JBL Control 28-1 High Output Indoor/Outdoor Background/Foreground Speaker (Pair, Black) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Product Overview
The JBL Control 28-1 is a high-output indoor/outdoor surface-mount loudspeaker built for background and foreground audio in demanding commercial AV environments. With weather-resistant construction and an IP-44 rating, this commercial loudspeaker performs reliably in covered patios, atriums, retail exteriors, and multi-purpose spaces. Integrated 70V/100V transformer taps allow direct connection to distributed audio systems, while an 8-ohm bypass supports low-impedance use. The included InvisiBall mounting system delivers secure, aimable installation on walls and ceilings.
Product Description
The Control 28-1 is an 8" two-way surface-mount speaker engineered for installations that require both high output and long-term durability. Its 200 mm woven-fiberglass LF driver uses a pure butyl rubber surround with Weather-Edge frame protection and a high-temperature voice coil, paired with a 25 mm PEI-diaphragm tweeter for clear program audio and speech. The High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) enclosure with 10% glass fill resists UV fade, and the unit exceeds MilSpec 810 for humidity, salt-spray, temperature, and UV exposure, making it suitable for semi-exposed outdoor commercial deployments. Integrated transformer taps support 70V (60/30/15/7.5 W) and 100V (60/30/15 W) distributed lines, with an 8-ohm THRU setting for direct low-impedance operation. The included InvisiBall wall-mounting system provides aimable positioning with a secondary safety attachment point, and screw-down terminal connectors accept bare wire or lugs. This makes the Control 28-1 a practical choice for integrators specifying weather-resistant distributed audio across exterior walkways, courtyards, and high-traffic indoor spaces.
Key Features
- Indoor/Outdoor Weather Resistance — IP-44 rated (IP-55 with optional WeatherMax grille) and exceeds MilSpec 810 for humidity, salt-spray, temperature, and UV exposure.
- High-Output 8" Two-Way Design — A 200 mm woven-fiberglass LF driver and 25 mm PEI tweeter deliver 112 dB SPL for clear audio in noisy outdoor and large indoor areas.
- Integrated 70V/100V Transformer — On-board taps support distributed audio systems, with an 8-ohm THRU setting for low-impedance use.
- Weather-Edge Driver Protection — Pure butyl rubber surround and high-temp voice coil construction extend driver life in exposed environments.
- UV-Resistant Enclosure — HIPS cabinet with 10% glass fill and UV-resistant paint maintains appearance in direct sunlight.
- InvisiBall Mounting System — Included aimable wall/ceiling mount with a secondary safety attachment point for secure, flexible installation.
- Low Insertion Loss — Less than 0.94 dB loss at any transformer tap preserves output efficiency across distributed runs.
Typical Applications
- Commercial meeting space
- Multi-purpose room
- House of worship
- Government space
- Auditorium
Technical Specifications
| Frequency Range (-10 dB) | 45 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Frequency Response (±3 dB) | 62 Hz – 16 kHz |
| Power Rating | 240 W Continuous Program (2 hrs); 120 W (480 W peak) Continuous Pink Noise (2 hrs); 90 W (360 W peak) Continuous Pink Noise (100 hrs) |
| Maximum Input Voltage | 27.5 V RMS (2 hrs), 55.0 V peak |
| Maximum SPL (1m) | 112 dB ave. Continuous Pink Noise (118 dB peak) |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB, 1W/1m (ave. 100 Hz – 10 kHz) |
| Coverage Angle | 100°H x 100°V |
| Directivity Factor (Q) | 7.3 (averaged 1kHz – 16kHz) |
| Directivity Index (DI) | 8.3 dB (averaged 1kHz – 16kHz) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms (THRU setting) |
| Crossover Type | 2nd order low-pass, 1st order high-pass, plus conjugate shaping |
| Transformer Taps | 70V: 60W, 30W, 15W, 7.5W; 100V: 60W, 30W, 15W; Insertion Loss: <0.94 dB at any tap; Thru Setting: 8Ω nominal |
| Drivers | LF: 200 mm (8 in) woven-fiberglass cone, butyl rubber surround; HF: 25 mm (1 in) PEI diaphragm |
| Enclosure | High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) with 10% glass fill, UV-resistant paint |
| Outdoor Capability | IP-44 per IEC529 (IP-55 with optional MTC-28WMG-1 grille and panel cover); exceeds MilSpec 810; passes MilStd-202F salt spray and ASTM G85 |
| Input Connectors | Screw-down terminal strip; accepts open lugs (#6, #8, #10) or bare wire up to 12 AWG (2.5 mm²) |
| Safety Agency | ROHS-compliant; Transformer UL Recognized per UL1876 |
| Colors | Black (RAL9004) or White (-WH, RAL9016) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 386 x 282 x 219 mm (15.2 x 11.1 x 8.6 in); 277 mm (10.9 in) deep mounted on InvisiBall bracket |
| Net Weight (each) | 6.8 kg (15.0 lbs) |
Competitor Comparison
| Criterion | JBL Control 28-1 | Bose FreeSpace DS 100SE | Atlas Sound SM82T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Configuration | 8" woven-fiberglass two-way with 1" PEI tweeter | 4.5" full-range driver, lower output | 8" two-way coaxial |
| Maximum SPL | 112 dB (118 dB peak) for high-output coverage | Lower SPL, suited to background levels | Moderate SPL output |
| Outdoor Rating | IP-44 (IP-55 optional), exceeds MilSpec 810 | Weather-resistant, lower ingress rating | Weather-resistant indoor/outdoor |
| Transformer Taps | 70V/100V plus 8-ohm THRU | 70V/100V taps | 25V/70V taps |
| Mounting | Included aimable InvisiBall with safety point | Fixed bracket mount | Included U-bracket |
| Enclosure Durability | HIPS with glass fill, MilSpec UV/salt resistance | Polymer enclosure | Polymer enclosure |
| Best Fit | High-output weather-resistant distributed audio | Discreet low-level background audio | General indoor/outdoor BGM |
What's in the Box
- JBL Control 28-1 indoor/outdoor surface-mount loudspeaker
- InvisiBall wall-mounting system
- Screw-down terminal connector
- Installation/spec documentation
Note: Sold individually. Optional MTC-28WMG-1 WeatherMax grille, MTC-PC2/MTC-PC3 panel covers, and U-bracket are sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Control 28-1 suitable for outdoor installation?
Yes. It carries an IP-44 rating (IP-55 with the optional WeatherMax grille and panel cover), exceeds MilSpec 810 for humidity, salt-spray, temperature, and UV, and is designed for covered exterior and semi-exposed environments.
Does it work with 70V and 100V distributed audio systems?
Yes. It includes integrated 70V (60/30/15/7.5 W) and 100V (60/30/15 W) transformer taps, plus an 8-ohm THRU setting for direct low-impedance connection.
What mounting hardware is included?
The InvisiBall aimable wall-mounting system is included, with a secondary safety attachment loop on the back panel. An optional MTC-28WMG-1 U-bracket is available for additional positioning options.
What protective high-pass filter is recommended?
JBL recommends a 45 Hz high-pass (24 dB/oct) for 8-ohm operation and 15W/7.5W taps, 55 Hz for the 30W tap, and 65 Hz for the 60W tap to protect the driver at high output.
What warranty and support are available?
The unit is covered under JBL Professional's installed-sound warranty. Creation Networks provides AV design and integration support for distributed and outdoor audio specification.
At Creartion Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
Nationwide Audiovisual Services, Design, Installation & Support
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