Soundtube CM500I 5.25" In Ceiling Speaker with a BroadBeam Tweeter

The SoundTube CM500I is a 5.25-inch 2-way in-ceiling loudspeaker designed for commercial distributed audio systems operating on 25 V, 70.7 V, and 100 V lines, featuring SoundTube's proprietary BroadBeam® waveguide technology for exceptional wide-area coverage. A 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer with butyl rubber surround pairs with a 1-inch convex titanium tweeter with FerroFluid cooling, mounted on a cast-aluminum baffle and heat sink that efficiently dissipates thermal energy during extended commercial operation. The BroadBeam® waveguide produces a remarkable 125° dispersion pattern, making the CM500I one of the widest-coverage in-ceiling speakers available — ideal for reducing speaker count in large open-plan areas.

Available from Creation Networks, the CM500I delivers a frequency response of 55 Hz to 22 kHz (±10 dB) and handles 75 W RMS with 86.5 dB sensitivity. The rapid-installation blind-mount fixed-wing mechanism accepts ceiling thicknesses from 6.4 mm to 48.5 mm and requires no visible hardware for a clean finished appearance. The tool-free magnetic grille assembly includes an integrated safety cable. UL 1480 (UEAY) and UL 2043 listed for plenum/air-handling space compliance. Tile bridge, conduit plate, Euroblock connector, and paint mask are included. Available in black and white finishes.

Key Features

• BroadBeam® Waveguide — 125° Coverage — Patented waveguide produces one of the widest in-ceiling dispersion patterns available, covering more floor area per speaker and reducing installation counts.
• 1" Convex Titanium Tweeter with FerroFluid Cooling — Thermally stable tweeter handles sustained high-power operation in commercial settings without compression.
• Cast-Aluminum Baffle and Heat Sink — Proprietary motor board efficiently dissipates tweeter heat, protecting driver longevity in high-ambient-temperature ceiling cavities.
• Blind-Mount Fixed-Wing Mechanism — Rapid installation without visible hardware; accepts ceilings from 6.4 mm to 48.5 mm with constant-tension design.
• Tool-Free Magnetic Grille with Safety Cable — Integrated cable prevents accidental grille drops during maintenance; no tools required for removal or reinstallation.
• UL 1480 (UEAY) & UL 2043 Listed — Plenum-rated for air-handling ceiling cavity installation; CE and RoHS compliant.
• 6-Position Tap Switch — Single SKU covers 25 V, 70.7 V, 100 V, and 8 Ω bypass for simplified ordering and inventory management.
• 75 W RMS Power Handling — Robust thermal capacity for continuous operation in commercial environments with demanding duty cycles.

Typical Applications

The CM500I's exceptionally wide 125° coverage angle makes it ideal for spaces with constrained ceiling grid layouts: open-plan offices, hospital and clinic corridors, grocery and convenience store interiors, hotel conference rooms, school and university common areas, transportation terminals, and any commercial environment where minimizing speaker count without sacrificing coverage uniformity is a design priority.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the CM500I have a 125° coverage angle when most competitors offer 100-110°?

SoundTube's BroadBeam® waveguide geometry is specifically engineered to broaden the high-frequency dispersion pattern beyond typical coaxial designs, reducing the number of speakers required to achieve even coverage across a given floor area — a direct reduction in material and labor costs.

Is the CM500I available in black?

Yes. The CM500I is available in black (CM500I-BK) and white (CM500I-WH). Both share identical specifications; the grille color differs.

What is the minimum ceiling thickness required for installation?

The fixed-wing blind-mount mechanism accommodates ceiling material as thin as 0.25 in (6.4 mm) — suitable for standard 5/8-inch drywall — up to 1.91 in (48.5 mm) for plaster or layered ceiling constructions.

Is it approved for plenum ceiling installations?

Yes. UL 1480 (UEAY) and UL 2043 listings confirm the CM500I is approved for installation in air-handling ceiling cavities under NFPA 90A requirements.

What is the tool-free magnetic grille's safety cable for?

The integrated safety cable tethers the grille to the speaker body so that it cannot fall if accidentally dislodged during maintenance, protecting workers and occupants below.

What voltage systems does it support?

The CM500I supports 25 V, 70.7 V, and 100 V distributed audio via the built-in transformer, plus an 8 Ω direct bypass. The six-position rotary switch makes field voltage selection quick and reliable.