How Ceiling Speakers Work

Ceiling speakers are designed to be flush-mounted in suspended ceilings or architectural structures. This type of installation poses several acoustic challenges that are solved through careful engineering:

1. Coaxial configuration
   Most modern ceiling speakers use a two-way coaxial system, where the tweeter is mounted on the axis of the woofer.

   • Technical advantages:

     • Acoustic alignment between lows and highs → reduced phase distortion.

     • More uniform dispersion pattern → fewer dead zones.

     • Compact form factor → easier installation.

2. Enclosures and materials
   The use of ABS baffles and steel grilles provides a balance between lightness, durability, and aesthetics. These materials minimize unwanted vibrations and integrate into a wide range of interiors.

3. Coupling with the ceiling
   The ceiling acts as an extension of the acoustic enclosure. This can reinforce low frequencies but may also cause coloration if not properly controlled. High-quality designs optimize both the transducer and the air volume behind the diaphragm.

4. Directivity
   Unlike point-source speakers that aim for high focus, ceiling speakers are designed to provide broad and even coverage, ensuring consistent sound distribution throughout the listening area.

Key Technical Parameters

When selecting ceiling speakers for an installation, the following specifications should be considered:

• AES, continuous, and peak power
  Defines how much power the speaker can handle and the maximum sound pressure level achievable.

• Frequency response
  A wide and flat range (ideally 60 Hz – 20 kHz) ensures faithful reproduction of both music and speech.

• Sensitivity (dB SPL @ 1W/1m)
  Measures efficiency. A speaker with 91 dB sensitivity will deliver higher output than one rated at 87 dB, using the same amplifier power.

• Nominal impedance
  Determines amplifier compatibility. 8-ohm models are suited to low-impedance applications, while 16-ohm models allow multiple units to be wired in parallel without overloading the amplifier.

• 100V line compatibility
  Crucial in large distributed systems, where long cable runs and uniform sound levels are required.

• Dimensions and cutout size
  Affect ease of installation and visual impact.

Advantages of Ceiling Speakers

• Aesthetic integration: discreet appearance that blends with the architecture.

• Uniform coverage: wide dispersion prevents sound gaps or excessive hotspots.

• Scalability: multiple units can be distributed to cover large areas.

• Versatility: suitable for background music, voice reinforcement, or multiroom systems.

Tecnare Ceiling Speaker Range: CS Series

The CS Series by Tecnare is designed for fixed installations, combining high fidelity, durability, and ease of integration. The three available models respond to different needs in terms of power handling, coverage, and installation flexibility.

Tecnare CS61

• Type: 2-way coaxial ceiling speaker.

• Drivers: 6.5” fiberglass woofer with rubber surround + 20 mm silk dome tweeter.

• Power (AES/Continuous/Peak): 50 W / 100 W / 200 W.

• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz.

• Sensitivity: 89 dB.

• Impedance: 16 ohms.

• Enclosure: ABS baffle with steel grille.

• Dimensions: 235 × 160 mm; cutout 205 mm.

• Weight: 1.9 kg.

Recommended application:
Compact and efficient solution for small to medium-sized spaces, providing high-fidelity music playback and clear speech reinforcement.

Tecnare CS81

• Type: 2-way coaxial ceiling speaker.

• Drivers: 8” woofer.

• Power: 80 W (8 Ω) or 40/20/10 W on 100V line.

• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz.

• Sensitivity: 91 dB.

• Impedance: 8 ohms.

• Enclosure: ABS baffle with steel grille.

• Dimensions: 270 × 185 mm; cutout 240 mm.

• Weight: 1.9 kg.

Recommended application:
The CS81 is an excellent choice for mixed installations, as it supports both low-impedance setups and 100V distributed systems. Its higher sensitivity makes it ideal for larger spaces requiring more SPL.

Tecnare CS82

• Type: 2-way coaxial ceiling speaker.

• Drivers: 8” polyethylene woofer with rubber surround + 20 mm silk dome tweeter.

• Power (AES/Continuous/Peak): 80 W / 160 W / 320 W.

• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz.

• Sensitivity: 87 dB.

• Impedance: 16 ohms.

• Enclosure: ABS baffle with steel grille.

• Dimensions: 280 × 200 mm; cutout 248 mm.

• Weight: 2.6 kg.

Recommended application:
The CS82 is the most robust and dynamic model in the range, offering enhanced musical detail and dynamic response. It is particularly well-suited for premium installations and entertainment spaces.

Model Comparison

Conclusion

Ceiling speakers combine aesthetic integration with technical performance. Their coaxial design ensures uniform coverage and natural sound reproduction, while variations in power handling, sensitivity, and impedance allow them to adapt to a wide range of professional environments.

Within this segment, Tecnare offers three models —CS61, CS81, and CS82— that cover everything from compact background music systems to high-fidelity, high-output installations.

Thanks to their robust construction, high-quality materials, and optimized acoustic design, Tecnare ceiling speakers stand out as a reliable reference in the professional installation sector.