JBL Control 28-1L Weatherproof Speakers – Black Pair” style=”max-width: 100%; height: auto; max-height: 180px; object-fit: contain;”>
Introduction
Looking for professional-grade speakers that can handle both indoor and outdoor environments with powerful, crystal-clear sound? The JBL Professional Control 28-1L indoor/outdoor speakers, sold as a pair in sleek black, might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. Priced at around $700, these 8-inch woofer beasts boast a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from 69 Amazon reviews, making them a popular choice for everything from residential patios and poolside setups to commercial spaces like restaurants, retail stores, and theme parks.
In this comprehensive JBL Control 28-1L review, we’ll dive deep into the specs, performance, real customer feedback, pros, cons, and more. Whether you’re setting up a whole-house audio system, enhancing your outdoor entertainment area, or outfitting a public venue with reliable background or foreground music, these weatherproof speakers promise broad coverage and high-fidelity audio. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Product Overview
The JBL Control 28-1L is designed for demanding audio applications, offering a robust 120-watt continuous power handling (240-watt program) at 8 ohms. This low-impedance version is perfect for smaller systems or short cable runs, distinguishing it from the 70V model (Control 28-1) suited for larger distributed systems.
At the heart of each speaker is an 8-inch woven fiberglass cone woofer paired with a 1-inch PEI diaphragm tweeter featuring fluid cooling. This combo delivers a broad frequency response from 45 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring punchy bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs. The 100° x 100° coverage pattern provides even sound dispersion, ideal for filling large areas without hot spots.
Built with contemporary high-design aesthetics, these speakers are fully weather-resistant, making them suitable for patios, poolsides, or any exposed location. The included InvisiBall mounting hardware allows for versatile installation on walls, ceilings, or posts, with an optional U-bracket available separately. Sold as a pair in black (white version also exists), they’re tailored for professional installs in residential whole-house audio, retail, hospitality, health clubs, and more.
Key specs at a glance:
- Power Handling: 120W continuous / 240W program at 8Ω
- Driver Configuration: 8” woofer + 1” tweeter
- Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 20 kHz
- Coverage: 100° x 100°
- Dimensions (per speaker): Approximately 20.3″ H x 10.4″ W x 9.7″ D (noted as large in reviews)
- Weight (per speaker): Around 30 lbs (with transformer; lighter if removed)
- Connectivity: Passive, wired (8Ω direct)
These aren’t Bluetooth or wireless speakers—they’re passive pro-audio units requiring an external amplifier, which pairs well with setups like Sonos amps or JBL’s VMA series.
Pros
The JBL Control 28-1L shines in several areas, earning praise from users in both residential and commercial settings. Here are the top advantages:
- Exceptional Power and Volume: With 120W handling per speaker, they deliver loud, distortion-free sound even at high volumes. Customers rave about their ability to fill large spaces, like 30×40 outdoor areas, reaching up to 90 dB effortlessly.
- Impressive Bass Response: The 8-inch woofer provides deep, controlled bass down to 45 Hz, outperforming many competitors in outdoor setups. Reviewers call it the “best bass” they’ve heard from similar-sized drivers.
- Weatherproof Durability: IP-rated components make them truly versatile for indoor or outdoor use, from poolside parties to rainy patios. JBL’s professional build quality ensures longevity in harsh environments.
- Broad, Even Coverage: The 100° x 100° dispersion pattern ensures consistent sound across wide areas, perfect for background music in restaurants or foreground audio in leisure venues.
- Versatile Mounting Options: The InvisiBall system allows 360° rotation and 36° tilt, enabling precise aiming. Users love how securely they mount on walls, ceilings, or posts.
- High-Fidelity Sound Quality: Woven fiberglass cone and fluid-cooled tweeter deliver clear, detailed audio suitable for music, paging, or TV audio integration.
- Professional Aesthetic: Sleek black design blends into modern landscapes or interiors without looking obtrusive once installed.
Cons
No speaker is perfect, and the Control 28-1L has some drawbacks that potential buyers should consider:
- Large Size and Weight: Measuring over 20 inches tall and weighing nearly 30 lbs each, they’re bulky. One reviewer was “shocked” upon unboxing, though installation mitigates this issue.
