Niles Audio Speaker CM8SW User Manual

I N S T A L L A T I O N & O P E R A T I O N G U I D E  
I N S T A L L A T I O N & O P E R A T I O N G U I D E  
CM8SW  
SUBWOOFER  
®
B L E N D I N G H I G H F I D E L I T Y  
®
A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E  
 
Features and Benefits  
TCC Speaker Cone  
High-Power Handling  
The Niles CM8SW is a high-performance The CM8SW employs an exceptionally  
passive subwoofer that compliments the heavy-duty magnet/voice-coil/spider  
entire Niles ceiling mount loudspeaker assembly that is capable of handling high  
line. It’s dual voice-coil injection molded power amplifiers (up to 150 watts).  
TCC (talc, carbon and ceramic) woofer  
provides outstanding bass response  
The illustration below shows how  
a typical Niles CM loudspeaker  
mounts into a ceiling.  
New Construction Bracket serves as  
a “hole saver” when drywall has not  
been applied. It is not necessary when  
retrofitting to existing ceilings.  
Figure 1  
Model CM8SW Shown  
Knockout wire tie allows  
the wire to be secured to  
the bracket throughout the  
new construction process.  
It knocks out cleanly when  
the speaker is installed.  
New construction  
wings instantly snap  
into the bracket  
without screws.  
Dogs swivel 90°, then  
clamp the speaker  
frame to the drywall.  
Frames are molded with  
a slight texture to assure  
good paint adhesion.  
Mounting screws tighten  
the “Dogs”, clamping the  
speaker to the drywall  
Wings are scored for  
easy size trimming.  
Brackets and wings  
attach to the ceiling joists  
with nails or screws.  
Rust-proof aluminum Grilles make the  
CM8SW series perfect for moist  
environments.  
Figure 2  
Figure 3  
SAT  
SUB  
140Hz  
FULL  
CUT  
100Hz  
The CM8SW ceiling mount subwoofer includes an  
easy access, baffle mounted high pass filter to  
prevent over-excursion of the satellite’s woofers.  
The CM8SW ceiling mount subwoofer includes  
an easy access, baffle mounted low pass fre-  
quency selection switch.  
 
2
Infinite Baffle Design  
Easy Installation  
The CM8SW is designed for optimum low  
frequency reproduction in traditional ceil-  
ing environments and varying air volumes.  
It does not require a special enclosure to  
provide high performance.  
The CM8SW employs a bracketless  
mounting system for existing ceilings.  
Simply cut a hole in the mounting surface,  
remove the grille from the subwoofer,  
connect the wires and place the speaker  
in the hole. Then tighten the four mount-  
ing “dogs” via the front panel screws. The  
dogs first swivel 90°, then clamp the frame  
to the drywall as the screws are tightened.  
Selectable High-Pass Filter  
Installers can also select whether or not to  
filter the low frequencies from the satellite  
speakers at a fixed frequency of 120Hz.  
Like the low-pass filter, this selection is  
accessed via baffle mounted controls  
(See Figure 2).  
Hole Saving Bracket  
Available as an optional accessory, the  
CM8 New Construction Bracket can be  
installed as a “hole-saver” before the dry-  
wall goes up. The drywall contractor cuts  
the hole as the drywall is installed, reduc-  
ing installation time and minimizing the  
chances for lost wires.  
Adjustable Low Pass Filter  
Installers can select passive crossover for  
both woofer and satellite speakers via  
baffle-mounted controls that are  
accessible even after the subwoofer has  
been installed (See Figure 3).  
Weather-Resistant Construction  
All components of the CM8SW are weath-  
er resistant. The aluminum grille and stain-  
less steel mounting screws are rustproof.  
This makes the subwoofer ideal for moist  
environments which would cause some  
brands of speakers to discolor. Protected  
outdoor installations are perfectly suited  
for the CM8SW.  
MicroPerfGrilles  
The CM8SW employs Niles’ exclusive  
MicroPerf grille construction. The excep-  
tionally tight hole pattern provides  
acoustic transparency at all audio frequen-  
cies and enables the woofer element to  
remain invisible. MicroPerf grilles can be  
painted to blend seamlessly with the  
surrounding decor.  
No-Strip Speaker Wire Terminals  
Dual Niles patented gold-plated no-strip  
speaker wire terminal connectors accom-  
modates 12-18 gauge wire.  
 
