JBL S3500

The JBL S3500 is a floor-standing loudspeaker from JBL's Studio Series (the S-series). It is the smaller counterpart to the flagship S5500. Almost everything documented about it comes from JBL's own heritage materials, and the record is thin. No original retail price, production years, or period review measurements have surfaced.

What the specifications show is a 3-way, bass-reflex design that departs from JBL's better-known horn-loaded studio monitors of the era. Instead of compression drivers, the S3500 uses a 300mm (12 in) cone woofer, a 210mm (8 in) cone midrange, and a 38mm (1.5 in) titanium dome tweeter — a direct-radiating configuration. The crossover is described as a "computer-optimized network" with points at 500 Hz and 3.5 kHz. Frequency response is rated at 42 Hz–40 kHz, sensitivity at 91 dB (2.83 V, 1 m), impedance at 8 ohms, and maximum input power at 200 watts. The cabinet measures 370 × 650 × 373 mm (14.56 × 25.59 × 14.68 in) and weighs 27.0 kg (59.5 lbs), finished in black wood grain vinyl with screw terminals for connection.

Owner discussion on the Lansing Heritage forums is sparse. The main threads cover bi-wiring configurations and crossover/connection advice, which suggests a modest but engaged following among JBL collectors. Audio (June 1993, p.99) ran a dealer ad listing a related JBL in-wall model, but no substantive review of the S3500 itself has been located. If you own a pair, the archive would welcome your notes.

System type: 3-way, bass-reflex
Drivers: 300mm cone woofer, 210mm cone midrange, 38mm titanium dome tweeter
Crossover: 500 Hz, 3.5 kHz
Frequency response: 42 Hz – 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 91 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)
Impedance: 8 ohms · Power handling: 200 watts max
Dimensions (W×H×D): 370 × 650 × 373 mm · Weight: 27.0 kg
Finish: Black wood grain vinyl