Sonance Invisible Series IS10-2W Subwoofer Installation Manual

Important Safety Instructions

This product is intended for installation by professional AV integrators and installers only. This manual serves as a general guideline. The installer is responsible for ensuring installation complies with local building codes and regulations. Consult local authorities for specific requirements.

Read This Document in Its Entirety Before Attempting Use

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Clean only with a dry cloth.
6. Do not block ventilation openings. Install per manufacturer's instructions.
7. Do not install near heat sources (radiators, heat registers, stoves, fireplaces, amplifiers).
8. Only use attachments/accessories specified by Sonance.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Scan QR code for installation video. For technical support call (949) 492-7777 or visit www.sonance.com/in-wall-in-ceiling/invisible-series.

Box Contents

• (1) Invisible Series Speaker with Cutout Template
• (2) Wire Nuts
• (28) Stainless Steel Screws
• (4) 1/16" (1.6mm) Shims
• (4) 1/8" (3.18mm) Shims

Product Description & Features

The Sonance Invisible Series IS10-2W Subwoofer features Motion Flex Technology for unparalleled acoustic performance and installation enhancements. It allows for a wider range of applications and more consistent results, redefining possibilities for invisible subwoofers.

This line incorporates Wave Flex drive units, glass-fiber Air Flex woofers, and acoustically-isolated baffles, providing up to 180 degrees of smooth off-axis response.

The Sonance DISC System enables non-destructive measurement of finish thickness for consistent, repeatable installation results. Sonance DSP amplifier presets are recommended for optimal performance.

Features

• Compatible with 1/2" (12.5mm) and 5/8" (15mm) drywall using included shims; use own shims for thicker substrates.
• Finish-up-to or finish-over with up to 1/16" (1.5mm) flexible topping compound or finish material.
• 180-degree hemispherical dispersion.
• Embedded depth discs allow verification of finish material thickness with the optional DG-1 DISC System Depth Gauge (SKU 93491).
• Sound-isolating enclosure provides up to 20dB reduction of sound transferred to adjacent spaces.
• Protected by integrated poly fuses for over-current protection.
• 15-year limited warranty.

Diagram Description (Front View): Shows mounting points for attachment to framing. Features paper facing to ensure finishes over the speaker and surrounding drywall dry at the same rate. Includes a 0.02" (0.5mm) beveled edge for seamless joints.

Diagram Description (Back View): Illustrates the Sonance DISC system with four steel discs embedded behind the speaker diaphragm for accurate finish thickness measurement.

Diagram Description (Side View): Shows a 12" (305mm) speaker lead.

Product Preparation & Planning

Amplifier Selection

Sonance recommends using one unbridged channel of a Sonance DSP Amp with an amp-specific IS10-2W DSP filter (DSP 2-750 for Max Output; DSP 2-150 for -2.2dB Output; DSP 8-130 for -3.5dB Output). Sonance DSP Amplifiers are stable down to 2 ohms. Do not run more than two IS10-2W subwoofers in parallel on one amplifier channel.

Wire Gauge - 8 Ohm Systems

For 8-ohm systems, total wire resistance should be less than 10% of speaker impedance (nominally 6 ohms). Total wire resistance should not exceed 0.6 ohms. Excessive wire resistance negatively affects sound quality, reducing dynamics and bass definition, and potentially attenuating high frequencies. Amplifier power is also wasted in the wire.

Refer to the following chart for appropriate wire gauge:

Speaker Locations

Invisible Series full-range speakers have a 170-degree hemispherical dispersion pattern. The IS10-2W subwoofer has a 180-degree hemispherical dispersion pattern, allowing for a wide range of applications and installation locations.

The IS10-2W is designed for wall mounting only. Ensure the speaker is not covered by cabinetry, draperies, art, or crown molding, and that the speaker is not punctured. Ensure the back of the speaker has clearance and is not adjacent to electrical systems, HVAC, pipes, fire sprinklers, or other building systems that could violate codes or affect sound quality.

Installation Accessories

Space savers and preconstruction zip rings are recommended for better coordination and results. Space savers reserve precise dimensions and protect speaker wire during construction, allowing speaker installation just before the finishing stage, reducing risk of damage or theft. Preconstruction zip ring brackets can be used as a guide for drywall cutouts with a drywall zip tool. Contact Sonance for bulk pricing and availability of zip rings.

Space Saver Part Numbers

• IS-SAVER-S (IS6): 93492 (4-pack)
• IS-SAVER-M (IS8/IS8T/IS10W): 93493 (4-pack)
• IS-SAVER-L (IS10): 93494 (4-pack)
• IS-SAVER-XL (IS15W): 93495 (Each)

New Construction

The IS10-2W fits standard 16" on-center framed walls. Best practices include:

1. Use the speaker template to create the proper space for the subwoofer.
2. Use screws instead of nails for the subwoofer location, as nails can loosen over time.

