ArtSound FL401 (pack of 2)

A 1 mm frame, a 4 mm-thick grille, a total depth of 70 mm: the FL401 belongs to ArtSound’s Flat series, a name it fully deserves. This round, two-way coaxial in-ceiling speaker incorporates the latest evolutions of the range, including work on vibration absorption and a slimmer frame. The goal is near-invisible visual integration without sacrificing sound performance.

Discretion pushed as far as the touch

The philosophy behind the Flat series is to visually erase the speaker from its surroundings. The peripheral frame, reduced to a width of just 1 mm, keeps the visual footprint to an absolute minimum once the speaker is installed. The metal grille, 4 mm thick, has a silky-feeling finish according to ArtSound. It can be painted in the color of your choice to disappear completely into a white ceiling or blend in with a custom shade.

With an outer diameter of 180 mm and a 160 mm cut-out, the FL401 remains compact. Its low weight of 950 grams per speaker makes it easy to secure in standard ceiling mounts, including lightweight suspended ceilings. The 70 mm mounting depth allows installation in relatively shallow plenums.

Coaxial configuration and balanced sound

The FL401 uses a two-way coaxial architecture: the 13 mm polycarbonate tweeter is mounted at the center of the 100 mm woofer. This configuration concentrates the sound source at a single point, promoting even dispersion and reducing comb-filtering effects related to driver spacing.

The woofer features a polypropylene cone reinforced with carbon fibers, a composite that combines lightness and rigidity for controlled mid-bass reproduction. The tweeter uses a ferrofluid system that helps with thermal management and damping of the moving assembly. According to ArtSound, this combination produces a warm sound signature with good reach throughout the room.

The frequency response ranges from 90 Hz to 20 kHz. The lower end of the spectrum is limited by the compact driver size, which makes this speaker more suitable for background music distribution or integration into a multichannel system where a subwoofer handles the very low frequencies.

Power handling and system integration

With a sensitivity of 86 dB and an impedance of 8 Ω, the FL401 is compatible with most hi-fi amplifiers and multiroom audio systems on the market. ArtSound recommends amplification between 10 and 100 W, which provides plenty of flexibility depending on your existing equipment.

The specified coverage area, under 40 m², provides a rough guideline for system design. In a typical living room or office, a pair of FL401 speakers is generally enough to ensure even coverage. For larger spaces or multiroom setups, several pairs can be distributed and driven by a multichannel amplifier such as those in the ArtSound range.

Installation designed for speed

The Flat series mounting system uses adjustment screws that clamp the speaker against the ceiling once it’s inserted into the opening. This avoids the need for separate mounting brackets and significantly speeds up installation. The grille is held in place by magnets, clips on tool-free, and can be easily removed for painting or to access the speaker.

ArtSound offers an optional MDF mounting kit (KITRO1) for installations in ceilings that require structural reinforcement. A replacement grille is also available separately.

Use cases and limitations

The FL401 naturally fits into living spaces where discreet music distribution is desired: living room, kitchen, bedroom, office. Its compact size and price also make it suitable for small-scale professional installations such as practices, small shops, or meeting rooms.

For more analytical listening or high sound pressure levels, the 100 mm woofer format imposes physical limits: bass extension remains moderate, and power handling cannot compete with larger in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. In a home cinema system, the FL401 works well as effect channels or for Dolby Atmos height channels, but it will benefit from being paired with a subwoofer for the main channels.

Technical specifications

Acoustic characteristics

• Frequency response: 90 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Coverage area: less than 40 m²

Power

• Recommended amplifier power: 10 - 100 W

Speakers

• Woofer: 100 mm carbon polypropylene
• Tweeter: 13 mm polycarbonate
• Configuration: 2-way coaxial

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions: 180 x 70 mm (diameter x depth)
• Cutout diameter: 160 mm
• Unit weight: 0.95 kg
• Shape: round

Construction

• Materials: ABS / metal grille