3
How Many Subwoofers?  
Single Stereo Subwoofer  
For most applications a single CM8SW is One CM8SW can produce the bass sound  
appropriate. However, in large rooms, high from both the left and the right channels  
performance listening rooms or in home because of its unique dual voice coil  
theaters, an array of two or more CM8SW design. One voice coil powers the left chan-  
will deliver astounding results. Unlike nel and the other powers the right channel.  
other subwoofer systems, a Niles A stereo crossover divides the signal and fil-  
Subwoofer Array is concealed. Consider ters it according to the position of the  
the distance between the subwoofer(s) and switches on the front panel. A single stereo  
the listener, the size of the amplifier and subwoofer is compatible with any 4 ohm  
the desired quality and volume of sound stable amplifier. Eight ohm stable amplifiers  
when deciding how many CM8SWs to may be used with a Niles IM volume con-  
install in your home.  
trol (see Impedance section on Page 7)  
Dual Subwoofer Systems  
Decibels and Power  
Using two CM8SW subwoofers in a system  
raises the maximum attainable volume of  
the system by 3dB. Additionally, at lower  
volumes, excursion — and therefore distor-  
tion levels — are reduced. In a large room,  
or a home theater system, the effect on  
bass quality is extremely desirable.  
Another 2dB increase is possible if the  
voice coils of each are CM8SW paralleled.  
This requires a multi-channel amplifier or  
an amplifier capable of driving the 2 to 2.6  
ohm load of the overall system.  
65dB  
75dB  
85dB  
95dB  
Conversation at three feet.  
Sewing Machine at three feet.  
Vacuum Cleaner at 10 feet.  
Subway Train entering a station  
at 20 feet.  
3dB  
The smallest difference of sound  
the human ear can easily detect.  
10dB  
Perceived as twice as much loud-  
ness if it is an increase (half as  
much if it is a decrease).  
Any speaker requires twice as much  
amplifier power to increase 3dB and ten  
times as much power to increase 10dB.  
VLSA Installations  
A Very Large Subwoofer Array (VLSA)  
installation lowers the amount of excursion  
required to achieve a high sound pressure  
level. Lowering excursion dramatically  
improves the quality of the sound. VLSA  
installations are most appropriate when the  
listener appreciates detail and bass exten-  
sion, but must have a concealed installa-  
tion. A VLSA of four subwoofers must have  
a multichannel amplifier with one channel  
assigned to each subwoofer.  
Comparison of 1, 2 or 4 Subwoofers  
16’ x 18’ x 8’ Room @ 12’  
25 Watts 100 Watts  
1 Sub  
2 Subs  
VLSA of 4 Subs 103dB  
95dB  
100dB  
101dB  
106dB  
109dB  
2 x Watts = 3dB Increase in Volume.  
2 x Subs = 3dB Increase in Volume.  
2 x Subs = 1/2 the subwoofer excursion for  
the same volume.  
If you double the distance from the sub-  
woofer to the primary listening position  
you decrease the volume by 4 to 6dB.  
 
4
Dual Subwoofer Systems  
Connections  
A four conductor (Left+, Left-, Right+ and  
Right-) wire 16 gauge or larger (see side-  
bar on speaker wire gauge) is run from  
the amplifier location to the local volume  
control (See Figure 5).  
Single Stereo Subwoofer  
A four conductor (Left+, Left-, Right+ and  
Right-) wire 16 gauge or larger (see side-  
bar on speaker wire gauge) is run from the  
amplifier location to the local volume  
control (See Figure 4).  
AmpliÞer  
AmpliÞer  
Left  
Right  
Left  
Right  
Either Input okay  
Left and Right  
No-Strip wire input termina  
CM8SW  
Wire to  
Corresponding  
Output  
CM8SW  
CM8SW  
Left and Right  
No-Strip wire output termin  
Satellite Speaker  
Satellite Speaker  
Figure 5  
A Dual CM8SW Hook-Up  
Satellite Speaker  
Satellite Speaker  
From the local volume control a two con-  
ductor cable is run to each of the CM8SWs  
and connected to either the left or the right  
Input connectors.  
Figure 4  
A Single CM8SW Hook-Up  
From the local volume control the four  
conductor cable is run to the CM8SW and Each of the satellite speakers must be con-  
connected to the Input connectors. A two nected to the correct subwoofer. Typically,  
conductor wire is connected to each of the a two conductor wire is connected to one  
stereo outputs and fed to the left and right of the outputs on the left channel sub-  
speakers. Now, the volume control will woofer and fed to the left satellite speaker  
raise and lower the volume for the sub- and another two conductor wire connects  
woofer and the left and right speakers the right channel subwoofer and satellite.  
simultaneously. Additionally, the crossover  
Now, the volume control will raise and  
is now connected so that the crossover  
lower the volume for the subwoofer and  
switches can be adjusted.  
 
5
the left and right speakers simultaneously. crossover) by a separate amplifier channel.  
Additionally, the crossovers are now con- Connections are straight-forward; two  
nected so that the crossover switches can conductor wires connect each amplifier  
be adjusted to your requirements. You must channel to each individual subwoofer.  
adjust the crossovers on each speaker with (See Figure 7).  
this hook-up.  
Optionally, a jumper of wire may be  
connected between the L+ and the R+;  
and between the L- and the R-. This con-  
nects both voice coils of the CM8SW,  
giving you a 2dB increase in output.  
Since each subwoofer’s impedance  
drops from 8to 4, make sure your  
amplifier is 2stable to accommodate  
the satellite speaker’s impedance. (See  
Figure 6).  
Figure 7  
Connections to a VLSA are normally made from  
each CM8SW to a multi-channel amplifier like  
the Niles SI-1230 twelve channel amplifier.  
L
L
C
C
H
H
Each CM8SW has a jumper installed to  
parallel the voice coils for maximum effi-  
ciency. (See Figure 6).  
CM8SW  
L–IN  
R–IN  
The crossover controls on each subwoofer  
affect only the subwoofer response. Level  
controls on the amplifiers facilitate blend-  
ing and compensation for placement.  
Speaker Wire  
Figure 6  
Connecting the two voice coils in parallel with a  
jumper (a piece of speaker wire).  
For most applications, we recommend you  
use 16 or 18 gauge wire. For wiring runs  
longer than 80 feet we recommend 14  
gauge wire. The No-Strip speaker wire ter-  
minals can accommodate 12-20 gauge  
wire. When you run wire inside walls, spe-  
cial jacketing (CL-2 or CL-3) is required to  
both protect the wire and for fire preven-  
tion. In some areas conduit is required. For  
a trouble-free installation, low voltage wire  
such as speaker wire must be run in accor-  
dance with the National Electrical Code  
and any applicable provisions of the local  
building code. Consult your local Niles  
dealer or your building contractor if you are  
unsure of code requirements in your area.  
Very Large Subwoofer Array  
(VLSA)  
Using four or more CM8SW subwoofers  
in a system creates a system of unprece-  
dented clarity, with stunning bass impact  
and potentially extraordinary maximum  
volume capability. Because of the  
extremely low impedance of a parallel  
VLSA system, multiple channel amplifiers  
are normally used to power them.  
Because of this, in-wall volume controls  
are incompatible with VLSA systems.  
In a system of this type, it is recommended  
that the satellite speakers be driven full  
range (or with an external electronic  
 
