ArtSound ASW45.2 black (pack of 2)
Overview
The ASW45.2 is the entry-level model in ArtSound’s Outsiders range, a series of speakers designed to operate outdoors. This two-way speaker combines a compact form factor with IP54 certification, making it suitable for installation on a patio, by a swimming pool, or in a sauna. It features an indoor/outdoor switch that adjusts sound reproduction according to the environment.
Design and engineering: choosing discretion
The ASW45.2 sports an ABS enclosure with rounded lines, a curved profile that is not just aesthetic: this exclusive design delivers a warm sound with great clarity. The speaker’s compact dimensions (200 x 150 x 110 mm for 1.35 kg) allow it to blend into its surroundings without attracting attention.
The choice of ABS for the enclosure meets several requirements. This thermoplastic polymer offers good resistance to impacts and UV rays, two major constraints for outdoor installations. The speaker enclosure is made of ABS material, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
The protective grille, integrated into the front panel, has been designed to withstand weather conditions without impairing sound dispersion. It withstands bad weather perfectly, preventing unpleasant surprises after a few seasons of use.
Two-way acoustic configuration
The ASW45.2 incorporates a two-way system composed of a 3.5-inch woofer (about 89 mm) and a 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) tweeter. This configuration allows the workload to be split between two specialized transducers, each optimized for its frequency range.
The woofer uses a Polymica cone, a composite material combining polypropylene and mica particles. This combination offers several advantages for outdoor use: polypropylene is naturally resistant to humidity and environmental conditions, which extends the cone’s lifespan. The mica particles add rigidity without significantly increasing mass, allowing the cone to maintain piston-like behavior over a wide bandwidth.
The tweeter uses a PEI (polyetherimide) dome, a technical thermoplastic. PEI tweeters are lightweight and sound brighter than soft-dome tweeters, while generally requiring less power. This material choice delivers well-defined highs that carry far—an asset outdoors, where sound must compete with ambient noise.
The system operates in a bass-reflex configuration, a design that improves low-frequency efficiency compared to a sealed speaker of the same volume. The stated frequency response extends from 95 Hz to 20 kHz, with a sensitivity of 86 dB and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
IP54 protection: what it actually means
The ASW45.2’s IP54 certification deserves some clarification. The first digit (5) indicates partial protection against dust—not completely dust-tight like IP6X, but sufficient to prevent dust from interfering with operation. The second digit (4) means that the speaker is protected against splashing water from any direction.
In practice, IP54 is perfectly suitable for:
- Installation on a patio exposed to showers
- Mounting near a swimming pool (occasional splashes)
- Use in a sauna or steam room (ambient humidity)
- Placement in a bathroom
However, this protection does not provide any resistance to immersion. Positioning a device near the edge of a pool, bathtub, or a flood-prone area is not recommended. The speaker must also not be subjected to a direct water jet (such as cleaning with a garden hose).
Installation and recommended power
The ASW45.2 comes with a U-shaped wall bracket that allows quick mounting on most vertical surfaces. This metal bracket allows the speaker to be aimed toward the desired listening area.
On the amplification side, ArtSound recommends power between 10 and 80 W per channel at 8 ohms. The ASW45 can be used with amplifiers from 10 to 80 W per channel, the ASW55 with amplifiers from 20 to 120 W per channel, and the ASW65 with amplifiers from 20 to 140 W per channel, all with an impedance of 8 ohms. This power range makes the ASW45.2 compatible with most hi-fi amplifiers or integrated amplifiers for residential sound systems.
The stated coverage area is around 30 m², corresponding to a medium-sized patio or a small garden. The ASW series delivers stereo sound that carries much farther than a conventional speaker. The listening area is considerable. For larger spaces, it is better to opt for higher models in the range (ASW55.2 or ASW65.2) or to install several pairs of ASW45.2.
Technical specifications
Acoustic characteristics
- Configuration: 2-way system
- Woofer: 8.9 cm (3.5 inches), polymica cone
- Tweeter: 1.3 cm (0.5 inch), PEI dome
- Frequency response: 95 Hz to 20 kHz
- Recommended power: 10 to 80 W
- Sensitivity: 86 dB
- Impedance: 8 Ω
- Bass-reflex: built-in
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 200 × 150 × 110 mm
- Weight: 1.35 kg
- Cabinet: ABS with rounded lines
- Finish: ABS
Design and features
- Protection rating: IP54, weather-resistant
- Wall mount: U-bracket supplied
- Switch: indoor / outdoor toggle button
- Magnetic shielding: no
Use and applications
- Sound coverage area: up to 30 m²
- Recommended environments: terrace, garden, sauna, bathroom, swimming pool, damp areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ASW45.2 stay outside all year round?
IP54 certification protects the speaker against rain and splashes, but not against prolonged immersion or direct water jets. For permanent outdoor installation, it’s advisable to place it under an eave or pergola to reduce exposure to the harshest weather conditions. Extreme temperatures (severe frost, prolonged heatwaves) can also affect component durability over the long term.
Which amplifier should I choose to power a pair of ASW45.2?
An amplifier delivering between 10 and 80 W per channel at 8 ohms is perfectly suitable. Integrated amplifiers such as powered network players or multizone amplifiers are common options. For a simple home setup, an entry-level or mid-range hi-fi amplifier will do the job.
What is the purpose of the indoor/outdoor switch?
This selector adjusts the speaker’s sound reproduction according to its environment. In outdoor mode, the response is likely optimized to compensate for the absence of wall reflections. In indoor mode, it adapts to enclosed spaces such as saunas or bathrooms where reflections are more prevalent.
Can the ASW45.2 be installed on the ceiling?
The supplied wall mount is designed for attachment to a vertical surface. Ceiling installation would require a suitable third-party bracket. This remains technically possible, but the acoustic configuration of the speaker is optimized for wall mounting.
What type of cables should be used for connection?
Standard speaker cables (2 conductors) are sufficient. For permanent outdoor installation, choose cables designed for this use, with a jacket resistant to UV rays and humidity. The recommended cross-section depends on cable length and amplifier power, but 1.5 mm² to 2.5 mm² is suitable in most cases.
- Eco-contribution of €0.75 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 5420020102341