®
Ratio
High-Efficiency Indoor Loudspeakers
Instruction Manual
INTRODUCTION
Background music
Applications
Speaker placement for background music is less critical
than for stereo listening. Often the goal is to provide
even coverage throughout the room, without regard to
a fixed listening position. In this case, the speakers can
be placed so they cover equal portions of the room.
Ratio speakers provide room-filling sound in any
multiroom system with amplified keypads. In many
cases where an external amplifier would be added for
conventional speakers, a pair of Ratio speakers powered
directly by the keypad will suffice.
In other cases, the goal is to provide background music
only in part of a large room or open area, often where
the seating is located. In this case, the speakers can be
located to provide coverage in that part of the room.
Designed for optimal performance with amplified key-
pad systems, Ratio speakers make it possible to use such
systems in places where higher-powered systems would
otherwise be used. This provides an economical alterna-
tive to high-powered multiroom systems.
Speaker Placement
Following are some general placement guidelines for
stereo listening and background music applications.
Other things to consider for speaker placement include:
• Locations of unobstructed wall or ceiling cavities in
which to mount the speakers
• Accessibility for running cables through the walls or
ceilings to the speaker locations
Stereo music listening
Speaker placement for stereo music listening is impor-
tant for proper imaging. Imaging is the ability of the
speaker pair to reproduce sounds so they appear to
come from between the speakers.
Speaker placement for background music
in a seating area
Placement near corners
In a stereo music system, we recommend placing the
left and right speakers about 60 degrees apart when
viewed from the center listening position. In-wall
speakers should be centered at ear level.
Placing the speakers near the corners of a room can
help emphasize bass frequencies. This is fine if both
speakers in a stereo pair are mounted near corners, but
avoid placing one speaker in a corner and another in a
large open area.
The best acoustic performance will result if the speakers
face the same type of surface and are placed in similar
positions on the same type of wall or ceiling surface.
Small rooms
The RC61S stereo ceiling speaker is useful for providing
coverage for a small room from a single point. Usually it
should be placed near the center of the room.
Avoid wet locations
Ratio indoor speakers are designed to provide reliable
long-term service as long as they are not installed
in wet or damp locations such as showers. Also, they
should not be installed in areas continually subject to
high humidity, such as unventilated bathrooms and
porches in humid climates.
Speaker placement for stereo listening
3
PREPARATION
4. Score the outline with a utility knife to prevent chip-
ping or tearing. Then use a drywall saw or spiral-cut
tool to cut the hole. Make sure you don’t make the
hole any larger than the template.
Prewiring
Run a separate 2-conductor stranded copper speaker
cable of at least 16 AWG (1.5 mm) from the amplified
keypad or amplifier to each speaker. (Note: When using
the RC61S stereo ceiling speaker, run either one 4-con-
ductor cable or two 2-conductor cables to the speaker.)
Installing Rough-In Brackets
If the walls and ceilings are not yet in place, you can
use Russound rough-in brackets to mark the speaker
locations and provide templates for making the cutouts.
Nail or screw the wings of the rough-in bracket to the
ceiling joists or wall studs, with the opening between
them where you want the speaker to be. The drywall
installer can then use the bracket as a template to cut
the hole in the wallboard exactly the same size as the
bracket ring.
Be sure to use cable with the appropriate fire resistance
rating for the application. Check the local building
code for specific requirements. Russound offers 2- and
4-conductor speaker cables with a Class 3 fire rating for
in-wall installation.
When running a speaker cable parallel to an AC power
cable, keep them at least 12 inches (30 cm) apart to
minimize electromagnetic interference. If the speaker
cables must cross AC wiring, cross them at right angles.
Painting the Speakers
Leave about 2 feet (0.6 m) of cable at the keypad or
amplifier end for connecting to the output terminals.
Label the cables so you will know which cable connects
to each channel. At each speaker location, leave enough
cable so that at least 2 feet (0.6 m) can extend through
the cutout for connecting to the speaker.
