DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM INSTALLATION Page 24 & OPERATION GUIDE M O D M D EE LL OS3 Indoor/Outdoor Loudspeaker.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 1 CONGRATULATIONS Thank you for choosing the OS3 Indoor/Outdoor Loudspeaker from Niles. With proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use. Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full line catalog write: Niles, Catalog Request, P.O.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 22 The OS3 marries unparalleled listening satisfaction with the freedom to listen to music anywhere! You can use them indoors and outdoors (even on a boat). The extraordinary sonic performance of the OS3 was achieved by harmonizing unique and proprietary technology with the most advanced manufacturing methods and materials available. INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION The OS3 is a two-way speaker in an acoustic suspension enclosure.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 3 FEATURES & BENEFITS FEATURES & BENEFITS LONG THROW POLYPROPYLENE WOOFER The unusually stiff and light polypropylene cone, the butyl rubber surround, the substantial magnet, and the rigid steel basket are all optimized for large excursions of the woofer. In this way, the five inch cone can create the same deep bass output of a much larger speaker moving small distances in and out.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 20 EASY THREE-WAY MOUNTING SYSTEM 1. The OS3 can be hung from a nail using the nail hole on the bracket. 2. The bracket can be screwed into the mounting surface using your hardware. 3. The OS3 is equipped with 1/4-20 threaded inserts for OmniMount ® (53 RST-UMK Series) or custom brackets.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 5 PARTS GUIDE PARTS GUIDE a e b c d b d f g h e 5
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 18 PARTS GUIDE i j OS3 Parts Guide a. Bracket f. Grille b. Nail Hole g. Cabinet c. Wire Hole h. Baffle d. Screw Hole i. Binding Posts e. Bracket Knob j.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 7 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED • A wire stripper • A pencil • A level (optional) • Three screws or bolts suitable for the mounting surface • The proper screwdriver for your mounting hardware • A drill bit of the right size and type • An electric drill WIRING The OS3 connects to your receiver or amplifier using 2-conductor speaker wire (See Figure 2).
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 16 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Figure 2 Wiring directly from a receiver or amplifier Figure 3 Incorporating a volume control INCORPORATING A VOLUME CONTROL It’s possible to control the volume of the sound at the speaker location. Plan to wire the system so that each pair of speakers has its own volume control. Niles makes a wide range of indoor and outdoor volume controls. Consult your local Niles dealer for more information.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 9 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS PLACING THE OS3 FOR THE BEST SOUND QUALITY The OS3’s dispersion pattern is very broad. The speaker is very sensitive and will handle a lot of amplifier power. This allows good sound quality over an extremely large listening area. However, if a single pair is positioned to provide coverage of a very large room or patio, you will have “hot spots” of loud sound when you are near the speakers.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 14 You can control the speakers bass output by placement. This is called the boundary effect. You will get more bass response by mounting the OS3 directly to a wall or other flat surface (any boundary close to the speaker will reinforce the bass frequencies). You can increase the bass output even more by mounting the OS3 in a corner or under an eave (See Figure 5) This type of placement gives the speaker two boundaries, both reinforcing the bass sounds.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 11 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS 1. If the speaker is never going to be exposed to sudden accidental impacts, wind, waves or earthquakes you can simply hang it on a nail using the nail hole(s) of the bracket (See Figure 7). Nail Mounting Screw Mounting OmniMount or Custom Bracket Mounting Figure 7 The OS3 can be mounted three ways. 2.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 12 The enclosure, the brackets, and the grilles of the OS3 can all be painted to match the surroundings. Because we want you to preserve the acoustic qualities of the grille, please paint the grille according to the grille painting instructions. Make sure you pick a paint that is appropriate for the mounting location. There are interior and exterior varieties, and even paint for marine uses.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 13 PAINTING THE OS3 2. Wipe off the other sides of the cabinet, the bracket, bracket knobs, and grille with a damp cloth. Do not touch or rub the speakers on the front baffle. Make sure everything is dry before masking. 3. Mask off the binding posts and the brass threaded inserts on the back panel with masking tape. 4. Mask off the threaded inserts on the top and bottom with masking tape. 5.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 10 REPLACING THE GRILLE Carefully fit the grille into its recess so that it is barely in place. Starting with one corner, go around the speaker, pushing the grille in a little bit each time. You should be gentle, the aluminum grille can be easily bent out of shape. You will feel a positive “snap” when it is fully in place. PAINTING THE OS3 If you are using an applicator or brush and a can of paint, thin the paint first.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 15 INSTALLATION INSTALLATION MOUNTING THE BRACKET 1. Remove the bracket knobs and the bracket from the speaker. 2. Hold the bracket up to the mounting surface. The speaker can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Hold the bracket so that the speaker wire fits through the large, circular wire hole in the bracket. Align the bracket to be square with the surroundings (use a level for accuracy). 3.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 8 1. Separate the two conductors of the speaker wire so that at least two inches of each conductor are free. 2. Strip one half inch of insulation from the end of each conductor of the speaker wire. INSTALLATION CONNECTING THE SPEAKER 3. If you have any connectors (gold pins or bananas) which you prefer to use, affix them to the stripped wire ends now. Only gold plated connectors should be used outside as they will not tarnish or corrode. 4.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 17 INSTALLATION 3. Stand so you are the same distance from each speaker and listen to the richness of the bass and the loudness of the sound. 4. Turn off the amplifier and reverse the connections on one speaker only. 5. Repeat the listening test with the same setting of the volume control. When the sound has a richer bass and is slightly louder the speakers are working together or “in-phase”. FINAL ADJUSTMENTS 1.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 6 LISTENING AT HIGHER VOLUMES OPERATION OPERATION Significantly more power is required to achieve a reasonable level of volume when speakers are installed outdoors. The two primary reasons for this are that when listening outdoors, there are no walls to reflect and contain the sound and listeners often find themselves further from the speakers.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 19 SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER POWER Five to 75 watts per channel NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 Ohms FREQUENCY RESPONSE 110Hz to 20kHz, plus or minus 5 dB (on axis) SENSITIVITY 91 decibels for 2.83 volts of Pink Noise, measured at 1 meter on axis WIRING REQUIREMENTS Sixteen to eighteen gauge 2-conductor (unshielded or shielded) wire for runs up to 80 feet. Fourteen gauge 2-conductor (unshielded or shielded) wire for runs up to 200 feet.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 21 WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD OS3 Indoor/Outdoor Model Purchased__________________ ____________Loudspeaker _____ ________________________________________ Serial Number___________________________________________________________________________ Dealer Name and Location________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ ❑ Dr. ❑ Miss ❑ Mr. ❑ Mrs. ❑ Ms.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 2 Niles Audio Corporation ("NILES") warrants its outdoor loudspeaker products to the original purchaser to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase. This Warranty is subject to the following additional conditions and limitations.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 4 PLEASE FILL OUT THE WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD ON THE REVERSE SIDE, DETACH, AND MAIL TO: DETACH HERE Niles Audio Corporation Warranty Registration Dept. P.O.
DS00216A/OS3 Manual 3/1/99 9:21 AM Page 23 Niles Audio Corporation www.nilesaudio.com 12331 S.W. 130 Street Miami, Florida 33186 Tel: (305) 238-4373 Fax: (305) 238-0185 ©1999 Niles Audio Corporation. Niles, the Niles logo and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation.
