Sonance Invisible Series Finishing Guide
About Sonance
Sonance is dedicated to reimagining sound by continuously innovating beyond products, crafting new categories, and telling compelling stories that add value to their solutions, allowing music to enrich life. Their technology is designed to effortlessly blend into architecture and interior design, transforming any space while respecting its original aesthetic. Sonance fosters authentic partnerships built on trust and a collaborative ethos, aiming to unlock value for their customers. They lead with a culture of transparency and engagement, driven by a purpose beyond profit to make a positive impact.
Introduction to Invisible Series
The Motion Flex Invisible Series speakers represent the pinnacle of the Sonance 'Designed to Disappear' philosophy. Once installed correctly, these speakers are virtually undetectable, creating an immersive sensation of sound emanating from everywhere. This guide provides essential tips, tricks, and best practices for achieving seamless, reliable, and repeatable finishing results with uncompromised audio performance.
The guide covers various finishing materials and techniques suitable for integrating these speakers into diverse interior designs.
Finishing Materials
The selection of a finishing material is crucial for the successful integration of Sonance Invisible Speakers. If a material not described in this guide is desired, it is recommended to experiment with a mock-up installation before project implementation.
Available Finishing Materials Include:
- Drywall
- Venetian Plaster
- Wood Veneer
- Wallpaper
- Fabric
- Leather
Key Principles for Selecting a Finish:
- Thickness: The total finish thickness over the speaker surface must not exceed 3mm (1mm-1.5mm is optimal).
- Flexibility: The covering material must be flexible; stiff or rigid materials are incompatible.
- Lightweight: The covering material must be lightweight to avoid impeding the speaker's movement.
Preparation and Finishing: Drywall
Invisible Speakers are commonly integrated into drywall (also known as gypsum wallboard or plasterboard) and finished with topping compound and paint. Other finishes like wallpaper and wood veneer can also be applied over drywall.
Installation Types:
- Finish-over Install (Level 5 Drywall Finish): Recommended when paint is the final finish. A thin skim coat is applied over the speaker and drywall panel, then sanded smooth.
- Finish-up-to Install (Level 4 Drywall Finish): Recommended for thin membranes like wallpaper, wood veneer, or fabric. Topping compound is feathered up to the speaker's surface.
In both cases, use the minimal thickness of drywall topping compound required for a smooth, even, and level surface.
Key Principles for Drywall Finishing:
- Use an easy-sand, lightweight topping compound (density ≤ 1kg/L or 8lb/gal).
- Avoid fast-curing compounds ('hot mud'); opt for slow-curing compounds with a 12-24 hour cure time.
- Ensure the final finish thickness does not exceed 3mm (1mm-1.5mm optimal).
- Apply primer before painting, with multiple coats of paint recommended.
- Use the Sonance DG-1 depth gauge to validate finish thickness.
Note on Drywall Texture: Textured drywall finishes are generally not recommended as they can exceed the 3mm thickness limit. Light textures are acceptable if they remain within the 3mm limit over the speaker surface.
Level 4 Drywall
Drywall must be taped along all joints. Joints and angles require a skim coat plus two additional layers of compound for flat joints and one for interior angles. Screws and accessories need three mud coats. Each coat is applied progressively wider and feathered out. Irregularities must be sanded smooth.
Level 5 Drywall
Includes all Level 4 measures, plus an additional skim coat applied evenly across the entire drywall surface. Irregularities are sanded down for a flush, perfectly flat surface.
Preparation and Finishing: Venetian Plaster
Many traditional plasters are incompatible due to multiple coats and stiff mineral content, which restricts speaker movement. However, modern acrylic-based plasters offer flexibility and are compatible if the final finish thickness is 3mm or less. Always check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for acrylic content.
Lime wash paints can also emulate plaster looks with minimal thickness and are compatible over a Level 5 drywall finish.
Key Principles for Venetian Plaster:
- Use an acrylic-based plaster product.
- Do not use traditional plasters based primarily on lime or minerals.
- Check the MSDS/SDS sheet for plaster contents.
- Lime wash paints are a suitable alternative.
Preparation and Finishing: Wood Veneer
A 'Finish-up-to' drywall installation is recommended for wood veneer to avoid visible contours from the speaker panel's recessed edges. Ensure the speaker panel is flush and level with the substrate.
Use paper-backed veneer. The ideal total thickness of veneer and paper backing is 0.5mm; up to 1mm is acceptable. The final thickness of veneer and adhesives must be 3mm or less.
Use contact cement applied thinly (1mm or less) to both the veneer and the installation surface. Allow adhesive to become tacky before bonding. Apply even pressure with a roller tool, avoiding excessive pressure that could damage the speaker.
Key Principles for Wood Veneer:
- Use paper-backed veneer.
- Total thickness of veneer and paper backing must be 1mm or less.
- Bond veneer using contact cement on both surfaces.
Preparation and Finishing: Wallpaper, Fabric, and Leather
Thin, flexible materials like wallpaper, fabrics, and leathers work best with a 'Finish-up-to' drywall installation. A smooth, well-executed Level 4 or Level 5 drywall finish is essential, as surface variations can 'print through' these thin materials.
For wallpaper, follow manufacturer recommendations for adhesive and application. For fabrics and leathers, use contact adhesive on both the material and the speaker/installation surface.
Ultra-thin, sheer fabrics are not recommended.
Key Principles for Wallpaper, Fabric, and Leather:
- A smooth, even drywall finish is required, as if the surface were to be painted.
- Use the manufacturer-recommended adhesive and process for wallpaper.
- Bond fabric and leather using contact cement on both surfaces.
Wet Locations and Temperature Extremes
Sonance Invisible Speakers can be installed in wet locations (bathrooms, spas, saunas) provided that surrounding wallboard and finishing materials are rated for such environments and installation best practices for wet conditions are followed.
The operating temperature range for Sonance Invisible Speakers is -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C).
It is highly recommended to perform mock-up trials for finishes, speakers, and environments with high humidity or temperature extremes to validate long-term performance.
Installation Locations, Quantity, and Layout
Sonance Invisible Speakers can be installed in both walls and ceilings. For wall installations, position speakers at least 7 feet (2.13m) from the floor to avoid obstruction by furniture or wall hangings.
Evenly space speakers in both walls and ceilings for optimal coverage, avoiding corners where possible.
The principles for determining optimal quantity and layout are similar to traditional speakers. However, the improved off-axis coverage pattern of Sonance Invisible Speakers makes them less sensitive to exact positioning, offering an advantage. If interference with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural members requires relocation, moving a speaker forward, backward, or one stud-bay over typically does not compromise coverage performance.
For assistance with speaker layout planning, contact Sonance Design Services.
Residential and Commercial Project Form: https://wkf.ms/4blw35f
Product Information
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For the latest Sonance product specification information, visit the website: www.sonance.com
Sonance, 991 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA 92673 USA. Document Version: 07.24.2024
