JBL 2202H Mid-Bass Driver
The JBL 2202H is a 12-inch driver built for one job: punchy, articulate mid-bass in high-end four-way systems. It sits in the JBL 4355 and 4350B, and it sets the tonal foundation of both.
Specifications
| Type | 12" (300mm) Mid-Bass Driver |
|---|---|
| Voice Coil Diameter | 3 inches (76mm) |
| Magnet | Alnico V or Ferrite (SFG) |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω (2202H) / 16 Ω (2202J) |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous, 300W program |
| Frequency Response | 150 Hz - 3 kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | ~99 dB/W/m |
| Resonant Frequency (Fs) | ~35 Hz |
Design Overview
The 2202H wasn't designed to be a woofer. It's a mid-bass specialist, tuned for the frequencies between 150 Hz and 1.2 kHz, where vocals gain weight, basslines find grip, and guitars cut through the mix. In a JBL 4355, it sits between the low end and the highs.
It has three strengths: high sensitivity, extended response, and tight control. The 3-inch voice coil and the magnetic circuit are on par with those in 15-inch drivers. They deliver ~99 dB efficiency, so the driver keeps pace with horn-loaded compression drivers without strain. The cone stays linear across nearly three octaves, which is rare for a 12-inch unit. Distortion is low, so it stays clear at studio-monitoring volumes.
Then there's the enclosure. In flagship systems like the 4355, the 2202H lives in a sealed sub-chamber, isolated from the main cabinet's bass reflex tuning. That locks down resonance and gives the fast, accurate response engineers want.
Applications
The 2202H was the mid-bass driver in JBL's largest studio monitors:
- JBL 4355 - Mid-bass driver in flagship studio monitor
- JBL 4350B - Large format four-way monitor
- JBL 4352 - Professional monitoring system
- Custom professional installations
In the Wild
The 2202H is the subject of Resistor Magazine's deep dive into Iwan Arjanto's restoration of vintage JBL 4355s. The monitors were assembled from original parts, and they rely on the 2202H to anchor the midrange.
In the 4355's crossover scheme, the 2202H handles 290 Hz to 1.2 kHz. It sits between the dual 2235H 15-inch woofers below and the 2441 compression driver above. Each transducer gets its own band, which helps the system's transparency and dynamic headroom.
Variants
- 2202H: 8-ohm version used in most professional applications
- 2202J (2202HJ): 16-ohm version for specific system configurations
Operational Notes
In studio monitors like the 4355, the 2202H runs under these conditions:
- Mounted in a sealed sub-enclosure within the main cabinet
- Crossed over at 290 Hz (low-pass) and 1.2 kHz (high-pass)
- Handles the harmonic core of music—where kick drums thump and electric bass sings
- High sensitivity ensures seamless level matching with horn drivers
Enclosure Design
The JBL Professional Enclosure Guide outlines a vented design for non-studio uses, suited to midrange duties or guitar cabs:
| Application | Midrange or guitar |
|---|---|
| Chart Reference | #1 |
| Enclosure Volume | 1.5 cubic feet (42.5 liters) |
| Tuned Frequency | 80 Hz |
| Internal Dimensions | 17.4" H x 14.2" W x 12.3" D |
| Vent Area | 13.9 sq in (1x 4" duct) |
| Duct Length | 4.2 inches |
Note: In studio monitor applications like the 4355, the 2202H typically operates in a sealed sub-chamber rather than a vented enclosure. The vented design above is recommended for midrange or guitar applications.
View the complete JBL Professional Enclosure Guide →
Related Drivers
- JBL 2235H - 15" woofer used alongside 2202H in 4355
- JBL 2020H - Similar high-efficiency mid-bass driver
- JBL D123 - 12" full-range driver with lower efficiency
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