The speaker frames and grilles can be painted to match
the room décor. Be sure not to get paint on the speaker
baffles or drivers.
1. Gently pull off the speaker grilles, making sure not to
distort them. To remove the grilles from the ceiling
speakers, first unbend the retainer tabs on the edges
of the grilles. Remove the scrim cloths from inside
the grilles and set them aside for reassembly.
Cutting Holes in Existing Wallboard
Note: Ratio speakers are designed to mount to ceiling
and wall material between ½ inch (1.3 cm) and ¾ inch
(1.9 cm) thick. Spacers on the spring clips accommodate
varying thicknesses of material within this range.
2. Mask the baffles (the areas inside the frames that
house the drivers) with the provided paint shields. If
you will be spraying the frames, also mask the back
of the speakers to keep overspray off the drivers.
1. Once you have determined roughly where to place
the speakers, use a stud finder to locate the wall
studs or ceiling joists and mark their location.
3. Paint the frames and grilles separately. Spraying is
ideal, but if you can’t spray the paint, a roller with a
short or medium nap will work better than a brush.
2. Check to make sure there are no obstructions such as
electrical cables, water pipes, or heating ducts where
you want to put the speakers.
4. While the paint is still wet, clear any clogged holes in
the grilles with bursts of compressed air.
3. Position the provided cutout template on the wall or
ceiling and trace around it with a pencil to draw the
outline of the cutout.
5. After the paint has thoroughly dried, remove the
masking.
The cardboard template supplied with each speaker has perforations for the cutout and a paint shield
4
INSTALLATION
Mounting ring
Frame
Baffle
Scrim cloth
Grille
Frame
Baffle
Scrim cloth
Grille
In-ceiling and in-wall speaker assemblies
Connecting the Speakers
Note: Before connecting a ceiling speaker, place the mounting ring, flange down, around the back of the speaker.
1. Strip 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) off the end of the cable’s outer jacket. Then strip ½ inch (1.3 cm) of insulation off
each wire.
2. Twist the wire strands together so there are no strands separated from the bundle.
3. Connect the wires to the speaker terminals, being sure to observe proper polarity. For standard speaker cable with
red and black wires, connect the red wire to the red positive (+) terminal and the black wire to the black negative
(–) terminal.
Note: Some speaker cables have other ways of designating polarity. For example, cable with a clear jacket usually
has a copper-colored wire for positive and a silver-colored wire for negative. In a cable with white and black wires,
the white is positive and the black is negative. Cable with both wires the same color may have grooves, ribs, or
stripes on the positive wire.
4. Check to make sure there are no stray strands of wire outside the terminals. If there are, remove the wire, twist
the strands together, and reconnect the wire to the terminal.
Speaker cable connections
5
INSTALLATION
Final Assembly
Ceiling speakers
Reattach grille
1. If you removed the grille for painting, insert the scrim cloth into the grille and align the tabs on the edge of the
grille with the slots in the baffle.
2. Gently press the grille back into place on the speaker, using even pressure around the edge. Don’t press in the
center of the grille.
3. Bend the retainer tabs toward the center of the speaker to secure the grille in place.
Install speaker in cutout
Note: The spring clip spacers are set at the factory for a ceiling thickness of 5/8 inch (1.6 cm). For a 1/2 inch (1.3 cm)
ceiling, turn the spacers over so the thicker side faces the ceiling. Remove the spacers from the clips for a 3/4 inch
(1.9 cm) ceiling, or when using rough-in brackets.
Note: Make sure the mounting ring is placed flange down around the back of the speaker.
1. If you are using a seismic restraint, pass it through the mounting ring and attach it with a screw to one of the
bosses opposite the spring clips. Flip the spring clips so they point straight up.
2. Place the mounting ring so it rests on the wires of the spring clips.
3. Make sure there is no obstruction around the edge of the cutout to keep the spring clips from flipping down to
hold the speaker in place.
