JBL Synthesis Immersive Audio Range Expanded with SCL-1 Loudspeaker, SSW-1 Subwoofer and Four New Advanced Architectural Speakers

January 11 2021, 00:45
Among the multiple Harman product announcements at CES 2021, the JBL Synthesis range received important custom residential additions. The JBL Synthesis range now includes the top performance SCL-1 loudspeaker and the matching SSW-1 subwoofer, both designed for no-compromise immersive audio systems and featuring patented JBL technologies. Complementing the JBL Synthesis range for immersive audio are four new SCL loudspeaker for fixed installation.
 

Part of Harman's luxury audio division, JBL Synthesis SCL loudspeakers are designed for the possibilities in residential immersive audio systems, featuring a comprehensive selection of compression driver-based architectural loudspeakers, supported by system integrators and designers that are able to deliver a superior level of performance from in-wall and in-ceiling products. 

With the introduction of the new flagship SCL-1 and SSW-1, JBL Synthesis is expanding its patented technologies and acoustic advantages to large-format solutions scaled for ultra-premium, high channel count immersive audio deployments. The SCL-1 and SSW-1, introduced at Harman's CES 2021 press event are tailored to large-scale and high-channel count systems in combination with the SDP-75 immersive surround processor and SDA amplifiers.

"Our revolutionary Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker range has set the bar for performance expectations in multichannel immersive audio systems and we are beyond excited to be expanding that series to new heights with these flagship models,” says Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Harman Luxury Audio. “With home entertainment on the rise, JBL Synthesis systems can now be scaled further than ever before! Applying 75-years of transducer and acoustic expertise to the home environment allows JBL Synthesis to bring unique value, helps our dealer community address new opportunities and provides customers with exceptional audio experiences that cannot be achieved from any other brand.”

The SCL-1 and SSW-1 are two of the first products to launch since the creation of the JBL Synthesis Product Council in 2020. They are the direct result of dealer integrators who have been asking for a JBL Synthesis solution for large scale systems. Features and capabilities were reviewed and refined in conjunction with the members of the product council in order to deliver on the needs and expectations of the customers who have been requesting them.

The SCL-1 loudspeaker is the new flagship of the JBL Synthesis SCL range. Optimized for custom installation behind projection screens, this large format LCR loudspeaker features JBL’s patented D2430K dual 3-inch diaphragm compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn. With a pair of newly designed 12" cast frame Carbon Cellulose Composite Cone (C4) woofers in patented Complementary Bass Alignment System (C-BAS) configuration, the SCL-1 offers incredible output, dynamics, and detail for even the largest multichannel systems. 

The SCL-1's heavily braced MDF enclosure is finished in textured matte black and measures 48-inches high, 19-inches wide, and 15.3-inches deep with the included magnetically attached steel frame black fabric grille. Removing the grille reduces the depth to 14.5-inches. Connectivity is provided by dual sets of gold plated binding posts. Custom tuning can be achieved via the front panel configuration controls providing HF adjustments for various installation considerations as well as selections for bi-wire, bi-amp, and complete bypass of the internal crossover network for use in advanced systems with outboard electronic crossovers. SCL-1 availability begins in March with a retail price of $15,000 each.

Part of the Synthesis Subwoofer series, the SSW-1 is a newly developed, ultra-high-performance subwoofer designed specifically to complement the acoustic capabilities of the SCL-1 large format LCR loudspeaker. Designed for horizontal or vertical application in large scale systems, the SSW-1 Subwoofer features dual high-excursion (4" peak-to-peak) 15" cast-frame woofers with composite cones and massive 6-inch voice coils. The 53.5-inch high x 24-inch wide x 22.8-inch deep subwoofer enclosure is solidly constructed with 1-inch thick cabinet walls and extensive internal bracing throughout and weighs in at more than 330 lb.! 

Enclosure tuning is via dual front-firing Slipstream ports, while connectivity is provided through two sets of gold-plated, spring-loaded binding posts - one for each woofer. With power handling of 2500W RMS per woofer and 5000W RMS per system, as well as extremely high SPL output and usable low-frequency extension to 13Hz, the SSW-1 seeks to provide the highest levels of sonic performance for custom home theater.  The SSW-1 will begin shipping in March 2021 and retails at $7,500 each.

