Outdoor Living Foundation 8.1 - Speaker Martin Logan - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Outdoor Music Speaker System
Brand	Martin Logan
Model	Outdoor Living Foundation 8.1
Category	Speaker
Number of Satellite Speakers	8
Number of Subwoofers	1 in-ground subwoofer
Recommended Coverage	2000 to 3000 square feet
Satellite Impedance	32 ohms each (8 ohms per channel with 4 in parallel)
Subwoofer Impedance	8 ohms per channel
Total System Impedance	8 ohms nominal per channel (stereo configuration)
Enclosure Material	UV-treated ABS plastic and high-density polyethylene
Power	External amplifier (stereo 8 ohms or mono 4 ohms)
Key Features	Even outdoor sound distribution, weather-resistant, in-ground installation
System Contents	8 speakers with stakes, 1 subwoofer with dome, 20 silicone wire connectors
Required Components (not included)	Burial-rated speaker cable (18 to 12 gauge depending on distance)
Required Tools	Shovel, wire cutters
Care and Cleaning	Clean with a soft dry cloth; avoid abrasive products
Safety	Do not use a hammer for installation; avoid any short circuit between wires
Warranty	3 years (manufacturing defects and materials)
Repairability	Contact an authorized Martin Logan dealer; do not open yourself

Frequently Asked Questions - Outdoor Living Foundation 8.1 Martin Logan

What is the sound coverage of the Outdoor Living Foundation 8.1 system?

The system is designed to cover an outdoor area of 2000 to 3000 square feet (approximately 185 to 280 m²) with even sound distribution.

What amplifier should I use with this system?

Use a stereo 8-ohm amplifier for stereo configuration or a mono 4-ohm amplifier for mono configuration. The total system impedance is approximately 8 ohms per channel in stereo.

How do I install the speakers in the ground?

Manually push the ground stakes into the soil. Do not use a hammer to avoid damaging the speakers. Ensure the cable trench is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep.

What type of burial-rated cable is recommended?

Use a 4-conductor burial-rated cable for stereo installation or a 2-conductor cable for mono installation. The gauge depends on distance: 18 up to 30 m, 16 up to 45 m, 14 up to 61 m, 12 up to 122 m.

How do I connect the speakers to each other?

Use the provided silicone-filled wire connectors. Combine wires of the same color (red with red, black with black, etc.) and twist them together before inserting into the connector. Ensure no bare wires touch each other to avoid short circuits.

Is the system weather-resistant?

Yes, the speakers are made of UV-treated ABS plastic and high-density polyethylene, designed to withstand outdoor conditions. The in-ground subwoofer is also protected.

How do I maintain the speakers?

Clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Avoid abrasive chemical products. Check connections after severe weather.

What should I do if the sound is distorted or weak?

Check that the amplifier is not clipping (volume too high). Immediately lower the volume if you hear distortion. Insufficient amplifier power can cause damage.

What is the warranty for the Outdoor Living Foundation 8.1 system?

The warranty is 3 years from the original purchase date, covering manufacturing defects and materials. It is non-transferable and does not cover abuse damage or commercial use.

Can I add a second system to cover a larger area?

Yes, for areas over 3000 square feet, you can use multiple systems. Additional amplification may be needed; consult your Martin Logan dealer.

USER MANUAL Outdoor Living Foundation 8.1 Martin Logan

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OUTDOOR LIVING ^TM SERIES

by MARTIN LOGAN®

Register your warranty online at www.MartinLogan.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview....3

