form an isosceles triangle with it. The space between the two loudspeakers should be between 2.5m and 4m, for a listening area between 3m and 6m, keeping approximately 50cm away from the screen. However, it is possible to vary these distances to find an ideal compromise depending on the specific room layout.
  The central loudspeaker should be placed as close as possible to the screen, above or below it, for realistic dialogue reproduction (fig. 4).
• If a micro-perforated (acoustically transparent) projection screen is used, the right and left front loudspeakers and the central loudspeaker should be placed halfway up the screen, in the same horizontal plane behind this screen (fig. 5).
  For in-ceiling use, the right and left front loudspeakers and the central loudspeaker should be placed on the same horizontal line, 0.3 to 0.6m from the wall. The space between the right and left loudspeakers should be between 2.5m and 4m (fig. 6).
• Surround-sound loudspeakers for the 5.1 system.
  For in-wall use, the surround-sound loudspeakers should be installed on the side walls, slightly behind the listening area (0.5 – 1.5m) and at the same height as the right and left front loudspeakers (fig. 7). For in-ceiling use, the surround-sound loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal line, slightly behind the listening area (ideally 1.5 – 3m) and the space between the right and left loudspeakers should be between 2.5m and 4m (fig 8).
• Surround-sound loudspeakers for the 7.1 system.
  For in-wall use, the right and left surround-sound loudspeakers should be installed on the side walls, in the listening area and at the same height as the right and left front speakers. The surround-sound speakers should be installed on the wall behind the listening area and at the same height as the right and left front loudspeakers. The space between the two loudspeakers should be between 2.5m and 4m (fig. 9).
  For in-ceiling use, right and left surround-sound loudspeakers should be placed in the same horizontal line in front of the listening area. The surround-sound loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal line, slightly behind the listening area (1.5 – 3m) and the space between the two loudspeakers should be between 1.5m and 2.5m (fig 10).
• Atmos® loudspeakers (ceiling)
  For a 5.1.2 system, the Atmos loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal line, slightly in front of the listening area (0.5 – 1.5m) and the space between the two loudspeakers should be between 2.5m and 4m (fig 11).
  For a 5.1.4 system, the front Atmos loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal line, slightly in front of the listening area (0,5 – 1,5m) and the space between the two loudspeakers should be between  2.5m and 4m. The rear Atmos loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal line, slightly behind the listening area (0.5 – 1.5m) and the space between the two loudspeakers should be between 2.5m and 4m (fig. 12).

Existing installation

• Before installing the loudspeakers, ensure that the intended positions in the ceiling/wall are free of any obstruction such as air vents or any cables that may interfere with the installation. Use the appropriate tools to help you determine suitable locations.
• Make sure that there is enough space inside the ceiling/wall to install the product.
• Trace around the cut-out template provided, onto the existing ceiling/wall. Cut along the traced line with a tool suitable to create an opening in the ceiling/wall (fig. A1, A2 / B1, B2 / C1, C2).

New installation

• Use the optional specific mounting kit
• Wire up the speakers before installing them Fitting the loudspeaker
  Products from the 300 Series range include a loudspeaker and a magnetic grille.
  The 300ICLCR5 loudspeaker is supplied with adapters (located close to the corners) allowing it to suit different ceiling depths (12 to 54mm).
  Fitting products from the 300 Series range does not require any tools, thanks to the Easy Quick Install system!

300IW6/300IWLCR6

• Lift the mounting feet (fig. A3 / B3)
• Connect the pre-stripped loudspeaker wire to the loudspeaker’s spring-loaded terminals. It is essential that the connection polarity for each loudspeaker is correct: the cable connected to the “+” terminal on the amplifier must be connected to the red terminal on the loudspeaker. Likewise, the cable connected to the “-” cable on the amplifier must be connected to the black terminal.
• Insert the product into the wall or ceiling by pressing on each side of the loudspeaker to ensure it is in
  place (fig. A5 / B5).
  4. If required, adjust the treble and mid-range according to the room’s acoustics (fig. A7 / B7).
  300IWLCR6: If used as the central loudspeaker, remove the 4 screws from the mid-range and tweeter support, turn the support 90° to line up the tweeter with the “CENTER” marking (fig. B6). Tighten the 4 screws.
  