6
specification may also be noted on the rear  
panel of the amplifier. If your amplifier is  
not able to drive a four ohm load it may  
only be used to power a CM8SW  
satellite/subwoofer system when an imped-  
ance magnifying volume control is incor-  
porated into the system  
Impedance  
With One or Two Subwoofers  
When one or two CM8SW subwoofers are  
connected to the satellite speakers, the  
overall system impedance to the amplifier  
lowers.  
An amplifier stable to four ohms may be  
connected without impedance matching  
devices. Parallel connections via the “A”  
speaker terminals to one or two CM8SW  
subwoofers (If the voice coils are not in par-  
allel) and one pair of eight ohm satellite  
speakers results in a four ohm load.  
System Impedance in Ohms ()  
One or Two Subwoofers  
8Sats 4Sats  
1 Sub  
2 Subs @8each 4Ω  
2 Subs @4each 2.6Ω  
4Ω  
2.6Ω  
2.6Ω  
2Ω  
The “B” speaker terminals cannot be used  
to power a second pair of speakers any-  
more. The low impedance drive capability  
of your amplifier is already utilized by the  
satellite/subwoofer combination. If you are  
connecting other speakers in other rooms  
you must install either a speaker selector or  
impedance magnifying volume controls.  
If the impedance is too low for your ampli-  
fier utilize a Niles speaker selector or IM  
volume control to match the impedance.  
VLSA (Four or More Subwoofers)  
A VLSA (Very Large Subwoofer Array)  
installation lowers the amount of excur-  
sion required to achieve a high sound  
pressure level. Lowering excursion dra-  
matically improves the quality of the  
sound. VLSA installations are most appro-  
priate when the listener appreciates detail  
and bass extension, but must have a con-  
cealed installation.  
A few professional/audiophile amplifiers  
advertise the capability of driving two  
ohm speaker loads. These amplifiers may  
be used without impedance matching  
devices if the rating is quoted as “RMS” or  
“Continuous” power and the amp does  
not push too much power.  
Each subwoofer should have its voice coils  
connected in parallel for full output, there-  
fore the impedance of each is four ohms.  
Because of this low impedance, a multi-  
channel amplifier stable to 4 ohms is the  
best way to drive more than two sub-  
woofers. Each CM8SW is connected to its  
own channel of a multi-channel amplifier.  
Check Your Amplifier’s Specs  
Every amplifier has a minimum impedance  
specifications. Check your owner’s manual  
to determine whether or not your amplifier  
is capable of driving a four ohm load. This  
 
7
Using Speaker Selectors With  
Standard Volume Controls  
Using Impedance Magnifying  
Volume Controls  
In multi-room systems with standard vol- The simplest way to increase the imped-  
ume controls any Niles speaker selector ance of a satellite/subwoofer system is to  
will maintain a four ohm load if you leave install a Niles VCS-2D-IM or VCS-2S-IM  
one set of room outputs unused for every impedance magnifying volume control  
speaker system with an impedance of less instead of a standard volume control. This  
than four ohms (such as a CM8SW con- control has a behind the wall jumper  
nected to a pair of four ohm satellite which is set at the time of installation to  
speakers). The protection switch must be “magnify” the speaker system impedance.  
constantly engaged. Niles HDL series (See Figure 9).  
speaker selectors have a rear panel con-  
stant protection feature. (See Figure 8).  
The benefit of a speaker selector is that  
even with the protection circuit constant-  
ly engaged, more power will be delivered  
to any single pair of speakers playing by  
itself (all other speakers off).  
ª
In a multi-room system there is one indis-  
pensible control for true convenience—a  
local volume control. It allows you to  
adjust the volume of the speakers and the  
subwoofer without leaving the room.  
For example: In the two times position, an  
IM volume control will enable an eight  
ohm stable amplifier to play a 4 ohm  
speaker system without overheating. The  
available power will decrease, which you  
will perceive as a 3dB drop in maximum  
undistorted volume.  
Niles makes a wide range of high perfor-  
mance indoor and outdoor volume controls  
in Standard or Decora® style face plates  
(just like your light switches and dimmers).  
All of these volume controls enable full  
power to be delivered to each speaker sys- If the jumper is set to the 4x position, a  
tem when turned all the way up.  
6dB drop in volume will be perceived.  
If the jumper is set to the 8x position, a  
9dB drop in volume will be perceived.  
The combination of a speaker selector and  
a standard volume control will deliver  
high volume when only one pair of speak-  
ers is playing.  
A 10dB drop is perceived as half as loud,  
so there are limits to the amount of magni-  
fication you can use unless the amplifier is  
very powerful (3dB increase every time  
you double the power) or you never listen  
at high volumes. Consult the Decibels and  
Power chart on page 4.  
 
