Bose Freespace 51 Manual

The Bose Freespace 51 is a high-performance, weather-resistant outdoor loudspeaker designed for background music and paging applications. It features a 5.25-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, delivering wide, even coverage with minimal distortion. The speaker is built with a durable, UV-resistant composite enclosure and comes with a paintable grille. 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 Devices 7. Operation Guidelines 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Weather-resistant composite enclosure, 5.25-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter, paintable grille, integrated mounting bracket.

Feature	Description
Woofer	5.25-inch high-excursion driver for deep bass response
Tweeter	1-inch pivoting design for wide, even coverage
Enclosure	UV-resistant composite, weather-resistant design
Grille	Paintable to match installation environment
Mounting Bracket	Integrated for easy wall or ceiling installation
Power Handling	100 watts continuous, 200 watts peak
Impedance	8 ohms
Frequency Response	55 Hz – 16 kHz (±3 dB)
Coverage Pattern	120° horizontal, 90° vertical
Connections	Spring-loaded terminals for secure wire connection

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a suitable location for mounting.

Select mounting location: Ensure surface is stable and can support speaker weight.
Prepare mounting surface: Mark drill holes using template provided.
Mount bracket: Secure bracket to surface using appropriate hardware.
Attach speaker: Hang speaker on bracket and secure with locking screw.
Connect wires: Use spring-loaded terminals; ensure polarity is correct.

WARNING! Speaker is heavy; use appropriate tools and hardware. Ensure all connections are secure and protected from moisture.

First-Time Setup

Connect speaker to amplifier; adjust settings for optimal performance.

Connect to amplifier: Use appropriate gauge speaker wire; match impedance.
Set amplifier output: Ensure amplifier is compatible with 8-ohm load.
Adjust equalization: Use amplifier EQ to tailor sound for environment.
Test speaker: Play audio at low volume to verify connection and sound quality.

CAUTION! Do not exceed recommended power handling. Ensure amplifier is turned off during connections.

Specifications

Driver Complement: 5.25-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter.
Power Handling: 100 watts continuous, 200 watts peak.
Impedance: 8 ohms.
Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 16 kHz (±3 dB).
Sensitivity: 89 dB SPL (1 watt at 1 meter).
Coverage Pattern: 120° horizontal, 90° vertical.
Enclosure Material: UV-resistant composite.
Dimensions: 10.5" H x 8.5" W x 8.75" D (267 mm x 216 mm x 222 mm).
Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg).
Operating Temperature: -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 65°C).

Controls and Settings

No onboard controls; all adjustments made via connected amplifier or source device.

Amplifier Settings: Volume, equalization, crossover (if used).

Source Device: Audio level, tone controls, playlist management.

Mounting Adjustment: Pivoting tweeter allows aiming for optimal coverage.

Connecting Devices

Connect speaker to amplifier using speaker wire.

Turn off amplifier before connecting.
Strip wire ends: 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation.
Connect to terminals: Press spring lever, insert wire, release lever.
Ensure polarity: Match positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on amplifier and speaker.
Secure wire: Route wire safely to avoid damage or tripping hazard.

Tip: Use weather-resistant conduit for outdoor runs. Keep connections dry.

Operation Guidelines

Designed for continuous background music and occasional paging.

Power on: Turn on amplifier and source device.
Adjust volume: Set appropriate level for environment.
Monitor performance: Listen for distortion or clipping.
For paging: Use compatible mixer or paging adapter for clear announcements.
Shutdown: Turn off amplifier when not in use to conserve power.

WARNING! Do not operate at levels causing continuous distortion. This can damage speaker.

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility features integrated. Audio clarity and wide coverage assist in public address applications.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug amplifier before cleaning speaker. Use soft, damp cloth only; no harsh chemicals or abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not spray water directly into grille or terminals. Keep enclosure free of debris.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound	Amplifier off / wiring	Turn on amplifier; check wire connections and polarity.
Distorted sound	Overdriven amplifier	Reduce amplifier volume; check for clipping.
Intermittent sound	Loose wire connection	Check and secure spring terminal connections.
Reduced bass	Wire gauge too small	Use thicker speaker wire for long runs.
Water ingress	Damaged seal	Inspect enclosure and grille; ensure proper installation.

Reset: Check amplifier settings; ensure proper impedance matching.

Service: Contact Bose Customer Service or authorized service center.