Outdoor Living ^™ Foundation Music System ..... 3

Contents of the System 3

Additional Required Components (Sold Separately) . . . 3

Required Tools 3

Power 3

Planning the System Layout .... 4

Cable Recommendations .... 5

Installation Considerations .... 5

Wiring & Speaker Installation ..... 6

Stereo Setup Using 4 Conductor Burial Cable & Amplifier (Option 1) 6

Stereo Setup Using 4 Conductor Burial Cable & Amplifier (Option 2) 7

Mono Setup Using 2 Conductor Burial Cable & Amplifier (Option 3) 8

Preparing the 4 Conductor Burial Cable (For Stereo Setup) 9

Preparing the 2 Conductor Burial Cable (For Mono Setup)....10

Attaching Ground Stake to Speaker & Installation . . . 11

Cable Connections from Speaker to RED (+) and BLACK (−) Burial Cable 12

Cable Connections from Speaker to WHITE (+) and GREEN (−) Burial Cable 12

Cable Connections from Subwoofer to Burial Cable. . . . 13

Test System 14

To Avoid Speaker Damage....14

Listening Outdoors....14

Limited Warranty....15

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OVERVIEW

MartinLogan Outdoor Living™ Foundation Music System

The MartinLogan Outdoor Living Foundation Music System includes 8 premium all-season outdoor speakers and 1 all-season in-ground subwoofer ideal for backyards ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft.

Made of durable UV treated ABS plastic and thick high-density polyethylene, the Outdoor Living Foundation Music System can endure the elements while providing years of trouble-free service.

While installation is relatively easy, MartinLogan's Outdoor Living Foundation Music System is designed to be installed by your authorized MartinLogan dealer.

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WARNING!

- ACCOUNT FOR POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL, GAS, BURIED CABLES, PLUMBING OR OTHER OBSTACLES BEFORE DIGGING.

- MANY LOCALITIES FORBID DIGGING WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION. CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES BEFORE INSTALLATION.

- READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING.

Contents of the System:

• (8) Speakers with Mounting Stakes
• (1) In-Ground Subwoofer with Canopy
• (20) Silicone-Filled Wire Connectors

Additional Required Components (Sold Separately):

• Burial Speaker Cable
• Wire Ties (Optional)

Required Tools:

• Shovel
• Cable Strippers

Power

Any 8 ohm stereo amplifier (for Stereo Setup) or Any 4 ohm mono amplifier (for Mono Setup)

The MartinLogan Outdoor Living Foundation Music System is designed to deliver seamless, and evenly distributed sound coverage in an 'open air' environment. The following illustration shows how a daisy chain of satellite speakers and a subwoofer should be strategically placed to create even, balanced coverage around the outdoor environment. The satellite speakers should be spaced from 6 to 10 feet (2.4 - 3 meters) apart for optimal coverage. With a tighter spacing, more satellites will be required to fill out an area, but with the advantage of more consistent coverage and volume levels across the intended entertainment area.

To achieve the best balance between the satellites and subwoofer, the subwoofer should be placed as close to the center of the satellites as possible. Keep in mind that this

is simply a suggestion and that your unique environment may dictate otherwise. If more bass is desired, placing the subwoofer near a wall or other solid surface will greatly reinforce the low bass frequencies.

Checklist:

□ Identify the location.
☐ Determine the positioning of the satellite speakers and subwoofer.
☐ Dig the trench according to satellite speakers and subwoofer to be installed.
☐ The trench should be 6" - 8" deep.

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CABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

We strongly recommend using burial-rated cable (not included) when installing the Outdoor Living Foundation Music System. In addition, it's critical to use the proper speaker cable gauge. Please review the chart below.

CABLE GAUGE CHART

Cable Gauge Distance

18 Gauge Up to 100 feet (30 meters)

16 Gauge Up to 150 feet (45 meters)

14 Gauge Up to 200 feet (61 meters)

12 Gauge Up to 400 feet (122 meters)

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

There are a few considerations before you start digging a trench:

• Ensure that your ENTIRE system is tested prior to installation.
• Ensure that the proposed area is easily accessed and that the area is not prone to flooding, standing water or where the speakers and subwoofer can be easily damaged, kicked or struck.
• Consider overall landscape/garden design and positioning in relation to the listening area.