Four New SCL Advanced Architectural Loudspeakers
Enabling dealers to serve a greater number of discerning homeowners with premium sound systems from JBL Synthesis, JBL also introduced four new architectural loudspeakers to the JBL Synthesis family. The new JBL Synthesis SCL-5 and SCL-8 in-ceiling loudspeakers and JBL Synthesis SCL-6 and SCL-7 in-wall loudspeakers are designed to pair with JBL Synthesis electronics and allow dealers to offer a more attainable portfolio for multi-purpose rooms, media rooms and smaller-scale home theaters  equipped with immersive audio systems.
 

The range of Synthesis Custom Loudspeakers (SCL) continues to expand with the most-advanced loudspeaker technologies available for residential applications. Following on the previously awarded larger SCL-2, JBL Synthesis was now honored with a 2021 CES Innovations Award for the SCL-8.

"Immersive audio is transforming how entertainment is created and reproduced and also how spaces are conceived, created and used," says Jim Garrett. "As a brand that has pioneered audio engineering for music and movies over the past 75 years, it is fitting that we are expanding our range of Synthesis Custom Loudspeakers with industry-leading performance and technologies to accompany our Synthesis electronics for the next generation of multichannel sound."

All four of the new SCL expansion models utilize patented JBL technologies including revolutionary annular ring diaphragm compression drivers, High-Definition Imaging horn geometries, advanced woofer designs, zero-bezel magnetically attached grilles, and a new patented “Cat Claw” mounting mechanism that saves time and makes installation far easier than traditional “dog leg” type designs.

The first dedicated SCL in-ceiling loudspeaker, the SCL-5 2-way loudspeaker system features the renowned JBL 2409H 1-inch compression driver tweeter and High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn assembly. The HDI horn is positioned at an angle on its baffle above the 7-inch black Advanced Aluminum Cone cast frame woofer with the woofer firing through an aperture that makes it virtually invisible acoustically to the compression driver and horn. This patented design delivers incredibly smooth off-axis response and is suitable for applications as far as 60-degrees off-axis – ideal for immersive audio systems. The revolutionary Cat Claw mounting system as well as gold-plated, spring-loaded binding post terminals enable quick and reliable installation. The system features magnetically-attached round and square grilles and will begin shipping in February 2021 at $2,000 each.

The 2.5-way SCL-6 in-wall loudspeaker is a narrow footprint design with an on-axis horn suitable for LCR applications in small to medium systems or lower-level surround positions in larger systems. The SCL-6 features a patented 1-inch 2410H-2 compression driver tweeter, mated to a JBL patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn assembly and complemented with four 5.25-inch (130mm) black Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone, cast frame woofers. The patented Cat Claw mounting mechanism makes the speaker easy to install in combination with gold plated, spring-loaded binding posts. Designed to provide ultimate performance and the highest levels of dynamics from any in-wall loudspeaker, the SCL-6 discreetly integrates into any environment and décor and features a paintable zero-bezel, magnetically attached grille. The SCL-6 ships in February 2021 and retails at $1,500 each.

The 2-way SCL-7 in-wall loudspeaker system is designed for off-axis listening as LCR, width and surround channels. The SCL-7 features the legendary 1-inch 2410H-2 compression driver tweeter, and patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn assembly, complemented with dual 5.25-inch (130mm) black Advanced Aluminum Matrix cones. As with the SCL-6, the patented Cat Claw mounting mechanism and gold plated spring-loaded binding posts allow for fast and easy installation. The SCL-6 ships in February 2021 and retails at $1,000 each.

A 2021 CES Innovations Award Honoree, the versatile SCL-8, 2-way in-ceiling loudspeaker system is designed for off-axis listening in an immersive audio system. Essentially a smaller version of the SCL-5, the SCL-8 features the same transducers as used in the SCL-6 and SCL-7, including a 5.25-inch Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone cast-frame woofer, and 1-inch 2410H-2 compression driver tweeter mated to an HDI horn assembly. The SCL-8 comes with paintable zero-bezel, magnetically attached round and square grilles and will be available in February 2021 at the retail price of $1,000 each.

The addition of these four new models along with the flagship SCL-1 and SSW-1 models expands the JBL Synthesis portfolio to a total of eight SCL models and four SSW models and offers dealers and installers an exceptional toolkit of loudspeaker solutions unmatched in features and performance

The SCL-5 is a great match with the SCL-2, SCL-3, and SCL-4 loudspeakers for height channel installations. The SCL-6, SCL-7, and SCL-8 perfectly complement the SDP-55 16 channel immersive surround sound processor and the award-winning SDR-35 class G Immersive surround sound AVR as well as the SDA amplifiers for use in small to medium-size systems.
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