JBL Control SB-1

The JBL Control SB-1 is a powered subwoofer/soundbar combination - a 70-inch-wide, self-contained unit. It packs four 3.5" full-range transducers and two 8" subwoofers into a single cabinet measuring 8.5" x 70" x 7.5" and weighing 70 lb (31.8 kg). The amplifier is split. 100 watts continuous RMS goes to the low frequencies and 50 watts continuous RMS goes to the high frequencies. JBL rated the system at 34 Hz - 20 kHz.

The SB-1 was part of JBL's Control SB series, which also included the Control SB-2 and SB-2F. Inputs are straightforward for the era: RCA, a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack, and speaker-level connections. It required 220-240V AC power and drew 350 W max. JBL listed the original price at $1,350.00 each.

Documentation on the SB-1 is thin. A period review in Studio-Sound (September 1990, p.29) mentioned new wire and cable products in the same product roundup. JBL has discontinued the unit. Crossover frequency, finish options and bundled accessories are not recorded in the available sources. The spec sheet is fairly complete, though. It was a single-cabinet powered soundbar with subwoofers built in.

- **Type:** Powered subwoofer/soundbar

- **Drivers:** Four 3.5" full-range; two 8" subwoofers

- **Amplifier:** 100 W RMS (LF) + 50 W RMS (HF)

- **Frequency range:** 34 Hz - 20 kHz

- **Dimensions:** 8.5" H x 70" W x 7.5" D

- **Weight:** 70 lb (31.8 kg)

- **Inputs:** RCA, 3.5 mm stereo mini jack, speaker level

- **Original price:** $1,350.00