Canton Atelier InWall 5 black

A speaker that disappears into the wall while delivering authentic hi-fi reproduction. The Atelier InWall range from Canton uses the ATB (Aluminium Titanium Black) drivers developed for the German manufacturer’s hi-fi series and integrates them into a format designed exclusively for architectural installation, with an installation depth of just 75 mm.

A 2-way chassis with passive radiator to compensate for the lack of volume

The ultra-slim format imposes obvious physical constraints on the enclosure volume. Canton addresses this with a bass-reflex configuration assisted by a 128 mm passive radiator, identical in diameter to the active driver. This radiator shares the same ATB diaphragm and the same multi-fold Wave surround as the woofer, allowing it to boost low-frequency energy without needing a port and without introducing air turbulence. The response extends down to 40 Hz, which is respectable for a speaker of this size.

The mid/bass driver uses a composite aluminium-titanium (ATB) diaphragm that increases rigidity without adding weight to the moving assembly. This technology, inherited from the GLE S2 series, provides better power handling and reduces coloration in the midrange. The 25 mm AB tweeter uses an aluminium dome coupled to a wave lens integrated directly into the front plate. This waveguide improves dispersion and broadens the listening area, an advantage in rooms where listeners are not always facing the speakers.

Installation designed for full integration

The InWall 5 breaks with the hybrid OnWall/InWall approach of previous Atelier models (300, 500, 700). Here, the speaker is not designed to be mounted on a wall: it is for in-wall installation only. The mounting system uses spring clips integrated into the chassis. You cut the opening (170 × 520 mm), insert the speaker, and the clamps grip the wall from behind. The supplied mounting kit includes the necessary screws and templates.

The acoustically neutral fabric grille is noteworthy. Canton has deliberately oversized it (220 × 570 mm) so that it extends well beyond the edges of the cutout. The result: cutting imperfections, fixings, and transitions between the speaker and the wall disappear completely. Only a taut fabric rectangle remains visible, with no visible frame, held in place by magnets. You can remove and replace this grille without tools.

The speaker is suitable for both stud walls (plasterboard) and solid walls, provided a sufficient rear volume is available. The total depth excluding the grille is 75 mm; with the grille, it rises to 81 mm.

Balanced sound rather than showmanship

With a sensitivity of 89 dB (2.83 V / 1 m), the InWall 5 does not require excessive power. An amplifier capable of delivering 50 to 100 W into 4–8 ohms will be sufficient in most setups. Canton notably recommends the Smart Amp 5.1, its compact multichannel amplifier that can drive up to six passive speakers in a 5.1 configuration.

The stated frequency range (40 Hz – 40 kHz) and the 3000 Hz crossover frequency put the tweeter in charge over a wide part of the musical spectrum. This distribution leaves the lower midrange transients to the woofer, a critical area for vocal and instrumental clarity. The built-in crossover is not adjustable.

Possible uses and configurations

The InWall 5 can serve several roles. As a stereo pair, it is suitable for rooms where space must be kept to a minimum. As rear or side surround speakers in a home cinema system, its visual discretion preserves the room’s aesthetics. It can also be integrated into media furniture or technical partition walls.

For multichannel installations, Canton offers the InWall 5 C, a horizontally oriented center version with two ATB drivers instead of one, and the InWall 11, a larger model with two 128 mm woofers for front channels that require more energy. All three models share the same aesthetics and transducer technologies.

One limitation to note: the InWall 5 has no level or tone controls. All adjustments are made at the amplifier or processor level. In acoustically challenging rooms, external treatment or equalization may be necessary.

Technical specifications

Acoustic and electrical characteristics

• Type: in-wall speaker
• Design: 2-way, bass-reflex
• Nominal / music power: 70 / 140 W
• Frequency response: 40…40000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3000 Hz
• Impedance: 4…8 Ω
• Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 89 dB

Drivers

• 1 × 128 mm ATB mid-bass (black aluminum titanium), Wave surround
• 1 × 128 mm ATB passive radiator (black aluminum titanium), Wave surround
• 1 × 25 mm AB tweeter (black aluminum)

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D) without grille: 170 × 520 × 75 mm
• Dimensions (W × H × D) with grille: 220 × 570 × 81 mm
• Weight: 4 kg

General information

The Atelier InWall 5 can be easily integrated into the wall using the supplied mounting kit. It protrudes only a few centimeters from the wall surface, providing an almost invisible sound experience, with only the frameless fabric grille remaining visible. Despite its discreet appearance, the Atelier InWall 5 is a fully fledged hi-fi speaker and delivers a powerful soundstage.