Russound AW70V6mk2 70V Surface Mount Indoor/Outdoor Speakers — Installation Manual

Installation Manual for the Russound AW70V6mk2 — a 70V/100V Surface Mount Indoor/Outdoor Speaker (sold as a pair), with an adjustable weatherproof tap setting switch and a 6Ω bypass option.

Overview

The AW70V6mk2 adds high-quality, custom-tailored sound for distributed audio systems using either 70V or 100V amplification. An easily adjustable weatherproof tap setting switch on the rear panel includes a bypass setting to allow use as a high-performance 6-ohm speaker. It features a 1" titanium dome tweeter combined in a ported-cabinet design with a 6.5" injection-molded polypropylene woofer, rugged enough for extreme outdoor environments.

Speaker Assembly & Bracket

The bracket has screw slots to accommodate wall, ceiling, and pole-mounted installation options. A "C-slot" bracket design allows for one-handed installation — it supports the speaker's weight until it is locked into position. Custom, easy-to-turn, weather-resistant knobs secure the bracket's attachment points.

Speaker Back Panel

• 1/4"-20 brass inserts — fit many aftermarket mounting systems (follow the aftermarket product's own directions)
• Tap Setting Knob — adjustable tap settings: 7.5W, 15W, 30W, 60W (70V); 15W, 30W, 60W (100V); or 6Ω Bypass
• Binding posts — secure speaker wire up to 12 gauge

Wiring — 70V/100V Operation

70V/100V wiring uses a single run of 2-conductor stranded wire to every speaker location (leaving a small loop, 2–3 feet, for connections and future changes), using much less and thinner wire than typical low-impedance residential wiring, even over longer runs. 70V/100V systems are typically run in mono, so only a single two-conductor wire run is necessary per speaker (unless zoning with a multi-channel amplifier).

1. At each speaker location, cut the loop of wire
2. Strip 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) off the cable jacket; strip ½ inch (1.3cm) of insulation off each wire
3. Twist the wire strands together so none are separated from the bundle
4. Connect wires to the speaker terminals observing proper polarity — red wires to the red positive (+) terminal, black wires to the black negative (–) terminal (both the incoming and outgoing wire if daisy-chaining to another speaker)
5. Check for stray strands outside the terminals; if found, remove, re-twist, and reconnect
6. At the final speaker in the chain, only the wires from the previous speaker (or amplifier) will be connected

Note: cable with a clear jacket uses copper-colored = positive, silver-colored = negative. White/black cable: white = positive (70V/100V), black = negative (COM). Same-color-wire cable may use grooves, ribs, or stripes to mark the positive wire.

Speaker Cable Length Guidance (by AWG, at 11%/21%/50% power loss)

Longer/thinner (higher AWG) runs are viable at 70V because power loss scales differently than at low impedance. Example: at 11% loss, 16 AWG supports roughly 27 ft for a 4Ω speaker vs. roughly 823 ft for a 70V speaker. See the manufacturer's full chart for all AWG/impedance combinations (available in the original PDF).

Adjusting the Tap Settings

Tap settings: 70V = 7.5W, 15W, 30W, 60W; 100V = 15W, 30W, 60W; or 6Ω bypass (disables the internal transformer). The tap setting affects overall loudspeaker volume. When designing a system, don't exceed the amplifier's power rating — standard practice is to leave 20% of the amplifier's rated power as reserve (e.g., with a 300W amplifier, total tap settings should not exceed 240W).

Most 70V/100V installs blanket an area with more speakers at a lower tap setting rather than fewer speakers at a higher setting, to avoid uneven "hot spots" of loudness.

Wiring — 6 Ohm Operation

Use Russound AW series speaker cable or a reputable 16–12 gauge multi-stranded wire for amplifier-to-speaker connections. Label wires with left, right, and location.

When using the AW70V6mk2 with a low-impedance amplifier/receiver (4Ω or 8Ω), the tap setting switch must be set to the 6Ω position — this is the only appropriate setting for low-impedance systems.

Best practices: keep speaker cable at least 12 inches (30cm) from AC power cable when run parallel (cross AC wiring at right angles if unavoidable); leave about 2 feet of cable at each end for connections; label cables by channel/location; confirm the entire path between speakers and amplifier is clear and unobstructed; consider both speaker and amplifier impedance capability if using more than one pair of speakers on the same amplifier/receiver.

Installing the Mounting Bracket

The speaker can be installed horizontally or vertically. For horizontal installs, mount with the "C" slots at the top; mount high enough outdoors that the speaker face points down toward the listening area.

On Wood

1. Use the bracket as a template to mark mounting screw locations
2. Drill pilot holes
3. For an exterior wall, apply a ring of caulk/sealant around each hole
4. Screw the bracket to the wall or surface

On a Hollow Wall

1. Use a stud finder to locate and mark wall studs
2. Mark mounting screw locations using the bracket as a template
3. Drill pilot holes for studs, or use the size recommended by the hollow-wall anchor manufacturer
4. Screw the bracket to the studs, or secure wall anchors and attach the bracket to them

On Masonry

1. Mark mounting screw locations using the bracket as a template
2. Use a masonry drill to make pilot holes for anchors
3. Insert suitable masonry anchors and attach the bracket with screws

On a Pole (up to 1" / 2.54cm inner diameter)

1. Pass two standard 5/16 x 1-3/8 x 1/2" U-bolts (5/16-18" threads) behind the pole and slide the bracket over the ends
2. Attach the bracket with lock washers and bolts, and tighten

On an In-Ground Pole

Consult local utility companies about existing buried cables/pipes/lines and any applicable building codes first.

1. Drive a 1" (2.54cm) pipe into the ground at the pre-qualified location; dig the cable trench below the frost line, using direct buried speaker cable or cable run through conduit
2. Pass two U-bolts behind the pole and slide the bracket over the ends
3. Attach the bracket with lock washers and bolts, and tighten
4. Leave about 2 feet of cable at the speaker end for connections and adjustments

Final Assembly

1. Attach the knob loosely, leaving about a 1/3" (8–10mm) gap between the knob and the speaker
2. Insert the speaker onto the mounting bracket
3. Tighten the knobs on both ends

The Russound logo on the aluminum speaker grille is rotatable for horizontal installs — lift it slightly until it can rotate, turn it to the desired orientation, then release (it springs back into position).

Speaker Care

These sealed-construction speakers need very little care. Occasionally wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh detergents, chemical solvents, or abrasive materials, and do not spray water or other liquids into the grilles.

Technical Specifications

Warranty

Guaranteed against all defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years from date of purchase. Russound will replace defective parts and correct workmanship defects without charge for parts or labor, provided the unit is installed/used per written instructions and serviced only by Russound. Does not cover damage from abuse, accident, misuse, negligence, improper installation, power surges/lightning, normal wear, or unauthorized alteration. Russound products purchased from unauthorized dealers/distributors (including unauthorized retailers, mail order, or online sellers) are not covered under warranty. Before returning a unit for repair, call Russound at (603) 659-5170 for a Return Authorization number.

Manufacturer

©2023 Russound/FMP, Inc. Russound, Inc., 200 International Drive, Suite 155, Portsmouth, NH 03801 USA. Tel: 603.659.5170. tech@russound.com — www.russound.com. Rev. 3, 04.2023.