4. Center the back of the speaker in the cutout and push it straight in until the spring clips flip down and the
speaker is secure.
Note: Push only on the frame, not on the grille.
Ceiling joists
Cutout
Mounting ring
Wallboard
Speaker
Spring clip
Ceiling speaker installation
6
INSTALLATION
Spring clip
Wall speakers
Note: The spring clip spacers are set at
the factory for a wall thickness of 5/8
inch (1.6 cm). For a 1/2 inch (1.3 cm)
wall, turn the spacers over so the thicker
side faces the wall. Remove the spacers
from the clips for a 3/4 inch (1.9 cm)
wall, or when using rough-in brackets.
Wall studs
1. If you haven’t already removed the
grille for painting, gently pull it off
along with the scrim cloth.
Dog-leg clamp
2. On the back of the speaker, flip the
spring clips so they point straight
back. Also make sure the dog-leg
clamps are swiveled inward.
3. Make sure there is no obstruction
around the edge of the cutout to keep
the spring clips from flipping forward.
Speaker
Grille
Cutout
4. Center the back of the speaker in the
cutout and push it straight in until the
spring clips flip forward. Push only on
the frame, not on the drivers.
Note: If the cutout is too large, one or
both spring clips might not flip forward.
Make sure both clips grab the wallboard
before you release the speaker.
Wallboard
5. Level the speaker. Turn the clamp
screws clockwise until the clamps are
drawn up snugly, securing the speaker.
Wall speaker installation
Tighten the screws equally but don’t overtighten them.
6. Insert the scrim cloth into the grille and press it into place on the speaker, using even pressure around the edge.
Connecting the Amplified Keypad or Amplifier
1. Make sure the keypad or amplifier is turned off.
2. Strip 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) off the end of each cable’s outer jacket. Then strip just enough insulation off
each wire to allow inserting the wires fully into the keypad’s or amplifier’s speaker terminals.
3. Twist the wire strands together so there are no strands separated from the bundle.
4. Connect the wires to the speaker terminals, being sure to observe proper polarity.
5. Check to make sure there are no stray strands of wire outside the terminals. If there are, remove the wire, twist
the strands together, and reconnect the wire to the terminal.
Taking Care of Your Speakers
Your speakers are made of durable materials that need very little care. All we recommend is an occasional dusting
with a soft cloth or light vacuuming with a dust brush attachment. If you vacuum the speakers, leave the grilles in
place to avoid damaging the drivers. Do not use any harsh detergents, chemical solvents, or abrasive materials on
your speakers.
7
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: RC61
Loudspeaker type: Round 2-way in-ceiling
Woofer: 6.5” (16.5 cm) polypropylene cone
Tweeter: ½” (13 mm) polyetherimide dome
Frequency response: 76 Hz – 20kHz 3 dB
Frequency range: 58 Hz – 20kHz –6/+3 dB
Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL 2.83 V @ 1 m
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Recommended amplifier power: 3–20 watts RMS
Cable connector: Spring terminal block
Overall diameter: 9.8” (24.9 cm)
Cutout diameter: 8.38” (21.3 cm)
Mounting depth: 2.8” (7.1 cm)
Weight: 2.7 lb (1.2 kg)
Finish: White (paintable)
Model: RC61S
Loudspeaker type: Round 2-way single-point stereo
in-ceiling
Woofer: 6.5” (16.5 cm) polypropylene cone,
dual voice coil
Tweeters: (2) ½” (13 mm) polyetherimide domes
Frequency response: 70 Hz – 20kHz 3 dB
Frequency range: 53 Hz – 20kHz –6/+3 dB
Sensitivity: 93 dB SPL 2.83 V @ 1 m
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms per channel
Recommended amplifier power: 3–20 watts RMS
Cable connectors: (2) Spring terminal blocks
Overall diameter: 9.8” (24.9 cm)
Cutout diameter: 8.38” (21.3 cm)
Mounting depth: 2.8” (7.1 cm)
Weight: 2.7 lb (1.2 kg)
Finish: White (paintable)
8
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: RC81
Loudspeaker type: Round 2-way in-ceiling
