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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
We recommend using the following tools and material to install your Niles CM900
series subwoofer:
• A minimum of two runs of 16-gauge two
conductor subwoofer wire or one run
of the same size four conductor
subwoofer wire
• Electric drill with 1/4 – and 1⁄2-inch drill
bits and a 1-inch fl at drill bit
(for drilling through studs)
• Stiff wire, fi sh tape or glow rods for
routing cables
Before starting the installation, please observe the following precautions:
• Turn off all system power before making any connections
• Always wear protective eyewear when using tools
• Make sure hands are clean before installation
• Wear gloves when working with fi berglass insulation
RUNNING WIRES IN WALLS OR CEILINGS
When running subwoofer wire inside walls or ceilings, use special jacketed cable (CL-2 or
CL-3) to protect the wire and for fi re prevention. In some areas, conduit is also required. For a
trouble-free installation, low-voltage wire such as subwoofer wire must be run in accordance
with the National Electrical Code and any applicable provisions of the local building code. If
you are unsure of the correct installation techniques, wire jacket, or type of conduit to use,
consult a professional audio/video installer, building contractor, or the local building and
inspection department.
SELECTING THE NUMBER AND LOCATION FOR YOUR SUBWOOFER
The CM900 series passive subwoofers are designed to be installed in any standard ceiling.
There are two considerations for placing the subwoofer; ease of running the cable to the
desired location and the effect that placement may have on performance. Installing the
subwoofer in a corner position will enhance the perceived bass output to some listeners, but
may also produce a "boomy" sound.
INSTALLING WITH SATELLITE SUBWOOFER
A concealed CM900 series subwoofer installation allows you to enjoy your entertainment
system with full range sound even if your satellite subwoofers are small. When used with
satellite subwoofers that have substantial bass of their own, the CM900 series subwoofer
will augment the bass performance. A typical installation is illustrated below. It is possible
to control the volume of the sound of both the subwoofer and the satellite subwoofers
simultaneously. The volume control is connected in-line with the subwoofer. An example
of wiring an area that has 1 subwoofer and 2 loudspeakers installed with a master volume
control is shown in Figure 1. In addition to controlling the volume of the subwoofers, these
controls allow the addition of added loudspeakers without adding more amplifi er channels.
Niles manufactures a wide variety of volume controls and other accessories that can suit
virtually any of your needs.
Figure 1. 1 Subwoofer and 2 satellite loudspeaker using one
master volume control
• Rubber gloves and protective eyewear
• Keyhole or drywall saw
• Phillips screwdriver set
• Wire stripper
• Stud fi nder
• Cable ties
• Pencil
INSTALLATION
1. The CM900 series subwoofers feature a separate frame assembly which installs with four
clamps or mounting "dogs" which hold the frame in place. The dogs are tightened via four
front-baffl e screws. Tighten the dogs by turning the screws clockwise. DO NOT OVER-
TIGHTEN THESE SCREWS. Over-tightening the clamps may make the grille diffi cult to install.
NOTE: THE SCREWS WILL TURN EASIER IF YOU "PRIME" THEM FIRST. BEFORE INSTALLING
EACH SUBWOOFER, TURN THE SCREWS IN AND THEN TURN THEM BACK OUT TO THEIR
ORIGINAL POSITIONS.
2. At each subwoofer location, route the wire through the installed frame, then separate the
subwoofer wire so that at least 2 inches of each conductor are free. Strip away 1/4 inch of
insulation from each subwoofer wire.
3. On each set of subwoofer connectors, press down the spring-loaded connector, insert the
appropriate conductor, and then release the connector. Gently tug on the subwoofer wire to
make sure it is held in place. If not, repeat this procedure until it is. (See Figure 2).
NOTE: OBSERVE CORRECT POLARITY: POSITIVE (+) GOES TO THE RED POST AND NEGATIVE (–)
GOES TO THE BLACK POST.
4. Holding the subwoofer in the palm of your hand, insert it into the frame and twist clockwise
using the two molded tabs. This will lock it into the frame. (See Figure 3).
5. Connect the other end of each subwoofer wire to the receiver (or amplifi er) in the
same way.
6. Adjust high pass and low pass crossover switches if desired.
7. Install grille. The fl ush-mount MicroPerf
surrounding decor.
8. Remove cardboard paint mask / template from the box and keep for future potential use.
9. Turn on the receiver or amplifi er and test all subwoofers in the system.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS! OVER TIGHTENING THEM MAY MAKE
THE GRILLE DIFFICULT TO INSTALL
PAINTING THE GRILLE AND FRAME
Each CM900 series subwoofer frame and fl ush-mount metal grille may be painted without the
need for primer. For best results when painting the grille, use a spray gun or airless sprayer,
thin the paint to prevent clogging of the grille holes, and apply several light coats instead of
one heavy one.
• Install subwoofer frame into ceiling
or wall
• Paint the frame of the subwoofer
• Paint the grille separately from
the subwoofer frame
Figure 2. Subwoofer connectors
TM
metal grilles can be painted to blend with the
• Install subwoofer into frame after the paint
is dry
• Install grille after paint is dry
Figure 3. Installing the subwoofer
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