Stealth Acoustics Speaker Installation Video

Stealth In-Wall Speaker Installation Instructions

All Stealth Acoustics speaker panels are built with a mounting frame covered by a 3/16” multilayer sheet of paper and foam we call the face panel. The face panel is the active surface of the speaker (or the cone in conventional speakers). On a protective cover sheet attached to the face panel are basic installation steps and a dashed line that identifies where the mounting frame stops and the active area begins. The mounting frame is attached to the structural framing with drywall screws secured through the mounting frame into the studs. The edge of the face panel is tapered similar to drywall board. The seam between the face panel and the drywall board is taped and feathered in with joint compound in the same manner as a drywall patch.

Place Savers

In new construction, Place Savers should be installed when the job is pre-wired. Installing the Place Saver instead of the actual speaker reserves the exact space for the speaker without subjecting the speaker panel to the construction environment. Exposing the unfinished speaker to long periods of high humidity,as sometimes found on a job site, should be avoided.With Place Savers installed, installation of the speaker panel can take place after the drywall has been hung. The Place Saver is sized slightly larger than the speaker panel to insure the opening in the drywall will easily accept the speaker.

Installing the Speaker

Attach the speaker panels directly to the structural framing using the provided screws. The panels have been pre-drilled with the proper number of holes.Be sure that all of the screws are installed and that they hold securely to the framing. Do not use nails.The Cover Sheet identifies where the key components are installed and where the active area of the panel begins.Remove the cover sheet prior to step 5.

Checking Panel Alignment

Stealth speaker panels are designed to be placed so that the face of the panel is 1/16” beyond the finished surface of the drywall.This allows room for the joint compound to be feathered from the panel out onto the wall.This will keep joint compound out of the active area of the panel. By placing a straight edge across the face of the panel there should be a 1/16” gap between the straight edge and the wall.

Taping the Speaker Panel

The edges of the Stealth speaker panel are tapered similar to a piece of drywall board. This is done to allow room for the tape and joint compound needed to blend the panel into the wall. We recommend using self adhesive nylon mesh tape.

Feathering to the Wall

Feathering the speaker panel to the wall is done with standard drywall joint compound in the same manner any other drywall joint is treated. In this case, it is important that enough joint compound be applied to make a very gradual transition from the surface of the wall board to the face of the speaker panel. It will normally take at least a 12” fan of joint compound around the perimeter of the panel to create a seamless transition.

Sand Smooth

Sanding is the last important step before the painting begins. This can make or break the quality of the installation. When sanding, imperfections in the application of the joint compound appear. It usually takes a second or third application of joint compound and sanding to smooth the material and create a seamless finish.

Painting and Finishing

Once the feathering is complete the panel is ready for painting. Stealth Acoustic speaker panels are engineered for optimum audio performance with 4 coats of latex paint applied to the surface. A light spray-on “orange peel” texture can be applied, or even light wallpaper. Heavy knock down or trowel finishes are not recommended.

*For use with additional wall finishes, contact Stealth Acoustics.