WIRING & INSTALLATION

The satellite speakers included in this system individually present a 32 ohm load to the amplifier. When 4 of them are connected on each amplifier channel in parallel, the load to the amplifier is approximately 8 ohms. The nominal impedance of the subwoofer is 8 ohms per channel. The satellites and subwoofer feature optimized internal crossovers so that the subwoofers impedance is not combined with the satellites. The overall load presented to your amplifier by the combined system of 8 satellites and 1 subwoofer will be around 8 ohms nominal per channel. With these considerations in mind, multiple system wiring possibilities are possible. The following diagrams are simple, and safe examples of wiring the system to a traditional 8 ohm stereo amplifier. If using an alternative wiring or amplification configuration, please take care to ensure that the impedance presented to your amplifier is within its published specifications. Failure to adhere to the above guidance could result in damage to the speakers and/or the amplifier which MartinLogan will not take responsibility for and will not be covered under warranty.

Stereo Setup Using 4 Conductor Burial Cable & Amplifier (Option 1)

8 Ohm Stereo 2-Channel Amplifier 4 Conductor Burial Wire Green White Book Red Left Left Left Left Left & Right Left & Right Right Right Right Right

NOTE: If using the MartinLogan MP500 Amplifier:
Use DSP Preset 5 =
Starting with switch #2 (Down, Down, Up, Down, Up)
NOTE: This configuration is for a row of 4x Left Channel Speakers and a row of 4x Right Channel Speakers with the subwoofer placed in between. The above diagram is for illustration purposes only. If you wish to wire the subwoofer in a different location, feel free to wire it in line with the speakers wherever is the most convenient for you. As long as you have 4x speakers and 1x voice coil of the subwoofer per amplifier channel, it does not matter the order in which they are wired together.

WIRING & INSTALLATION (CONT'D)

Stereo Setup Using 4 Conductor Burial Cable & Amplifier (Option 2)

4 Conductor Burial Wire Green White Black Rod Left Right Left Right Left & Right Left & Right Left Right Left Right

NOTE: If using the MartinLogan MP500 Amplifier:
Use DSP Preset 5 =
Starting with switch #2 (Down, Down, Up, Down, Up)
NOTE: This configuration is for alternating stereo pairs of speakers with the subwoofer placed in between. The wiring is essentially identical to "Option 1" with only the order/placement of the speakers and subwoofer changing. The above diagram is for illustration purposes only. If you wish to wire the subwoofer in a different location, feel free to wire it in line with the speakers wherever is the most convenient for you. As long as you have 4x speakers and 1x voice coil of the subwoofer per amplifier channel, it does not matter the order in which they are wired together.

Mono Setup Using 4 Conductor Burial Cable & Amplifier (Option 3)

4 Ohm Mono 1 Channel Amplifier NOTE: *If using the MartinLogan MP500 Amplifier: Use DSP Preset 6 = Starting with switch #2 [Down, Down, Up, Up, Down,] MP500 will be in Bridged Mono mode. Follow the markings on the MP500 to ensure proper wiring polarity while in Bridged Mode. Mono Mono Mono Mono Mono Mono Mono Mono Mono Mono 2 Conductor Burial Wire Block Red NOTE: This configuration is for mono operation. This means the output of each speaker will be the same (all speakers play a combination of Left and Right). This is ideal for providing even and consistent coverage across your space. The above diagram is for illustration purposes only. If you wish to wire the subwoofer in a different location, feel free to wire it in line with the speak- ers wherever is the most convenient for you. As long as you follow the subwoofer wiring illustra- tion shown here, it does not matter where in the line of speakers it is wired in. To Sub To Adjoining Amp, Sub or Speaker To Adjoining, Sub or Speaker

WIRING & INSTALLATION (CONT'D)

Preparing the 4 Conductor Burial Cable (For Stereo Setup)

1. Starting with the first speaker and every speaker/sub that comes after, create a loop approximately 6" in length.

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1. Recommended: Use a wire tie (not included) to keep the wire loop intact and it will act as a strain relief.