• 300IW6 : Point the tweeter towards the listening area (fig. A7).
• The 300 Series loudspeakers are supplied with an opacifying acoustic cloth. Remove the protective film then attach the cloth to the grille. However, the best audio performance will be obtained without the opacifying cloth.
• The grille can now be fitted. The grille is held onto the mounting frame magnetically, which means you only need to align it with the edge of the mounting frame. (fig. A8 / B8)

300ICLCR5

1. Unlock the safety catch (fig C3).
2. Lift the mounting feet (fig. C4).
3. Measure the ceiling thickness and, if necessary, assemble the suitable adapters (located close to the corners) (fig. C5).
4. Install the product securely using a safety sling (fig. C6).
5. Connect the pre-stripped loudspeaker wire to the loudspeaker’s spring-loaded terminals. It is essential that the connection polarity for each loudspeaker is correct: the cable connected to the “+” terminal on the amplifier must be connected to the red terminal on the loudspeaker. Likewise, the cable connected to the “-”
   cable on the amplifier must be connected to the black terminal. Stereo image and bass perception will be seriously compromised if these conditions are not respected (fig. C7).
6. Insert the product into the wall or ceiling by pressing on each side of the loudspeaker to ensure it is in place (fig. C8), then lock the safety system (fig. C9).
7. If necessary, it is possible to add a support screw (up to 9). We recommend using screws longer than 8 cm, and inserting them at the points provided for this purpose, marked with a red arrow (fig. C12).
8. Point the mid-range and tweeter support towards the listening area (fig. C10). If required, adjust the tweeter and mid-range levels according to the room’s acoustics (fig. C10).
9. The 300 Series loudspeakers are supplied with an opacifying acoustic cloth. Remove the protective film then attach the cloth to the grille. However, the best audio performance will be obtained without the opacifying cloth.
10. The grille can now be fitted. It is held onto the mounting frame magnetically, which means you only need to align it with the edge of the mounting frame. (fig. C11)

Painting

If you wish, you can paint the grille on your products so that it is coordinated with your environment. We recommend that you firstly remove the grille and paint it using a paint gun. The paint used can be the same type as the paint used on the walls (fig. E / F / G). If you wish to paint the ceiling/wall without disassembling your product, we recommend that you use the protective mask supplied. It is magnetically attached to the mounting frame (fig E / F / G).

SPECIFICATION

Warranty terms and conditions

In the event of a problem, please contact your Focal dealer.
The warranty for France on any Focal equipment is 2 years, non-transferable in the event of resale, from the date of purchase. In the event of faulty equipment, you must send this in its original packaging and at your own expense to the dealer, who will analyze the equipment and determine the nature of the fault. If it is under warranty, the equipment will be returned to you or replaced “carriage paid”. Otherwise, you will be offered a quotation for repair. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from inappropriate use or incorrect connection (burnt-out voice-coils, for example). Outside France, Focal equipment is covered by a warranty for which the terms and conditions are determined locally by the official Focal distributor for each country, in accordance with the laws in force in the region in question.

FAQS

Will two of these speakers will work for atmos?

the Focal 300ICLCR5 will work exceptionally well for Atmos but may be very much more than you really need. A quality, well-designed 6.5″ or 8″ two-way in-ceiling speaker will effectively handle Atmos height effects. As a suggestion, take a look at the Focal 100I CW8.
World Wide Stereo is 42 years old and a proud authorized Focal dealer.

How do i install this horizontally when the studs behind my dryawall are 13 inches apart?

Please consult with a carpenter. A vert. stud will likely have to be drastically cut. Depth from the wall is 3 11/16″. It is possible that distance from front baffle to rear of tweeter or midrange may be less that 3 11/16. A carpenter can suggest a solution that should preserve structural integrity.
World Wide Stereo is 40 years old and a proud authorized Focal dealer.

Are these speakers sold as a pair?

No they are not Greg left or right speaker or center I love mine all focal products are excellent.

Is one center enough? With 2 cheaper vocals on left and right?

Yes, that is the setup that I have, and couldn’t be happier the sound quality is excellent out of cheaper ones.

Is 2-way or 3-way speakers better?

3-way speakers provide more options and better sound quality overall because it has an additional driver which is a dedicated subwoofer that handles low frequencies only. Some of the best speaker brands have 3-way speaker models avaialble. Better voice clarity. If the cross-over is good, you won’t get distortion.

Is a 2-way speaker good?

If a signal is only split into high frequencies and low frequencies, the sound quality can oftentimes be better. This makes a 2-way speaker the best option for most car speakers, especially since 2-way speakers are more affordable and relatively simple to install, especially when compared to 3-way speakers.

Can a speaker have two inputs?

Manufacturers include dual-input terminals so that consumers can bi-wire their home theater systems, improve audio fidelity and create a fuller sonic landscape. The default setting for many home theater setups is to run one dedicated cable from the amp to each speaker.

What is a 2-way speaker system?

A 2-way speaker has two types of drivers which are known as a woofer and tweeter. The woofer is a speaker built exclusively for low-frequency sounds, while the tweeter is designed for high-frequency sounds. A 3-way speaker generates sound from three individual devices known as the mid-range, woofer and tweeter drivers.