JBL Control 42C - 30W 2.5-inch Passive Ceiling Loudspeaker with Backcan and 160-Degree Coverage in White Finish

The JBL Professional Control 42C is a highly efficient, ultra-compact in-ceiling satellite loudspeaker designed to seamlessly integrate with the Control 40CS/T subwoofer, delivering an impressive, high-performance subwoofer-satellite system for both small and large audio installations. The Control 42C is engineered for applications that require wide bandwidth and superior sonic performance while maintaining minimal visual impact, making it an ideal choice for venues where audio quality and aesthetics are equally important.

At the heart of the Control 42C is its 60 mm (2.5 in) mid/high driver, which features a polypropylene cone and pure butyl rubber surround for enhanced durability and smooth frequency response. The driver's copper-clad aluminum voice coil is wound on a vented aluminum former, ensuring low distortion and high sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction. The 16-ohm impedance of the driver allows multiple units to be paralleled on a low-impedance amplifier, making the Control 42C perfect for large installations that require multiple speakers. It is designed to operate with an active high-pass filter or a passive crossover, such as the one built into the Control 40CS/T subwoofer, to protect it from low-frequency damage.

With its integrated backcan and C-ring support backing plate, the Control 42C offers easy and quick installation in various ceiling configurations. The system's lightweight design eliminates the need for tile rails in many installations, though optional MTC-RAIL tile rails are available for more complex mounting applications. The included grille, C-ring, and cutout template ensure a smooth and efficient installation process, making the Control 42C a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of in-ceiling audio setups.

Offering a broad 160-degree coverage pattern, the Control 42C provides consistent sound distribution across a large area, ensuring excellent clarity for speech and vocals, as well as an extended frequency response for music. The Control 42C is ideal for use in environments requiring discreet yet powerful audio systems, such as commercial spaces, retail stores, and venues that demand a wide sound coverage with minimal intrusion.

Features

• Ultra-compact in-ceiling satellite speaker designed for integration with Control 40CS/T subwoofer
• 60 mm (2.5 in) mid/high driver with polypropylene cone and pure butyl rubber surround for durability and smooth response
• 16-ohm impedance allows paralleling multiple speakers on a low-impedance amplifier
• Broad 160-degree coverage pattern for consistent sound distribution across large areas
• Integrated backcan and C-ring support plate for easy "blind-mount" installation
• Nominal sensitivity of 82 dB with a maximum SPL of 100 dB peak
• Frequency response from 180 Hz to 17 kHz, perfect for mid- to high-frequency applications
• Lightweight design eliminates the need for tile rails in many installations (optional MTC-RAIL tile rails available)
• Included accessories: C-ring support backing plate, knockout strain relief, cutout template, paint shield, and grille
• Optional accessories: MTC-RAIL tile rails, MTC-42NC new construction bracket, MTC-42MR mud-ring construction bracket

Specifications

System

• Frequency Range: 140 Hz - 20 kHz
• Frequency Response: 180 Hz - 17 kHz
• Power Capacity:
  • 30W Continuous Program Power
  • 15W Continuous Pink Noise
• Nominal Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 82 dB
• Rated Maximum SPL: 94 dB @ 1 m (3.3 ft) average, 100 dB peak
• Rated Impedance: 16 ohms
• Nominal Coverage Angle: 160° conical coverage
• Directivity Factor (Q): 6.6
• Directivity Index (DI): 6.8 dB

Transducer

• Driver: 2.5 in with polypropylene cone, butyl rubber surround, copper-clad coil, vented aluminum former

Enclosure

• Input Connectors: Two removable locking 2-pin connectors with screw-down terminals; max wire size 12 AWG (2.5 mm2)
• Knockouts: Two (top and side)
• 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, 12.0 in diameter, driver pre-mounted to baffle, ported
• Dimensions: 5.0 in diameter x 4.2 in depth from back of baffle
• Cutout Size: 4.1 in diameter
• Ceiling Thickness Range: Accommodates tiles/drywall up to 1.1 in thick
• Weight: 1.6 lbs
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 lbs
• Included Accessories: C-ring support backing plate, knockout strain relief, cutout template, paint shield, grille
• Optional Accessories: MTC-RAIL tile rails, MTC-42NC new construction bracket, MTC-42MR mud-ring construction bracket