Episode ES-RAD-SPK3 Outdoor Radiance Speaker Weatherproof

Discreet 360-Degree Sound for Outdoor Living Spaces

The Episode ES-RAD-SPK3 is a compact outdoor bollard speaker designed for patios, landscaped yards, garden paths, poolside seating areas, courtyards, and other spaces where sound should spread evenly without relying on visible wall-mounted speaker cabinets.

Its sealed 3-inch full-range driver radiates sound in a 360-degree pattern, helping provide more uniform walk-around coverage. The speaker also includes selectable 70V transformer taps, IP66-rated construction, a twist-to-lock mounting connection, and a removable top cap that accepts an optional Episode Radiance light module.

The ES-RAD-SPK3 is sold individually. A compatible Radiance mount, 70V DSP amplifier, and any optional lighting components are sold separately.

Best Use Cases

• Patios and outdoor dining areas: Distribute several compact speakers throughout the space for balanced music at comfortable listening levels.
• Gardens and landscaped yards: Place speakers within the landscape instead of mounting large cabinets to the home.
• Walkways and paths: Extend background audio along longer outdoor areas using a properly designed 70V system.
• Poolside seating areas: Provide music near suitable seating and lounge zones without installing speakers inside the pool.
• Courtyards and common areas: Use 360-degree coverage to serve listeners positioned around the speaker.
• Outdoor audio and lighting systems: Add an optional Radiance light module and combine lighting power with audio through the complete Radiance system.
• Residential multi-speaker systems: Use several speakers at moderate transformer settings for smoother coverage across a backyard.

Who Should Buy This?

This is a strong choice if you want outdoor speakers that blend into pathways, landscaping, patios, and architectural spaces while distributing sound in every horizontal direction.

It makes particular sense when the project uses several speakers, longer cable runs, individually adjustable output levels, or the Episode Radiance audio-and-lighting ecosystem.

Who Should Not Buy This?

This is not the correct speaker for a standard home AV receiver or conventional 8-ohm stereo amplifier. The ES-RAD-SPK3 is a 70V-only speaker with no 8-ohm bypass.

It is not compatible with a 100V speaker output. Episode publishes only 70V operation for this model.

This is also not a powered, wireless, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or battery-operated speaker. It requires speaker wire and a compatible external 70V DSP amplifier.

The included top cap is not a light. The compatible Radiance light module, MB1 audio-and-lighting processor, lighting transformer, amplifier, mounts, and other system components are sold separately.

With a published low-frequency limit of 140Hz, this compact speaker is not designed to reproduce deep bass by itself. A compatible outdoor subwoofer is strongly recommended for a balanced music system.

Sold Individually

The Episode ES-RAD-SPK3 is sold as one speaker.

Most Radiance systems use several speakers distributed across the outdoor area. Order one compatible mount for every speaker and determine the speaker quantity according to the property size, listening areas, background-noise level, and desired volume.

360-Degree Sound Dispersion

The ES-RAD-SPK3 radiates audio in a 360-degree horizontal pattern.

This allows listeners to hear the speaker from multiple directions and gives the system more placement flexibility than a conventional directional speaker that must be aimed at one seating area.

Using multiple speakers at moderate volume generally provides more consistent outdoor coverage than placing one or two speakers far from the listeners and operating them at very high output.

Sealed 3-Inch Full-Range Driver

The speaker uses one sealed 3-inch polypropylene full-range dome driver with a neodymium magnet.

The compact driver reproduces vocals, instruments, and general music content while allowing the speaker enclosure to remain visually discreet.

Because it is a full-range single-driver speaker, it does not contain a separate woofer and tweeter.

140Hz–20kHz Response with DSP

Episode publishes a frequency response of 140Hz to 20kHz when the correct DSP settings are used.

The 140Hz low-frequency limit means the ES-RAD-SPK3 focuses primarily on upper bass, midrange, vocals, and high-frequency content. It should not be expected to provide the deep bass of a larger surface-mount speaker or outdoor subwoofer.

Episode recommends including at least one compatible Radiance subwoofer in a complete system so lower musical frequencies are reproduced separately.

A Compatible DSP Amplifier Is Required

The Radiance speaker should be used with a compatible 70V DSP amplifier and the correct Episode Radiance processing settings.

Episode warns that operating the system without the intended DSP configuration may damage the speaker at high sound-pressure levels.

Compatible Episode Hybrid DSP amplifiers support Radiance presets. When using another 70V DSP amplifier, the required filtering, equalization, and protection settings must be configured according to Episode’s published DSP parameters.

70V-Only Operation

The ES-RAD-SPK3 is designed exclusively for 70V distributed-audio systems.

• 70V operation: Supported.
• Transformer taps: 2W, 4W, 8W, and 16W.
• Maximum published power handling: 16W.
• 8-ohm operation: Not supported.
• 100V operation: Not published or supported.

