AM-1 Weatherproof Outdoor Speakers: Superior Sound in Any Season

The AM-1 Weatherproof outdoor speakers offers a unique combination of high-quality sound and supreme flexibility. Articulate, exciting and powerful, AM-1 avoids the compromises commonly associated with versatile, all-weather monitors, and delivers all the performance expected of a Bowers & Wilkins loudspeaker.

A two-way design, AM-1 Weatherproof outdoor speakers feature an inverted drive unit configuration, with a 25mm aluminium-dome tweeter mounted below rather than above a 5inch glass-fibre bass/midrange driver. This ensures optimal dispersion of sound when the speaker is mounted high on the wall. AM-1’s low-frequency output is bolstered by the use of a rear-mounted auxiliary bass radiator (ABR). Used instead of a conventional bass reflex port, the ABR endows AM-1 with exceptional bass response for a cabinet of its size. Unlike a port, it also provides AM-1’s cabinet with a continual seal against the elements. This combination of advanced drive units, unique configuration and classically simple crossover components combines to create a loudspeaker as musical as it is flexible.

AM-1 Weatherproof outdoor speakers has been carefully designed to be easy to install and very flexible. Designed to be positioned in either landscape or portrait mode, AM-1 combines a rust-proof aluminium grille with a rigid cabinet composed of glass-filled plastics, ensuring class-leading resistance to extremes of dust, moisture and UV exposure. And while it has very obvious benefits outside, its discreet styling and impressive performance will also find favour for use internally.

“Rugged enough for your outdoor Kitchen,
refined enough for your library” – Digital trends

Living Symphonies
An immersive sound installation located in four different UK forests using AM-1 Weatherproof outdoor speakers.

Live anywhere, sound anywhere…
The ultra-durable, weather resistant AM-1 is designed with the outdoors in mind – perfect for patios, gardens and poolsides – but its robust design and sleek looks also make it a great choice for public indoor spaces such as restaurants and bars. It’s also versatile: designed to be positioned horizontally or vertically, with an easy-to-install bracket.

Weatherproof…
With its rust-proof aluminium grille and super-rigid cabinet, AM-1 is our most durable speaker ever. Indoors or outdoors, at home or in a restaurant, it’s guaranteed to perform beautifully whatever the weather.

UV resistant
AM-1 has been subjected to rigorous environmental tests. These include ultraviolet (UV) exposure, to replicate long-term outdoor use, and testing inside an accelerated salt-spray chamber, to ensure it can brave the elements.

Inverted driver array
When used outdoors or in public spaces, speakers tend to be mounted above the listener. So our engineers turned traditional speaker design on its head with the AM-1. Its tweeter sits below the other drivers, angling the optimum listening axis – the point where the units operate exactly in phase – down by around 10 degrees. Perfectionism to give you pristine sound anywhere…

Auxilary bass radiator
We’ve come up with an ingenious way to produce powerful bass from a sealed, weatherproof speaker. The rear-mounted ABR delivers truly remarkable bass response for a speaker of its kind.

220 degree rotation
The AM-1’s bracket is easy to install, thanks to an ingenious one-plug mounting system. It projects minimally from the wall, yet allows the speaker to rotate through 220 degrees, so you can angle the speakers optimally.

A word from the designer
Senior Development engineer, Dr John Dibb explains how AM-1 Weatherproof Outdoor Speaker overcomes the acoustic limitations of traditional all-weather speakers…

Acoustic Design Considerations: Different speakers yield varying results based on the acoustics of their environment. The challenge with designing an all-weather loudspeaker like the AM-1 is to ensure consistent performance outdoors where conditions are less controlled. Our tests showed that the sound quality outdoors was exceptionally good, surpassing expectations in every aspect, especially the low frequencies. The bass was both robust and evenly distributed, highlighting the speaker’s sophisticated engineering.

Indoor Versatility: While the AM-1 excels outdoors, it is equally adept for indoor use. We have engineered a balance to optimize its performance in varied acoustic environments, particularly at the low-frequency range. This versatility ensures the AM-1 delivers optimal sound quality wherever it is placed.

Technological Enhancements for Outdoor Use: Outdoor speakers, like the AM-1 Weatherproof Outdoor Speakers, do not generally require different technologies than indoor speakers. However, they do need materials and components that can withstand environmental elements. The AM-1 features UV-resistant materials and corrosion-proof components, including an aluminium grille that ensures longevity and durability.

Innovative Design Features: The enclosure of the AM-1 is fully waterproof yet allows a slight, long-term air leak to accommodate the expansive temperature changes experienced outdoors. This design includes an auxiliary bass radiator (ABR), enhancing the bass performance akin to a reflex system but in a structure that supports the other necessary design criteria.

Unique Driver Configuration: Unlike other Bowers & Wilkins speakers, the AM-1 Weatherproof Outdoor Speakers places the tweeter below the bass/midrange driver. This arrangement helps optimize the listening axis when the speaker is mounted above the listener outdoors, tilting it downward by about 10 degrees to align the sound directly towards the listener.

Engineering Excellence: The AM-1’s enclosure integrates the ABR uniquely, optimizing bass performance while maintaining the advantages of a sealed box design. This, combined with high-quality Bowers & Wilkins drive units and a simple crossover, delivers an unparalleled audio experience.

AM-1 Weatherproof outdoor speakers Specifications