Overview
The C86 is the flagship of the JBL Conceal Series. This invisible architectural loudspeaker features a dual panel design for optimum acoustic performance. Each panel includes a rigid frame that houses the drivers and acoustic components that would be found on a conventional visible architectural in-wall or in-ceiling loudspeaker. The frame attaches directly to the structural framing of the wall, while the face of the loudspeaker – the FidelityGlass™ panel – features a smooth and durable surface that is designed to be finished in a similar fashion to the wallboard surrounding it. With the edges of the loudspeaker flush to the wallboard, the seams are taped and spackled using common methods and techniques. Once sanded and properly prepared, you simply need to paint or wallpaper the surface of the loudspeaker to match your desired finish.
The smaller panel of the C86 contains five drive elements working in tandem with the FidelityGlass™ acoustic panel to provide the high-and mid-frequency component of the sound of the C86. The larger panel utilizes an 8-inch low-frequency driver working in tandem with its own FidelityGlass panel to deliver impressive bass performance. The separate panels serve to eliminate interference between the high and low frequencies – an artifact known as intermodulation distortion. The two panels can be installed as much as three feet (one meter) apart and still provide high quality sound.
The foundation of each of the two component panels of the C86 is a compression molded baffle that provides a rigid frame for the entire assembly. The FidelityGlass acoustic panel is affixed to the frame and serves as the diaphragm for the transducers. Within the smaller high- and mid-frequency panel, four neodymium mid-frequency drivers and one neodymium high-frequency driver work in harmony with the custom materials and tuning of the FidelityGlass panel to deliver pristine details and accurate sound. Balancing out the C86 system, the low-frequency panel utilizes an 8-inch (200mm) high-power woofer operating in conjunction with a FidelityGlass panel and a tuned enclosure that together delivers solid bass performance rivaling that of traditional visible solutions. The advanced crossover network located on the high- and mid-frequency panel is based upon JBL’s industry-leading acoustic expertise and includes self-resetting protection circuitry for the C86 system ensuring ultimate reliability over the long-term. The integrated wooden back box enclosure helps to focus the sound into the room and minimize acoustic intrusion into adjacent spaces.
Installation of the Conceal invisible loudspeaker is achieved much as you would install a standard drywall patch. For new construction, a wooden place holder board accessory is available to mark the location while the drywall is installed. Detailed instructions are available to help ensure a proper installation. After installing and rechecking the registration of the panel against the drywall, it is key to test the loudspeakers for proper operation with an amplified sound source before moving on to the drywall taping and finishing stages.
The complete invisibility of the Conceal Series products combined with their broad hemispherical acoustic coverage pattern allows for optimal placement virtually anywhere in a room, be it in a wall or ceiling location. The finished aesthetic benefits far exceed that of a traditional in-wall or in-ceiling loudspeaker resulting in a new level of performance. The JBL Conceal Series is the ultimate solution for high-performance architectural audio.