Confirm that the amplifier output is configured for 70V before connecting or powering the speaker.

What the Transformer Tap Controls

The transformer selector is located on the bottom of the speaker and determines how much amplifier power it draws from the 70V line.

• 2W: Suitable for quiet background-music areas or locations close to listeners.
• 4W: Provides additional output while keeping the speaker load relatively low.
• 8W: Useful for larger or moderately noisy listening areas.
• 16W: Provides the speaker’s highest published tap and maximum output capability.

Do not automatically set every speaker to 16W. Choose each tap according to the required volume, listening distance, speaker quantity, and available amplifier power.

Planning the 70V Amplifier Load

Add the selected tap wattage of every speaker connected to the amplifier channel.

Episode’s Radiance installation guide recommends using no more than approximately 80% of the amplifier’s rated power, leaving 20% operating headroom.

For example, four speakers set to 8W create a combined load of 32W. Using the 80% guideline, the amplifier channel should provide at least 40W of suitable 70V output.

Recalculate the load whenever a speaker is added, removed, or changed to another transformer setting.

Wired in Parallel

Radiance speakers are connected in parallel along the 70V speaker line.

Maintain positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative polarity throughout the system. Reversed polarity can reduce bass and create inconsistent sound across the outdoor area.

Use burial-rated outdoor speaker cable for underground runs and protect wiring from irrigation equipment, landscaping tools, roots, standing water, and future excavation.

Optional Audio and Lighting on One Cable

The Radiance system can carry 70V audio and low-voltage lighting power over one two-conductor cable through Episode’s MB1 audio-and-lighting processor.

The MB1 is a passive combining device. It accepts:

• A 70V audio signal from a compatible DSP amplifier.
• Low-voltage power from a compatible outdoor lighting transformer.
• One combined output feeding the Radiance speakers and lights.

This single-wire capability applies to a properly configured Radiance system. The ES-RAD-SPK3 by itself does not contain a lighting transformer, amplifier, or power supply.

MB1 System Requirements

For a combined Radiance audio-and-lighting zone, Episode specifies one MB1, one compatible amplifier, and one outdoor lighting transformer per zone.

The lighting transformer must provide an appropriate outdoor-rated 12V to 15V AC or DC output. Episode does not support ordinary wall adapters, third-party lights, dimming transformers, or color-temperature-control transformers in this system.

The MB1 has a published maximum audio load of 500W and a maximum lighting load of 300W. Episode recommends planning for 400W of audio and 240W of lighting to preserve 20% headroom.

Light-Module Ready

The top cap can be removed and replaced with a compatible Episode Radiance light module.

The optional light can be added during the original installation or later, provided the system wiring, MB1, lighting transformer, and total lighting load have been planned correctly.

The light module is sold separately. The speaker should not be described as including integrated lighting out of the box.

IP66-Rated Outdoor Construction

The speaker uses an IP66-rated, powder-coated, UV-protected die-cast zinc enclosure.

IP66 indicates protection against dust and powerful water jets under the rating’s test conditions. It does not make the speaker suitable for permanent underwater installation.

Episode specifically cautions against installing Radiance products next to sprinklers. Avoid locations exposed to continuous direct irrigation, standing water, roof runoff, or landscaping impact.

Black or White Finish

The ES-RAD-SPK3 is available in black or white.

Black generally blends well with dark landscape materials, mulch, metal fixtures, and contemporary exterior finishes. White may be a better fit near light-colored walls, columns, ceilings, and architectural surfaces.

Confirm the selected speaker color and mount color before ordering.

Twist-to-Lock Mounting System

The speaker uses a bayonet-style twist-to-lock connection shared across the Radiance speaker, light, and mounting ecosystem.

Place the speaker onto the selected mount and rotate it clockwise to secure it. To remove it, push down and rotate it counterclockwise.

The connection simplifies installation and allows the speaker to be removed for service without disassembling the entire mounting base.

Compatible Mounting Options

• In-ground stake mount: For soil, mulch, and suitable landscaped areas.
• Surface mount: For decks, concrete, posts, and other stable horizontal surfaces.
• Wall mount: For suitable vertical structures and exterior walls.
• Pendant mount: For covered ceilings, structures, and suspended applications.

All mounting accessories are sold separately. The selected mount connects to the speaker-wire run through its pigtail and included silicone wire nuts.

Use structural mounting hardware appropriate for the installation surface and local conditions.

Placement Guidance

Place the speakers within or around the listening area rather than only at the property perimeter. The 360-degree pattern allows more flexible positioning than a conventional directional landscape speaker.

Keep speaker spacing, transformer settings, and distance from the listeners reasonably consistent when possible.

Avoid placing the speaker directly beside a sprinkler, beneath concentrated roof runoff, or where foot traffic, lawn equipment, or landscaping maintenance could damage it.

