JBL Studio 2 ceiling speaker

JBL is one of the most iconic names in American audio, founded by James Bullough Lansing in 1946 after his departure from Altec Lansing. The brand became famous for its innovations in professional loudspeaker technology, eventually becoming a staple in both high-end home cinema and major concert venues. The product shown is a JBL architectural speaker, specifically designed for in-ceiling installation, featuring the signature High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide technology which ensures consistent sound distribution throughout a room.

While the brand has its roots in California, USA, the company underwent significant corporate transitions over the decades. It was acquired by Jervis Corporation (later renamed Harman International) in 1969. In 2017, Samsung Electronics acquired Harman International, making Samsung the ultimate parent company of the JBL brand. Like many modern electronics, manufacturing for the consumer and architectural lines is primarily conducted in China to maintain global logistics and cost-efficiency, though the engineering and design concepts often remain guided by Harman’s specialized audio centers in North America and Europe.