8
ous brands available, e.g. Dynamat ).  
Apply the damping material to the bottom  
of the floor above the CM8SW and to the  
top of the surrounding sheetrock ceiling  
beside the subwoofer.  
Treatment & Placement  
Typically, sheetrock encloses the sub-  
woofer in most installations. Sheetrock has  
a fairly loud resonant “twang” compared  
to the rigid non-resonant enclosures of  
most floor standing subwoofers. None of  
the following modifications are absolutely  
necessary, however any one or combina-  
tion of them will improve the performance  
of the subwoofer.  
Speaker Placement Techniques  
Although the CM8SW has extensive ability  
to compensate for unusual placements with  
its crossover switches; placement is still the  
primary tool for satisfying your particular  
listening needs.  
Maximizing Output  
Minimum Enclosure Size  
Corner Placement – Placing your subwoofer  
near a corner will increase the volume of  
bass sound produced by the subwoofer!  
This is called the boundary effect. Generally,  
you can expect a 3dB increase in sound  
pressure level with corner placement.  
The CM8SW will produce magnificent  
results if the ceiling air cavity above the  
woofer is a minimum of 1900 cubic inch-  
es. If the ceiling joists center measure  
5-1/2” deep (2x6) and are spaced 14-1/4”  
apart (16” spacing) you would want the  
length of the air cavity to be a minimum of  
24-1/4. A larger cavity is fine.  
Proximity – Place the subwoofer as close  
as possible to the primary listening posi-  
tion. Sound dissipates indoors at approxi-  
mately 4dB to 6dB each time you double  
the distance from the subwoofer to the lis-  
tener. Therefore you can expect a 4dB to  
6dB increase in output every time you  
halve the distance from the subwoofer to  
the listener.  
Insulation  
Lay a batten of fiberglass insulation (e.g.  
R-19 un-batted insulation) on top of the  
speaker. If you have more than one sub-  
woofer in the room, place the same amount  
of insulation above each subwoofer. If your  
enclosure is smaller than the recommended  
1900 cubic inches, try packing more insula-  
tion into the space above the speaker. This  
effectively increases the enclosure size.  
Improving the Stereo Image  
Near Satellite  
Place the subwoofer(s) as close as possible  
to the satellite speakers.  
Enclosure Bracing  
Insert small pieces of 1x2 or 1x1 scrap  
wood as wedges between the ceiling  
sheetrock and the floor above if possible.  
Do not use too long of a piece as you  
could create a bulge in the ceiling surface.  
Enclosure Lining  
Purchase some subwoofer damping mate-  
rial from a car stereo store (there are vari-  
 
9
speaker wire route away as soon as possible.  
If construction forces a side by side run for  
more than ten feet, install metal conduit or  
shielded speaker wire. Low-voltage wires  
such as doorbells, intercoms, telephone,  
security, or television cannot cause inter-  
ference or hum on your speaker wires, so  
you can safely run all of them at the same  
time, through the same holes, side-by-side.  
Installation Fundamentals  
Introduction  
If you have doubts about whether you are  
capable of installing a ceiling mount speak-  
er, consult a Niles dealer or professional  
installer. They have special tools, tech-  
niques, and experience to make the impos-  
sible possible. The installer can provide you  
with an estimate before any work is done.  
Before you drill any holes, mount open  
backed J-boxes where the volume controls  
and stereo equipment will be. If you are  
using the optional hole saving brackets  
(CM8 Series New Construction Bracket  
kit-FG00656) attach the wings and install  
them (See figure 15 and 16).  
Running the Speaker Wire in  
New Construction  
Plan to schedule the speaker wiring after  
the electrical wiring is finished. That way  
you can avoid wire routes which could  
potentially induce hum over the speaker  
wire. The basic rules are:  
Safety First!  
Wear gloves, safety goggles and head pro-  
tection when drilling. Avoid nails, they  
ruin bits and they can create injury.  
• Never run speaker wire through the  
same hole as an electrical cable.  
Drilling  
Use a bit that is large enough for the wires  
you plan to run. An auger bit is the pre-  
ferred bit for rough-in wiring. It will actual-  
ly pull itself through the wood, so that the  
drill motor, not you, does most of the  
work. You will be drilling a lot of holes, so  
this is important.  
• Never run speaker wire into the same  
J-box as electrical cable.  
• Avoid running the speaker wire beside  
the electrical cable. Keep it at least three  
or four feet away from any electrical  
power cable.  
Side-by-side wiring is unavoidable in partic-  
ular spots in every house, just move the  
Always drill the holes in the center of the  
stud. If you have to notch the stud or drill  
the hole closer than one inch from the edge  
of the stud, protect the wire with a nail  
plate (See Figure 10).  
When drilling holes in ceiling joists drill in  
the center of the joists and try to locate the  
hole near the end of the joist. DO NOT  
drill through a “gluelam” or any load bear-  
ing beam without the direction of your  
contractor.  
Try to line the holes up perfectly, because it  
makes pulling the wire much easier.  
A good technique is to snap a chalk line  
across the face of the studs or against the  
Figure 10  
 