Installing the Speaker

• Do not remove the back box.
• Install the speaker with the included stainless-steel screws.
• Do not add a screw at the center location above the speaker wire strain relief, as this can cause wire damage.

Listening Test

• Allow construction adhesive to dry before energizing the subwoofer.
• During listening tests prior to mudding, listen for buzzes, squeaks, and chuffing.
• Fix noise problems before drywall mud is applied.
• Play the subwoofer at a moderate to high level for 30 minutes to discover potential noises.

Drywall and Finish Guidelines

Drywall

Add construction adhesive to the front and back of studs above, below, and on the sides of the subwoofer cutout. This prevents drywall from loosening and creating buzzing/slapping noises. Use screws every four inches around the subwoofer opening and every six inches for stud bays. Avoid drywall joints at the IS10-2W location; use studs to support any nearby drywall joints. Apply construction adhesive to the bottom plate to prevent air leaks and chuffing.

Finish Materials

Verify that topping compound and final finish materials are flexible (e.g., slow-setting drywall mud, wallpaper, acrylic-based Venetian plaster, thin wood veneer) and do not exceed 1/16" (1.5mm) total thickness.

Recommended target for optimal performance: 3/64"–1/16" (1.0-1.5mm) of topping compound. Excessive compound can adversely affect sound quality and installation durability. For wood veneer finishes, use only 20mil (0.5mm) veneer with paper backing.

Do not use hard-setting or stiff materials like fast-setting drywall mud ("hot mud"), genuine Venetian plaster, stucco, metal panels, or tile, as their stiffness restricts movement and can cause lack of bass and muffled sound.

Project Management

Follow installation instructions precisely for optimal performance and invisibility. This requires close coordination with drywall and finish trades, and the General Contractor/client. Best practices to prevent unmet expectations and rework:

• Schedule a walk-through with the client, General Contractor, and finish manager *before* drywall mudding, taping, or finishing. Listen to each speaker to identify anomalies.
• Obtain sign-offs on audio performance for each speaker and room. Use a checklist for parties to sign and date.
• Review installation steps with the finish manager, emphasizing minimal flexible material coverage for invisibility (target 3/64"-1/16" or 1.0-1.5mm). Reiterate the 1/16" (1.5mm) maximum finish thickness. Refer to material guidelines on pages 4 and 14. Construction adhesive is mandatory between drywall and studs.
• Use the Sonance DISC system and DG-1 depth gauge (SKU 93491) to validate finish thickness. Lending the gauge to the finish manager is helpful.
• After finish material dries, perform another listening check. If sound differs from the pre-finishing test, the finish thickness likely exceeds 1/16" (1.5mm) and needs correction by removing material.
• Note: Once flooring and furniture are installed, removing excess finish material becomes costly and complex.

Effective project management, sign-offs, and communication prevent unexpected results and ensure beautiful, consistent installs.

Example Checklist

Sonance Invisible Speakers Audio Performance Sign-Off Checklist

Audio Test Approval Signatures: _________________________ Date: ___________

Installation Detail - 16.1" (409mm) On-Center

Diagram Description: Illustrates a 16.1" (409mm) on-center installation.

Framing: Shows framing support above and below the speaker. A face block orientation is used to prevent interference with speaker wire.

Shims: Includes 1/8" (3mm) shims installed around the full perimeter of the speaker.

Drywall & Screws: Depicts 5/8" (15mm) and 1/2" (12.5mm) drywall layers. Screws are shown placed every 4" (102mm) into the framing. Topping compound or other flexible finish material is applied over the speaker and drywall.

Pre-Finishing Testing Guidelines

Addressing audio connection or installation problems after finishing is difficult. Perform these tests before proceeding to finishing.

Installation Fit Test

Lightly place a straight edge across the speaker face to ensure the diaphragm is co-planar with the surrounding drywall. Adjust shims if needed. The beveled edge may be recessed from adjacent drywall.

Audio Test

Connect a high-quality audio source and Sonance DSP amplifier (8-ohm mode) to the IS10-2W. Use the correct EQ preset via SonArc software. Adjust output to a moderate volume. Play music to check fidelity and listen for buzzes or rattles. A slow tone sweep (20Hz-500Hz for subwoofers, 20Hz-5kHz for full-range speakers) can help pinpoint buzzing from loose components, cable vibration, or outlet rattles.

Fix any installation or audio issues before proceeding. Active project management (pages 5-6) is highly recommended.