Woofer: 8” (20.3 cm) polypropylene cone
Tweeter: ½” (13 mm) polyetherimide dome
Frequency response: 71 Hz – 20kHz 3 dB
Frequency range: 53 Hz – 20kHz –6/+3 dB
Sensitivity: 92 dB SPL 2.83 V @ 1 m
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Recommended amplifier power: 3–20 watts RMS
Cable connector: Spring terminal block
Overall diameter: 11.3” (28.7 cm)
Cutout diameter: 9.88” (25.1 cm)
Mounting depth: 3.4” (8.6 cm)
Weight: 3.2 lb (1.5 kg)
Finish: White (paintable)
Model: RW691
Loudspeaker type: Rectangular 2-way in-wall
Woofer: 6” x 9” (15.2 x 22.9 cm)
polypropylene cone
Tweeter: ½” (13 mm) polyetherimide dome
Frequency response: 64 Hz – 20kHz 3 dB
Frequency range: 46 Hz – 20kHz –6/+3 dB
Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL 2.83 V @ 1 m
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Recommended amplifier power: 3–20 watts RMS
Cable connector: Spring terminal block
Overall dimensions: 8.2” W x 12.2” H
(20.8 x 31.0 cm)
Cutout dimensions: 6.75” W x 10.75” H (17.1 x 27.3 cm)
Mounting depth: 3.6” (9.1 cm)
Weight: 3.6 lb (1.6 kg)
Finish: White (paintable)
9
NOTES
10
WARRANTY
Warranty
Russound Ratio Loudspeakers have a five-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. During the warranty period,
Russound will replace any defective part and correct any defect in workmanship without charge for either parts or labor.
Russound may replace returned speakers with a product of equal value and performance. In such cases, some modifications to the
mounting may be necessary and are not Russound’s responsibility.
For this warranty to apply, the speaker must be installed and used according to its written instructions. If repairs are necessary,
they must be performed by Russound. The speaker must be returned to Russound at the owner’s expense and with prior written
permission. Proof of purchase must accompany all claims. Accidental damage and shipping damage are not considered defects,
nor is damage resulting from abuse or from servicing performed by an agency or person not specifically authorized in writing by
Russound.
This warranty does not cover:
• Damage caused by abuse, accident, misuse, negligence, or improper operation or installation.
• Products that have been altered or modified.
• Any product whose identifying number or serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed.
• Normal wear and maintenance.
Damage to or destruction of components due to application of excessive power voids the warranty on those parts. In these cases,
repairs will be made on the basis of the retail value of the parts and labor. To return for repairs, the speaker must be shipped to
Russound at the owner’s expense, along with a note explaining the nature of service required. Be sure to pack the speaker in a cor-
rugated container with at least 3 inches of resilient material to protect the speaker from damage in transit.
Before returning a speaker for repair, call Russound at 603.659.5170 for a Return Authorization number. Write the RA number on
the shipping label and ship to: Russound, ATTN: Service, 5 Forbes Road, Newmarket NH 03857.
Russound sells products only through authorized Dealers and Distributors to ensure that customers obtain proper support and
service. Any Russound product purchased from an unauthorized dealer or source, including retailers, mail order sellers and online
sellers will not be honored or serviced under existing Russound warranty policy. Any sale of products by an unauthorized source or
other manner not authorized by Russound shall void the warranty on the applicable product.
11
®
Ratio
High-Efficiency Indoor Loudspeakers
Instruction Manual
Models
RC61
RC61S
RC81
RW691
Russound
5 Forbes Road, Newmarket NH 03857 USA
Tel 603.659.5170 • Fax 603.659.5388
Technical Support: [email protected]
28-1269 Revision 1 12/14/07
Copyright © 2007 Russound. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to
change without notice. Russound is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.
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