10  
bottom of the ceiling joists. Then work the ceiling in walls and two-by-six or larger  
backward so that you can always see the  
holes you have already drilled. Paying care-  
ful attention to this will save you a lot of  
time later on!  
“joists” running horizontally in the ceilings  
and floors. In between the studs and the  
joists is the space for the wiring and plumb-  
ing of your home.  
Pulling the Cable  
Exterior walls are different. They must insu-  
late the house from the heat and cold out-  
side, so they are stuffed with insulation. The  
national building code requires that the hol-  
low wall space in exterior walls be broken  
by a horizontal stud placed between the  
vertical studs. This “fire blocking” makes it  
very difficult to retrofit long lengths of wire.  
In some areas of the country the exterior  
walls are constructed of solid masonry, and  
have no hollow space for speaker wires.  
Pull the cable in sections (from the stereo to  
the volume control, from the volume con-  
trol to the speaker). Start with the longest  
sections and use left over wire to complete  
the short sections. If you plan to pull many  
rooms at the same time through a central  
route, walk off the distance to each destina-  
tion, add a generous fudge factor for turns  
and other obstacles, then cut off each sec-  
tion so that you have a bundle of wires you  
can pull at once.  
Start by examining all the possible routes  
you might take to run the speaker wire  
from the speaker to the volume control  
and back to the stereo. Use a stud sensor  
or other device to locate the internal struc-  
ture of the ceiling/wall. You want to avoid  
as many studs or joists as possible. A typi-  
cal speaker wire route would be: from the  
speaker location in the ceiling, across the  
attic, then down through a top plate (the  
horizontal 2x4 or 2x6 laid across the verti-  
cal studs) to the volume control location,  
back up to the attic, across the attic, and  
finally down another wall plate to a j-box  
in the wall behind the stereo system itself  
(See Figure 11).  
Whenever you run the wire further than  
four and one half feet from a hole in a stud  
or joist (open attic space, going up walls,  
etc.), fasten the wire to the joists or studs  
using cable clamps or appropriately sized  
wire staples. The wire should not have  
large sags in it, nor should it be too tight.  
Try to protect the wire from being stepped  
on in attics or other unfinished crawl  
spaces. There are guard strips, raceways  
and conduits which can be used to protect  
the cable. Consult the local building code  
for special requirements in your area.  
Concealing Speaker Wire in  
Existing Walls  
Identify where all of your electrical, phone,  
and TV wiring is likely to be and plan to  
route around it all. You can accidentally  
induce 60Hz hum on your speakers if you  
run your speaker wire right beside electri-  
cal wire for more than a few feet. Try to  
run speaker wire parallel to power cables  
at least 3 feet away. To find exactly where  
an electrical cable is routed, try inspecting  
the inside of the wall by turning off the  
breaker for a particular power outlet or  
switch, removing the cover plate and  
This is actually a fairly simple task if you  
restrict your choice of speaker locations  
and wire routes to the ceilings or interior  
walls of your home. Interior walls in almost  
all North American residences are hollow,  
so it is easy to flush mount speakers into  
them and route new speaker cable around  
the house. What you see when you look at  
the painted wall board, plaster, or paneling  
is only the skin of the wall. Behind the skin  
is the skeleton; two-by-four wood or metal  
“studs” running vertically from the floor to  
 
11  
switch or receptacle, and shining  
a penlight into the wall. If you  
have access to an attic or base-  
ment space you can quickly see  
which part of the wall space is  
free of obstructions (See Figure  
12).  
Speaker  
Location  
When you don’t have access  
above or below the wall, try to  
estimate the existing wire and  
pipe locations from the positions  
of electrical outlets and plumbed  
fixtures on both sides of the wall.  
Take a look at the outside of your  
house too, sometimes conduit,  
vents or drain pipe will be visible  
giving useful information.  
Choose the route with the fewest  
potential obstacles.  
Volume  
Control  
Location  
Stereo  
Location  
Figure 11  
If your house is built on a slab or  
you are wiring between two fin-  
sible (there are special flat speaker wires  
made for under-the-rug wire runs). As a last  
resort, heating and air conditioning vents  
can be used as wire raceways for plenum  
rated wire (check your local building codes,  
some municipalities require conduit).  
ished floors, look for baseboards which  
could be removed and replaced with the  
wire behind them. Doorjambs can be  
removed and often have enough space for  
speaker wire all the way around the door  
(See Figure 13).  
Sometimes, an under-the-carpet run is pos-  
Unobstructed  
space for  
speaker wiring  
Figure 12  
 
12  
In traditional wood ceiling joist/drywall  
construction you should first cut the hole  
for the speaker and utilize the large hole to  
auger holes across the ceiling (through the  
ceiling joists) for as far as your drill bit will  
take you. Sometimes, you will need to use  
the “notching” technique to reach areas  
your drill bit won’t reach or to turn corners  
(e.g. to go down the wall when there is not  
an accessible attic). Don’t make an irregu-  
lar hole in the drywall. If you carefully cut a  
rectangular hatch in the drywall you will  
make your patch at the same time you cut  
your hole. Notch the bottom of the joists  
and run the wire through the notches.  
Protect the wire with nail plates. Once  
you’ve run your wire replace the hatch you  
cut using standard drywall “joint tape” and  
“joint compound” to hold the patch in  
place, let dry, sand the surface and touch-  
up the wall with paint (See Figure14).  
Figure 13  
The doorjamb has been removed and the speak-  
er wire concealed between the wall and the jamb.  
Nail plates are installed to protect the wire and  
the door jamb is replaced.  
Ceiling  
Nail plate  
Joist  
Nail plate  
Stud Plate  
Wall  
Figure 14 Diagram of ceiling speaker cut-out with ceiling joists notched for wire run.  
 
