Beale Street Audio ICS6-MB & ICS8-MB In-Ceiling Subwoofer Overview

[HTKamikazee]

With the arrival of new audio formats, in-wall & in-ceiling speakers are getting more attention from customers all around the globe. Another benefit of these speakers is their elegant and convenient aesthetics. I know a lot of people with in-wall/ceiling speakers and they are very happy with the results, not to mention better looks and more free space. Last year, Beale Street Audio which is a company not much talked about on AV forums, announced the arrival of their first pair of in-ceiling subwoofers - yes, I said in-ceiling subwoofers. Meet the ICS6-MB (6.5-inch) & ICS8-MB (8-inch) In-Ceiling Subwoofers.

These subwoofers feature Beale Street's Sonic Vortex technology which is a tight grooved/wave housing that surrounds the Subwoofer driver assembly.

Wondering how the Sonic Vortex works? Let me explain. Air is pushed by the driver driver through the surrounding groove/wave structure. The groove/wave structure has small exit ports surrounding the front of the driver where the vortex assembly is located. This assembly is sealed by a tight outer container that reduce vibration and stops air from escaping into the internal structure of the ceiling or walls. According to the company, this technology prevents structural damage to the wall or ceiling where it is located. Another thing to note is that both ICS6 & ICS8 designs are passive, so you will need to use an external amplifier to power them.

This is what Jim Murray (founder of Beale Street Audio) had to say about this design:
“I’ve seen in-ceiling subwoofers literally crumble drywall during movie scenes with heavy and rapid low frequency effects, due to the excessive motion of the driver. By controlling the speed and motion of air through a speaker enclosure, we found that you can create incredibly powerful and articulate bass without requiring movement that can damage its surroundings."

What do you think, guys? Are you willing to try them?

FEATURES:
Woven Kevlar Woofer.
High Efficiency Voice Coil.
Bass Efficient Motor Structure.
Butyl Rubber Surround (the area between the drive and circular frame that allows the speaker cone to move in and out).
Sonic Vortex Ported Transmission Line Enclosure.

ICS6 SUBWOOFER SPECIFICATIONS:

• Driver size: 6.5-inches
• Frequency Response: 42Hz - 300Hz
• Sensitivity 90db
• Grill Color: White
• Grill Type: Magnetic Bezelless
• Connector Type: Gold Spring Push Terminals
• Weight: 7.10 lbs
• Cutout: 8.4-inches
• Diameter: 9.4-inches
• Depth: 6.8-inches

ICS8 SUBWOOFER SPECIFICATIONS:

• Driver size: 8-inches
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz - 300Hz
• Sensitivity: 90db
• Grill Color: White
• Grill Type: Magnetic Bezelless
• Connector Type: Gold Spring Push Terminals
• Weight: 8.38 lbs
• Cutout: 10.3-inches
• Diameter: 11.3-inches
• Depth: 8.6-inches

I don't know about you, but I think they are interesting. What do you say?

 

[shadyJ]

I don't really understand how this air vortex technology is reducing vibrations? Anyway, aren't in-wall and in-ceiling subs usually screwed into the studs? I can't believe anyone would mount a subwoofer driver in free drywall.

 

[HTKamikazee]

I don't really understand how this air vortex technology is reducing vibrations? Anyway, aren't in-wall and in-ceiling subs usually screwed into the studs? I can't believe anyone would mount a subwoofer driver in free drywall.

I know what you mean. Although it is a very interesting design, I have that same question. Maybe some day we'll get our hands on some demo units to find out more about them.

 

[TheoN]

I don't really understand how this air vortex technology is reducing vibrations? Anyway, aren't in-wall and in-ceiling subs usually screwed into the studs? I can't believe anyone would mount a subwoofer driver in free drywall.

@shadyJ, in answer to your question, I received this response from Mark Cichowski, executive director, Beal Street Audio:

"To be clear, yes in-ceiling subwoofers are usually screwed into studs or mounted within large backboxes for additional bracing. The traditional architectural subwoofer design forces air to flow through a single opening which can increase the amount of driver movement and ultimately shake the speaker enclosure enough to damage drywall. Because Sonic Vortex subwoofers have multiple ports, it balances the air flow so you have less driver motion and less energy being transferred to the cabinet, so the subwoofers can, in most scenarios, be mounted directly into free drywall."

I hope that helps answer your question.

 

[shadyJ]

I see, thanks for the info.