Focal F100IW6 2-Way Loudspeaker – Each Instruction Guide

Focal F100IW6 2-Way Loudspeaker – Each

Specifications

• TYPE: In-wall 2-way
• DRIVERS: 6-1/2″ (16,5cm) Polyglass Midbass, 1″ (25mm) AI inverted dome Tweeter
• SENSITIVITY (2.83V/1M): 89dB
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE (+/-3DB): 60Hz-23kHz
• LOW FREQUENCY POINT (-6DB): 48Hz
• NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 8Ώ
• MINIMAL IMPEDANCE: 2Ώ
• RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER: 25-120W
• EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS (Ø/DEPTH): 11-47/64″ x 7-43/64″ x 3-5/8″ (298 x 195 x 92mm)
• CUT-OUT DIAMETER: 10-3/4″ x 6-11/16″ (273 x 170mm)
• DEPTH FROM WALL: 3-15/32″ (88mm)
• NET WEIGHT (WITH FRONT GRILLE): 1lbs (1.85kg)
• PACKING DIMENSIONS (WXDXH): 13-1/2″ x 9-29/64″ x 4-61/64″ (343 x 240 x 126mm)
• TOTAL WEIGHT (WITH PACKAGING): 98 lbs. (2.25kg)

Introduction

The 100IW6 loudspeaker, which is intended for home audio, features a small design and exceptional sound quality. Small to medium-sized rooms are the target market for this device, which has three different uses: dispersed systems (hallways, living rooms), stereo systems (bedrooms, kitchens), and home theatre systems (in dedicated rooms or living rooms). Even in humid conditions like bathrooms, the product is appropriate for every room in the house. This in-wall loudspeaker features a unique aluminum inverted dome adjustable tweeter that improves sound dispersion while being more compact. Additionally, a brand-new Polyglass cone (6 1/2 16.5 cm) is included.

Package contents

• 1 x 100 SERIES loudspeaker
• 1 x circular grille (100 ICW 5, 100 ICW 6, 100 IC 6ST, 100 ICW 8)
• 1 x square grille (100 ICW 5, 100 ICW 6, 100 IC 6ST, 100 ICW 8, 100 ICLCR 5)
• 1 x rectangular grille (100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5)
• 1 x detailed user manual
• 1 x cutout template

Key features

• Aluminum inverted dome Tweeter: the tweeter developed for the 100 SERIES range uses Focal exclusive inverted dome technology, for optimal energy transfer and limited directivity. The aluminum dome guarantees outstanding lightness and damping to provide a smooth and precise high end.
• Polyglass speaker driver cones: all the speaker driver cones of the 100 SERIES range are made using Polyglass cone technology. The glass micro-balls applied on the surface of the cone make the structure of the cone more rigid, providing a rich mid-range register and bass free of distortion.
• Magnetic protective grille: easy to assemble and improved integration.
• ODC (Optimum Directivity Crossover): optimizes the directionality for more homogeneous sound, particularly when listening to the loudspeakers off axis. It also avoids having a “bathroom” effect with in-ceiling loudspeakers.
• Suitable for humid environments: thanks to their resistant to humidity, the loudspeakers can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens… Ideal for installing in yachts.
• Optional mounting kit: for installing in walls which are under construction.
• Fire rated back box (optional): ensures that the products comply with fire alarm standards. Increases the performance of the product by providing a rear acoustic volume.

Choice of amplifier

It isn’t the power of the amplifier which can cause damage to the speaker driver. It’s rather the lack of power. In this case, if the volume is turned up too high, the amplifier saturates and generates parasite signals which may damage the speaker drivers. The dynamic capacity and the definition of the 100 SERIES line of loudspeakers are high enough to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of whatever amplifier is connected. Your retailer will be able to guide your choice to suit your tastes and budget.

Positioning the loudspeakers

The loudspeakers in the 100 SERIES range have been designed to deliver the most faithful reproduction of all kinds of music or Home Cinema programs. Nonetheless, some simple rules should be followed to optimize their performance and to guarantee good tonal balance and a realistic sound image.

Used for a public address system (ceiling)

For using the speaker drivers for a public address system (each loudspeaker works independently from the others), your loudspeakers can be installed depending on your needs and the architectural constraints of the environment. However, take care to not install the loudspeakers too close to a wall of a corner to avoid having excess bass.