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1. Use a round cable stripper to remove the outside protective cable jacket to expose the four color-coded wires. Separate the wire loops as shown.

red (+) & black (-) white (+) & green (-)

1. Cut the red (+) and black (-) OR white (+) and green (-) wires with cable strippers and strip off 1 inch (25.4 mm) of insulation to expose the bare wire conductor.

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Preparing the 2 Conductor Burial Cable (For Mono Setup)

1. Starting with the first speaker and every speaker/sub that comes after, create a loop approximately 6" in length.

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1. Recommended: Use a wire tie (not included) to keep the wire loop intact and it will act as a strain relief.

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1. Use a round cable stripper to remove the outside protective cable jacket to expose the two color-coded wires. Separate the wire loops as shown.

red (+) black (-)

1. Cut the red (+) and black (-) wires with cable strippers and strip off 1 inch (25.4mm) of insulation to expose the bare wire conductor.

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WIRING & INSTALLATION (CONT'D)

Attaching Ground Stake to Speaker & Installation

1. Thread the speaker's wiring down through the ground stake and out of the wiring hole as shown.

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1. To attach the speaker to the ground stake, hand thread the speaker to the ground stake.

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1. By hand, push the speaker assembly into the ground. CAUTION: DO NOT use a hammer.

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1. The speaker is now installed. The next step is wiring, go to the next page for instructions.

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Cable Connections from Speaker to RED (+) AND BLACK (-) Burial Cable

Before you start wiring, please refer to the wiring setup options on pages 6 to 8. Combine and twist (clockwise) the Red wire (as shown in the diagram) from a speaker or subwoofer to the Red wires from the burial cable. Secure these three wires using the provided silicone-filled wire connector; Repeat this procedure for the Black wires. NOTE: You may have to cut some of the speaker cable emanating from the speaker to a more manageable size.

To Speaker To Adjoining Amp, Sub or Speaker To Adjoining, Sub or Speaker

Cable Connections from Speaker to WHITE (+) AND GREEN (-) Burial Cable

Before you start wiring, please refer to the wiring setup options on pages 6 to 8. Combine and twist (clockwise) the Red wire (as shown in the diagram) from a speaker or subwoofer to the White wires from the burial cable. Secure these three wires using the provided silicone-filled wire connector; Repeat this procedure for the Black and Green wires. NOTE: You may have to cut some of the speaker cable emanating from the speaker to a more manageable size.

To Speaker To Adjoining Amp, Sub or Speaker To Adjoining, Sub or Speaker

WIRING & INSTALLATION (CONT'D)

Cable Connections from Subwoofer to Burial Cable

Before you start wiring, please refer to the wiring setup options on pages 6 to 8. Combine and twist (clockwise) the Red wire (as shown in the diagram) from a speaker or subwoofer to the Red wires from the burial cable. Secure these three wires using the provided silicone-filled wire connector; Repeat this procedure for the Black, Green and White wires. NOTE: You may have to cut some of the speaker cable emanating from the subwoofer to a more manageable size.

To Sub To Adjoining Amp, Sub or Speaker To Adjoining, Sub or Speaker

TEST SYSTEM

After all satellites and subwoofer connections are completed, connect the wires to your receiver or amplifier.

IMPORTANT: Be sure not to let any stray '+' and '-' strands touch each other. Touching strands will cause a short circuit that could damage your amplifier.

Turn your receiver or amplifier 'On' and test the system with your favorite music. If your system is operating properly, refill the wire trench and enjoy your new speakers.

TO AVOID SPEAKER DAMAGE

Contrary to popular belief, most speaker damage and distortion occurs from using an amplifier with too little power. The more available power an amplifier has, the higher the threshold becomes before clipping occurs (outputting damaging distortion), effectively raising the useable volume of the system. Of course, going overboard with power can allow the listener to exceed the mechanical limits of the speakers and result in speaker damage and distortion. However, when used appropriately, a more powerful amplifier can reduce the risk of distortion or speaker damage as the amplifier will be able to continuously operate within

its intended "safe range" during normal playback of the system.

