Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing ATON Storm Series Ceiling Speakers. All models were voiced in our
sound labs by musicians with years of critical listening experience and crafted for your listening
Storm Series All ceiling models feature 1” pivoting tweeters, excellent off-axis response, high
power handling, custom driver materials, and network components that provide the best price/
performance ratio in the industry.
Storm Series Ceiling Speakers are available in several configurations - for stereo or Home
Theater listening, install two-way models like the A60C, A61C, A62C or A63C. A62ST Dual Voice
Coil speakers are designed for rooms without designated listening areas. For the bass enthu-
siast, install a pair of A81C or A82C 8" speakers for deep, rich, thumping bass at any volume
level! ATON Ceiling Speakers are weather/moisture resistant and can be installed outdoors or in
bathrooms and saunas.
A63C
A60C/A61C
A62C
A62ST
A82C
A81C
Figure 1.1 - Front View
All models except A63C
A63C
-
-
+
+
Figure 1.2 - Speaker Terminals
© 2007 • All rights reserved.
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Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
2. System Design/Applications
ATON Ceiling speakers are designed primarily to be installed in drywall ceilings, but it is pos-
sible to install them in other materials. Prior to installation, it is essential to determine the type
of application, and, therefore, the placement of the speakers in the ceiling. There are three
typical applications that ATON Ceiling speakers will be used for: Stereo, Mono/DVC, and Home
Theater.
Stereo
In areas that have a defined listening area where two speakers will be mounted more or less
equidistant from each other, use a stereo setup with left and right speakers each connected
to their own channel of a stereo receiver or amplifier. This application provides the best sound
quality, staging, and depth possible in areas with a defined listening position. Figure 2.1 shows
an example of a stereo listening area.
A61C/A62C
A61C/A62C
X
Figure 2.1 - Stereo Application
Mono/DVC
In many instances, mono or DVC setup will provide a better listening experience in spaces with-
out a defined listening area. Mono applications combine the left and right signals to provide the
full sound of an audio signal to each speaker in the system without left/right separation. DVC
applications send the left signal to one voice coil and the right signal to another voice coil, es-
sentially creating a stereo pair in one speaker cabinet. Figure 2.2 shows an A62ST DVC Speaker
in a kitchen.
A62ST
Figure 2.2 - Mono/DVC Application
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©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
Home Theater
ATON Ceiling Speakers provide unobtrusive, high-quality Home Theater sound when installed in
the correct locations. It is critical to identify the primary listening position before installation! See
Figure 2.3 for a system design utilizing all ceiling speakers and Figure 2.4 for a system design
utilizing ceiling speakers as rear surround speakers.
TV
In-Wall
Subwoofer
120
X
O
V
E
R
Figure 2.3 - Home Theater-All Ceiling Application
TV
In-Wall
Subwoofer
120
X
O
V
E
R
Figure 2.4 - Home Theater-Rear Surround Application
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Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
3. Installation
The Installation process is divided into three distinct processes: Wiring, Mounting and Set-
ting Switches. After carefully considering the intended application (Defining a Listening Area,
Mono/Stereo, Home Theater, etc.), specific mounting locations can be decided upon. Once the
specific locations are determined, installation can commence.
Wiring
Before actually running any wire or cable, take the time to look around each room or area of the
house and plan your wire paths for maximum efficiency. Look for routes through uncluttered
parts of the stud wall or ceiling that allow you to group all low-voltage (video, speaker wires, Cat-
5, telephone, etc.) wires wherever possible. It is a good practice to label both ends of all cables
and to protect wires by tying a plastic bag over the ends.
Label
Plastic Bag
LEFT
SPK
Figure 3.1 - Wiring Label & Plastic Bag
Wiring Methodology
There are three common scenarios for connecting speaker to an audio system. Figures 3.2 to
3.4 show stereo pairs, while Figures 3.5 and 3.6 show examples of mono and DVC applications,
respectively. Each stereo method can also be used for mono or DVC applications. Figure 3.7
shows a Home Theater wiring scheme.
• Two separate 2 conductor speaker wires run from the A/V Receiver
or amplifier to each stereo speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
+
-
+
-
+
+
-
-
Figure 3.2 - Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers-2 Conductor Direct
• One 4-conductor speaker wire runs from the amplifier to a splice near
one speaker. A 2-conductor wire runs from the splice to each speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
Splice
2
4
Conductor
Wire
+
-
+
-
Conductor
Wire
+
+
-
-
Figure 3.3 - Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers-4 Conductor to 2 Conductor
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©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
• One 4 conductor speaker wire runs from the amplifier to a stereo
volume control, then one 2 conductor speaker wire runs to each
stereo speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
Volume
Control
2
4
Conductor
Wire
+
-
+
-
Conductor
Wire
+
+
-
-
Figure 3.4 - Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers w/ Volume Control
• Use any of the stereo wiring methods to connect to a DVC speaker.