13  
breaking them along the scored lines if their  
length will interfere with a corner or eaves.  
The wings and brackets have centering lines  
to simplify the placement of the speaker.  
Installation in New  
Construction  
Screw one side of the assembled bracket  
with wings to the joist using one of the  
supplied screws. Level the bracket. Screw  
the other side of the bracket/wing assem-  
bly to the joist. Two screws on each side  
makes for a very secure installation.  
Secure the wire to the bracket using the  
bracket’s wire tie (See Figure 15). The  
drywall installers will cut the drywall to  
the exact size of the bracket.  
Stage One: Before Drywall is Hung  
Insulating the Wall Cavity.  
If feasible, fill the wall cavity with insulation  
at this point.  
Mounting The CM8 Series  
New Construction Bracket  
The hole saving bracket enables a faster  
and cleaner final installation of the speaker.  
It forces the drywall installer to cut out the  
speaker hole for you and provides wire ties  
for the speaker wire, reducing the risks of  
accidental loss or movement of the wire. In  
addition, it enables you to align your speak-  
ers with other ceiling fixtures with great  
accuracy since you can really see exactly  
where the speaker will be.  
Concealing Speaker Wire for  
a Future Installation  
Attach the speaker wire in a loop between  
the ceiling joists and carefully mark the  
exact location of the wire on a set of plans  
Ask the general contractor to inform the  
drywall installers that the speaker wire  
loops are concealed for future installation.  
(See Figure 16).  
To install the bracket, first attach the  
QuickSnap new construction wings to the  
bracket by snapping them into the sides of  
the bracket. The wings can be shortened by  
Figure 15  
Figure 16  
The optional hole saving brackets are installed  
and the speaker wire is attached to the bracket.  
A loop of wire is attached to the joists marking  
the location of the speaker.  
 
14  
Installation in  
Existing Construction  
IMPORTANT: Before you cut into any  
wall, review the sections on running  
wire and speaker placement.  
1. When determining the location of the  
speaker cutout keep in mind that the  
mounting dogs will extend 3/4” beyond  
the cutout. Make sure that you do not  
place the edge of the cutout directly next  
to a ceiling joist. Locate the joists using a  
stud sensor or hand-knocking.  
Figure 17  
Feeling for obstructions  
behind the ceiling surface.  
5. If you are cutting into drywall use a  
sheetrock or keyhole saw. Cut the hole  
with the saw at a 45° angle. That way,  
the drywall section can be replaced  
cleanly if there is an undetected obstruc-  
tion behind the ceiling surface. BE VERY  
CAREFUL NOT TO SAW THROUGH  
EXISTING WIRES, PIPES, OR STRUC-  
TURE. IF YOU FEEL ANY EXTRA RESIS-  
TANCE AS YOU ARE CUTTING, STOP.  
2. Once you have determined a possible  
position for the cutout, drill a 1/8” pilot  
hole barely through the wallboard or  
dry wall (1/2” to 5/8” deep in most  
homes) in the center of your proposed  
speaker location. BE VERY CAREFUL  
NOT TO DRILL THROUGH EXISTING  
WIRES, PIPES, OR STRUCTURE. IF  
YOU FEEL ANY EXTRA RESISTANCE  
AS YOU ARE DRILLING, STOP.  
6. If you are cutting into a plaster ceiling,  
use masking tape to outline your pen-  
ciled circle and use a razor to score the  
plaster down to the lath beneath. Then  
use a chisel to remove all of the plaster  
within the taped outline. To actually cut  
the lath, two methods are used profes-  
sionally; sawing with a metal cutting  
blade on a sabre saw is the quickest  
and the riskiest. Sawing a lath with a  
sabre saw can easily vibrate plaster off  
the ceiling in a completely distant loca-  
tion creating more patch work. If you  
have the patience, use a pair of tin snips  
to slowly nip away at the lath instead.  
There is no risk with this method, it is  
just time consuming.  
3. Cut a foot long piece of coat hanger.  
Bend the wire (creating a right angle)  
leaving 5-1/2” at one end (this allows  
for the extra width of the mounting  
dogs). Poke the “L-shaped” wire into  
the pilot hole and turn it in a complete  
circle and move it into the ceiling cavi-  
ty to make sure you have approximately  
3-3/4” of depth. If the coat hanger  
movement is obstructed by anything, fill  
the hole(s) with spackle and try another  
location. (See Figure 17).  
4. If the coat hanger moves freely in a  
complete circle, hold the supplied tem-  
plate up to the ceiling surface. Outline  
the circular cutout on the ceiling sur-  
face with a pencil. Drill a starting point  
with a 1/4” drill bit.  
 
