Canton Atelier InWall 11C black
Overview
With the Atelier series renewed in 2025, Canton is offering an in-wall center speaker that meets a growing demand: achieving cinema sound without making aesthetic compromises. The InWall 11C inherits the proven technologies of the German brand while adopting a format designed for media walls and installations where every centimeter counts. A 3-way, 13 kg speaker, equipped with two 174 mm drivers and passive radiators, all in less than 10 cm of depth.
A 3-way configuration in a constrained format
The InWall 11C uses a horizontal layout with two 174 mm mid-bass drivers flanking a central 25 mm tweeter. This D’Appolito configuration promotes even sound dispersion and precise voice localization, two qualities that are highly sought after in a center speaker.
The mid-bass driver cones are made of aluminum-titanium, coated with a black finish (hence the ATB name, for Aluminium Titan Black). This composite material combines rigidity and lightness, allowing for fast and controlled movements. Canton uses its Wave Surround technology here: a multi-fold surround that allows greater cone excursion without deformation. The increased excursion results in deeper bass despite the reduced cabinet volume.
The 25 mm AB (Aluminium Black) tweeter incorporates an acoustic lens that widens high-frequency dispersion. This is particularly useful in a living room where listeners are not all seated exactly on-axis with the speaker.
Two aluminum passive radiators complete the system. They take over from a traditional bass-reflex port to reinforce low-frequency presence, with a claimed response extending down to 32 Hz.
Dimensions designed for architectural integration
The speaker measures 115 cm wide, 32.5 cm high, and only 9.6 cm deep. Recessed installation requires a cavity 8.2 cm deep, making it compatible with most standard plasterboard stud walls. The required wall cutout is 111 × 28.5 cm.
The fabric front grille is magnetically attached and deliberately extends beyond the chassis dimensions. This is no accident: it hides the cutout edges, mounting clips, and any finishing imperfections around the opening. Once installed, only this fabric surface is flush with the wall. The folding-clip mounting system ensures secure fixing in various types of walls, from plasterboard to solid masonry.
The 13 kg weight is significant and requires a wall structure capable of supporting it. In a lightweight partition wall, reinforcement may be necessary.
Passive operation that requires a suitable amplifier
The InWall 11C is a passive speaker. It requires an amplifier or home cinema processor capable of delivering sufficient power. With a sensitivity of 89.5 dB (at 2.83 V / 1 m), it remains relatively easy to drive. Impedance varies between 4 and 8 ohms depending on frequency, a typical behavior for 3-way speakers.
Canton recommends the Smart Amp 5.1 S2 as a partner for this speaker, but any amplifier capable of delivering between 50 and 200 W into a 4-ohm load will be suitable. Connection is via screw terminals, accessible from the rear before installing in the wall. The cables run behind the partition, making the installation completely invisible once finished.
Documentation
Technical specifications
Acoustic performance
- Type: in-wall speaker (InWall)
- Acoustic design: 3-way, bass-reflex with passive radiator
- Power handling
- Nominal: 140 W
- Music: 200 W
- Frequency response: 32 – 40000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 – 8 ohms
- Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 89.5 dB
- Crossover frequency: 3000 Hz
Transducers
- Tweeter: 1 × 25 mm aluminum-manganese
- Mid-bass drivers: 2 × 174 mm aluminum, Wave surround
- Aluminum passive radiators for enhanced bass response
Dimensions and installation
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 115 × 32.5 × 9.6 cm
- Mounting depth: 8.2 cm
- Cutout dimensions: 22.4 × 70.4 cm
- Weight: 13.1 kg
Scope of delivery
- Atelier 1150 speaker
- InWall mounting kit
- Front decorative frame
- Documentation
General information
- High-end in-wall speaker with installation kit included
- Powerful 3-way system with passive radiators for deep bass
- High-rigidity aluminum drivers with Wave surround technology
- Aluminum-manganese tweeter for precise, detailed treble
- Discreet design with elegant decorative frame
- Ideal for home cinema, media wall, and integrated hi-fi installations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the InWall 11C be installed in a 72 mm plasterboard wall?
The required mounting depth is 8.2 cm. A standard 72 mm partition (48 mm stud + two BA13 sheets) is not sufficient. You need to use a 70 mm stud or create a protruding back box behind the wall to accommodate the speaker.
Can the fabric grille be replaced if damaged?
Yes, the magnetic grille can be removed and refitted without tools. Canton offers replacement grilles through its after-sales service. The fabric is acoustically neutral and does not affect the sound response.
What is the difference between the InWall 11C and the OnWall 11C?
The InWall 11C is recessed into the wall, with only the grille remaining visible. The OnWall 11C is mounted on the wall in a visible enclosure and offers VESA compatibility for mounting on an articulated arm. The drivers and acoustic performance are similar.
Is a subwoofer necessary with this speaker?
For cinema use, yes. Despite extension down to 32 Hz, low-frequency effects in films (explosions, rumbles) benefit from being reproduced by a dedicated subwoofer. For music or spoken content, the speaker can operate on its own.
Does installation require a professional?
In-wall installation involves cutting the wall precisely and planning cable routing before mounting. An experienced DIYer can handle the installation, but the speaker’s weight and the size of the cutout make the process more delicate than simply hanging a wall-mounted model.
Can this speaker be used in a vertical position?
No, the InWall 11C is designed for horizontal placement. The layout of its drivers optimizes sound dispersion in this orientation. For vertical use, Canton offers the InWall 11 (without the “C”), designed for left and right channels.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: 03811
- GTIN / EAN: 4010243046044