JBL Control 28-1 – 8-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Commercial Speaker (each)

Product Description

High-output sound. Wide coverage. Built for demanding indoor and outdoor installations.

The JBL Control 28-1 is a two-way, 8-inch indoor/outdoor loudspeaker designed for commercial background music, foreground audio and paging systems. Combining a woven-fiberglass woofer, a fluid-cooled 1-inch tweeter and 100° × 100° coverage, it delivers consistent sound across restaurants, retail spaces, hospitality venues, fitness centers and outdoor entertainment areas.

Its built-in 70V/100V transformer supports distributed audio installations, while an 8-ohm bypass setting allows use with compatible low-impedance amplifiers. The included InvisiBall mounting system provides flexible positioning with concealed adjustment hardware, helping the speaker integrate into a wide range of architectural environments.

High-Output Two-Way Performance

The Control 28-1 features an 8-inch woven-fiberglass woofer with a pure butyl rubber surround and a 1-inch PEI diaphragm tweeter with fluid cooling.

The woofer's fiberglass construction provides the rigidity and durability required for extended operation, while its optimized motor and suspension support consistent performance at higher playback levels. The high-frequency driver is engineered to deliver clear vocals and detailed music reproduction across the speaker's broad coverage area.

With 91dB sensitivity, a maximum continuous SPL of 112dB and a frequency range extending from 45Hz to 20kHz, the Control 28-1 is suited to applications requiring more output and bass capability than smaller commercial surface-mount speakers.

Wide 100° × 100° Coverage

The Control 28-1 provides symmetrical 100° horizontal and vertical coverage, making it suitable for installations where sound must be distributed evenly across a broad listening area.

Its coverage pattern allows system designers to position speakers strategically for seating areas, retail floors, patios and other occupied spaces. This flexibility is particularly valuable in restaurants and hospitality environments where consistent music levels and clear announcements are important.

The speaker can be installed vertically or horizontally, allowing its placement to accommodate architectural features and available mounting locations.

70V/100V and 8-Ohm Operation

The Control 28-1 incorporates a multi-tap transformer for use with commercial distributed audio systems.

Selectable 70V taps of 7.5W, 15W, 30W and 60W, along with 100V taps of 15W, 30W and 60W, allow the speaker to be matched to the output requirements of a commercial amplifier and the needs of the installation.

For systems using conventional low-impedance amplification, the transformer can be bypassed for direct 8-ohm operation. In this configuration, the Control 28-1 supports 120 watts of continuous pink-noise power handling and 240 watts of continuous program power.

This dual operating capability makes the speaker suitable for both distributed commercial installations and dedicated high-output audio zones.

InvisiBall Mounting System

JBL's InvisiBall mounting system is included with the Control 28-1, providing adjustable wall mounting without exposing conventional external mounting hardware.

The mounting mechanism allows the speaker to be rotated vertically and horizontally for precise aiming. Its adjustment point is concealed behind the JBL logo badge, allowing installers to reposition the speaker without removing the grille.

For installations requiring alternative mounting arrangements, JBL offers an optional U-bracket and a ceiling-mount InvisiBall adapter.

The result is a flexible installation platform for commercial interiors, covered outdoor spaces and architecturally integrated audio systems.

Weather-Resistant Construction

The Control 28-1 is engineered for indoor and outdoor applications, with a durable enclosure, weather-resistant transducers and a corrosion-resistant grille.

Its high-impact polystyrene cabinet incorporates glass reinforcement, while the woofer includes protective construction intended for challenging environmental conditions. The heavily zinc-plated steel grille is finished with a durable powder coating to help resist corrosion.

The standard speaker carries an IP44 environmental rating. For installations exposed to more demanding weather, the optional WeatherMax grille and a compatible protective terminal cover can increase protection to IP55 when installed as specified by JBL.

These features make the Control 28-1 suitable for commercial patios, outdoor hospitality areas, recreational facilities and other environments where weather resistance is important.

Commercial Audio Integration at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi in Houston, Texas, provides professional audio design and installation for commercial and residential environments. Our team can integrate JBL Control 28-1 loudspeakers into restaurant sound systems, retail spaces, hospitality venues, covered patios and distributed audio installations.

From speaker placement and amplifier selection to multizone audio, networking and Control4 automation, we design complete systems around the requirements of each space.