JBL ARENA 6IW In-Wall Architectural Loudspeaker Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- JBL
Table of Contents
JBL ARENA 6IW In-Wall Architectural Loudspeaker
DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS
This document contains general safety, installation and operation instructions
for the JBL Arena 6IW, 8IW and 55IW in-wall loudspeakers. It is important to
read this document before attempting to use this product. Pay particular
attention to:
WARNING: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like
that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or
death.
CAUTION: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like
that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or
destruction of part of or the entire product.
Note: Calls attention to information that aids in the installation or
operation of the product.
ABOUT JBL® IN-WALL SPEAKERS
For more than 68 years, JBL® engineers have been involved in every aspect of music and film recording and reproduction, from live performances to the recordings you play on-the-go and in your home, car or office. We’re confident that the JBL system you have chosen will provide every note of enjoyment you expect – and that when you think about purchasing additional audio equipment, you will once again choose JBL products.
IN-WALL LOUDSPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
- Long-throw woofers with rubber surrounds provide high output with low distortion.
- 1-inch (25mm) silk-dome tweeter with an integrated waveguide provides optimized response both on and off axis.
- High-order crossover network delivers accurate timbre reproduction.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please take a moment to register your product on our Web site at www.jbl.com. You’ll enable us to keep you posted on our latest advancements and help us to understand our customers and build products that meet their needs and expectations.
BOX CONTENTS
Your JBL in-wall loudspeaker box should contain the following items:
- 1 x JBL in-wall loudspeaker
- 1 x grille
- 1 x extra scrim cloth for grille
- 1 x mounting template
- 1 x instruction manual
UNPACKING THE SPEAKER
Carefully unpack the speaker. If you suspect damage from transit, report it immediately to your dealer and/or delivery service. Keep the shipping carton and packing materials for future use.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Your new JBL loudspeakers have been engineered to provide extremely accurate performance. However, any speaker’s ultimate performance will be affected by the speaker’s placement in the listening room and the acoustics of the room. Not all listening spaces can accommodate the ideal conditions of these two factors. Therefore, careful attention to the placement of your JBL in-wall loudspeakers will have a significant impact on the general performance of the loudspeakers.
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT FOR DISTRIBUTED SOUND
- Since distributed sound is general sound throughout an area, place the loudspeakers as uniformly as possible for even sound coverage throughout the area.
- Place the left and right loudspeakers roughly the same distance from the primary listener locations.
- To avoid “hot spots” where the sound is too loud, plan to use more loudspeakers, with each set to play at a lower volume.
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT FOR TWO-CHANNEL STEREO
Place the left and right loudspeakers the same distance from the primary listening area (or as close to the same distance as possible). The distance from each speaker to its nearest side wall should also be as close to the same distance as possible.
Ideally, the distance between the left and right loudspeakers should be slightly less than their distance from the primary listening area.
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT FOR HOME THEATER
The front left and front right loudspeakers should be located on either side of the video display, with their tweeters as close to ear level as possible.
- The front left and front right loudspeakers should be relatively close to the sides of the video display. For example, front left and front right loudspeakers used with a 50-in (1.3m) video display should generally not be more than 80 in (2m) apart.
- The center loudspeaker should be aligned with the center of the video display. Its tweeter should be no more than 2 ft (0.6m) above or below the tweeters of the front left and front right speakers.
- The JBL HDI waveguide will maintain even sound dispersion and a high-performance listening experience even when the front in-wall loudspeakers are installed above ear-level. This permits more flexible speaker placement during installation.
5.1-Channel Speaker Placement
- In a 5.1-channel system, the surround left and surround right loudspeakers should be located to the sides of the main listening area, 5 ft – 7 ft (1.5m – 2.1m) from the floor.
7.1-Channel Speaker Placement
- In a 7.1-channel system, the surround left and surround right loudspeakers should be located directly to the sides of the main listening area, 5 ft – 7 ft (1.5m – 2.1m) from the floor.
- In a 7.1-channel system, the surround back left and surround back right loudspeakers should be located on the rear wall, 3 ft – 6 ft
(0.9m – 1.8m) apart and at 5 ft – 7 ft (1.5m – 2.1m) from the floor.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
JBL architectural speakers are extremely easy to install. However, if you are
unable to understand and follow the instructions in this manual clearly and
fully, or if you are unsure of your ability to install these loudspeakers
properly, please contact your dealer or a qualified installer.
WARNING: HARMAN International assumes no responsibility for improper
installation of hardware or for any personal injuries or product damages
resulting from improper installation or a fallen loudspeaker.
