JBL Control 328C - 250W 8-inch Passive Ceiling Loudspeaker with Pre-Attached Ported Baffle and 120-Degree Coverage in Black Finish

The JBL Professional Control 328C is a high-performance, 8-inch passive ceiling loudspeaker designed to provide exceptional clarity and consistent sound coverage in a compact, coaxial point-source design. Ideal for use in large commercial and industrial environments, the Control 328C offers robust performance for both speech and music reproduction. This loudspeaker is engineered to deliver broadband coverage of 120°, ensuring a broad and consistent sound field across the listening area. Its coaxial design integrates the low-frequency and high-frequency drivers into a single point source, offering uniform frequency response and minimizing phase cancellation issues commonly associated with separate drivers.

The Control 328C features a 200 mm (8-inch) Kevlar-reinforced woofer with a 50 mm (2-inch) voice coil, designed for durability and reliability. The Kevlar cone ensures the speaker performs well under high power conditions, while the high-temperature voice coil enhances performance and longevity. The low-frequency driver is coupled with a high-frequency compression driver featuring a 25 mm (1-inch) exit and a pure titanium diaphragm. The high-frequency driver, designed with FerroFluid cooling for increased power handling and a diamond surround for resonance control, ensures smooth and extended high-frequency performance. Together, the drivers deliver extraordinary clarity for speech, vocals, and music, with extended frequency response for full-spectrum sound.

One of the standout features of the Control 328C is its innovative baffle design. The baffle, which is ported and pre-attached to the speaker, performs as a 300 mm (12-inch) waveguide, allowing the 8-inch driver to achieve the pattern control of a larger horn. This ensures consistent 120° coverage, eliminating high-frequency beaming and providing an even sound distribution across a wide area. The result is a coaxial speaker that delivers superior coverage, particularly in large spaces such as conference halls, retail environments, or public auditoriums.

The Control 328C is also designed with easy installation in mind. Its EZRail feature allows the speaker baffle to be temporarily held in place, making installation easier and faster. The removable multi-pin locking connector with screw-down terminals enables pre-wiring the speaker, ensuring quick and secure connections during installation. The sleek, contemporary appearance of the speaker makes it suitable for high-end venues, with the optional MTC-RG6/8 round grille providing a clean, elegant look that complements any decor. For additional performance, the speaker can be paired with the optional MTC-300BB8 backbox, which is made from extra-thick 16 gauge steel and lined with medium-density fiberboard, providing superior bass performance in acoustically challenging environments.

As a transformer-equipped version, the Control 328CT includes a high-quality 68W multi-tap transformer that supports both 70V and 100V distributed speaker lines, offering flexibility for large-scale installations. The transformer provides various tap settings, including 68W, 34W, 17W, and 8.5W for 70V systems, and 68W, 34W, and 17W for 100V systems. This ensures the speaker can be used in a variety of configurations to suit different system requirements. The Control 328C and 328CT models have been rigorously tested to pass JBL's 100-hour torture power test, ensuring long-lasting reliability and performance in demanding environments.

Features

• 8-inch Kevlar-reinforced woofer with a 50 mm (2-inch) voice coil for high sensitivity and low distortion
• 25 mm (1-inch) titanium diaphragm compression driver for extended high-frequency response and clarity
• 120° broadband coverage for consistent sound distribution across large areas
• 250W continuous power handling (1000W peak) and 118 dB continuous SPL (124 dB peak)
• Frequency range of 45 Hz to 18 kHz and frequency response from 60 Hz to 16 kHz for full-range performance
• Advanced high-slope crossover network for smooth midrange and high-frequency transitions
• EZRail installation feature for easier mounting and secure baffle attachment
• Removable multi-pin locking connector for efficient, pre-wired installation
• Optional MTC-RG6/8 round grille and MTC-SG6/8 square grille for a clean, modern look
• Optional MTC-300BB8 backbox for enhanced bass performance and durability
• Transformer-equipped version (328CT) with 68W multi-tap transformer for 70V/100V systems
• UL-listed for safety and suitable for use in air-handling spaces when paired with UL-listed backcan

Specifications

System

• Frequency Range: 45 Hz - 18 kHz
• Frequency Response: 60 Hz - 16 kHz
• Long-Term System Power Rating (IEC):
  • 250W (1000W peak), 2 hrs
  • 150W (600W peak), 100 hrs
• Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 93 dB measured half-space
• Maximum SPL: 118 dB continuous average (124 dB peak)
• Crossover Network: 1.9 kHz, 3rd order (18 dB/oct) high-pass plus conjugate to HF, 2nd order low-pass to LF
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Transformer Taps:
  • 70V: 68W, 34W, 17W, 8.5W
  • 100V: 68W, 34W, 17W

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-300BB8. S7232/UL Listed, Signaling Speaker. Transformer UL registered per UL1876. In accordance with IEC60849/EN60849.
• Baffle: Metal, round, 12.0 in diameter, driver pre-mounted to baffle, ported
• Baffle Attachment to MTC-300BB8 Backbox: Attach via 4 #10 x 0.75 in (19 mm) sheet metal screws
• Grille Attachment to Baffle: 4 pcs 4 mm machine screws in corners
• Dimensions: 12.0 in diameter round baffle x depth from back of baffle of 6.3 in (on 328C) & 8.6 in (on 328CT)
• Net Weight: 10.0 lbs (328C), 12.0 lbs (328CT)
• Shipping Weight: 12.7 lbs (328C), 14.7 lbs (328CT)
• Included Accessories: Ported baffle pre-attached, transformer on 328CT
• Optional Accessories: MTC-RG6/8 Grille, round contoured, white, MTC-SG6/8 Grille, square contoured, white, MTC-300BB8 Backbox, 25 liters (1 cubic foot)