Used as a stereo system (ceiling or wall)

The loudspeakers should be positioned symmetrically, facing the listening area, ideally forming an equilateral triangle. The space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) for a listening area of between 10 to 20ft (3 to 6m) (fig. 1). However, it is possible to vary these distances to find the ideal compromise depending on the particular layout of the room. The loudspeakers should be positioned at the same height, in the same horizontal plane (fig. 2).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the left and right front loudspeakers should be placed in the same horizontal plane, 12 to 24 (30 to 60cm) away from the wall. The space between the left and right loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 3).

Used as a Home Cinema system (ceiling or wall).

• Front right, left and center loudspeakers.

Used as in-wall loudspeakers, the left and right front loudspeakers should be positioned symmetrically on either side of the screen and half-way up, facing the listening area, and forming an equilateral triangle. The space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) for a listening area of between 10 to 20ft (3 to 6m), approximately 20″ (50cm) away from the screen. However, it is possible to vary these distances to find the ideal compromise depending on the particular layout of the room.

The center loudspeaker should be as near to the screen as possible, either above or below the screen to ensure the realistic reproduction of dialogue (fig. 4).

If using a micro-perforated projector screen (acoustically transparent), the left and right front loudspeakers and the center loudspeaker should be placed half way up the screen, on the same horizontal plane behind the screen (fig. 5).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the left and right front loudspeakers and the center loudspeaker should be placed in the same horizontal plane, 12 to 24″ (30 to 60cm) away from the wall. The space between the left and right loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 6).

• Rear sound effects loudspeakers for 5.1 systems.

When used as in-wall loudspeakers, the rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed in the side walls slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and at the same height as the left and right front loudspeakers (fig. 7).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and the space between the left and right loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 8).

• Rear sound effects loudspeakers for 7.1 systems.

When used as in-wall loudspeakers, the left and right rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed in the side walls on the same level as the listening position, and at the same height as the left and right front loudspeakers. The rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed in the wall behind the listening position, and at the same height as the left and right front loudspeakers. The space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 9).

When used as in-ceiling loudspeakers, the left and right rear sound effects loudspeakers should be placed in the same horizontal plane at the same level as the listening position. The rear sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 5 to 8ft (1.5 to 2.5m) (fig. 10).

• Atmos sound effects loudspeakers (ceiling)

For a 5.1.2 system, the rear Atmos sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly in front of the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 to 1.5m), and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 11).

For a 5.1.4 system, the front Atmos sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly in front of the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 – 1.5 m), and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m). The rear Atmos sound effects loudspeakers should be installed on the same horizontal plane, slightly behind the listening position (1 1/2 to 5ft / 0.5 – 1.5 m),  and the space between the two loudspeakers should measure from 8 to 13ft (2.5 to 4m) (fig. 12).

Installation

Existing construction

• Before installing your loudspeakers, make sure that there is nothing obstructing the ceiling/wall, such as air vents, and make sure that no cables will interfere with the installation. Use the appropriate tools to help you determine the correct location.
• Make sure there is enough space to install your product in the ceiling/wall.
• Trace the outline of the speaker driver on the ceiling/wall using the cutout template supplied. Cut along the trace using an appropriate tool to make a hole in the ceiling/wall (fig. 13).
• You can only install your loudspeakers once you have wired them up. Make sure you leave enough cable to allow you to wire up your loudspeakers with ease (approximately 20″/50cm).

We recommend using a cable with a marker in order to ensure the polarities of the speaker drivers are respected (+/-). Choose good quality cables with a wire gauge appropriate to their length: your retailer will be able to advise you.

• The loudspeaker fixes to the wall thanks to the rotating mounting brackets. Insert the loudspeakers into the opening and secure the mounting brackets by rotating them clockwise using a Phillips screwdriver or a screw-gun. If you use a screw-gun, make sure the tightening torque is set to a low value to prevent damaging the mounting brackets (fig. 14). The loudspeaker will be securely fixed in place when you feel resistance once tightened.

New constructions

• Use the specific optional mounting kit.
• Prepare the cables and make sure you leave enough cable to allow you to wire up your loudspeakers with ease (approximately 20″/ 50cm). We recommend using a cable with a marker in order to ensure the polarities of the speaker drivers are respected (+/-). Choose good quality cables with a wire gauge appropriate to their length: your retailer will be able to advise you.
• The loudspeaker fixes to the wall thanks to the rotating mounting brackets. Insert the loudspeakers into the opening and secure the mounting brackets by rotating them clockwise using a Phillips screwdriver or a screw-gun. If you use a screw-gun, make sure the tightening torque is set to a low value to prevent damaging the mounting brackets (fig. 15). The loudspeaker will be securely fixed in place when you feel resistance once tightened.

