4344MKII
PROFESSIONAL SERIES
LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM
4344MkII
A NEW STANDARD FOR A NEW CENTURY
JBL is part of the Harman International family of audio companies, a group
with a common purpose: combining technology with a love of music to
manufacture audio products that provide new levels of satisfaction, perform-
ance and value.
To promote diversity and creativity, JBL operates independently in research
and development. When it comes to translating the results of these efforts
into actual consumer and professional products, JBL draws on the full
combined strength of the Harman companies, including one of the world’s
most advanced manufacturing facilities. The result of this teamwork is that
JBL’s renowned excellence in engineering is successfully carried through to
each individual product, regardless of its application or price range.
As new audio concepts and technologies are pioneered, the partnership of
JBL and Harman International guarantees that consumer and professional
audio users everywhere will be able to enjoy their full benefits.
JBL continually engages in research related to product development and
improvement. Because of this, new materials, production methods and
design refinements may be introduced into existing products without notice.
For this reason, any current JBL product may differ in some respect from
its published description, but will always equal or exceed the original
design specifications unless otherwise stated.
C
E
L
E
B
R
A
T
I
N
G
5
0
Y
E
A
R
S
Low-Frequency Transducer 4
Mid-Frequency Transducer 5
High-Frequency Transducer 5
Ultrahigh-Frequency Transducer 5
Dividing Networks 6
Battery Replacement 7
Placement 8
Speaker Connections 9
Bi-Wiring 10
Maintenance and Service 13
System Specifications 14
JBL Consumer Products
80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329
1-800-336-4JBL (4525) (USA only)
www.jbl.com
©1996 JBL, Incorporated. JBL is a registered
trademark of JBL, Incorporated.
Printed in USA 2/97 Part No. 4344MkIIOM97
Table of Contents
Declaration of Conformity
We, JBL Europe A/S
Kongevejen 194B
DK-3460 Birkerød
DENMARK
declare in own responsibility, that the loudspeakers
described in this owner’s manual are in compliance with
technical standards:
EN 50 081-1/1992
EN 50 082-1/3.1995
Steen Michaelsen
JBL Europe A/S
Birkerød. DENMARK. 2/97
A Harman International Company
No.
4
With the Professional Series 4344MkII Loudspeakers, JBL
combines the most advanced technology with a classic JBL design. These
speakers continue the longstanding tradition of precise studio monitor
sound for which JBL is famous. You will enjoy the benefits of a 2" high-
frequency compression driver, cast frame low-frequency transducers with
vented pole pieces, and JBL’s proprietary Symmetrical Field Geometry
magnet design, as well as high definition dividing networks incorporating
the highest quality electronic components available.
The
4344MkII features an all-new 15" (381mm) low-frequency
transducer developed specifically for the
4344MkII. Derived from
JBL’s legacy of highly powerful yet efficient bass drivers, this woofer
delivers full low-frequency performance with clarity and speed
unprecedented among 15" drivers. The voice coil is 4" (102mm) in
diameter and wound on edge from flat aluminum ribbon wire on a
thermoset composite
™
form.
The cone is a rigid paper composite, treated with Aquaplas
™
for strength,
speed, and damping. JBL’s Symmetrical Field Geometry is employed in
the form of an aluminum sleeve around the pole piece. This sleeve reduces
second-order distortion through induced flux control. Its aluminum
composition is also a more efficient conductor of heat, so it assists in
dissipating heat away from the voice coil to extend the power capacity.
Cooling of the voice coil is further enhanced by the use of a vented pole
piece. The rigid frame is cast from aluminum alloy, an excellent
thermal conductor, which further acts to efficiently draw heat away from
the voice coil and magnet assembly. This combination of advanced design
technology results in a bass driver that is remarkably free from dynamic
restriction due to heat buildup.
Low-Frequency Transducer
The 4344MkII also features a 10" (254mm) mid-frequency transducer.
The voice coil is 3" (76mm) in diameter and wound on edge from flat
copper ribbon wire on a thermoset composite
™
form. Its very high-power
capability and freedom from breakup make it an ideal midrange in a system
that is designed to play at high levels with absolutely no signs of distress. It
makes the transition from the woofer at 340Hz, providing excellent response
throughout the important vocal range.
Throughout the history of high-frequency transducer design, the goal of
extended frequency response has been at odds with the need for high
power handling. The
4344MkII utilizes a 2" compression driver with
an Aquaplas-coated titanium dome. JBL has long chosen titanium as the
material for its highest-quality high-frequency transducers and the
4344MkII is no exception. Titanium possesses the essential requirements
for a high-frequency transducer. First, titanium is extremely light, yet
rigid. The goal is to maintain a piston-like action as high in frequency as
possible. Should the material flex easily, the diaphragm will break up into
random vibrations. Second, titanium is virtually immune to fatigue,
unaffected by the cumulative effect of millions of flexures over long
operating periods. These factors coupled with the higher power handling
that titanium affords, allow us to produce an extremely smooth high-
frequency transducer with extended frequency response that can handle all
the demands of today’s digital programs. The Horn/Lens assembly ensures
controlled distribution of the high frequencies, resulting in a wide sound-
stage with pinpoint imaging.
For the ultrahigh-frequency transducer, we chose a 1-3/4" compression
driver with an edge-wound aluminum voice coil. This driver reproduces
all of the ultrahigh frequencies above 8000Hz with incredible clarity
and detail.
High-Frequency Transducer
No.
5
Mid-Frequency Transducer
ultrahigh-Frequency Transducer
Loading...