IS10-2W Finish Thickness Guidelines

Applying finish materials too thick can adversely affect sound quality and installation durability.

• Optimal Performance: Apply the minimum finish necessary for invisibility, typically 3/64" (1mm) or less.
• Maximum Total Finish Thickness: 1/16" (1.5mm).

Validate finish thickness using the Sonance DG-1 depth gauge (SKU 93491).

Do not use hard-setting or stiff materials (fast-setting drywall mud, Venetian plaster, stucco, metal panels, tile). Use only flexible materials like lightweight drywall topping compound. For sheet materials like wallpaper or veneer, the total thickness of drywall compound, adhesives, and substrate must not exceed 1/16" (1.5mm). For wood veneer, use only 20mil (0.5mm) veneer with paper backing.

Finishing Instructions

Drywall finishes vary in smoothness. A level four finish (feathered and sanded seams) is recommended. For best results, a level five finish (skim-coated and sanded wall plane) is recommended for smooth consistency.

1. Fill the gap between speaker and drywall with 20-minute fast-setting joint compound ("hot mud").
2. Feather all edges.
3. Allow hot mud to set slightly before applying mesh tape.
4. Place mesh tape over drywall seams, overlapping slightly.
5. Do not tape over the raised portion of the speaker.
6. Allow hot mud to fully cure and harden.
7. Once hot mud is cured, cover joints with slow-setting compound.
8. Feather all surfaces around joints and up to the raised portion of the speaker diaphragm.
9. Allow the first coat to fully cure (12-24 hours).

Note: Do not use fast-setting drywall compound ("hot mud") to cover the speaker; it lacks flexibility. Use lightweight all-purpose joint compound for joints and feathering, and lightweight, easy-sand topping compound for covering the speaker.

Recommended Drywall Compounds

• Step 1 (Filling gaps): 20-minute All-Purpose Joint Compound ("Hot Mud")
• Step 7 (Covering joints): Slow-setting Lightweight All-Purpose Joint Compound
• Step 10, 14 (Covering the speaker): Slow-setting Lightweight Easy-Sand Topping Compound

Important: If a perfectly flat finish is achieved, you can proceed with priming and painting ("Finish Up To"). Multiple paint layers are recommended for a shadow-less blend. A "Finish Over" process, where an additional skim coat covers the entire speaker and blends into the wall, is recommended for a more seamless finish and easier invisibility. This process typically takes less time and requires fewer paint layers.

10. Apply a second coat of topping compound covering the entire surface of the speaker and adjoining surfaces.
11. Compound buildup on the active speaker surface should not exceed 1/16" (1.5mm).
12. Detail the compound to minimize tool marks.
13. Allow each layer to fully cure (12-24 hours).
14. Build more coats as necessary, with each successive coat being thinner. The final coat should be a very light skim coat.
15. After the final coat is applied and dried, use a manual pole or block sander on the entire wall. Avoid power sanders, which can damage the speaker surface and hinder blending. Do not sand down into the speaker surface. The wall surface should show no signs of a speaker.
16. Validate finish thickness using the Sonance DISC system and DG-1 depth gauge (SKU 93491).
17. Perform a final audio test. Listen to each speaker to verify audio quality and performance have not changed since the pre-finishing test. Address any audible anomalies or surface imperfections now.

After listening validation, the Sonance Invisible speaker installation is complete. Proceed with normal final finishing using flexible materials like paint, wallpaper, or veneer.

IS10-2W Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

The IS10-2W should not be mounted in T-Bar ceilings.

Ceiling placement could lead to long-term sagging of the diaphragm.

Can these be used outside?

Sonance invisible speakers are not outdoor rated and should not be used outside.

Can these be used in high heat or high humidity applications?

Invisible speakers should not be directly exposed to high heat or humidity. Finishing materials rated for high heat and humidity may be used if they form a barrier preventing exposure to the speakers. A mock-up trial of finish materials, speaker, and environment is recommended to validate long-term performance.

What finish materials can I use with invisible speakers? Can these be covered with wallpaper or wood veneer?

Use flexible materials such as slow-setting, lightweight drywall compounds, wallpaper, wood veneer, vinyl veneer, or acrylic-based Venetian plaster.

Are there materials that should not be used to cover the speakers?

Avoid stiff, inflexible materials or those exceeding 1/16" (1.5mm) total thickness over the speaker diaphragm, such as tile, metal sheet, stone veneer, true Venetian plaster, stucco, etc. These materials restrict movement, leading to lack of bass and muffled sound.

How much finish material can go over the speaker?

1.0mm to 1.5mm is recommended for optimal performance. The maximum limit is 1/16" (1.5mm).

