JBL is one the oldest brands in audio reproduction. The company which bears the initials of James B. Lansing, was an innovator in early cinema sound systems when the company was formed in 1946. By the 60s JBL were the speakers of choice in recording studios and rock concerts, most notably at Woodstock in 1969 and the Grateful Dead’s monstrous “Wall of Sound”.
Harman International’s acquisition of JBL in 1969 helped expand the brand’s growth into the consumer business with the release of the JBL L100, a studio monitor that professionals liked so much they wanted to take home. Its unique waffle grille set it apart from the competition, and its use in Maxell’s “Blown Away” tape commercial cemented its iconic appeal.
Today JBL continues to produce award-winning products for movie theaters, live venues, recording studios, and automobiles, along with a range of consumer audio products from low-cost headphones and bluetooth speakers to high-end hi-fi and home theater systems.
In this episode eCoustics founder Brian Mitchell sits down with Jim Garrett, head of product strategy and planning at the Harman Luxury Audio Group, which is composed of five active brands — JBL, JBL Synthesis, Arcam, Mark Levinson, and Revel. The discussion centers around the luxury side of the JBL business, which includes the modernized re-launch of JBL’s classic products, including the L100.
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Credits:
- Original intro music by The Arc of All.
- Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.
- Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.