15  
Final Installation in New  
or Existing Construction  
1. If it is possible to lay a batt of insulation  
into the ceiling cavity, do so. Remember  
to use equal amounts of insulation for  
each speaker.  
Figure 18  
Tightening the  
mounting “dogs.  
2. Separate the speaker wire so that at least  
two inches of each conductor are free.  
NOTE: The screws will be easier to turn if  
you “prime” them first. Before installing each  
speaker, turn the screws in and then turn  
them back out to their original positions.  
3. Open the no-strip terminal by applying  
pressure to the red and black levers until  
an audible “click” is heard.  
4. Insert one unstripped wire fully into the  
black and one into the red terminal. Pay  
attention to the markings on the wire.  
Each speaker must be connected to the  
amplifier in the same way. If unsure,  
see section “Speaker Phase” located on  
the following page. Squeeze the red  
and black levers until they click signify-  
ing that they have locked into the wire.  
8. Setting the High Pass Filter  
When the “SAT” filter is in the CUT  
position, all of the bass energy will be  
produced via the CM8SW. When the  
switch is in the FULL position, both the  
satellite speakers and the CM8SW will  
reproduce the bass signal. Typically,  
satellites with woofers that are 5-3/8” or  
smaller will sound best with the filter  
on. Listen to a loud and well recorded  
bass passage to evaluate.  
5. Insert the no strip terminal into the  
corresponding socket on the rear of the  
speaker. Push it down until it locks in  
place. The terminal will only fit in the  
socket in one direction. If the terminal  
does not properly seat, reverse the terminal  
9. Setting the Subwoofer Low Pass Filter  
With the “SUB” switch in the 100Hz  
position, the CM8SW will only repro-  
duce bass below one hundred cycles.  
When the switch is in the 140Hz posi-  
tion, the CM8SW will reproduce bass  
below 140 cycles. Depending on the  
size of the room, the type of satellite  
speaker and the subwoofer position,  
you will prefer one setting to the other.  
Listen to a loud and well recorded bass  
passage to evaluate.  
6. Connect the wire which runs to the  
satellite speakers to the left and right  
output terminals. Pay attention to the  
markings on the wire.  
7. There are four clamps or mounting  
“dogs” which hold each speaker in  
place. The dogs are tightened via four  
front-baffle screws. To install the speaker,  
first rotate the dogs inward. Insert the  
speaker into the cutout and tighten the  
dogs by turning the screws clockwise.  
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THESE  
SCREWS. Over-tightening the clamps  
may make the grille difficult to install.  
(SeeFigure18).  
10.Install the grille into the speaker. The  
grilles should fit snugly. If you have diffi-  
culty fitting them in, try loosening the  
mounting dog screws slightly (excessive  
tightening can distort the shape of the  
frame holding the grille in place).  
 
16  
great deal louder, that was the problem.  
If bass sound was reduced return the  
connections to their original state.  
Painting the Speakers  
All models may be painted. The plastic will  
readily accept most paints.  
2. Subwoofer /Satellite Relative Phasing  
An acoustically out-of-phase sat/sub  
combination works against each other  
and the sound of the overall system will  
be lacking in bass. This might be  
because of the position of the subwoofer  
rather than an error in wiring. Try revers-  
ing the phase of both the left and the  
right outputs of the subwoofer. Make  
sure you evaluate (listen) from the prima-  
ry listening position.  
The speakers must be masked prior to  
painting them. The inside circular portion  
of the hole template can be used as a  
paint mask. Remove the outside portion of  
the template by gently pulling along the  
perforation. Affix the mask to the front of  
the speaker by friction-fitting the mask into  
the bezel.  
The grilles should be painted before they  
are installed. For all models, the best  
results will be obtained by using a spray  
gun or airless sprayer, thinning the paint  
(prevents clogging of grille holes), and by  
applying several light coats instead of one  
heavy one.  
3. Satellite Left-Right Phase Reversal  
If the right satellite is reversed in phase  
from the connections on the left satellite,  
you will hear reduced bass and a  
“phasey” diffused vocal image. If you  
suspect the sound is not right and you  
cannot see any markings on the wire, try  
this simple test:  
Speaker/Subwoofer Phase  
Speaker wire has two conductors. One  
conductor is attached to the negative (–)  
terminals and one conductor is attached to  
the positive (+) terminals of both your  
speaker and your amplifier. Usually, the  
wire is marked for your convenience.  
There are different ways wires are marked:  
a stripe on one wire, a ribbed area of one  
conductor you can only feel, different col-  
ors of metal wire on each conductor, or  
there might be a fabric strand or string  
wound into one of the conductors. Of  
course, there are some wires which appear  
completely identical. Be careful, or you  
might make a mistake.  
a. Stand half way between the two satellite  
speakers.  
b. Play some vocal music with the amplifier  
or radio set to Mono.  
c. Listen to the apparent placement of the  
vocals.  
d. Turn off the amplifier and reverse one of  
the connections on the subwoofer.  
e. Repeat the listening test with the same  
setting of the volume control. When  
the sound has a richer bass, is slightly  
louder and the vocal image is  
“focused” the satellites are working  
together or “in-phase”.  
If you make a mistake, there are three pos-  
sibilities:  
1. Subwoofer Input Phase Reversal  
The Left Input of the Subwoofer is out of  
Phase with the Right Input. If this is the  
case, you will hear almost no output out  
of the subwoofer when playing a loud  
bass passage. Try reversing one of the  
subwoofer inputs. If the sound gets a  
 
17  
Operation  
Congratulations  
A concealed CM8SW subwoofer installation  
frees you to use your tone controls, play the sys-  
tem loudly and enjoy deep extended bass, even  
if your satellite speakers are small. When used  
with satellite speakers that have substantial bass  
of their own, the CM8SW tightens the deep  
tones and augments the bass musically.  
Listening at Higher Volumes  
It requires more power to achieve a reasonable  
volume of sound in a large room than it does in  
a small room. It is possible (even if you are not a  
teenager) to turn the volume so high that the  
amplifier runs out of power. This creates “clip-  
ping” distortion. If you are using an extremely  
powerful amplifier it may be possible to hear  
clicking or buzzing sounds from the subwoofer  
as it tries to reproduce too loud a sound. If you  
hear these sounds turn the volume down.  
More typically you will hear clipping distortion  
through your satellite speakers. Clipping distor-  
tion makes treble sound very harsh and unmusi-  
cal. When you hear harsh sounding treble from  
any good speaker, turn the volume down  
immediately! Those harsh sounds are masking  
some much more powerful ultra-high-frequency  
sound spikes which will quickly damage any  
fine loudspeaker. You are much less likely to  
damage a speaker with a large amplifier  
because it will be very loud indeed before it  
produces any clipping distortion.  
Cleaning  
You can clean the speaker with a dampened  
soft cloth or paper towel. If the speaker is  
mounted high up on the ceiling, use a broom to  
gently brush it off.  
 