How can I tell how much finish material is covering the speaker?

Use the Sonance DG-1 depth gauge (SKU 93491) to measure the actual finish thickness.

What is the DISC System?

The Sonance DISC System provides a highly accurate, non-destructive method for quantifying finish thickness. The DG-1 handheld depth gauge uses a magnetic sensor to measure the distance between the finished speaker surface and steel discs embedded behind the speaker diaphragm.

What if I add too much finish material?

Before final finishing (e.g., painting), sand the surface and measure finish thickness with the DG-1 gauge. Repeat as necessary until 1.5mm or less is measured. 1.0mm and 1.5mm are recommended for optimal performance.

Is there a benefit to "Finish Up To" rather than "Finish Over"?

No practical benefit. "Finish Over" is recommended as it typically takes less installation time and results in a more seamless, shadowless finish. The IS10-2W is optimized for about 1.0mm to 1.5mm of finish material.

What happens if the mud or finish cracks?

Cracks may indicate improper finish application or speakers being regularly overdriven. Integrated poly fuses protect against damage, but not all abuse. If cracks occur, Sonance can help troubleshoot. Often, the finish was applied too thick. The DISC system helps prevent such failures by identifying issues early.

Can I use other than Sonance DSP Amplifiers?

For specified performance, use one unbridged channel of a Sonance DSP amp with the appropriate IS10-2W DSP filter. (DSP 2-750, DSP 2-150, or DSP 8-130).

Are these suitable for surround sound?

The IS10-2W is designed for use in surround sound and large space distributed audio systems.

What's the benefit of sound-isolating enclosures?

The integral sound-isolating enclosure provides approximately 20dB broadband noise reduction, significantly reducing sound transference into adjacent spaces.

Is the IS10-2W sound-isolating enclosure UL rated?

No.

I lost the screws. What is the spec or do I have to buy them from Sonance?

Use stainless steel #6 drywall screws of appropriate length for your drywall/installation substrate and local codes.

I lost the shims. How can I get more? Do I have to buy them from Sonance?

Use standard drywall shims available from your local hardware store.

Is there a protection circuit built into the speaker or do they need to be added?

The IS10-2W has a single poly fuse. If overdriven, fuses will trip, ceasing sound output to protect the driver and installation surface. Fuses reset after a few minutes. Tripping indicates overdriving; reduce volume or add more speakers for higher volume.

What is the warranty on IS invisible speakers, and what does the warranty cover?

The 15-year limited warranty covers the cost to replace the speaker(s) and refinishing up to level 5 drywall finish.

Technical Assistance & Service

Contact Sonance Technical Assistance at (949) 492-7777 for questions regarding operation and installation, Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Returning for Repair or Service

Keep original packaging. Be prepared to provide model/serial number, purchase date, and dealer information when calling.

1. Contact Sonance at (949) 492-7777 or www.sonance.com. Prior authorization (RMA) is required.
2. If returning directly to Sonance, call for an RMA number before shipping.
3. Ship via United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or other package delivery service (not U.S. Postal Service).
4. Include the RMA number on the shipping label (not directly on the carton).
5. Ship to:
   Attn: Quality Assurance Department
   RMA# (include RMA number here)
   Sonance
   11016 Mulberry Ave. Suite B
   Fontana, CA 92337

Limited Fifteen (15) Year Warranty

Sonance warrants the product to the first end-user purchaser from an authorized dealer/distributor against defects in workmanship and materials for the stated period. Sonance will, at its option and expense, repair or replace the product.

Exclusions

This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for use, and fitness for a particular purpose.

Sonance is not liable for consequential, incidental, economic, property, bodily injury, or personal injury damages arising from the product or warranty breach.

This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state. Some states do not allow exclusion of implied warranties or remedy limitations.

Product Model and Description: IS6/IS8/IS10/IS10W Invisible Speakers.

Warranty Period: Fifteen (15) years from the original sales receipt or proof of purchase.

Additional Limitations and Exclusions

Warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the initial installation. It does not cover installation of repaired/replaced products, damage to allied equipment, labor/parts caused by accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (overdriving, extreme temperatures, mishandling), or unauthorized service.

Obtaining Authorized Service

To qualify for warranty, contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or Sonance Customer Service at (949) 492-7777 within the warranty period. Obtain an RMA number and ship the product prepaid with proof of purchase.

©2025 Sonance. All rights reserved. Sonance is a registered trademark of Dana Innovations. Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sonance.com for the latest information.

Sonance Contact: 991 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA 92673 USA. PHONE: (949) 492-7777 FAX: (949) 361-5151 Technical Support: (949) 492-7777. Date: 02.20.2025