JBL Ceiling Speakers Demystified
But with nearly 30 different ceiling-mounted speaker models to choose from, selecting the right JBL ceiling speaker for your application can be a daunting task. That’s where this guide comes in – by asking your customer (and yourself) a few simple questions, you will be able to narrow down your options and make the right choice for your project.
Cracking the Code
Let’s start by demystifying some of the meaning behind JBL product codes. Once you understand the nomenclature behind JBL model numbers, you’ll be able to find the product you’re looking for more quickly. Here’s an example:
Here we have the Control 47C/T. The first number (in this case 4) denotes which series the product comes from (here the 40 Series, high-performance, full-range speakers). The second number (in this case 7) identifies the approximate size of the low-frequency speaker in the enclosure. This number is typically rounded up to the nearest whole number (in this case, 6.5” rounds up to 7).
The letters after the model numbers signify various characteristics of that particular model. The full list can be found at the bottom of this document, but here are a few of the more common model suffixes:
- C = Ceiling Speaker
- CT = Ceiling Speaker with non-bypassable 70V transformer (can only be used in 70V mode)
- C/T = Ceiling Speaker with bypassable 70V transformer (can be used in low-impedance or 70V mode)
- LP = Low-profile
- HC = High Ceiling
- P = Pendant
- S = Subwoofer
Asking the Right Questions
Now that we have a basic understanding of JBL nomenclature, let’s dive into making a product selection. In order to select the right JBL ceiling speaker for your project, you should ask three basic questions:
- What will the speaker system be used for? (What is the application?)
- What is the budget for the speaker system?
- Are there any special requirements or limitations I should account for?
Application
“What will the speaker system be used for?” – it seems like a simple question (and it is), but the answer will provide you with the best information to narrow down your product selection. Will the system be used for high-energy foreground music or simple background music? Will the system be used for voice reinforcement in a large classroom or training center, or will the primary application be paging and mass notification?
For applications where high-quality, full-range music playback is the main goal, the Control 40, Control 200, and Control 300 series should be your first choices. The speakers in these lines are designed and tuned to provide a full-range frequency response at higher volume levels, and to operate much like a standard loudspeaker cabinet, but in a compact ceiling device.
If your project requires high-quality voice reproduction, or a combination of voice reproduction and low-to-medium level background music, your first choices should be the extremely popular Control 10 and Control 20 series. The speakers in these series are some of the most popular ceiling speakers on the market for a good reason – they provide excellent voice intelligibility and good music reproduction in a cost-effective and installer-friendly package, and are an excellent choice for a wide variety of commercial applications.
For projects which require only simple paging or voice notification, JBL has you covered with the CSS Commercial and 8100 series. These easy-to-install, no-frills speakers provide excellent voice reproduction and reliability at an entry-level price point.
Budget
Different projects have different budgetary restrictions, and fortunately JBL provides a wide range of speaker options to ensure that you can find the right product for your project’s budget.
For example, lets say that you are outfitting a multi-purpose room with standard acoustical ceiling drop tiles. Your first choice for this application might be the Control 26CT. This is a great choice, but if you need a similar speaker at a lower price point, you could consider the Control 16C/T. The Control 16C/T lacks the Control 26’s SonicGuard overload protection circuit, and the woofer is made from a different material, but the sonic character of both of these speakers are very similar.
Similarly, for a paging application where aesthetics are a consideration, the 8124 is an excellent choice. However, if a modern look is not required, the CSS8004 provides very similar performance at a much lower price point.
Please note that despite the overlap between JBL models between various series, you should not assume that there is always an “apples-to-apples” comparison. For example, some series will have necessary accessories or features included like back cans or tile bridges, while others may not. Always research to make sure you are making the right choice, and contact us if you have questions!
Special Requirements
Does your project have any special circumstances where a typical ceiling speaker won’t work? Don’t worry – JBL has you covered!
For rooms with especially high ceilings where precise pattern control is needed, the Control 47HC provides a 75-degree beamwidth pattern for increased clarity and intelligibility.
Have a ceiling with limited above-ceiling clearance? Try the Control 47LP low-profile ceiling speaker. It features the same sonic profile and coverage as the Control 47C/T but is only 5.6” deep.
Looking for a low-profile speaker which is easy to install and fits seamlessly into a standard drop-tile ceiling? Try the LCT 81C/T – it is a full-range speaker designed to drop into a 2’ x 2’ suspended ceiling grid without cutting or trimming.
Summing It Up
Hopefully this guide was able to provide you with a better understanding of the many, many ceiling speaker options JBL provides. But this is just a start – to view the full lineup of JBL ceiling speaker options, refer to JBL’s Control Contractor Brochure. And – as always – if you have any questions or need product recommendations, reach out to Exertis Almo’s Audio Support Team!
JBL Suffix and Prefix Guide
| C | Ceiling speaker |
| CT | Ceiling Speaker w/ non-bypassable 70V transformer |
| C/T | Ceiling speaker w/ bypassable 70V transformer |
| LP | Low-Profile |
| HC | High-ceiling |
| P | Pendant |
| P/T | Pendant speaker w/ bypassable 70V transformer |
| S | Subwoofer |
| C-VA | Voice Announcement (special certification for use in voice announcement settings) |
| LS | UL Life Safety |
| AV | AV shielded |
| W | In-Wall Speaker |
| WT | In-wall speaker w/ non-bypassable 70V transformer |
| MTC | Mounting bracket or accessory |
| WMG | WeatherMax Grille |
| MK | Marine-Kit |
| UB | U-Bracket |
| CM | Ceiling-mount adapter arm |
| NC | New-construction Installation Bracket |
| MR | Plaster “mud ring” installation bracket |
| BB | Back box (or backcan) |
| SG | Square Grille |
| RG | Round Grille |
| TB | Tile Bridge |
| TR | Trim Ring |
About the Author
John Rossman | CTS
BDM II – Technical Specialist
Supported Manufacturers: Harman Professional – AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft
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See the products in action.
Want to know something? Ask someone who has been around a while. An example of this was back in 2007 as I got off the train in Guilford in Surrey, England. I needed directions to my hotel and since the information center was closed, I made inquiry with the nearest group of locals. They were younger and had never heard of the place. Their knowledge was limited. Afterwards I sought assistance from a much older person that I saw. Instant useable information. He knew his small town and how to get around.
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