JBL Control 18C/T-BK - 180W 8-inch Passive 2-Way 70V/100V Ceiling Loudspeaker with Backcan and 90-Degree Coverage in Black Finish

The JBL Professional Control 18C/T-BK is a powerful and versatile full-range ceiling speaker, designed to deliver outstanding sound quality in a wide variety of medium to high volume environments. Ideal for use in music cafes, business music systems, retail stores, airports, convention centers, hotels, educational facilities, and more, this speaker provides clear, full-range sound with a wide frequency range and high sensitivity. Its sleek black finish allows it to blend seamlessly into any space, providing premium audio performance without compromising on aesthetics.

At the core of the Control 18C/T-BK is a 200 mm (8.0-inch) high-output low-frequency driver, which features a polypropylene cone and butyl rubber surround. This design ensures deep, clear bass with minimal distortion and long-lasting durability. Paired with a 25 mm (1.0-inch) soft-dome liquid-cooled tweeter, the speaker delivers a smooth and accurate high-frequency response. The tweeter is equipped with a lightweight Kapton voice coil and a wide dispersion waveguide, providing excellent off-axis performance and consistent coverage.

With a frequency range extending from 58 Hz to 20 kHz, the Control 18C/T-BK offers a broad bandwidth that accommodates various audio applications, from music reproduction to paging systems. The speaker boasts an impressive maximum SPL of 112 dB (average) and 118 dB (peak) at 1 meter, making it well-suited for spaces that require high sound output. The 92 dB sensitivity ensures that it performs well even in demanding environments, while the 180W continuous program power handling (90W continuous pink noise) ensures reliable performance over long periods of operation.

The Control 18C/T-BK is designed with flexibility in mind, offering both low-impedance (8 ohm) and 70V/100V distributed loudspeaker system operation. It includes a 60W multi-tap transformer with selectable taps for 30W, 15W, and 7.5W at 70V/100V, as well as an additional 3.8W tap for 70V systems. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of installations, from small spaces to large venues.

For easy installation, the Control 18C/T-BK comes equipped with a pre-attached blind-mount backcan, reducing installation time and complexity. The backcan, along with the included tile rail supports, C-ring support backing plate, and cutout template, ensures that the speaker can be quickly and securely mounted in standard ceiling spaces. The enclosure is made from durable ABS material with a UL94-V0 and UL94-5VB flame rating, ensuring long-term reliability and safety in commercial environments. A safety seismic attachment ring is also included for added peace of mind during installation.

The speaker's crossover network is designed with 12 dB/oct (2nd order) low-pass and high-pass filters to optimize the frequency response of the low and high-frequency drivers, ensuring a smooth and natural sound. The removable locking 4-pin connector with screw-down terminals provides secure wire termination, and the strain reliefs accommodate cable or flex conduit, adding to the speaker's flexibility in various installations.

Features

• 200 mm (8.0-inch) high-output LF driver with polypropylene cone and butyl rubber surround for deep, clear bass
• 25 mm (1.0-inch) soft-dome liquid-cooled tweeter with Kapton voice coil for excellent high-frequency response
• Frequency range of 58 Hz to 20 kHz, delivering full-range sound for diverse applications
• Maximum SPL of 112 dB (average) and 118 dB (peak) at 1 meter for high output in large spaces
• Switchable between 8-ohm low-impedance operation and 70V/100V distributed loudspeaker systems
• 60W multi-tap transformer with selectable taps (30W, 15W, 7.5W at 70V/100V and 3.8W at 70V)
• High 92 dB sensitivity for consistent performance in demanding environments
• Includes blind-mount backcan for quick and easy installation, with tile rail supports and C-ring support backing plate
• Durable ABS baffle with UL94-V0 and UL94-5VB flame rating for safety and reliability
• Compatible with MTC-48TR tile rails for larger 4 ft spans and optional MTC-TCD thick-ceiling dogears for thicker ceiling installations

Specifications

System

• Frequency Range (-10 dB): 58 Hz - 20 kHz
• Frequency Response (±3 dB): 80 Hz - 16 kHz
• Power Capacity (at low-Z): 180 Watts Continuous Program Power, 90 Watts Continuous Pink Noise
• Max Input Voltage: 31.8 V RMS (73.6 V peak)
• Nominal Sensitivity: 92 dB
• Nominal Coverage Angle: 90° conical coverage
• Directivity Factor (Q): 6.0
• Directivity Index (DI): 7.8 dB
• Rated Maximum SPL: 112 dB @ 1 m (3.3 ft) average, 118 dB peak
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (in direct/bypass 8Ω setting)
• Transformer Taps: 60 W, 30 W, 15 W @ 70V or 100V (plus 7.5 W @ 70V only)
• Recommended Protective High-Pass:
  • 80 Hz high-pass (24 dB/oct) for 8Ω tap
  • 60 Hz for 60 W tap, 50 Hz for 30 W, 15 W & 7.5 W tap setting

Transducers

• Crossover Network: 12 dB/oct (2nd order) low-pass to LF driver, 12 dB/oct (2nd order) high-pass to HF driver
• LF Driver: 200 mm (8.0 in) with polypropylene cone, butyl rubber surround, pass to HF driver
• HF Driver: 25 mm (1.0 in), highly damped treated-silk dome, Kapton voice coil, liquid cooling, wide dispersion waveguide

Enclosure

• Input Connector: Removable locking 4-pin connector with screw-down terminals. Max wire size 12 AWG (2.5)
• Connector Wiring: Pin 1 = + In, Pin 2 = - In, Pin 3 = + Loop Thru, Pin 4 = - Loop Thru
• Strain Reliefs: Strain relief for two cables or two flex conduits via coupled clamping mechanism
• Materials: ABS baffle with UL94-V0 and UL94-5VB flame class fire rating; Zinc-plated steel backcan
• Safety Agency: UL1480, UL2043, NFPA90 & NFPA70; S7232/UL listed, Suitable for use in air handling spaces, Signaling Speaker; Transformer UL registered per UL1876; ROHS, C-tick N108, CE compliant; Baffle meets UL94-V0 and UL94-5VB flammability rating; In accordance with IEC60849/EN60849 systems
• Dimensions: 307 mm diameter x 274 mm depth from back of baffle (12.1 in diameter x 10.8 in depth)
• Ceiling Cutout Size: Circular cutout with 282 mm (11.1 in) diameter
• Ceiling Thickness Range: Up to 38 mm (1.5 in) with stock dogears. MTC-TCD thick-ceiling dogears available for up to 60 mm (2.4 in) ceiling thicknesses
• Safety Seismic Attachment: One point, top surface
• Weight: 14.1 lbs (one speaker)
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 lbs (pair in master carton)
• Included Accessories: C-ring support backing plate, 2 tile support rails (for 2 ft or 600 mm tile spans); optional MTC-48TR extension available for larger 4 ft or 1200 mm tile spans, cutout template, paint shield, removable locking multi-pin connector, grille
• Optional Accessories: MTC-47NC new construction bracket, MTC-47MR mud-ring construction bracket, MTC-TCD thick-ceiling dogears for ceiling thicknesses up to 60 mm (2.4 in, ordering one set = 24 dogears for 6 speakers), MTC-48TR tile rail for 1200 mm (4 ft) tile spans