Wiring in parallel

The impedance of each product in the 100 SERIES range allows you to wire the loudspeakers in parallel to the same amplifier output (except for the 100 IWLCR 5 model) (fig. 16).

Adjusting the tweeter

The tweeter can be adjusted using the switch on the front of the loudspeaker as shown in the diagram (fig. 17).

Adjusting the midrange (100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5)

The midrange can be adjusted using the switch on the front of the loudspeaker as shown in the diagram (fig. 18).

Orienting the tweeter (100 ICW 6, 100 ICW 8, 100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5, 100 ICLCR 5)

For the models 100 ICW 6, 100 ICW 8, 100 IW 6, 100 IWLCR 5 and 100 ICLCR 5, you can direct the tweeter towards the listening area for improved precision of the treble and of the stereo image (fig. 19).

ICW 6, ICW 8: angle of inclination from 0 to 20°, and 360° rotation.

IW 6, IWLCR 5, ICLCR 5: angle of inclination from 0 to 15°, and rotation on every axis.

Adjustment of the speaker mode (100 ICLCR5)

Adjust the speaker to “L” when it’s used with the left speaker, “R” when it’s used with the right speaker and “C” when it’s used with the central speaker (fig. 20).

Special precautions

Painting

If you wish to do so, you can paint the grilles of your 100 SERIES products so that they blend in perfectly with your interior. We recommend first removing the grille from the product and then painting it using a paint spraying device. You can use the same type of paint as the wall paint.

Break-in period

The speaker drivers used in the Integration 100 SERIES loudspeakers are complex mechanical assemblies which need a break-in period to operate at their best and to become acclimatized 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 break-in period, we recommend operating your loudspeaker for about twenty consecutive hours. Once the loudspeaker’s characteristics have totally stabilized, you will be able to enjoy the full potential of your Integration 100 SERIES loudspeakers.

Conditions of warranty

Please contact your Focal retailer if you encounter any problems.

The warranty in France for any Focal product is valid for 2 (two) years from the date of purchase, and rights are non-transferable in case of resale. In the case of defective equipment, the equipment must be shipped at your expense in its original packaging to the dealer who will test the equipment in order to determine the nature of the fault. If the product is still under warranty, the product will be returned to you or replaced, shipping pre-paid. If the product is no longer under warranty, you will be given a quote for the repairs. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from improper use or incorrect wiring (e.g. burnt out moving coils, for example).

Outside of France, Focal products are covered by a warranty whose conditions are determined locally by the official Focal dealer in each country, in compliance with the laws in force in the respective territory.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Focal a good speaker brand?****

A fantastic speaker brand is Focal. If you don’t know Focal, you really ought to. These speakers are of excellent quality and can withstand a lot of power.

Is Focal high end?****

Our high-end hi-fi loudspeakers needed to be lifestyle items in order to fit into modern settings.

Are Focal speakers made in China?****

All of our high-end goods, including our Headphone and Car Audio collections, are built in France, including our hi-fi loudspeakers, monitoring loudspeakers, and high-end items.

Do in wall speakers sound good?****

Numerous in-wall speakers produce superb sound. The only thing you give up with a stereo configuration is that the sound quality might not be nearly as high if you install them properly and use a good speaker.

Are built in speakers worth it?****

Quality in-wall or in-ceiling speakers have several advantages for a home entertainment system when they are put properly.

Are in wall speakers better than tower speakers?****

Floor-standing speakers are best for powerful bass and loud music, while in- wall speakers are best for low bass and quiet sound.

Do in wall speakers add value to home?****

Customers will think they are receiving an added benefit if there are stylish in-wall or in-ceiling speakers.

How long do in-wall speakers last?****

High-quality speakers typically survive up to 40–50 years before displaying any indications of degradation, depending on the materials they are composed of and the climatic conditions where the equipment is utilized.

Are soundbars better than built-in speakers?****

The built-in TV speakers can’t compete with the sound quality provided by the soundbar. Due to the absence of wires or cables, it also frees up space from large speaker cabinets and allows you additional positioning possibilities around the space!

What is better passive or powered speakers?****

As soon as they leave the factory, active speakers will sound their finest. You cannot swap out the parts for greater performance because the amplifier is already incorporated into the device.

How do wall speakers get power?****

They are thus not required to be connected to a power source. They just require a connection to a receiver or amplifier that can also serve as a power supply.

Do wall speakers vibrate the wall?****

Speaker vibrations can cause the walls they contact or are near to shake.

Do modern speakers sound better than vintage?****

While some people love the sophisticated sound produced by most new speakers, others might prefer the warm tone that comes with older audio equipment.

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