18  
Specifications  
CM8SW  
Driver Complement  
8” dual voice-coil injection molded TCC (Talc, carbon and ceramic-filled) woofer with  
butyl rubber surround  
Design Principle  
Infinite baffle for large and varying air volumes  
Recommended Amplifier Power  
10 to 150 watts per channel  
Impedance  
8 ohm  
Frequency Response  
35 – 140Hz, +/- 3dB  
Sensitivity  
90 dB for 2.83 volts of pink noise, measured at 1 meter on axis  
Overall Exterior Frame Dimensions  
10-5/8" diameter  
Depth Behind Wall  
4" (based on 1/2" drywall)  
Wall Cut-Out Dimensions  
9-1/2" diameter  
Connections  
Dual patented two-piece, no-strip speaker wire terminal, accommodates.12-18 gauge  
 
19  
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD  
Model Purchased__________________________________________________________________________________  
Serial Number___________________________________________________________________________________  
Date Purchased (month/day/year)_________________________________________________________________  
Dealer Name and Location________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________________________________  
K Dr.  
K Miss  
K Mr.  
K Mrs.  
K Ms.  
Name____________________________________________________________________________________________  
Address_________________________________________________________________________________________  
_________________________________________________________________________________________________  
City_________________________________________________________State______________Zip______________  
Telephone (___________)___________________________________________________________________________  
Please take a moment to fill out our warranty registration card. The information helps us to  
get to know you better and develop the products you want  
Age:  
Musical tastes:  
What magazines do  
you read?  
Do you. . .?  
J
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J
J
J
J
Under 25  
25-34  
35-44  
45-54  
55 & over  
(Please check all that  
apply)  
Own a House. If yes,  
how many square feet?  
__________________  
1. ___________________  
2. ___________________  
3. ___________________  
J
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J
J
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Alternative  
Classical  
Country  
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Popular  
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Rock  
Other______________  
J
Own a Town House/  
Condominium/Co-op  
Rent an Apartment  
Rent a House  
J
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Income:  
Who will install the  
product?  
J
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Under $24,999  
$25,000-$34,999  
$35,000-$44,999  
$45,000-$59,999  
$60,000-$74,999  
$75,000-$99,999  
Over $99,999  
Are you interested in  
receiving literature on  
other Niles products?  
J
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Custom Installer  
Electrician  
Friend  
J
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Myself  
Yes  
No  
How did you hear  
about Niles?  
Which factor(s) influ-  
enced the purchase of  
your Niles product?  
Are there products/  
capabilities that you  
would like to see  
introduced?  
____________________  
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Direct Mail  
Occupation:  
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(Please check all that  
apply)  
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Warranty  
 
PLEASE FILL OUT THE  
WARRANTY REGISTRATION  
CARD ON THE REVERSE SIDE,  
DETACH, AND MAIL TO:  
Niles Audio Corporation  
Warranty Registration Dept.  
P.O. Box 160818  
Miami, Florida 33116-0818  
®
 
Limited Warranty  
Niles Audio Corporation ("NILES") warrants its loudspeaker products to the original purchaser  
to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years  
from date of purchase.  
This Warranty is subject to the following additional conditions and limitations. The Warranty  
is void and inapplicable if NILES deems that the product has been used or handled other than  
in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer, including but not limited to  
damage caused by accident, mishandling, improper installation, abuse, negligence, or normal  
wear and tear, or any defect caused by repair to the product by anyone other than NILES or an  
authorized NILES dealer.  
To obtain warranty service, take the unit to the nearest authorized NILES dealer, who will test  
the product and if necessary, forward it to NILES for service. If there are no authorized NILES  
dealers in your area, you must write to NILES and include your name, address, model and  
serial number of your unit, along with a brief description of the problem. A factory Return  
Authorization Number will be sent to you. DO NOT RETURN ANY UNIT WITHOUT FIRST  
RECEIVING WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FROM NILES.  
If the above conditions are met, the purchaser's sole remedy shall be to return the product to  
NILES, in which case NILES will repair or replace, at its sole option, the defective product  
without charge for parts or labor. NILES will return a unit repaired or replaced under warranty  
by shipping same by its usual shipping method from the factory (only) at its expense within the  
United States of America. THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT  
LIMITATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FIT-  
NESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT.  
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE  
REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER/PURCHASER. NILES SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR  
ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED  
(OR PROHIBITED) BY APPLICABLE LAW.  
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,  
so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and  
you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.  
For the name of your nearest authorized NILES dealer contact:  
NILES AUDIO CORPORATION  
P.O. BOX 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818.  
Please fill in your product information and retain for your records.  
CM8SW  
Model____________________________________________________________________________________  
Serial No._________________________________________________________________________________  
Purchase Date_____________________________________________________________________________  
 
22  
Niles Audio  
Corporation  
12331 S.W. 130 Street  
Miami, Florida 33186  
Tel: (305) 238-4373  
Fax: (305) 238-0185  
© 2004 Niles Audio Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, and Blending  
High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation.  
MicroPerf is a trademark of Niles Audio Corporation. All other trademarks are the property  
of their respective owners. Because we constantly strive to improve our products, Niles  
reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. The technical and  
other information contained herein is not intended to set forth all technical and other  
specifications of Niles products. Additional information can be obtained on-line. Printed in  
China. DS00292ACN  
Printed in China  
 

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