We say it often. We are crazy about technology and see loudspeakers as a functional piece of furniture, but fully understand that this does not apply to everyone. That is why at Reference Sounds we also make custom solutions that physically integrate loudspeakers – often built-in models – into a piece of furniture or wall. But what if we tell them that we also have speakers that we can stick behind the wallpaper? Or can it really be completely invisible in a tightly painted wall? It is possible with the Conceal loudspeakers from JBL, which also sound amazingly good. We would like to tell you more about it on the basis of our Invisible Sound Wall, realized in the Reference Sounds Experience Center.
completely invisible speakers
JBL’s Conceal series loudspeakers can best be described as a sound-producing glass fiber panel that can be incorporated into the wall or ceiling just like plasterboard. Special loudspeaker technology behind the panel makes the flat glass fiber front plate vibrate to the rhythm of the music signal and effectively converts it into sound. Even if the front is covered with a thin layer of stucco (approximately 2 to 3 mm), veneer or wallpaper. The speakers can be controlled just like a conventional speaker and are equipped with a variety of internal protections to ensure that they do not break with an over-enthusiastic turn of the volume knob. With a built-in depth of approximately 90mm, fantastic solutions can be realized with which you enjoy sound but really see nothing! To show what the invisible JBL Conceal models are capable of, we realized a sleek white wall in our Experience Center with all 3 built-in variants and the matching subwoofer. A nice showcase to show what you don’t see – once done. You don’t have to be afraid of vibration cracks around the mounting edge of the speaker. The edge that is smeared with a slightly thicker layer of stucco stands completely still, just like the screw edge of plasterboard.
The Conceals can be used in concrete or stone constructions or in wall/ceiling systems based on plasterboard. For our showroom we created a wall for an existing wall. Something that is of course also perfectly feasible in an existing situation where you are willing to sacrifice a good 10 cm.
place safers
First of all, we built a wooden framework taking into account the installation width of the speakers, which all have the same width – only the height varies. Then we pull all the cables through the wall towards the location of the speakers.
Special ‘place savers’ provide a dimensionally stable mold to determine the space for the loudspeakers to be installed later before we cover the wall with plasterboard.
Once full in plaster, we remove the place savers and place the Conceal Speakers and run a dress rehearsal – so we test all speakers thoroughly! After verification of proper functioning, all models are permanently fixed and preparations for the stucco work begin.
The seams of the plasterboard are provided with a mesh tape. The same applies to the edges of the stucco speakers. Then the stuc goes against the wall.
Actually stucco is too strong a word. The transition from the plasterboard to the edge of the speaker is sealed in several thin layers, just as is usual with an ordinary plasterboard wall. As a result, the layer on the glass fiber panel of the speaker is limited to a millimeter or 2. Intermediate sanding ensures a nice tight coverage of the speaker, which can now only be recognized by its grayer color.
Once tight in the stucco, the final finishing can begin. That can be a layer of wallpaper, but also a layer of latex sauce. We opt for a sleek white painted wall to maximize the surprise effect.
rustic oak custom wall unit
All cabling ends in a rustic oak custom wall unit that accommodates the music streamer with volume control and 8-channel Lexicon DD8+ power amplifier. 8 channels because we have placed a set of Conceal Subwoofers in addition to the 3 sets of Conceal Speakers. Because we can access the DD8+ via the internet, we can switch each speaker in the wall on or off so that we can play all models individually. Very handy.
Invisible and very good sound
After we have freshened things up, the first sounds play. Bizarre how our top floor is filled with a cloud of sound without any apparent speakers. A set of conventional JBL built-in loudspeakers sounds even better, more energetic and sound-real, but good – it is not invisible. With that aspect in mind, the JBL Conceal stucco loudspeaker is a hit. Really invisible and very good sound. Perfect for new construction or renovation applications, but can also be used in existing situations. Think of a front wall, framework on the wall, suspended ceiling or a cupboard wall. Creativity is the only limit. The best sounding solution for anyone who wants to enjoy sound but absolutely nothing to see.
Specifications
Definition:
Wall of Sound
Configuration:
Stereo Setup with freely selectable speakers
Components:
Set JBL Conceal C62
Set JBL Conceal C83
Set JBL Conceal C86
Set JBL Conceal C82W Subwoofers
Bluesound Node 2 streamer with volume control
Lexicon DD8+ power amplifier with crossover for subwoofer
Free selection of the playing speakers for a fair comparison
