Focal 100ICW8 2-Way Speaker – Each User Manual

Focal 100ICW8 2-Way Speaker – Each

Specifications

• TYPE: In-wall/In-celling 2-way coaxial
• DRIVERS: 8″ (21cm) Polyglass Midbass, 1″ (25mm) AI inverted dome Tweeter
• SENSITIVITY (2.83V/1M): 90dB
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE (+/-3DB): 53Hz-23kHz
• LOW FREQUENCY POINT (-6DB): 40Hz
• NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 8Ώ
• MINIMAL IMPEDANCE: 9Ώ
• RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER: 25-150W
• EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS (Ø/DEPTH): 9-49/64″x4-3/8″ (248x111mm)
• CUT-OUT DIAMETER: 8-13/16″ (224mm)
• DEPTH FROM WALL: 4-7/32″ (107mm)
• NET WEIGHT (WITH FRONT GRILLE): 86lbs (1.75kg)
• PACKING DIMENSIONS (WXDXH): 12-3/16″x12-3/16″x7-1/4″ (310 x 310 x 185mm)
• TOTAL WEIGHT (WITH PACKAGING): 73lbs (2.60kg)

Introduction

The 100ICW8 loudspeaker, which is intended for home audio, has 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. It can be installed in a ceiling or a wall.

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this speaker compatible with Dolby Atmos?****

Yes. For Atmos top channels, this in-ceiling speaker is superb.

Do these have both the square and the round grills?****

Yes, they are both square and round grills.

Is this just for one speaker?****

Yes, a single speaker is included with this offering.

Can in-ceiling speaker be used in-wall?****

In-ceiling speakers can easily be mounted in a wall, and vice versa, and the audio quality will be the same.

How far from wall should ceiling speakers be?****

As far apart as speakers on a typical sound system would be, speakers should be placed at least 18 inches from the wall. They ought to be no closer than two meters apart, as a general rule.

Should ceiling speakers be enclosed?****

Yes. The sound quality of your in-ceiling speakers will be diluted if a black box is not installed, and this will cause noise pollution in other rooms in your house.

Do speakers sound better in the ceiling?****

Naturally, “yes” is the response. To add that immersive extra layer of sound, simply point your in-ceiling stereo speakers in the desired location before configuring your system.

How far should Atmos ceiling speakers be from wall?****

The left and right speakers in the front should be separated by roughly the same amount as the surround speakers. We advise keeping in-wall and ceiling speakers at least 18 to 24 inches away from one another.

Where is the best place for ceiling speakers?****

For the optimum sound distribution, try to install a single stereo speaker in the middle of the ceiling, if at all possible.

What’s the difference between in wall and in-ceiling speakers?****

Simply said, ceiling speakers are positioned down-firing from the ceiling above, whilst in- and on-wall speakers are mounted front-firing with the woofers pointing horizontally across the room.

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. Floor standing is appropriate for gatherings and going to the movies, whereas in-wall is appropriate for tiny, enclosed spaces.

Do speakers sound better enclosed?****

Yes, it will sound far better with a correctly built box and a crossover that distributes the frequency spectrum to each driver individually.

Does insulation affect in ceiling speakers?****

Insulation can come into touch with in-ceiling speakers because it is intended to be fireproof. Nevertheless, depending on how much contact there is, there can be effects on the speaker’s audio quality.

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