The IWS-10 is Monitor Audio's dedicated in-wall subwoofer driver, designed for custom installation in wall, ceiling, or floor locations. It sits within the Custom Install range alongside the IWA-250 installation amplifier and the IWB-10 sealed back box, forming a complete in-wall bass solution when combined. As a passive driver, it requires an external amplifier — the IWA-250 is the natural companion, though any suitably rated amplifier will work.
RDT Driver Technology
The IWS-10 uses a flat 10″ (250 mm) diaphragm constructed from Monitor Audio's RDT (Rigid Diaphragm Technology) material. RDT applies ultra-thin skins of C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) alloy to a core of honeycomb Nomex, creating a sandwich structure that is both exceptionally light and remarkably rigid. This technology is derived from Monitor Audio's Platinum series of high-end loudspeakers. The resulting diaphragm behaves as a true piston across its operating bandwidth, resisting the bending modes that compromise conventional cone drivers at higher excursions.
Motor System
A 50 mm voice coil with a black anodised former provides the motor force, delivering ±10 mm of linear excursion. The large vented pole piece helps move air quickly behind the diaphragm, reducing power compression and improving heat dissipation under sustained high-output conditions. The driver handles 150 W RMS and achieves a sensitivity of 86 dB (1W @ 1m), with a maximum SPL of 109.8 dB from a single unit or 115.8 dB from a pair.
Installation and Mounting
The IWS-10 uses Monitor Audio's patented Tri-Grip clamping system — four dog-leg fixings that draw the driver securely against the mounting surface from behind. This provides a more consistent and reliable fit than conventional toggle or spring-clip mechanisms, and simplifies the installation process. The cut-out required is 280 × 280 mm with a mounting depth of 89.98 mm, making it suitable for standard stud walls. Overall dimensions including the frame are 302 × 302 × 92.28 mm.
A magnetically attached, removable grille is included. Both the grille and the frame edge are paintable, allowing the IWS-10 to be finished to match the surrounding décor. With the grille fitted, the overall dimensions are 314.21 × 314.21 × 100.78 mm.
System Integration
For optimal performance, Monitor Audio recommends pairing the IWS-10 with the IWB-10 sealed back box, which has an internal volume of 24 litres and is designed to fit between standard 14″ stud spacing. The sealed enclosure provides a controlled acoustic load, extending the low-frequency response to 28 Hz. Without a back box, the driver can still be used in free-air wall installations, though bass extension and quality will vary depending on the cavity volume behind the mounting surface.
Connections are via gold-plated push-type terminals, and the entire assembly is constructed from mineral-filled ABS plastic (RoHS2 compliant). At 3.8 kg, the driver is light enough for straightforward ceiling or wall mounting without additional structural reinforcement.
| Driver Size | 10″ (250 mm) |
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| Cone Technology | RDT — C-CAM/Nomex honeycomb sandwich |
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| Frequency Response | 28 Hz – 120 Hz (optimum enclosure) |
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| Sensitivity | 86 dB (1W @ 1m) |
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| Maximum SPL | 109.8 dB (single) / 115.8 dB (pair) |
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| Power Handling | 150 W RMS |
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| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
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| Voice Coil | 50 mm with black anodised former |
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| Excursion | ±10 mm |
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| Connections | Gold-plated push-type terminals |
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| Mounting System | 4-position Tri-Grip dog-leg fixings |
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| Cut-Out Dimensions | 280 × 280 mm |
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| Mounting Depth | 89.98 mm |
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| Overall Dimensions | 302 × 302 × 92.28 mm |
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| Overall Dimensions (with Grille) | 314.21 × 314.21 × 100.78 mm |
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| Weight | 3.8 kg |
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| Construction | Mineral-filled ABS plastic (RoHS2 compliant) |
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| Grille | Magnetic, trimless, paintable |
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