DALI GARDIAN OW 6: Advanced Outdoor Loudspeaker Technology

Introduction

The DALI GARDIAN OW 6 outdoor loudspeakers bring DALI's renowned low-loss, high-performance sound quality to outdoor environments. These speakers combine water and dust-proof, wide-dispersion drivers with a stylish, all-weather cabinet and a tool-less, auto-connect, Click n' Connect pan and tilt mounting system. The GARDIAN OW 6 meets demanding outdoor audio needs, achieving a class-leading IP67 (Ingress Protection) certification. It offers genuine DALI sound in an easy-to-install package, suitable for year-round outdoor use, setting a new standard for high-performance outdoor audio.

Design and Engineering

Designing loudspeakers for outdoor use presents unique engineering challenges compared to indoor counterparts. Key among these is ensuring waterproof construction to protect sensitive electro-mechanical components from rainwater, condensation, hosepipes, or pool splashes. Beyond water, outdoor speakers must also resist wind-blown dust, leaves, twigs, and physical impacts from fast-moving objects. The GARDIAN OW 6's IP67 rating signifies not only water resistance but also complete dust ingress protection. Its rigid cabinet and aluminium grille offer robust defense against physical impact.

Furthermore, outdoor loudspeakers must withstand extreme temperatures and rapid changes. The GARDIAN OW 6 is engineered to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +70°C, making it suitable for diverse climates, from hot summers to cold winters.

Bass/Midrange Driver and Tweeter

The GARDIAN OW 6 features DALI's signature low-loss and low-distortion principles in its bass/midrange driver and tweeter. The bass/midrange driver is a DALI-designed 5¼-inch unit with a water and dust-proof polypropylene diaphragm. It utilizes a high-power ferrite magnet motor system with a copper wire voice-coil wound on a low-loss Kapton former, providing a high-performance foundation for the speaker's sound quality.

The concentrically mounted 25 mm tweeter features a lightweight, water and dust-proof soft textile dome and a high-performance neodymium-iron-boron magnet system. This design ensures explicit and detailed high-frequency performance in all weather conditions.

Auxiliary Bass Radiators

To avoid the vulnerability of reflex ports to water ingress, the GARDIAN OW 6 employs twin 5-inch (130 mm) auxiliary bass radiators (ABRs) instead. These are located on either side of the bass/midrange driver on the front panel. ABRs function similarly to ported bass reflex systems by utilizing the low-frequency rearward radiation of the bass/midrange driver to enhance output within a specific bass frequency range. By tuning the mass of the ABR diaphragm, its resonance frequency can be set to generate bass as the main driver's output begins to decrease, while simultaneously reducing the main driver's diaphragm movement. This results in extended bass response and increased low-frequency power handling from a compact enclosure.

The twin ABRs have an oval profile to maximize their radiating area. Constructed with polypropylene diaphragms and low-loss natural rubber surrounds, they are inherently waterproof. Tuned to 52 Hz, they define the speaker's bass roll-off. The GARDIAN OW 6 delivers extended, precise bass with the engaging and musical qualities characteristic of DALI loudspeakers.

Click n' Connect Bracket

Electrical connection for outdoor loudspeakers requires robust engineering to prevent corrosion and short-circuits, which can degrade performance or damage amplifiers. The GARDIAN OW 6 utilizes a custom, adjustable 'Click n' Connect' mounting bracket for a reliable outdoor connection solution and simplified installation. The bracket connects to the amplifier cables via conventional spring terminals, concealed behind a removable, weatherproof cover.

The GARDIAN OW 6 loudspeaker then click-fits onto the bracket, automatically establishing the electrical connection. This system ensures all connection points are protected from the outdoor environment. It also allows for easy removal or replacement of the speaker, leaving the bracket in place. An optional accessory rubber cap can be fitted to the bracket's exposed end for added protection when the speaker is removed.

Attachment Process: To attach the loudspeaker, present it to the bracket at a rotational angle of approximately 20 degrees. Insert the loudspeaker post into the bracket aperture. Once fully inserted, rotate the loudspeaker clockwise until it is perpendicular to the bracket. The loudspeaker will securely click into place.

