Weather Resistance; Tricks Of The Trades-Nothing's Plumb, Square, Or True; Installation; New Construction - PSB the CustomSound Series Installation Manual

rafters—nominally 2" x 6" or deeper, but measuring 1½" x 5½" and located on 16"
centers (but not uncommonly on 24" centers). Ceilings are usually backed by 1" x 3"
strapping leveled beneath the floor joists or roof rafters and located on 16" centers.
Electrical cables run to, and most often from, all electrical boxes—which are
grouped on circuits. Plumbing supply, drain and vent lines run to and from all
plumbing fixtures—which are grouped on vertical risers. Heating supply lines
circulate through radiation fixtures—which are grouped in zones off vertical risers.
HVAC ductwork runs to all supply grills and from all return grills. Control wiring
(sometimes tubing) runs to all controls.
Corner bay locations should be avoided since at least one corner bay is usually
smaller than normal, which will decrease bass response, and closeness to the side
wall will cause some unevenness in frequency response. Mechanical activity that
occupies volume in the speaker wall cavity will decrease bass response and may
transmit sound to other, unintended areas. Electrical power wiring should not run
close to the speaker or it's audio supply; crossing away from the speaker and its
supply has minimal effect.
E. Weather Resistance
CustomSound speakers are designed for outstanding durability as well as
outstanding sonic performance. Polypropylene cones with rubber surrounds,
stainless steel fasteners, aluminum grilles, and ABS plastic frames with UV
resistance increase the range of locations where CustomSound speakers can
continue to satisfy. It should be remembered that nothing is fully weatherproof
(or soundproof or fireproof). Salt water, driving rains, direct sunlight, and freeze
and thaw cycles will degrade all materials—even granite—over time. Almost any
interior locations other than submerged, baked, or frozen are fine. Good exterior
locations provide some protection from the weather, and these are usually also
better locations for improved sonic performance. Porch ceilings and walls are
fine. On exterior walls, some weather shelter is desirable—under overhanging
eaves is fine. Totally exposed, unsheltered locations will not sound as good and
will deteriorate over time.
F. Tricks of the Trades—Nothing's Plumb, Square, or True
All people in construction realize that it is an exacting but inexact craft—nothing is
exactly, absolutely plumb, square, or true. The craft is to understand and respect the
tolerances of materials, tools, makers, and users—what will look right to the eye, is
reasonably possible to build, and will retain it's position over years—within the
budgets of money and time. Planning, measuring, and coordinating are important;
but conflicts, tradeoffs, and imperfections are inevitable in the final construction.
Pre-construction drawings are very valuable to further the process mentally before
the physical begins. Post-construction, as-built drawings are valuable to assure
performance and aid modification. However; no drawings will be entirely complete
or consistent with the construction. Proceed with an open and responsive mind.
Prepare to be surprised, challenged, and rewarded—to solve the many small riddles
along the path to completion.
III. INSTALLATION
A. New Construction
The PSB in-walls covered in this manual use a particularly effective mounting
technique with toggle style mounting clamps. They are so named because the
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