Optimal Audio Up 3 Ceiling Loudspeakers User Guide
- June 10, 2024
- Optimal Audio
Table of Contents
Optimal Audio Up 3 Ceiling Loudspeakers User Guide
Congratulations on your choice of Optimal Audio for your latest sound system installation.
The Optimal Audio range of compatible audio zoners, amplifiers and loudspeakers are designed to work together simply and effectively. Our quick start guides will take you through the simple connection and set up procedure.
Optimal Audio Up loudspeakers deliver high-quality, even coverage with minimal visual impact. When used in conjunction with the rest of the Optimal Audio eco-system Up will surprise you with its punchy performance and professional aesthetic. This Quick Start Guide will help you get your Ups positioned and connected correctly.
The Up range of ceiling speakers has been designed to suit almost any application where distributed sound is required. The models are distinguished by several factors all sharing the same visual aesthetic, conical coverage pattern and signature sound.
The table demonstrates the fundamental differences across the Up range, helping you to choose the right loudspeaker for the job.
Fitting Up ceiling loudspeakers
All models in the Up range are supplied with support rails designed to fit 600mm standard ceiling tiles. The following images clearly show the installation procedure step-by-step.
A tile cut-out template and a paint shield for each Up model is included. Be sure to cut your holes in the correct tiles before fixing the ceiling speakers!
Connecting Up
All Up loudspeakers are fitted with 4 pin Euroblock connectors. The terminals are wired as follows:
Pin 1 : Negative In Pin 3 : Positive In
Pin 2 : Negative link through Pin 4 : Positive link through
To connect the cable to the loudspeaker terminals, follow this procedure.
Replace the plate by reversing the procedure.
ℹ When wiring loudspeaker cables be careful to observe the correct polarity of
the cable and connector at both ends.
Matching Speakers and Amplifiers
To get the best from your loudspeakers, it’s important to make sure the
amplifier you are using is up to the job. Several factors have to be
considered, and it’s worth clarifying what they mean and how they affect the
performance of a loudspeaker.
Loudspeakers tend to be quantified using Watts, but this is purely a measure
of the amount of power a loudspeaker can take at its input over time, and not
necessarily a measurement of how loud it might go.
Optimal Audio loudspeaker power handling is therefore quoted as Watts (AES)
and Watts (Peak); AES is a standard measurement of average power handling over
time, and Peak represents the transient power handling capability of the
loudspeaker.
So for an Up 4 the AES power rating is 30 Watts, which will continuously
deliver 102dB at 1m distance from the loudspeaker transients however will
momentarily reach 105dB if you drive it with an amplifier capable of producing
enough power to do so.
However, this only applies when the loudspeaker is running in low impedence
mode (8 or 16 Ohms).
All Up series are capable of running at 70 volt 100 volt line, and Up 4O can
only be run this way. What does this mean?
An amplifier that can produce this level of voltage, either via a transformer
on the output or through bridging of channels would normally damage a
loudspeaker. Transformers that step the voltage down to suitable level are
fitted into the loudspeakers, and the voltage is maintained along the chain.
Each loudspeaker can be `tapped’ to receive a specific voltage, making individual control of the loudspeaker output possible. Take care to use the correct tap setting for the output voltage of the amplifier you are using. In the case of SmartAmps, which can drive either 70 or 100 volt lines, the 70 volt setting is recommended.
The total number of loudspeakers it is possible to connect to a single
amplifier channel is determined by adding the total wattage of the
loudspeakers together. For speech systems, where low frequency response is not
critical, these systems can offer extremely good value for money.
A 100 Watt amplifier running at 100 volts can drive 100 loudspeakers tapped at
1 Watt, 50 loudspeakers tapped at 2 Watts, or 2 loudspeakers at 50 Watts and
anywhere in between. Up series loudspeakers have a wide range of transformer
taps to choose from.
Specifications
⚠ WARNING!
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Important Safety Instructions
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation opening. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Protect the loudspeaker cable from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Do not unplug the unit by pulling on the loudspeaker cable, use the plug.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
- Do not remove any covers, loosen any fixings or allow items to enter any aperture.
- Ensure the loudspeaker is mounted with appropriately sized fixings of suitable load bearing capacity
- Always ensure a secondary safety fixing is used where loudspeakers are mounted overhead.
Optimal Audio Group Ltd. Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3SL