One of the things that we value the most here at Sweetwater is going above and beyond customer expectations, and that's one of the reasons we have such a great relationship with JBL. Whether you're at home in your private studio, working in a large-format production house, or on tour with a full-scale sound-reinforcement system, you can expect performance that far exceeds the cost of their gear. We're talking about the kind of technology that makes a clear difference you'll appreciate, no matter if you're just starting off or a life-long pro, and it's why Sweetwater features JBL products in several of our own facilities.
Speaking of technology, JBL has been a pioneer in speaker development for over 70 years, making them one of the world's foremost authorities on speaker design and production. Their philosophy includes the idea that if they need a part that doesn't exist, they don't compromise; they make it. This extends to impressive innovations, such as their Image Control Waveguide and Slipstream subwoofer port, down to the particular speaker wire needed to make a specific voice-coil design. In other words, if off-the-shelf OEM parts aren't good enough for you, then they aren't good enough for products bearing the JBL logo.
Providing top-notch sound isn't easy, and a lot of testing goes into JBL's speaker and monitor technology. If you take a peek behind the curtain, then you'll see some truly remarkable testing methods their engineers use when making critical design decisions — the ones that determine whether the math on paper translates into real-world results. One example of this is the Linear Spatial Reference design criteria behind the LSR series studio monitors. This process involves 72 different measurements in a 360-degree field to capture every aspect of their monitor performance. Other testing methods include multiple application-specific anechoic testing chambers, and they've even developed a proprietary Speaker Shuffler, which lets them quickly and precisely reposition entire speaker systems in the exact space for truly accurate A/B testing.
JBL's testing goes well beyond design rigors into pushing stress limits. Put simply, JBL makes gear that's built to last, and that's the sort of value that goes way beyond the price of admission. Their claim of superior build quality is backed by more than just custom parts made to withstand everyday applications; JBL puts this to the test long before your environment can. For instance, their 100 Hour, Full Power Torture Test is specifically engineered to push standard speakers beyond the breaking point. That means you don't have to worry about blown speakers, because JBL already thought about that for you.
From their 1927 origin with their first speakers and the widespread adoption of their radically popular 4320 studio monitor by giants such as Capitol Records and EMI, JBL has been a powerhouse in the world of recording, live sound, and theatrical sound reinforcement. Over the years, they've been recognized by numerous institutions for their contributions to music and sound technology, receiving multiple TEC Awards, Academy Awards, and a Technical Grammy. But none of that compares to the regular rave reviews we hear about their products from our customers every day, and that's why Sweetwater is so proud to recommend JBL products.