CONNECTING TO THE AMPLIFIER
CAUTION: REMOVE POWER
You must connect the speaker wires before the speaker is fully installed. To
protect the audio system and yourself from damage or injury through accidental
electrical shorting and surges during installation, turn all audio system
power OFF before beginning the speaker installation.
Speaker Wire
Use high-quality speaker wire to obtain the best performance from your JBL in-
wall speakers.
- For wire lengths of less than 50 ft (15m), use at least 16-gauge speaker wire.
- For wire lengths between 50 ft and 100 ft (15m – 30m), use at least 12- gauge speaker wire.
- For wire lengths of greater than 100 ft (30m), use at least 10-gauge speaker wire.
Note: All speaker wires must comply with all local building and safety codes for use in in-wall applications.
Making Connections
Connect each channel’s positive (+) terminal on the back of the amplifier or
receiver to the positive (red) terminal on the corresponding speaker; connect
each channel’s negative (–) terminal on the back of the amplifier or receiver
to the negative (black) terminal on the corresponding speaker. Do not reverse
polarities (that is, do not connect + to –, or – to +) when making
connections. Doing so will cause poor imaging and diminished bass response.
Press down on the post to open the hole; insert the bare end of the wire into
the hole and release the post to secure the wire.
CAUTION: To avoid short circuits that may damage your equipment, be
certain that positive and negative wire strands do not touch each other and do
not touch metal parts such as the speaker frame.
MOUNTING THE SPEAKERS
For New Construction
If you wish to pre-install a rough-in frame for the speakers before the
drywall is installed in new construction, you will need to purchase the
correct rough-in frame kit for your loudspeaker model from your authorized JBL
dealer. Detailed mounting instructions are supplied with the rough-in kit.
After the drywall is installed, follow the installation instructions in For
Existing Construction, below.
For Existing Construction
Note: The installation procedure is the same for all models covered by
this manual.
-
Ensure that the drywall, plywood or other wall material is 1/2″ –2″ (13mm – 51mm) thick and capable of withstanding the weight of the speaker being installed.
Make sure to allow at least 1″ (25.4mm) between the edge of the supplied installation template and any rafters or other obstructions behind the wall, so the speaker’s locking mechanism will have room to engage fully. Perform an obstruction survey to be sure that there are no studs, lengths of conduit, pipes, heating ducts or air returns in the wall cavity that will interfere with the speaker. -
Determine the correct speaker location and use the template included with the speaker to mark the wall material.
-
Cut the drywall along the mark you made in Step 2 to create the mounting opening.
-
Connect the speaker to the amplifier as explained in Connecting to the Amplifier, on page 4.
-
Make sure all four speaker clamps are in their “ready-to-mount” position.
-
Insert the speaker straight into the mounting opening. Tighten the speaker clamp screws on the front of the speaker baffle. The speaker clamps will automatically rotate into position and begin clamping the speaker.
When you notice resistance on the screws the speaker has been clamped successfully.
IMPORTANT: Always use low-torque settings. NEVER over-tighten the clamp screws -
Attach the supplied grille. Powerful magnets in the speaker frame will securely hold the grille in place.
Painting the Grille
JBL architectural loudspeaker grilles can be painted to match any décor. If
you wish to change the grille’s color, its satin finish will function as a
primer coat. For the best results follow this procedure:
-
Gently remove the scrim cloth from the back side of the grille before painting.
-
Use a high-quality spray paint and apply a thin coat of color. Ensure that the grille perforations remain free of paint. Filling them with paint will diminish the speaker’s sound quality. If any perforations are plugged, use compressed air to blow the paint out of the perforations.
Note: If you find any grille perforations that are plugged with paint after the paint has dried, carefully use a straight pin or sewing needle to remove the paint. -
We have included replacement scrim cloths. After the paint has dried, apply a light coat of spray adhesive to the inside of the perforated grille and attach a new scrim cloth.
IMPORTANT: Never spray adhesive on the cloth.
EXCESSIVE OUTPUT LEVELS
Your JBL loudspeakers feature custom-designed transducers and high-quality
network components featuring high-order filters with steep cutoffs that reduce
the potential of damage to individual speaker drivers and help the
loudspeakers maintain their performance even under extreme operating
conditions. However, all loudspeakers have limits when it comes to continuous
playback. To extend these limits, avoid playback at volume levels that result
in distorted or strained sound.
OBTAINING SERVICE
To obtain service, contact an authorized JBL dealer. Refer to Limited
Warranty, below for more information.
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions are subject to change without notice. For complete performance specifications, please go to the JBL Web site: www.jbl.com.