Cable Routing: Cable connections to the terminals can be made from either side, from the bottom, or from behind the bracket.

Engineering for the Outdoors

Beyond auxiliary bass radiators and hidden connectors, the GARDIAN OW 6 incorporates numerous features for outdoor performance. Like the ABRs, the bass/mid driver diaphragm and surround are made from polypropylene and natural rubber, ensuring inherent waterproof qualities.

The cabinet is molded from rigid, foamed polypropylene, providing non-resonant acoustic characteristics and dimensional stability across a wide range of temperatures and humidity. This material is also strong, lightweight, and washable. The cabinet consists of front and rear injection-molded parts screwed together with an integrated watertight seal. The front panel is finished with a painted, corrosion-free perforated aluminum grille for a stylish appearance and driver protection. All exposed metal parts, including screws, are chemically plated to resist corrosion.

Outdoor Acoustics and Installation Versatility

Installing loudspeakers outdoors differs from indoor setups, requiring versatile solutions. While indoor installations often rely on rectilinear spaces and defined boundaries for stereo or multi-channel reproduction, outdoor installations are more free-form, dictated by mounting locations and the need for broad audio coverage. The GARDIAN OW 6 is designed for this versatility, adapting to available mounting assets and optimizing installations even on irregular surfaces.

The GARDIAN OW 6 housing and grille can be painted to match the installation surroundings. Painting should be performed by professionals.

Symmetrical Dispersion

The GARDIAN OW 6 features a coaxial driver array, with the tweeter mounted forward of the bass/midrange driver on a common axis. This design ensures symmetrical acoustic dispersion, unlike speakers with spaced drivers that exhibit asymmetric patterns. Symmetrical dispersion is crucial outdoors, preventing biased mid-frequency radiation (up/down or left/right) regardless of speaker orientation. This consistency makes installation locations less critical for achieving optimal listening area coverage.

Pan and Tilt Adjustment

The Click n' Connect bracket provides pan and tilt adjustment, allowing loudspeaker output to be directed precisely where needed. This feature is particularly valuable outdoors, where acoustics are typically less reverberant than indoors. In less reverberant environments, the direct sound from the loudspeaker is more critical for uniform coverage. The ability to aim the speakers towards the listening area enhances the overall audio experience.

Outdoor Loudspeaker Installation

Outdoor loudspeaker installations span various contexts, from general audio coverage on decks and pool areas to use in garages or semi-enclosed home theaters. The GARDIAN OW 6's versatility allows it to adapt to diverse mounting structures and surfaces, optimizing installations in any outdoor setting.

While designed for outdoor use, the GARDIAN OW 6 is also suitable for indoor applications where exposure to moisture is a factor, such as indoor pool areas, spas, or saunas. Its sleek, modern design also makes it ideal for hospitality settings like hotel bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Common Applications

Residential - Indoor/Outdoor

• Pool areas
• Spa/Wellness areas
• Saunas (by the floor)
• Gym and Fitness areas
• Laundry rooms
• Garden areas
• Outdoor kitchen and dining areas
• Outdoor multichannel home-theatre
• Outdoor stereo/multizone music applications
• Surround / Immersive channels for surround sound systems

Commercial installs - Indoor/Outdoor

• Pool areas
• Spa/Wellness areas
• Saunas (by the floor)
• Gym and Fitness areas
• Shower rooms
• Hotel bar / reception areas
• Restaurants
• Retail stores
• Theme parks
• Outdoor stereo/multizone music applications

Outdoors is the New Indoors

The GARDIAN OW 6 is DALI's first loudspeaker engineered for all-weather, year-round outdoor use. Its combination of water and dust-proof construction, genuine DALI low-loss sound quality, and features for simple, versatile installation positions it as a best-in-class choice. It extends DALI's renowned audio quality from the home into the outdoor world, embodying the concept that 'Outdoors is the new indoors'.

Technical Specifications

All technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

For more information, visit: dali-speakers.com/gardian