How to Install In-Ceiling Speakers

Step 1: First determine where the ceiling speakers will go. (Keep in mind that you'll be running speaker cable from the ceiling speakers, through the walls and to an amplifier or receiver.)

Ceiling speakers should be about 6 to 10 feet apart. For home theaters, try to place the left and right speakers the same distance from the main listening area and make sure you aim the tweeters towards that area.
 

Step 2: Once you've decided on where the speakers will be placed, make sure the area selected is between the ceiling joists, preferably centered. Tap the ceiling and listen for a hollow sound. Stud finders are also handy tools to find studs.

Step 3: Use a pencil and trace around the cardboard template for your speaker placement. Step back and examine the traces to make sure the speakers will be even and level.

Step 4: Mark the center of the round traces then drill a small hole. Note: Always inspect as much as possible before drilling a hole. Explore your crawlspace or ceiling in an unfinished segment of your basement. Try to detect which way joists run and where empty wall space between studs might be. By inspecting from your crawlspace or attic, you can identify which wall locations are empty of water pipes and electrical wires. However, you can’t still know what’s behind the wall with absolute certainty so be prepared to cut and patch exploratory holes.

Step 5: Bend a metal coat hanger as shown and insert the hanger into the hole. Carefully rotate the hanger to see if there are any obstructions such as pipes. If you note obstructions, patch up the hole and relocate the speaker.

Step 6: If the area is free of obstructions, carefully cut away the outline you traced using a keyhole or drywall saw. Then remove the cutout. You're doing great!

Step 7: Run speaker cable from the ceiling speaker cutout to the outputs of your receiver or amplifier. CL-3 rated in-wall cable is flexible and can be fed through wall and ceiling cavities, although fish tape can be a handy tool especially for long runs. Use at least 16 gauge and allow a few extra feet of cable. You can splice together several lengths of cable if you have a long distance to cover. Leave enough cable slack to strip off about 1/2 inch of the outer jacket on both ends.

Note: Note: If cable is to be run through walls or ceilings, use UL and CL rated cable for your safety and to meet building code requirements.

Step 8: (Optional): Inwall and ceiling speakers use a baffle design so the ceiling or wall cavity acts as the enclosure. Speaker performance can be enhanced by insulating the cavity with fiberglass insulation. A sheet of unfaced fiberglass insulation behind and around the back of the speaker will do the trick.

Step 9: Pull the cable slack through the hole in the ceiling and strip off the outer jacket. Strip about ½" of insulation off the ends of the wires. Connect the positive wire from the amplifier to the red terminal on the speaker. Connect the negative wire to the black terminal on the speaker.

Note: Be sure to unplug your receiver or amp before connecting the speakers.

Step 10: Remove the speaker grille. Most OSD Audio speakers include a grille puller tool. If your model does not include one, the frame is flexible enough where you can slowly work the grille off.

Step 11: All of our OSD branded in-wall and in-ceiling speakers utilize a dog-ear mounting system. The mounting system includes multiple dog-ear brackets that release and lock the speaker securely into place. Tighten the mounts until the speaker is flat against the ceiling.

Note: If you are using a drill to tighten the screws, be sure to set the drill to its lowest torque setting.

Step 12: Reinsert the grille into the speaker baffle.

Last Step: Congratulate yourself! You just installed your first pair of ceiling speakers. Enjoy!

Installation tips:

Installation Tip #1: If you're nervous about cutting a hole in the ceiling, practice with your first speaker using a thick piece of cardboard to simulate the wall or ceiling. Clear installation instructions, along with cardboard templates, are provided with all of our in ceiling and in wall speakers. You can also view or print the owner's manual for each model directly from our site. Links are provided on each model's details page.

Installation Tip #2: Use a drywall saw to cut the hole. A utility knife or electric rotary saw might seem easier but these tools can be hard to control. A simple, inexpensive (about $10 at your local hardware store) drywall saw is best for beginners and don't worry if the cut isn't perfect. The speaker's frame will cover up any rough edges.

Installation Tip #3: You can paint the grille and frame to match the room decor. Be sure to use spray paint and not rollers or brushes, which can clog the grille holes and negatively impact performance. Even better, purchase a cheap little spray gun at your local paint store. Guidelines for thinning the paint are included with the spray gun.