LIMITED WARRANTY
In the USA, this product is covered by a limited 5-year warranty. Other
countries may have different product warranty periods, which are governed by
local regulations. For more information about product warranty please visit
www.jbl.com or contact your dealer.
Dear Customer,
Congratulations on choosing JBL. For more than 50 years, JBL has been involved
in every facet of music and film recording and reproduction. From live
performances to monitoring the recordings you will soon play in your home,
office or home theater, JBL has provided a critical link.
As good as JBL products already are, our high-fidelity research moves forward,
resulting in new products with even higher performance capabilities.
We are confident that the JBL products you have chosen will provide every note
of musical enjoyment you expected – and that when you think about additional
loudspeakers for your home and your car, you will once again choose JBL.
Please take a moment to complete the enclosed profile card. This will enable
us to keep you posted on our latest advancements, and will help us to better
understand our customers and to build products that meet their needs and
expectations.
Thank you for selecting JBL. JBL Consumer Products
A Message from JBL
and the Consumer Technology Association:
Selecting fine audio equipment, such as the unit you have just purchased, is
only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it is time to consider how you
can maximize the fun and excitement your equipment offers. JBL and the
Consumer Technology Association want you to get the most out of your equipment
by playing it at a safe level; one that lets the sound come through loud and
clear without annoying blaring or distortion – and, most importantly, without
affecting your sensitive hearing.
Sound can be deceiving. Over time your hearing “comfort level” adapts to
higher volumes of sound. What sounds “normal” can actually be loud and harmful
to your hearing. Guard against this by choosing a safe level BEFORE your
hearing adapts.
TO ESTABLISH A SAFE LEVEL:
- Start your volume control at a low setting
- Slowly increase the sound until you can hear it comfortably, clearly, and without distortion
ONCE YOU HAVE ESTABLISHED A COMFORTABLE SOUND LEVEL:
- Do not exceed that level
Taking a moment to do this now will help to prevent hearing damage or loss in the future. After all, we want you listening for a lifetime.
JBL 1-Year Warranty **– Electronics
JBL 5-Year Limited Warranty – Loudspeakers**
U.S. Warranty – For warranty information outside the U.S., please contact your
local distributor. Warranty service is only available in the country of
original purchase. This is an important document. Attach your bill of sale to
this card and keep it in a safe place. Your bill of sale is your warranty.
The JBL warranty on the electronic components in this loudspeaker system
remains in effect for one year from the date of the first consumer purchase.
The JBL warranty on loudspeakers (including enclosures) remains in effect for
five years from the date of the first consumer purchase.
WHO IS PROTECTED BY THIS WARRANTY
The JBL warranty protects the original owner and all subsequent owners,
provided that the JBL product was purchased within the continental United
States, Alaska or Hawaii from an authorized dealer who was authorized by JBL
to sell such products at the time of the original purchase, or purchased by
military personnel from an authorized military outlet. A copy of the original
dated bill of sale must be presented whenever warranty service is required.
WHAT IS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY
Except as specified below, the JBL warranty covers all defects in material and
workmanship. The following are not covered: damage caused by accident, misuse,
abuse, product modification or neglect; damage occurring during shipment;
damage from failure to follow instructions contained in the instruction
manual; damage resulting from the performance of repairs by someone not
authorized by JBL; damage caused by installation of parts that do not conform
to JBL specifications; units used for other than home use; units not used for
their intended purpose; any claims based on misrepresentations by the seller;
products sold on an “as-is” or final sale basis; or the cost of installing,
removing, or reinstalling the unit. JBL’s liability is limited to the repair
or replacement, at our option, of any defective product and shall not include
incidental or consequential damages. JBL reserves the right to replace a
discontinued model with a comparable model. Any replacement units or parts may
be new or rebuilt.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
If you require warranty service, please contact your dealer for assistance. If
this is not possible and you live in the United States, please visit our Web
site at www.jbl.com or call
800-336-4525 for information on how to
obtain service or replacement.
If purchased outside the United States, contact your local dealer or
distributor for repair or replacement.
DO NOT RETURN PRODUCTS TO THE JBL FACTORY WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION; THEY WILL BE
RETURNED UNOPENED
You are responsible for transporting your product for repair or replacement.
JBL will pay reasonable return charges for delivery to any location in the
continental United States, Alaska or Hawaii if the repair or replacement is
covered under the warranty. Please save the original shipping carton(s), as a
charge will be made for additional cartons.
Correspondence with JBL should be addressed to: JBL Customer Service, 8500
Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329. Outside the United States, please
contact your local distributor.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights
which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above may not apply to you.
JBL Consumer Products
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329
Part No. 1/5YRWARHM