ArtSound FL101 (pack of 2)

A frame only one millimeter thick. With this slim profile, Belgian manufacturer ArtSound’s Flat series has established itself as a benchmark in the world of in‑ceiling speakers. The FL101 model takes this concept even further: flatter and more discreet than its predecessors, it manages to combine minimal footprint with sound quality that is perfectly adequate for medium-sized living spaces.

A profile designed to disappear into the ceiling

The FL101 features a square format of 170 × 170 mm, with a depth of just 70 mm. This compact size makes it easy to install in standard suspended ceilings, even when space above is limited. The required cutout of 148 × 148 mm remains modest, which reduces the amount of work and helps preserve the integrity of the mounting structure.

The ABS frame houses a 2-way coaxial system: the 13.3 cm woofer with carbon-reinforced polypropylene cone shares the same axis as the 1.3 cm polycarbonate dome tweeter. This coaxial arrangement promotes coherent sound dispersion regardless of listening angle, a valuable asset in rooms where people frequently move around.

Discretion as an aesthetic choice

The 1 mm peripheral frame combined with a 4 mm thick metal grille gives the FL101 an almost imperceptible visual presence once installed. The grille is held in place by a magnetic system and can be easily removed to access the driver or to be customized. It can be painted to match the ceiling color, which effectively makes the speaker disappear into the décor.

The feel of the finely meshed grille is reminiscent of a satin-like texture. This attention to finish reflects a particular focus on architectural integration, even on an entry-level model.

Sound reproduction and acoustic performance

The carbon polypropylene midbass driver offers good rigidity while maintaining a certain flexibility, contributing to a balanced sound. The tweeter benefits from ferrofluid cooling, a technique that improves heat dissipation and stabilizes the behavior of the voice coil, delivering smoother and better-controlled highs.

The frequency response ranges from 85 Hz to 20 kHz, with a sensitivity of 88 dB. These figures position the FL101 as a versatile speaker for background music, podcasts, or sound reinforcement in a living space. It does not claim to replace a dedicated hi‑fi system, but its sonic signature, described by the manufacturer as warm and full-bodied, is well-suited to extended listening at moderate volume levels.

The 8 Ω impedance and recommended amplifier power range of 10 to 100 W ensure broad compatibility with most integrated amplifiers or multiroom systems on the market. For a room under 50 m², a pair of FL101 generally provides sufficiently even coverage.

Simplified installation

ArtSound has focused on ease of installation: click-lock screws allow the speaker to be firmly secured against plasterboard or wooden panels without any special tools. The magnetic grille snaps into place in a single movement. Each unit weighs only 950 grams, which makes overhead handling easier.

The frame also incorporates a suspension system designed to absorb vibrations transmitted by the ceiling. This helps limit unwanted resonances and preserves signal clarity, even when the speaker is installed in a lightweight structure.

Versatile applications

The format and specifications of the FL101 make it suitable for many configurations: discreet sound reinforcement in a living room or kitchen, music playback in a bedroom or office, background sound in a shop or waiting room. It can also be used as an effects speaker in a home theater system, particularly for height-mounted Atmos channels.

ArtSound also offers a Bluetooth version (FL101BT) for setups without a separate amplifier, as well as a 100 V version (FL101T) for professional distributed audio networks.

Technical specifications

Acoustic characteristics

• System: 2-way coaxial
• Frequency response: 85 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 88 dB
• Impedance: 8 Ω

Speakers

• Woofer: 13.3 cm (5.25”) carbon polypropylene cone
• Tweeter: 1.3 cm (0.5”) polycarbonate dome

Electrical characteristics

• Recommended amplifier power: 10 – 100 W

Dimensions and weight

• External dimensions (H x W x D): 170 x 170 x 70 mm
• Cutout dimensions (H x W): 148 x 148 mm
• Unit weight: 0.95 kg
• Shape: square

Materials and construction

• Enclosure: ABS
• Grille: metal

General information

• Coverage area: under 50 m²