Bose FreeSpace 3 Series II Manual

The Bose FreeSpace 3 Series II is a commercial-grade in-ceiling loudspeaker system designed for background music and paging applications in retail, hospitality, and office environments. It features a 3-inch full-range driver, weather-resistant construction (IP44 rated), paintable grille, 70V/100V/8Ω multi-tap transformer with selectable power taps, and a wide 120° conical dispersion pattern. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Audio Systems 7. Operation and Use 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3-inch full-range driver, integrated multi-tap transformer, paintable steel grille, mounting bracket, and terminal block connections.

FeatureDescription
Driver Size3-inch full-range
Transformer70V/100V/8Ω multi-tap with selectable power settings
Dispersion120° conical
Weather ResistanceIP44 rated (splash and dust resistant)
GrillePaintable steel, white finish
MountingIntegrated bracket for secure ceiling installation
Terminal BlockSpring-loaded connectors for secure wire connection
Frequency Response70Hz - 16kHz (±3dB)
Power HandlingUp to 30W continuous (70V/100V), 60W peak
ApplicationsBackground music, paging, commercial sound

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper mounting location.

  1. Cut ceiling hole: Use template provided to cut appropriate size opening.
  2. Connect audio wires: Strip wires, insert into spring-loaded terminal block (observe polarity).
  3. Set transformer taps: Select appropriate power tap (e.g., 1W, 2W, 4W, 8W, 16W, 30W) for 70V/100V systems, or use 8Ω setting.
  4. Mount speaker: Secure mounting bracket to ceiling structure, attach speaker to bracket.
  5. Attach grille: Snap grille into place after installation.

WARNING! Ensure power is off to amplifier before connecting wires. Follow local electrical codes.

First-Time Setup

After installation, configure for your audio system.

  1. Select impedance/tap: Set transformer switch to match your system (70V, 100V, or 8Ω). Choose power tap based on desired volume and system capacity.
  2. Test audio: Power on amplifier and play audio to verify operation.
  3. Adjust equalization: Use system EQ to optimize for room acoustics if needed.
  4. Paint grille (optional): If desired, paint grille to match ceiling using light coats of paint.

CAUTION! Do not exceed recommended power settings. Ensure secure mounting to prevent falling.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

No front panel controls. All settings via transformer tap selection and system amplifier.

Transformer Taps: Located on speaker terminal plate. Use small flathead screwdriver to select tap setting.

Amplifier Controls: Volume, EQ, and zone control handled by external amplifier or system controller.

System Configuration: For multi-speaker installations, calculate total load on amplifier to ensure proper operation.

Connecting to Audio Systems

Connect to 70V/100V commercial audio systems or 8Ω amplifier outputs.

  1. Turn off amplifier power before connecting.
  2. Strip 6mm (1/4 in) of insulation from speaker wires.
  3. Insert wires into spring-loaded terminals (observe polarity for 8Ω operation).
  4. Select appropriate transformer tap for your system voltage and desired power.
  5. Secure connections and tuck wires into ceiling space.

Tip: For 70V/100V systems, polarity is not critical. For 8Ω systems, maintain consistent polarity across all speakers.

Operation and Use

Designed for continuous background music and paging applications.

  1. Power on: Ensure amplifier is powered on and set to appropriate zone.
  2. Volume control: Adjust at amplifier or system controller, not at speaker.
  3. Paging: Speaker handles voice paging well with proper EQ settings.
  4. Music playback: Optimized for background music at moderate volumes.
  5. Multi-zone: Can be part of larger multi-zone audio system.

WARNING! Do not use for high-volume foreground music. Not suitable for standalone stereo pairs.

Accessibility Features

Designed for commercial installations with consideration for public accessibility.

ADA Compliance: When installed properly, does not protrude into accessible routes.

Emergency Paging: Compatible with emergency notification systems when integrated properly.

Care & Cleaning

Turn off system before cleaning. Use dry cloth only for grille; vacuum dust from driver if accessible.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or solvents. Do not remove driver for cleaning. For severe environments, periodic inspection recommended.

Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable safety and EMC regulations. CE marked for European market. IP44 rating certified. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and FreeSpace are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For technical support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Professional support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No soundPower/connectionsCheck amplifier power; verify wire connections; confirm tap setting.
Distorted soundOverpoweringReduce amplifier power; select lower power tap.
Hum or buzzGroundingCheck system grounding; ensure proper shield connection.
Low volumeTap settingSelect higher power tap; check amplifier output.
Uneven coveragePlacementReposition speakers for better overlap; adjust spacing.

Reset: No user-resettable components. Check all connections and settings.

Service: Contact Bose Professional support or authorized service center.

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