- Requires a Powerful Amplifier: These demand at least 200-250W per channel to shine—don’t pair with weak receiver “B” outputs. Underpowering leads to poor performance.
- Not Wireless or Bluetooth: As passive speakers, they need hardwiring and an amp. Some listings may mislead on this, causing confusion.
- Potential Quality Control Issues: Isolated reports of defective units (e.g., one distorted speaker) highlight risks, especially at this price point.
- Premium Price: At $700 for a pair, they’re an investment best suited for serious users, not casual setups.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a solid 4.1/5 rating from 69 reviews, the JBL Control 28-1L garners enthusiasm for its pro-level performance but faces criticism for practical hurdles. Positive feedback dominates, focusing on sound and build, while negatives cluster around size, power needs, and rare defects.
Positive Highlights:
- A 5-star reviewer powered them with a Sonos amp (250W into 4 ohms) and declared: “These speakers are so impressive… The [woofer] is excellent at bass. Best [I’ve] heard. They go so loud it is almost funny… Sound good and controlled at all volumes.” They praised the mount and build but noted size as a con.
- French-language praise: “Vraiment un bin sin puissant et juste ! Qualité JBL !” (Translation: “Really a powerful and accurate sound system! JBL quality!”)
- Users in outdoor spaces love the volume and clarity: “They sound exquisite in a 30 x 40 outdoor space w enough loud (top – 90 dB).”
Negative Feedback:
- Size shocks newcomers: “They are BIG, I was shocked ‘oh my what have I done’ but once installed not a problem.”
- Power requirements: Warnings against underpowering—”Do not try to run these speakers off your receivers ‘B’ Speaker, it does not have enough power.”
- Misleading listings: “Prime lists these speakers as BlueTooth-enabled; they are not. They’re hardwire.”
- Defects: One 0-star review lamented a distorted second speaker and poor Amazon support: “One sounds good, but the second one is all distorted… Amazon refuses to replace it.”
Overall, 80%+ of reviews are 4-5 stars, with pros outweighing cons for informed buyers. Common themes: Pair with quality amps like Sonos or JBL VMA for best results; ideal for large, private areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the JBL Control 28-1L speakers Bluetooth or wireless?
No, these are passive wired speakers requiring an external amplifier and speaker cables. They’re not Bluetooth-enabled—ideal for fixed installs, not portable use.
Can I use them indoors and outdoors?
Yes! Their weather-resistant design handles moisture, UV exposure, and temperature extremes, making them perfect for patios, pools, restaurants, or indoor commercial spaces.
What amplifier do I need?
Recommend 200-250W per channel at 8 ohms (or 4 ohms bridged). Compatible with Sonos Amps, JBL VMA1120, or similar pro amps. Avoid underpowered receivers.
How do I mount them?
Included InvisiBall hardware allows wall, ceiling, or post mounting with full adjustability. U-brackets are optional for added security.
Are they sold as a pair?
Yes, this listing is for a pair in black. White versions are available separately.
Who Should Buy This Product
The JBL Control 28-1L is best for:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Homeowners with large patios, pools, or backyards needing loud, weatherproof audio for parties.
- Commercial Installers: Restaurants, retail stores, gyms, theme parks, or hotels requiring reliable foreground/background music and paging.
- Whole-House Audio Users: Those integrating with multi-room systems like Sonos for high-output zones.
- Pro Audio Pros: AV integrators seeking JBL quality for short-run 8Ω systems.
Skip if you want compact, wireless speakers, have a small space/budget, or lack a powerful amp.
Final Verdict
The JBL Professional Control 28-1L speakers earn a strong recommendation for anyone prioritizing professional sound quality, durability, and coverage in demanding environments. At 4.1 stars, their powerful bass, even dispersion, and weatherproof build make them standouts for outdoor patios, commercial venues, and high-output residential setups. However, their size, amp requirements, and wired nature demand careful planning—ensure you have the power and space.
For $700, you’re investing in JBL’s renowned pro-audio heritage. If your setup matches (large area + capable amp), these will impress. Otherwise, consider smaller alternatives. Rating: 4.3/5 – Excellent for pros, great for enthusiasts.
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