Technical Specifications

• Product type: Passive outdoor 70V bollard speaker.
• Series: Episode Radiance.
• Sold as: One speaker.
• Driver: Sealed 3-inch polypropylene full-range dome.
• Magnet: Neodymium.
• Frequency response: 140Hz to 20kHz with DSP.
• Sensitivity: 85 dB.
• Nominal system: 70V only.
• Transformer taps: 2W, 4W, 8W, and 16W.
• Maximum power handling: 16W.
• Dispersion: 360 degrees.
• Weather rating: IP66.
• Enclosure: Die-cast zinc, powder-coated, and UV protected.
• Speaker-to-mount connection: Bayonet twist-to-lock connection.
• Internal amplifier: None; compatible external amplification is required.
• Light included: No; optional Radiance light module sold separately.
• Mount included: No; compatible mount sold separately.
• Available colors: Black or white.
• Warranty: Five-year manufacturer warranty, subject to current warranty terms.

Dimensions, Weight, and Temperature Range

• Speaker dimensions: Approximately 8.98 inches high by 3.31 inches wide by 3.31 inches deep.
• Speaker weight: Approximately 3.53 lb.
• Published operating range: Approximately -4°F to 140°F.
• Published storage range: Approximately -22°F to 158°F.

The finished system height and footprint will depend on the selected stake, surface, wall, or pendant mount and whether a light module is added.

Does It Need a Subwoofer?

A compatible outdoor subwoofer is strongly recommended for full-range music.

The ES-RAD-SPK3 begins at a published 140Hz, so it does not reproduce deep bass or much of the lower musical range by itself.

The Episode Radiance subwoofer connects to a separate compatible 8-ohm amplifier output. It is not connected to the same 70V line as the bollard speakers.

When to Choose Another Outdoor Speaker

Choose a SurroundScape satellite speaker when you need a larger two-way driver system, lower frequency response, and a choice between 70V and 8-ohm operation.

Choose an Episode surface-mount outdoor speaker when the property only needs a conventional left-and-right patio zone attached to a wall or eave.

Choose a rock speaker when the audio system should blend into stone landscaping without using a vertical bollard design.

Choose the ES-RAD-SPK3 when 360-degree coverage, compact bollard styling, optional integrated lighting, and the Radiance mounting ecosystem are the main priorities.

Good Products to Pair With This Speaker

• Outdoor Speakers to compare bollard, landscape, surface-mount, and rock-speaker options.
• Episode Products for compatible Radiance, SurroundScape, architectural, and outdoor audio components.
• Amplifiers for compatible 70V DSP and outdoor-audio system amplification.
• Speaker Wires for properly rated outdoor and direct-burial cable.
• Subwoofers for the low-frequency support required by a full-range Radiance system.
• Power Management Solutions to protect the amplifier, source equipment, networking components, and control system.

Need Help Planning Your Radiance System?

Send us the outdoor-area dimensions, speaker quantity, preferred mounting locations, cable distances, desired listening level, and whether lighting will be included. We can help confirm transformer taps, amplifier capacity, DSP requirements, subwoofer quantity, mounts, MB1 requirements, and lighting-transformer capacity before ordering.

What is the Episode ES-RAD-SPK3 designed for?

It is a compact outdoor bollard speaker designed to distribute 360-degree sound across patios, gardens, walkways, poolside seating areas, courtyards, and other landscaped spaces.

Is the ES-RAD-SPK3 sold individually or as a pair?

It is sold individually. Most Radiance systems use several speakers distributed around the outdoor area.

Is a mounting base included?

No. The compatible stake, surface, wall, and pendant mounts are sold separately.

Which mounting options are available?

Episode offers compatible in-ground stake, surface, wall, and pendant mounts. Select one mount for each speaker according to the installation location.

Does the speaker include a light?

No. It includes a removable top cap and is ready to accept a compatible Episode Radiance light module, sold separately.

Can the light module be added later?

Yes, provided the system includes the correct MB1 processor, lighting transformer, wiring, and available lighting capacity.

Can the speaker be used without the light module?

Yes. The speaker can operate as an audio-only Radiance bollard speaker with its standard top cap installed.

Is this a powered speaker?

No. It is a passive speaker that requires speaker wire and a compatible external 70V DSP amplifier.

Does it include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?

No. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming, source selection, and app control must come from the connected audio system.

Can it connect to a standard home AV receiver?

No. It is a 70V-only speaker and does not include an 8-ohm bypass.

Does it support 100V operation?

No. Episode publishes 70V-only operation for this model.

What transformer settings are available?

The available 70V settings are 2W, 4W, 8W, and 16W.

What is the maximum power handling?

The official maximum power-handling specification is 16W.

Is the 16W setting an RMS rating?

