Description
The JBL Control 23 Professional Loudspeakers are not studio monitors like the JBL 308P MkII or PreSonus Eris E4.5. Instead, they are part of JBL’s Control Contractor Series, designed specifically for installed sound applications, particularly for background/foreground music and paging systems in commercial environments.
They are known for their compact size, weather resistance, and versatile mounting options, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Features and Specifications:
- Type: Passive Two-Way Loudspeaker. This means they require an external amplifier to power them, unlike active studio monitors.
- Drivers:
- LF Driver: 3-inch (76mm) woven-fiberglass cone woofer.
- HF Driver: 0.5-inch (13mm) PEI (Polyetherimide) diaphragm tweeter with fluid cooling.
- Power Handling:
- Continuous Program Power: 100W (for 2 hours)
- Continuous Pink Noise: 50W (for 2 hours) / 40W (for 100 hours)
- Peak Power: 200W
- Impedance: 8 ohms (in “Thru” or direct mode).
- Transformer Taps (for “T” models like Control 23-1T): These models include a built-in multi-tap transformer for use in 70V or 100V distributed audio systems, which are common in commercial installations over large areas. Common taps include 15W, 7.5W, 3.7W, and 1.8W.
- Frequency Range (-10dB): 70 Hz to 20 kHz. This indicates a broad frequency response suitable for music and speech.
- Frequency Response (±3dB): 95 Hz – 19 kHz.
- Sensitivity (1W, 1m): 86 dB.
- Coverage Angle: Wide 100° x 100° coverage, ensuring consistent sound distribution over a broad area.
- Weather Resistant:
- Enclosure and transducers are designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
- Conforms to Mil Spec 810 for humidity, salt spray, temperature & UV.
- IEC 529 IP-44 splashproof rating (can be upgraded to IP-55 with optional grilles/covers).
- Grilles are zinc-plated and powder-coated for rust resistance.
- Mounting:
- InvisiBallâ„¢ Mounting Hardware: This patented system is integrated into the speaker, allowing for easy, secure, and highly adjustable wall mounting with a hidden aesthetic. It provides a wide degree of vertical and horizontal rotation and offers theft deterrence.
- Optional U-bracket (MTC-23UB-1) and ceiling-mount adapter (MTC-23CM) are available for more versatile installation.
- Enclosure Material: High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), paintable to match decor.
- Connectivity: Screw-down terminal strip (accepts bare wire or spade lugs).
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 200 x 141 x 111 mm (7.9 x 5.6 x 4.4 in). They are ultra-compact.
- Net Weight (each): 1.8 kg (4.0 lbs).
Common Applications:
The JBL Control 23 loudspeakers are specifically designed for commercial background/foreground music and paging applications. You’ll find them in:
- Retail Stores: Shops, boutiques, supermarkets
- Restaurants & Cafes: Dining areas, outdoor seating
- Health Clubs & Gyms: Fitness areas, locker rooms
- Theme Parks: Background music, announcement systems
- Educational Facilities: Classrooms, corridors, libraries
- Hospitality: Hotel lobbies, corridors, conference rooms
- Music Cafes & Bars: Providing ambient or foreground music
- Office Buildings: Common areas, reception desks
- Outdoor Spaces: Patios, gardens, outdoor dining areas (due to weather resistance)
- Waiting Rooms: Clinics, service centers
- Convention Centers
Why choose the Control 23?
- Discreet and Compact: Their small size and paintable enclosure allow them to blend into various decors with minimal visual impact.
- Exceptional Versatility: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with flexible mounting options.
- Consistent Sound: Wide coverage angle ensures even sound distribution, reducing “hot spots” and “dead zones.”
- Reliable Performance: Built to JBL’s professional standards for durability and long-term operation in commercial environments.
- 70V/100V Options: Critical for large-scale installations where multiple speakers are connected to a single amplifier over long cable runs.