JBL Control 321C - 250W 12-inch Passive Ceiling Loudspeaker with Pre-Attached Ported Baffle and 90-Degree Coverage in Black Finish

The JBL Professional Control 321C is a high-performance 12-inch passive ceiling loudspeaker designed for a variety of professional audio applications, including commercial venues, theaters, and high-end installations where clear, extended bass and crisp, full-range audio reproduction are essential. Engineered for consistent 90° broadband coverage, the Control 321C offers smooth high-fidelity performance and exceptional clarity for speech, vocals, and music across a wide frequency range.

The heart of the Control 321C is its 300 mm (12-inch) Kevlar-reinforced low-frequency driver. This durable, high-excursion driver features a pure butyl rubber surround, ensuring smooth bass response and long-lasting reliability. The 50 mm (2-inch) voice coil provides high power handling and thermal stability, while the advanced driver design minimizes distortion and enhances overall performance. The high-frequency component is powered by a 25 mm (1-inch) compression driver, using a titanium diaphragm that offers high sensitivity, extended longevity, and superior sound reproduction. The integration of these components into a coaxial configuration delivers consistent coverage and precise sound distribution, ensuring even sound across the listening area regardless of orientation.

The Control 321C is designed to be highly versatile, with an advanced high-slope crossover network that ensures constant coverage and a smooth, natural midrange. The speaker delivers excellent clarity and exceptional low-frequency response, with a frequency range of 34 Hz to 18 kHz and a frequency response from 47 Hz to 16 kHz. The loudspeaker offers 250W continuous program power handling, with the capability to handle up to 1000W peak power, making it ideal for high-demand environments. The speaker's sensitivity is rated at 94 dB, measured in half-space, providing high output levels even in large venues. The maximum SPL reaches 118 dB continuous (124 dB peak), allowing the Control 321C to deliver powerful, distortion-free audio even at higher volumes.

One of the standout features of the Control 321C is its ease of installation. The innovative EZRail feature built into the metal baffle temporarily holds the speaker's baffle in place until it can be securely attached to the backcan with screws. The removable multi-pin locking connector and screw-down terminals allow for pre-wiring, making installation faster and more convenient. Additionally, the speaker comes with a clean, contemporary grille design that suits a wide range of interior styles, and the optional MTC-300SG12 square grille ensures that the speaker integrates seamlessly into high-end venues.

For enhanced bass performance and durability, the Control 321C can be paired with the optional MTC-300BB12 backbox. This backbox is constructed from extra-thick 16-gauge steel and lined with 1/2-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to provide the acoustics of a wood speaker cabinet in a metal form factor. The backbox ensures optimal performance and protects the speaker from environmental factors. The Control 321C is built to meet rigorous safety standards, including UL1480 and UL2043, making it suitable for use in air handling spaces when installed with a UL-listed backcan.

With its high power handling, advanced driver design, and exceptional sound clarity, the Control 321C is a perfect solution for any professional audio installation that requires a high-performance ceiling loudspeaker. Whether used for background music, paging, or full-range audio reproduction, the Control 321C ensures consistent and high-quality sound across a variety of environments.

Features

• 300 mm (12-inch) Kevlar-reinforced low-frequency driver for reliable bass response
• 25 mm (1-inch) compression driver with titanium diaphragm for high sensitivity and long life
• 250W continuous power handling with 1000W peak capability, ensuring high output and performance
• Frequency range of 34 Hz to 18 kHz and frequency response of 47 Hz to 16 kHz for full-range audio reproduction
• Advanced high-slope crossover network for smooth midrange and constant coverage
• Maximum SPL of 118 dB continuous (124 dB peak) for high output in large venues
• Easy installation with EZRail feature, pre-attached ported baffle, and removable multi-pin locking connector
• Optional MTC-300SG12 square grille for a sleek, high-end appearance
• Optional MTC-300BB12 backbox made of 16-gauge steel and medium-density fiberboard for enhanced bass response
• Nominal impedance of 5.6 ohms, with transformer taps for 70V and 100V systems
• Safety certified for use in air handling spaces when installed with the UL-listed backcan

Specifications

System

• Frequency Range: 34 Hz - 18 kHz
• Frequency Response: 47 Hz - 16 kHz
• Power Rating:
  • 250W (1000W peak), 2 hrs
  • 200W (800W peak), 100 hrs
• Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 94 dB measured half-space
• Maximum SPL: 118 dB continuous average (124 dB peak)
• Crossover Network: 1.8 kHz, 3rd order (18 dB/oct) high-pass plus conjugate to HF, 2nd order low-pass to LF
• Nominal Impedance: 5.6 ohms
• Transformer Taps:
  • 70V: 68W, 34W, 17W, 8.5W
  • 100V: 68W, 34W, 17W
• Transformer Insertion Loss: 0.9 dB typ.

Transducers

• Low Frequency Driver: Kevlar reinforced cone, 2 in voice coil
• High Frequency Driver: JBL 2412H-1 compression driver, 1 in voice coil

Physical

• Input Connector: Removable locking connector with screw-down terminals. Max wire 12 AWG (2.5 mm2)
  • 1) + in
  • 2) + loop out
  • 3) - loop out
  • 4) - in
• Safety Agency Rating: Suitable for use in air handling spaces per UL1480, UL2043, NFPA90 & NFPA 70 when installed with UL listed backcan such as JBL MTC-300BB12. S7232/UL Listed, Signaling Speaker. Transformer UL registered per UL1876. In accordance with IEC60849/EN60849.
• Baffle: Metal, 366 x 366 mm (14.4 x 14.4 in), driver pre-mounted to baffle, ported, EZRail for easier installation to backbox
• Baffle Attachment to MTC-300BB12 Backbox: Attach via either 4 corner holes M4 x 14 mm machine screws, or 6 side/end holes #10 x 0.75 in (19 mm) sheet metal screws
• Grille Attachment to Baffle: 4 pcs 4 mm machine screws in corners
• Dimensions: 14.4 x 14.4 in square baffle x depth from back of baffle of 8.8 in (on 321C) & 9.5 in (on 321CT)
• Net Weight: 16.0 lbs (321C), 18.0 lbs (321CT)
• Shipping Weight: 19.4 lbs (321C), 21.6 lbs (321CT)
• Included Accessories: Ported baffle pre-attached, transformer on 321CT
• Optional Accessories: MTC-300SG12 Grille, square contoured, white, MTC-300BB12 Backbox, 80 liters (3 cubic feet), MTC-300T150 Transformer, 150W for use with 321C