Installing ceiling speakers doesn't have to be difficult.
Installing in-ceiling speakers is an advantage in small and cramped spaces where big speaker boxes have no place to go, like in churches. Like wall-mounted speakers, in-ceiling speakers can be fitted entirely into the ceiling so that only the grilles are visible. Many speakers even have grills you can paint to match the ceiling color and hide the speakers entirely.
Instructions
1. Rent scaffolding. It is safer than a ladder because it is more stable. It also provides ample space where you can place your materials without having to go up and down the ladder all the time. Scaffolding rental agencies also provide delivery and setup services for an additional fee.
2. Position the speakers between ceiling joists. A church plan can help you locate the studs and joists. You can also use a stud finder. Ideally, two speakers should be about 6 to 10 feet apart. Place a cardboard template of the speaker on the location where you have chosen to install it and lightly trace the outline with a pencil. Bore a small hole into the center of the outline with a drill. Twist a piece of wire hanger into a 90-degree angle and insert it into the hole. Turn it around to check for pipes or other objects that may get in the way. If there are obstructions, simply cover the hole and look for another location. Cut away the traced outline with a utility knife. A drywall saw makes a cleaner cut, but a utility knife is easier to control.
3. Use a string to measure the distance from the receiver to the speaker, giving much slack along corners and door frames. How much cable you need depends on how far from the speaker you plan to place the receiver. In mid-sized churches, this can be anywhere between 80 and 200 feet of cable. Run the cable from the receiver to the hole. Allow around 2 feet of it to hang loose. If you plan to run the cable through the walls, use UL-rated wires for safety. However, standard flat and paintable cables are more practical. Use wire clips to attach them to the wall.
4. Screw the speaker bracket over the hole using a Philips screwdriver. Take the 2 feet of loose cable and strip off at least 1/2 inch. Twist the exposed copper wires tightly and connect the cables to their proper terminals at the back of the speaker (positive wires to positive terminals and negative wires to negative terminals).
5. Remove the speaker grille by pushing out the mounting ears on the back of the grilles. Press the mounting ears down and the grille will come off by itself.
6. Mount the in-ceiling speaker onto the bracket by tightening the screws on the front baffle. This will also tighten the grille's mounting ears and secure the grille back into place.
7. Paint the grille if you want to hide it even further. Use paint spray instead of a brush or roll to prevent sound obstructions later on.
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