JBL Control SB-5

The JBL Control SB-5 was a powered subwoofer designed as a companion to the Control Series — specifically the Control 5, Control 5T, and Control 5C monitors. It's a sealed (acoustic suspension) enclosure housing a 12-inch woofer, with a 150 W continuous average amplifier rated at ≤0.1% THD. JBL spec'd the frequency response at 42 Hz–98 Hz (±3 dB) and a maximum output of 111 dB SPL at 1 meter with full input. The low-pass crossover is fixed at 100 Hz, and the rear panel offers level, low-pass, and polarity-reverse controls. Inputs are balanced XLR-3-31 and 1/4-inch TRS (two of each), with an XLR-3-32 THRU output for daisy-chaining. It runs on 120 VAC, 60 Hz, and draws 2.5 A. Physical dimensions are 25 x 11.5 x 15.75 inches, and it weighs 42 lb (19 kg).

No production years or original price have surfaced in the available record. Recording Engineer (September 1990, p.76) noted that new products were not available at press time. The sources disagree on the crossover. JBL's own literature says it's fixed at 100 Hz, while one product listing calls it variable from 100-150 Hz. The manufacturer's figure is the one to trust. The balanced connectors and the Control Series pairing point to studio and installed-sound use. At least one forum user reports still running one as a studio monitor sub that "performs adequately." That's anecdotal, and it's about the only user feedback on record.

Type: Powered subwoofer (sealed enclosure)
Driver: 12 in (305 mm)
Amplifier: 150 W continuous average, ≤0.1% THD
Frequency response: 42 Hz – 98 Hz (±3 dB)
Max SPL: 111 dB @ 1m (150 W input)
Crossover: 100 Hz low-pass (fixed per JBL)
Inputs: XLR-3-31 and 1/4 in TRS (2 each); XLR-3-32 THRU output
Controls: Level, low-pass, polarity reverse
Dimensions: 25 x 11.5 x 15.75 in (635 x 292 x 400 mm)
Weight: 42 lb (19 kg)