This example shows 2 separate 2 conductor speaker wires run from
the amplifier to the DVC speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
+
-
+
-
+
+
-
-
Figure 3.5 - Wiring: Amplifier to Speaker-DVC
• Use any of the wiring methods to connect to a mono speaker.
This example shows a 2 conductor speaker wire running directly
from the amplifier to the mono speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
+
+
-
-
Figure 3.6 - Wiring: Amplifier to Speaker-Mono
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Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
• Five 2 conductor speaker wires run from the A/V Receiver
to each surround sound speaker.
A/V Receiver/Amplifier
Figure 3.7 - Wiring: Amplifier to Speakers-Home Theater
Note 1: Low voltage wiring must be run in accordance with the National Electrical Code as well as any other applicable provi-
sions of the local building codes in your area. In some cases (such as commercial installations), running the wire in conduit
may be required. If you have any questions concerning the wiring of speakers in your home, contact your local building and
inspection department.
Note 2: It is recommended that you use quality CL-2 or CL-3 rated stranded speaker wire when installing ATON speakers.
Solid-core “Romex” type wire is not acceptable! Use at least 16AWG speaker wire for runs up to 100 feet, and at least 14 AWG
speaker wire for runs up to 200 feet. If you must cross high-voltage lines, always do so at a 90 degree angle to avoid audible
hum through the speakers!.
Note 3: When pre-wiring for ceiling speakers, it is essential to make direct wire runs from the head-end to each speaker. Do not
run speaker wires in series or parallel, and do not “daisy-chain” speakers to common wiring.
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©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
Pre-Wiring
The audio/speaker cable runs should be routed from the head-end location to the speaker
rough-in brackets (if used). At the speaker locations, securely fasten the speaker wire to the
speaker rough-in bracket. If not using speaker rough-in brackets, staple speaker wire runs in a
loose zigzag between the studs where the speaker is to be mounted to make it easier to find the
cable after the drywall is installed. Zig-zagging the cable also allows flexibility in the placement
of the speaker. Note: Do not run speaker wires closer than 12" from high voltage wires.
High
Min
12"
Voltage
Wiring
Speaker
Wire
Figure 3.8 - 12" From High-Voltage Wiring
Speaker
Cutout
Ceiling
Speaker
Wire
Figure 3.9 - Pre-Wiring
Mounting
Two situations that can exist when mounting ceiling speakers:
• Pre-Construction - Installations that occur in new homes being built and in remodel
situations where walls and/or ceilings will be exposed.
• Retro-Fit - Installation that involve existing homes with walls and ceilings finished.
While the end result of either type of installation is similar, the process is quite different.
Pre-Construction
In a pre-construction installation, walls and ceilings are open with no drywall installed. This is
desirable and allows the installer greater access than in retro-fit applications. ATON model BK6C
Rough-In Brackets are specifically designed to work with models A60C/A61C/A62C, A62ST/
A63C while model BK8C Rough-In Brackets are designed to work with A81C/A82C speakers.
Rough-in Brackets should be used whenever possible to reserve a neat hole in the drywall, en-
suring proper speaker placement and making trim-out and final installation neat and organized.
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Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
BK6C/BK8C Rough-In Bracket
Figure 3.10 - Rough-In Bracket
Mounting Rough-In Brackets
Once the mounting locations are decided upon, assemble the brackets and secure them to the
ceiling joists using flat-head screws or heavy-duty staples (see the ATON Ceiling/In-Wall Rough-In
Brackets Manual for detailed steps).
Retro-Fit
Retro-fit installations are more difficult to complete than pre-construction because walls and
ceilings are intact. Typically wires must be fished into position through walls, floors and ceilings.
Holes must be cut and speakers mounted directly in the ceiling with no rough-in brackets.
Note: Before cutting holes in any existing wall or ceiling surface, probe the cavity behind
each speaker’s installation location for obstructions!
Cutting Speaker Openings in Ceiling-No Rough-in Brackets
1. Use a stud finder to locate the studs around the intended speaker location.
Note: A stud-finding device may not detect pipes, wiring, or other obstructions
located behind the drywall.
2. Use the inside portion of the speaker cutout template to confirm speaker placement.
3. Remove templates and drill or carefully punch a pilot hole in the ceiling. A bent piece of
wire or a coat hanger may be use to probe the stud bay for obstructions. If you experience
resistance of any kind–STOP! If any obstructions are detected, patch the pilot hole and try
again in another location.