If your speakers begin to sound harsh or grating, or if you hear the bass breaking up, turn the volume down immediately or you will damage your speakers! This type of damage constitutes abuse and is not covered under warranty.

Tone controls and equalizers can demand even more power from an amplifier, lowering the point at which it produces clipping distortion. Use them sparingly, if at all,

LISTENING OUTDOORS

For areas larger than 3,000 sq. ft., we recommend using multiple MartinLogan Outdoor Living Foundation systems. Please note that powering multiple Outdoor Living Foundation systems may require additional amplification to properly integrate. Please consult your dealer for guidance on amplifier capability and selection. Using more speakers ensures that sound is not only more evenly distributed, but

also allows the system to be more easily heard at lower listening levels. By doing this, demand on the amplifier is reduced and neighbors are not disturbed. Think of it this way: When lighting a large outdoor area, using multiple floodlights on a dimmer set to a low setting is far more effective than using a single floodlight with the dimmer set to high.

LIMITED WARRANTY

The MartinLogan® Outdoor Living Foundation Music System is warranted to be and remain free of manufacturing and/or material defects for a period of three (3) years from the date of original purchase. Within the time period specified, repair, replacement or adjustment of parts for manufacturing and/or material defects will be free of charge to the original owner. Thermal or mechanical abuse/misuse is not covered under warranty.

Limitations:

• Warranty begins on date of original retail purchase from an Authorized MartinLogan® Dealer only. It is not transferable.
• Warranty applies to product in normal residential use only. If product is subjected to any of the conditions outlined in the next section, warranty is void.
• Warranty does not apply if the product is used in professional or commercial applications.
• Warranty also excludes normal cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental conditions.

Warranty is Void if:

• The product has been abused (intentionally or accidentally).
• The product has been used in conjunction with unsuitable or faulty equipment.
• The product has been subjected to damaging signals, derangement in transport, mechanical damage or any abnormal conditions.
• The product (including cabinet) has been tampered with or damaged by an unauthorized service facility.
• The serial number has been removed or defaced.

Owner Responsibilities:

• Provide normal/reasonable operating care and maintenance.
• Provide or pay for transportation charges for product to service facility.
• Provide proof of purchase (your sales receipt given at time of purchase from your Authorized MartinLogan® Dealer must be retained for proof-of-purchase date).

Should servicing be required, contact your nearest Authorized MartinLogan ^® Dealer, MartinLogan Ltd. or Import Distributor (outside the U.S. and Canada) to arrange, bring in or ship prepaid, any defective unit. Visit our website, www.martinlogan.com for more information.

Martinlogan Ltd. reserves the right to improve the design of any product without assuming any obligation to modify any product previously manufactured.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, of merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose and may not be extended or enlarged by anyone. In no event shall MartinLogan Ltd., their agents or representatives be responsible for any incidental or consequential damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

Retain this manual and your sales receipt for proof of warranty term and proof of purchase.

NOTES

NOTES

OUTDOOR LIVING™

FOUNDATION

SUB 8

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SÉRIE OUTDOOR LIVING

par MARTIN LOGAN®

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AVERTISSEMENT

- TENIR COMPTE DES ÉVENTUELS OBSTACLES ÉLECTRIQUES, DE GAZ, DE CÂBLES ENTERRÉS, DE PLOMBERIE OU AUTRES AVANT DE CREUSER.

- DE NOMBREUSES LOCALITÉS INTERDISENT DE CREUSER SANS NOTIFICATION PRÉALABLE. CONTACTEZ LES AUTORITÉS LOCALES AVANT L'INSTALLATION.

- LISEZ ET SUIVEZ TOUTES LES INSTRUCTIONS AVANT DE COMMENCER L'INSTALLATION.

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RECOMMANDATIONS POUR LE CÂBLAGE

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BRANCHEMENTS ET INSTALLATION (SUITE)

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Diagram of a fish being inserted into a boat using a hook, with an arrow indicating direction (no text or symbols)

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