Description
The JBL Control 28 is yet another model in JBL’s popular Control Contractor Series of passive installation loudspeakers. Building on the features of the Control 23 and 25, the Control 28 offers a larger 8-inch woofer, providing even greater output and extended bass response for applications where powerful and full-range sound is required.
The most common current version is the JBL Control 28-1. There are also older variants like the Control 28T (with transformer taps for 70V/100V systems). I’ll focus on the Control 28-1 as the primary modern option.
Features and Specifications (per single Unit):
- Type: Passive Two-Way Loudspeaker. Requires an external amplifier.
- Drivers:
- LF Driver: 8-inch (200mm) woven-fiberglass cone woofer with pure butyl rubber surround and WeatherEdge™ frame protection. This large woofer delivers significant bass response.
- HF Driver: 1-inch (25mm) PEI (Polyetherimide) diaphragm tweeter with fluid cooling.
- Power Handling:
- Continuous Program Power: 240W
- Continuous Pink Noise: 120W
- Peak Power: 480W
- Impedance: 8 ohms (in “Thru” or direct mode).
- Transformer Taps (for models with transformers like Control 28-1T, or the standard 28-1 which includes them): Most Control 28-1 models include a built-in multi-tap transformer for use in 70V or 100V distributed audio systems. Common taps include 60W, 30W, 15W, and 7.5W.
- Frequency Range (-10dB): 45 Hz to 18 kHz. This wide range allows for full-spectrum audio reproduction.
- Frequency Response (±3dB): 62 Hz – 16 kHz.
- Sensitivity (1W, 1m): 92 dB. This high sensitivity allows for loud output with moderate amplifier power.
- Maximum SPL (1m): 112 dB average continuous pink noise (118 dB peak).
- Coverage Angle: Wide 90° x 90° coverage, providing even sound distribution.
- Weather Resistant:
- Designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
- 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 heavily zinc-plated and powder-coated for rust resistance.
- Mounting:
- InvisiBall™ Mounting Hardware: Integrated, patented system for easy, secure, and highly adjustable wall mounting.
- Optional U-bracket (MTC-28UB-1) and ceiling-mount adapter (MTC-28/25CM) are available.
- Enclosure Material: High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), paintable.
- Connectivity: Screw-down terminal strip (accepts bare wire or spade lugs).
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 380 x 280 x 220 mm (15.0 x 11.0 x 8.6 in).
- Net Weight (each): 5.9 kg (13.0 lbs).
JBL Control 28-1 vs. JBL Control 25-1 vs. JBL Control 23-1 (Key Differences):
The Control 28-1 sits at the top of the standard Control Contractor series, offering the most powerful and full-range sound:
- Woofer Size: 8″ (28-1) > 5.25″ (25-1) > 3″ (23-1).
- Bass Extension: The 28-1 provides the deepest bass response.
- Power Handling: The 28-1 handles the most power and can play the loudest.
- Sensitivity: The 28-1 is among the most sensitive, allowing for higher SPL with less power.
- Physical Size: The 28-1 is the largest and heaviest of the three.
Common Applications:
The JBL Control 28-1 is ideal for commercial installations where high-fidelity, full-range audio is crucial:
- Music Venues: Bars, clubs, restaurants where foreground music is a priority.
- Retail Spaces: Larger stores, malls.
- Houses of Worship: For main sound reinforcement or high-quality playback.
- Conference Centers: For presentations and multimedia.
- Auditoriums and Theaters: As fill speakers or in distributed audio systems.
- Outdoor Entertainment: Theme parks, outdoor venues.
