JBL Professional
JBL Control 328CT 8 inch Coax Ceiling Speaker with Transformer
Best ceiling speaker for high-fidelity commercial audio installations.
Experience superior audio with the JBL Control 328CT, an 8-inch coaxial ceiling speaker designed for high-fidelity sound in demanding environments. This model, part of the Control 300 Series, features a built-in transformer for seamless integration into distributed audio systems. It delivers exceptional clarity for both speech and music, thanks to premium components like a Kevlar-reinforced cone woofer and a JBL compression driver. Enjoy consistent 120° broadband coverage and simplified installation with the innovative EZ-Rail frame, making it ideal for professional installations.
$440.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1855
/ 6561
#1855 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Components
2008251
/ mm ( in) woofer with Kevlar reinforced cone and mm (" exit) compression driver
Who it's for
- Audio engineers requiring precise sound clarity for commercial spaces
- System integrators managing large-scale distributed audio installations
- Facility managers prioritizing long-term reliability in high-traffic environments
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers planning large-scale commercial audio projects
- Installers working within shallow ceiling plenum spaces
- Interior designers needing seamless, bezel-less architectural aesthetics
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Kevlar-reinforced woofer and compression driver deliver studio-grade clarity for any space.
Installation Efficiency
The EZ-Rail frame system makes mounting these units remarkably straightforward.
Coverage Consistency
Broad 120-degree pattern ensures uniform sound distribution across the entire room.
System Integration
Built-in transformer allows for seamless scaling in complex distributed audio setups.
Power Handling
Robust 250-watt capacity provides plenty of headroom for demanding commercial environments.
Speech Intelligibility
Voiced specifically to ensure crisp, clear vocal reproduction in public spaces.
Key Specs
Components
200 mm (8 in) woofer with Kevlar reinforced cone and 25 mm (1" exit) compression driver
Power Handling
250 Watt
Pattern Control
Consistent 120° broadband
Driver Configuration
Coaxial (2 drivers)
Woofer Size
8 inch
Voiced for intelligible speech and music
Mounting Type
In-Ceiling
Speaker Type
In-Ceiling
Features
- Consistent 120° broadband pattern control
- Shaped baffle for enhanced sound projection
- Exceptional clarity for speech and vocals
- High sensitivity for powerful sound output
- Advanced crossover for smooth midrange
- Easy installation with EZ-Rail frame
- Includes built-in transformer for distributed audio
- Premium Kevlar woofer and compression driver
What customers say
Professional users overwhelmingly praise the JBL Control 328CT for its superior acoustic clarity and reliable performance in commercial spaces. The 8-inch coaxial design provides rich, detailed sound reproduction ideal for both background music and clear voice paging, even in challenging environments. A key benefit noted by integrators is the integrated transformer, which greatly simplifies installation into 70V or 100V distributed audio systems. Reviewers confirm the robust, professional build quality ensures long term durability. While the initial cost is premium, customers find the exceptional performance, reliability, and ease of system integration make the 328CT a high value solution for demanding audio needs.
Know before you buy
This speaker is designed for professional settings that require high-fidelity sound, such as conference rooms, retail spaces, or hospitality venues. It is specifically voiced to provide clear speech intelligibility and high-quality music reproduction.
Yes, as a passive speaker, the Control 328CT requires an external amplifier to power it. It handles up to 250 watts of power, making it capable of delivering significant volume in larger spaces.
The integrated transformer allows you to connect the speaker to a 70V or 100V distributed audio system. This is ideal for installations where you need to daisy-chain multiple speakers over long distances without significant signal loss.
The coaxial configuration places the compression driver in the center of the 8-inch woofer. This design ensures that high and low frequencies originate from the same point, resulting in a more cohesive sound and consistent 120° coverage across the room.
The speaker features an EZ-Rail frame system designed to simplify the mounting process. While it is a professional-grade unit, this rail system helps manage the weight and alignment during installation, making it more manageable for installers.
Kevlar is a rigid, lightweight material that resists distortion even at higher volumes. Using it in the woofer cone helps the speaker maintain tight, accurate bass response and clear midrange performance.
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