Overview: The Definitive
Technology Disappearing In-Wall loudspeaker (DI Series) offers high-quality
sound from a speaker that is barely visible when installed in a wall or ceiling. The Definitive DI Series
incorporates a BDSS driver, pivoting tweeter, and integrated flanges behind an
unobtrusive grille to provide audiophile-grade sound quality with an almost
invisible appearance. The DI 3.5R
is a mere 4-9/16" (11.6 cm) in diameter, about the same size as a mini-recessed
lighting fixture.
Features
Mounting Options
Features
Disappearing In-Wall Design:
The DI 3.5R features Definitive Technology's Disappearing In-Wall Design. The
mounting flange thickness of the in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker is no more than
2.5mm (0.099") and is completely covered by the grille that stands a mere 3.5mm
(approx 0.125") from the wall surface. The grille is "micro-perf", that while
presenting an opaque appearance, actually has more open area than typical
perforated metal grilles allowing the sound to pass through with less
interference and better fidelity. Behind the metal grille is an acoustically
transparent proprietary cloth scrim that effectively blacks the dark "shadow" of
the black speaker parts from showing through the grille.
Pivoting Aluminum Dome Tweeter with Waveguide: The DI Series
in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker uses Definitive Technology's proprietary
ceramic-coated annealed aluminum 3/4" dome tweeter. The DI 3.5R tweeter is post
mounted, and the tweeter housing is specially smoothed and shaped to use it as
an extremely effective low-diffraction waveguide.
The aluminum dome tweeter features a pivoting
design which allows you to focus the sound toward or away from your listening
area depending on the application.
BDSS Drivers: The DI 3.5R uses a 3.5"
BDSS driver for wide-bandwidth accurate frequency response, broad dispersion,
low distortion, and maximum detail retrieval. The 3.5" BDSS driver cone is
supported by specially tuned soft rubber surrounds at both the outer and inner
edges. The double surrounds allow the cone to have longer excursion without
distortion. As bass output is a function of both a cone's diameter and
excursion, the higher excursion BDSS system brings the benefit of higher bass
output from smaller drivers. The tiny DI 3.5R has the bass output and dynamic
range of a typical 4-1/2" driver.
Linkwitz-Riley Crossover Network: The Definitive Technology DI
3.5R's second order (12dB/octave) Linkwitz-Riley crossover offers a smooth
frequency and phase transition from driver to tweeter for natural midrange
response and excellent off-axis performance. A Zobel network flattens the
impedance curve of the speaker making it easier for today's digital amplifiers
to drive the speakers. Custom tight-tolerance (+/- 5%) components are used
throughout the crossover for superb unit-to-unit performance consistency.
Superior metal film capacitors are used in the high-pass section and the Zobel
network for extended high frequency response. Oversize inductors (coils) avoid
saturation thereby maintaining the wide dynamic range capabilities of the
driver.
AeroRing: The dimpled
AeroRing is soft Sanoprene rubber and serves several important functions. First,
it damps the basket/flange assembly nearest its thinnest part (the flange) to
prevent resonance. Second it prevents the grille from rattling in the unlikely
event that it makes contact with the speaker frame. It also provides a smooth
transition for the waveform coming off the cone. Similar to the dimples on a golf ball that reduce turbulence to aid in longer
flight, the dimples on the AeroRing promote smooth "laminar" air flow over the
surface thereby reducing diffraction effects. The DI Series in-wall/in-ceiling
loudspeakers sound clear, natural, and disperse their sound over a wide area.
PolyStone Basket: The driver basket,
mounting flange, and mounting system of the DI 3.5R is one piece of cast
PolyStone; Definitive's exclusive formulation of polymers and minerals that
combine the rigidity and strength of metal with the resonance damping properties
of plastics. As a result
of the one-piece mounting system, the DI 3.5R offers increased strength, a
compact size, and maximized cone area.
Besides being more space efficient than multi-piece construction, it also
contributes to the superior sound quality of the DI Series speakers.
Connections: The DI 3.5R features a pair of heavy-duty, gold-plated,
spring-loaded wire terminals that have oversized holes to accept up to 10 gauge
wire.
Definitive's GaussGrip System: Definitive's GaussGrip system
securely holds the grille of the in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker in place with
powerful magnets. Simply lay the grille over the speaker and its secure. Taking
off the grille is just as easy and fast; no special tools that can chip the
grille paint are required. All you need to remove the grille is your fingers.
Paintable Grille The DI Series
in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker's white "micro-perf" cloth grille can be spray
painted to match the color of your wall or ceiling without any
loss of sound quality. Simply remove the grille from the speaker and place it on
a drop cloth, newspaper, or plastic sheet and spray paint it with canned spray
paint that closely matches the desired finish/color; or with indoor latex paint
using an airbrush or spray gun (available at home improvement stores). The paint
must be diluted to a 6:1 ratio of latex paint to water. Do not remove the
backing cloth (scrim). Apply the paint in a series of thin coats sprayed at
45-60 degrees from the grille surface, allowing each coat to fully cure before
applying additional coats. To ensure that the paint distribution is evenly
applied, each coat should be applied from 4 different directions (N,S,E, & W) to
ensure an even coverage on the grille.
Note: The grille must
be spray painted detached from the speaker. Do not paint the grille with a
brush or roller.
Mounting Options
Applications: The DI 3.5R is especially
suited for use in multiple pairs to provide more uniform sound coverage in large
rooms.
Mounting: The DI 3.5R can
be mounted in-ceiling using the integrated rotating clamps and four
mounting screws, or using an optional pre-construction bracket (73535RRIK, sold
separately). A cutout template is supplied to help you cut a 3-3/4" diameter
hole. You will need to allow at least 7/16" of space around the cutout and have
at least 2-1/2" of clearance for mounting depth (using 1/2" thick mounting
surface). An additional 1-1/8" clearance from the edge of one side of the cutout
inside the mounting surface is needed to provide clearance for the speaker's
crossover.
Optional Pre-Construction (Rough-In) Brackets: The optional DI Series
pre-construction rough-in brackets provide a simple way to mount these
in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeaker during pre-construction or remodeling of your
home. The center rings are fabricated from heavy duty painted stamped steel.
There are no sharp metal edges to cut an installer's hands and they are ultra
rigid, so that when drywall is laid over and cut the brackets will not bend or
break. The two 12" wings are painted perforated metal that snap onto the center
ring in a variety of positions to cover almost any installation. The wings can
be attached with nails, staples or screws; and can be bent and easily trimmed
with tin snips. They are also thin enough to make stud notching simple. The wire
tie loop easily breaks away when the speaker is installed. DI Rough-in Brackets
are packaged two to a carton.