Episode lists 16W as both the highest transformer tap and maximum power-handling figure. It should be described as the maximum 70V tap rather than as a conventional 16W RMS amplifier rating.

How do I choose the correct transformer tap?

Choose the tap according to the required volume, listening distance, speaker location, total speaker quantity, and available amplifier power.

How do I calculate the amplifier load?

Add the selected tap wattage of every connected speaker. Episode recommends leaving 20% amplifier headroom and using no more than approximately 80% of the amplifier’s rated output.

Can different speakers use different tap settings?

Yes. Each speaker can use a different supported tap as long as the total calculated load remains within the amplifier’s available capacity.

Can I change the tap while the amplifier is powered?

No. Turn off the amplifier before changing transformer settings or speaker wiring.

Where is the transformer selector?

The tap selector is located on the bottom of the speaker.

Does the system require DSP?

Yes. Episode states that a DSP amplifier and the correct Radiance processing settings are required for the system to operate as intended.

Can I use an ordinary 70V amplifier without DSP?

Episode warns against operating the speaker without the correct DSP settings because doing so may cause damage at high output levels. Use a compatible DSP amplifier and the published Radiance preset or parameters.

What is the speaker’s frequency response?

The published response is 140Hz to 20kHz with the correct DSP configuration.

What is the sensitivity?

The official published sensitivity is 85 dB.

What type of driver does it use?

It uses one sealed 3-inch polypropylene full-range dome driver with a neodymium magnet.

Does it have a separate woofer and tweeter?

No. It uses one compact full-range driver rather than separate woofer and tweeter components.

Does it produce deep bass?

No. Its published response begins at 140Hz. A compatible outdoor subwoofer is recommended for full-range music and stronger bass.

Can the Radiance subwoofer connect to the same 70V line?

No. The Radiance subwoofer is an 8-ohm product and connects to a separately configured compatible amplifier output.

What does 360-degree dispersion mean?

It means the speaker radiates sound horizontally in every direction, allowing listeners around the speaker to hear it without the cabinet being aimed at one narrow area.

What does IP66 mean?

IP66 indicates protection against dust and powerful water jets under the rating’s test conditions. It does not make the speaker suitable for permanent underwater installation.

Can it be installed near a pool?

It can support an appropriately designed poolside listening area, but it must not be placed in the pool or installed where it will remain submerged.

Can it be installed beside a sprinkler?

Episode specifically cautions against installing Radiance devices next to sprinklers.

Can it remain installed outdoors permanently?

Yes. It is designed for permanent outdoor installation when correctly mounted, wired, drained, and maintained.

What is the operating-temperature range?

The published operating range is approximately -4°F to 140°F.

What is the storage-temperature range?

The published storage range is approximately -22°F to 158°F.

How does the speaker attach to its mount?

It uses a bayonet-style twist-to-lock connection. Place the speaker on the mount and rotate it clockwise to secure it.

Can the same mounts be used with Radiance lights?

Yes. The Radiance speaker, light, and mounting components use the shared twist-to-lock connection system.

What does the single-wire audio-and-lighting feature mean?

When used with the MB1, a single two-conductor cable can carry 70V audio and low-voltage lighting power to compatible Radiance speakers and lights.

Is the MB1 built into the speaker?

No. The MB1 is a separate passive audio-and-lighting combining device and is sold separately.

When is the MB1 required?

The MB1 is used when combining 70V audio and low-voltage lighting power onto one Radiance cable run.

What does the MB1 connect to?

It connects to a compatible 70V DSP amplifier, an outdoor low-voltage lighting transformer, and the combined Radiance device cable run.

What lighting-transformer voltage is required?

Episode specifies an outdoor lighting transformer providing no less than 12V and no more than 15V AC or DC.

Can third-party landscape lights be connected?

No. Episode states that the MB1 is compatible only with Radiance lights and speakers.

Can Radiance lights be dimmed?

No. The official installation guide states that Radiance lights cannot be dimmed and do not support color-temperature changes.

What cable should be used outdoors?

Use appropriately sized burial-rated outdoor speaker cable for underground Radiance runs.

How are multiple speakers wired?

Radiance speakers are wired in parallel along the 70V line while maintaining correct positive and negative polarity.

What colors are available?

The speaker is available in black or white.

What are the speaker dimensions?

It measures approximately 8.98 inches high by 3.31 inches wide by 3.31 inches deep.

Does that measurement include the mount or light?

No. The finished system dimensions change according to the selected mount and whether an optional light module is installed.

How much does the speaker weigh?

The speaker weighs approximately 3.53 lb without a separately sold mount or light module.

What is the warranty?

Episode publishes a five-year manufacturer warranty, subject to its current terms and conditions.

What should I check before ordering?

Check speaker quantity, transformer tap settings, DSP-amplifier capacity, outdoor cable length, mount type, color, subwoofer requirements, and whether the project will include the MB1 and optional Radiance lighting.