Ceiling
Wire or
Coat Hanger
Pilot Hole
Figure 3.11 -Probe Stud Bay Before Cutting!
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©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
4. Once it has been determined that the cavity is free from obstructions, position the cutout
template and use a pencil to lightly trace the perimeter of the template.
5. Cut the opening using a keyhole saw, drywall router, or razor knife.
Mounting Speakers in Ceiling (Pre-Construction or Retro-Fit)
1. Remove speaker grille and place speaker face down.
2. Locate the speaker wire and pull through the ceiling opening.
3. Connect the speaker wire. BE SURE TO OBSERVE CORRECT POLARITY!
4. Insert the speaker into the opening in the ceiling (or Rough-in Bracket opening) and care-
fully tighten each of the four clamping screws, alternating diagonally between each screw
position to ensure proper fit.
5. Aim the pivoting tweeter at the listening area.
7. Set the Treble (A62C/A62ST/A63/A82C) and Bass (A63C) switches if
applicable. See Setting Switches for details.
8. Replace the speaker grille.
Figure 3.12 -Mounting Speakers In Ceiling
Setting Switches
Once the speakers are wired, mounted, and positioned correctly, use the Bass and Treble
switches (if applicable) to fine-tune the speakers based on local environmental variables such
as hardwood floors, thick draperies, etc. Select the “+” position to increase Bass/Treble re-
sponse or select the “-” position if no increase or decrease is desired.
BASS TREBLE
Figure 3.12 -Mounting Speakers In Ceiling
© 2007 • All rights reserved.
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Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
4. Specifications
A60C
System Type....................................................................................................................................................................... 2-Way
Woofer........................................................................................................................................................ 6-1/2" Polypropylene
Tweeter ..............................................................................................................................................................1" Pivoting Mylar
Crossover ...................................................................................................................................................................6dB/Octave
Switches.................................................................................................................................................................................None
Impedance....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Ohms
Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................................................................... 90dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................45Hz to 20kHz
Power Handling .......................................................................................................................................................... 75 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ................................................................................................................................... 8-1/16" (205mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 9-1/4" (242mm)
Mounting Depth ............................................................................................................................................ 4-1/4” (107mm)
Pre-Construction Bracket ............................................................................................................................................ BK6C
A61C
System Type....................................................................................................................................................................... 2-Way
Woofer.......................................................................................................................................................... 6-1/2" Polypropylene
Tweeter ..................................................................................................................................................... 1" Pivoting Silk Dome
Crossover ...................................................................................................................................................................6dB/Octave
Switches.................................................................................................................................................................................None
Impedance....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Ohms
Sensitivity ............................................................................................................................................................................ 91dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................36Hz to 20kHz
Power Handling ....................................................................................................................................................... 100 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ................................................................................................................................... 8-1/16" (205mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 9-1/4" (242mm)
Mounting Depth ............................................................................................................................................ 4-1/4” (107mm)
Pre-Construction Bracket............................................................................................................................................... BK6C
A62C
System Type....................................................................................................................................................................... 2-Way
Woofer.........................................................................................................................6-1/2" Injection Molded Graphite (IMG)
Tweeter ..................................................................................................................................................... 1" Pivoting Aluminum
Crossover ................................................................................................................................................................ 12dB/Octave
Switches.............................................................................................................................................................2 Position Treble
Nominal Impedance ....................................................................................................................................................8 Ohms
Sensitivity ............................................................................................................................................................................. 91dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................34Hz to 20kHz
Power Handling ....................................................................................................................................................... 115 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ................................................................................................................................... 8-1/16" (205mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 9-1/4" (242mm)
Mounting Depth ............................................................................................................................................ 4-1/2” (107mm)
Pre-Construction Bracket ............................................................................................................................................ BK6C
A62ST
System Type.................................................................................................................... Dual Voice Coil (DVC)/Dual Tweeter
Woofer.........................................................................................................................6-1/2" Injection Molded Graphite (IMG)
Tweeter ....................................................................................................................................... Dual 3/4" (19mm) Aluminum
Crossover ................................................................................................................................................................ 12dB/Octave
Switches.............................................................................................................................................................2 Position Treble
Impedance...............................................................................................................................................................DVC 8 Ohms
Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................................................................... 92dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................34Hz to 20kHz
Power Handling ....................................................................................................................................................... 115 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ................................................................................................................................... 8-1/16" (205mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 9-1/4" (242mm)
Mounting Depth ............................................................................................................................................ 4-1/2” (107mm)
Pre-Construction Bracket .............................................................................................................................................. BK6C
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©2007 • All rights reserved.
Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
A63C
System Type....................................................................................................................................................................... 2-Way
Woofer......................................................................................................................................................... 6-1/2" Woven Kevlar
Tweeter .......................................................................................................................................................1" Pivoting Titanium
Crossover ................................................................................................................................................................ 12dB/Octave
Switches..................................................................................................................................................2 Position Bass/Treble
Impedance.......................................................................................................................................................................8 Ohms
Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................................................................... 92dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................32Hz to 22kHz
Power Handling ....................................................................................................................................................... 125 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................8-1/16" (205mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions .......................................................................................................................... 9 1/4" (242mm)
Mounting Depth ....................................................................................................................................... 4-13/16” (122mm)
Pre-Construction Bracket .............................................................................................................................................. BK6C
A81C
System Type....................................................................................................................................................................... 2-Way
Woofer................................................................................................................................................................ 8" Polypropylene
Tweeter .................................................................................................................................................... 1" Pivoting Silk Dome
Crossover ...................................................................................................................................................................6dB/Octave
Switches.................................................................................................................................................................................None
Impedance.......................................................................................................................................................................8 Ohms
Sensitivity ............................................................................................................................................................................ 92dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................32Hz to 20kHz
Power Handling ....................................................................................................................................................... 135 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................... 9-3/4" (248mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions .................................................................................................................. 11-13/16" (285mm)
Mounting Depth ....................................................................................................................................... 4-13/16” (122mm)
Pre-Construction Bracket ............................................................................................................................................ BK8C
A82C
System Type....................................................................................................................................................................... 2-Way
Woofer................................................................................................................................. 8" Injection Molded graphite (IMG)
Tweeter ....................................................................................................................................................1" (25mm) Aluminum
Crossover ................................................................................................................................................................ 12dB/Octave
Switches.............................................................................................................................................................2 Position Treble
Impedance.......................................................................................................................................................................8 Ohms
Sensitivity ............................................................................................................................................................................ 92dB
Frequency Response........................................................................................................................................30Hz to 22kHz
Power Handling ....................................................................................................................................................... 150 Watts
Cutout Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................... 9 3/4" (248mm)
Outer Frame Dimensions ................................................................................................................... 11 13/16" (27.8cm)
Mounting Depth ....................................................................................................................................... 4-13/16” (122mm)
Pre-Construction Bracket ............................................................................................................................................ BK8C
© 2007 • All rights reserved.
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Storm Series Ceiling Speakers
Notes:
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©2007 • All rights reserved.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
ATON warrants to the purchaser/end user (“you”) that all Storm Series Speakers are to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners
of the product as long as the original proof of purchase is retained. If you discover a defect in
material or workmanship, you can obtain warranty service by contacting ATON at (859)-422-
7137 or [email protected]. If ATON determines that the product is in fact defective, ATON
shall, at its option, repair or replace the product free of charge to you. This warranty shall not
apply (a) to equipment not manufactured by ATON, (b) to equipment which was improperly in-
stalled, (c) which was repaired or altered by others than ATON, or its authorized representatives
or subject to unauthorized tampering, alteration, or modification, (d) damaged due to misuse,
negligence, accident, acts of God (including, but not limited to, excess moisture, insects, light-
ning, flood, electrical surge, tornado, earthquake, or other catastrophic events beyond ATON’s
control), or (e) subject to improper operation, maintenance or storage, or unreasonable use. The
foregoing warranties do not cover reimbursement for labor, transportation, removal, installation
or other expenses which may be incurred in connection with repair or replacement. The forego-
ing remedies shall be your exclusive remedies for any breach of warranty. Further, the forego-
ing warranty does not extend to equipment sold, but not manufactured by, ATON (“Third Party
Products”). With respect to any Third Party Products, the warranty for such product shall be as
provided by the manufacturer of such product, who will also be responsible for warranty service,
and ATON will pass through to you any transferable warranty actually extended to ATON by the
manufacturer.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESSED AND IM-
PLIED WARRANTIES. ATON EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. Notwithstanding the above, where applicable, if you qualify
as a “consumer” under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, then you may be entitled to any im-
plied warranties allowed by law for the Warranty Period. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied Limited Warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
ATTENTION: TO OUR VALUED CONSUMERS
Valid proof of purchase is required for all warranty services. Warranty service requests made
without proof of date of purchase will be denied. Please keep the original sales receipt for your
records and send a copy to request warranty service. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary state to state.
*ATON is a division of ELAN Home Systems, LLC.
or
P/N 9900931 REV: A
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