JBL 4348 User Manual

15 Inch 4-Way Studio Monitor

Model 4348

Owner's Manual

Model 4348 is a new member in the JBL4300 series of 15-inch 4-way studio monitor systems.
With the introduction of the advanced technology fostered by the development of "Project K2 S9800", together with
the inline unit layout for realizing a brilliant sound image positioning, a new generation bi-radial horn that
constructs accurate sound field without requiring an acoustic lens, and the slim and advanced cabinet that makes
these technologies possible, the system is a result of innovative system engineering that fuses tradition and
revolution.
This is a new generation monitor speaker system that enables a full-spec monitoring of high-bit/high-sampling
digital source.

Studio Monitor Model

4348

JBL Incorporated

1: Introduction

Than k yo u for purchasi n g t h e JBL 4-Way Studio Monitor 4348.
In or de r to bet t er un dersta n d and c or r e ct ly us e this produc t, pl ease t h oroug hl y rea d t hi s O w n e r ' s M a nual b ef ore using t h e
product.

2: Unpacking

The product should have been delivered complete in appearance and functionality. However, if you find any scratches or
defects, please dir ectly contact the store where you purchased the product.
We recommend that you keep the original box and packing material after unpacking. Please note that if a product must be
shipped for a repair service, JBL Incorporated will not be responsible for any damage incurred during shipping caused by
insu fficie nt packi n g.

3: Installation

Avoid placing the monitors near power amplifiers or radiators that generate large amounts of heat, or in very humid or
dusty places, and any places exposed to direct sunlight. Also place them on a firm, soli d floor.

•Settings

Start the setup using a recorded sound source that has a distinct virtual center image. Once the center point between the
speakers is obtained by measuring equal distances from the left and right speakers, adjust the distance between the
listening position and the speakers, as well as the distance between right
and left speakers, so that a precise center image is obtained.
These monitors are designed to reproduce the most accurate stereo sound
stage when the interior angle between the lines connecting from each
speaker to the listener is between 40 to 60 degrees. Additionally, it is
ideal that a distance of approximately 50 cm or more is maintained from
the left and right walls.
The center of the speaker's sound image is in the vicinity of the UHF
(ultra-high-frequency) unit. Set the speakers so that the UHF unit is
aligned at ear-level. In addition, t o avoid acousti cal interference with the
floor surface, it is recommended that you set a sturdy base (cube or block
shaped) with a thickness of 5 – 20 cm under the speakers.

4: Connection

*Caution

When connecting the speakers to the amplifier, always do so after turning off the power. Connecting the speakers

while the power is on may damage the amplifier or the speakers.
The two groups of input terminals on the 4348 support bi-wiring and bi-amping configurations. Follow the instructions
below for each type of connection method:

I. Single Wire Connectio n Using O ne S et o f Speaker Cables

Connect to either the upper or the lower terminals, leaving the short wires
with the gold plated ring sleeves connected.

II. Bi-wire Connect ion Using Two Sets of Speaker Cables

Remove the short wires with the gold plated ring sleeves, and connect the
high-frequency and the low-frequency cables to their respective terminals.

III. Bi-amp Configuration Using Two Power A mplifiers and Internal Networking

Remove the short wires with the gold plated ring sleeves, and connect the high-frequency and low-frequency
amplifiers to their respective terminals. Although the two power amplifiers do not need to be identical, they should
have similar output performance and same gain, or gains set to the same level in advance, through input adjustments

IV. Bi-amp Conf iguration Using Two Power Ampli fiers and a Com me rcial Channel Divider

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws on the
subhatch located towards the top of the back panel. Remove
the hatch.
Swit ch the mod e swit ch i nside to " Biamp" usi ng a flat- hea d
screwdriver, then screw the hatch back on.
Remove the short wires with the gold plated ring sleeves, and
conne ct th e high- freque ncy a nd low- freque ncy a mplifier s to
their respective terminals.
If yo u are using a cha nnel divid er tha t ha s a hi gh-fr equenc y
level controller, the gain on the two amplifiers do not need to
be the same.

*Caution

Except for bi-amp configuration with a channel divider, always keep the mode switch in the "Normal" position.

The pos iti ve ter minal s of th e spea ker ha ve a r ed ring, and th e nega tive t ermi nals ha ve a bl ack ri ng. Be s ure t o conne ct
with out mistaking the polarity. The speakers are designed so that when a positive signal is applied to the positive
terminal, the woofer mov es in the f orwa r d direct io n (p osit ive p hase o pera t ion) .
When using the short wires with the gold plated ring sleeves, be sure that both the sleeves and the conductors are securely
fastened to the terminals. In addition, use extra caution so that the cable conductors do not touch other sleeves and short
out.
In order to safely and securely connect to the terminals, we recommend that you use the Y terminals or banana plugs on
the cable ends.

5. Attenuator Adjustment

Independent, continuous variable attenuators are used for each unit to adjust the MF (mid-frequencies), HF (high­freq uenci es) a nd UHF ( ultra -hi gh-fr eque ncies ) leve ls to t he spe aker ’s woo fer le vel. The 0 dB p ositi on for each v olume
knob indicates a flat-level position in a test room, where there is little re verb. Ma ke adjustments appropriate t o the reverb
in the actual room, and to your liking. In general, f or most speakers, it takes about 1 – 2 months after initial use until the
unit's vibration syste m yields optimum perf ormance. As the level balance is expected to initially change with use, we
recommend that you readjust the level accordingly.

6: Attaching the Grills

The speakers are shipped with the grill installed.
The purpose of the grill is to protect the units. The grill may be removed
and re-attached as necessary.
The speaker has separate UPPER and LOWER grills. Furthermore, the
UPPER and LOWER parts each have a top side and a bottom side, so
attach them according to the figure to the right.

Studio Monitor Model

4348

7: Maintenance

• W hen d oi ng a ny mai nte na nc e, w ipe t he s urf ac e of t he ca b inet wit h a dry c lot h t o r e move dus t. Da mp cl ot h or cl e ani ng

paper may dull the finish on the cabinet surface. Do not use volatile liquids such as benzene, paint thinner, alcohol, etc,
and do not spray insecticide near it.

• If dust gets into the grill netting, use a vacuum cleaner to remove it. In doing so, adjust the suction power of the

vacuum cleaner so that it does not suction too strongly. Furthermore, do not wash the grill in water. The grill may sag
or its color may become uneven.

• If the surface of the speaker unit becomes dusty, use a s oft, dry calligraphy brush or a paint brush to carefully sw eep the

dust away. Never use a damp cloth.

•The speaker system is a durable consumer good. In particular, the edges of the woofer, which support rapid movement

of the paper cone, undergo a great level of stress, and there is a limit to the number of years of its practical use. Also,
the s pea kers ' li fes pan ma y be s hor tene d b y the effe cts of te mper at ure, h umi dit y or ultr a-vi olet ra diat ion. Ple ase a voi d
exposing the speaker to strong lighting such as from lighting equipment or direct sunlight and avoid placing the
speakers in high temperatures such as near the air conditioner exhaust pipe or a heat radiator.

<Bias Battery>

In this system, JBL's unique charge coupling method is used, in which a direct bias is constantly applied to the
condensers in the network circuit to activate the elements, removing zero cross o ver distortion.
This battery has a life of about two years. Even if the battery voltage drops, there is no impediment to the network
function. However, in order to maintain superior sound quality, we recommend that you change the battery periodically.
Like the network mode switch, unscrew the screws for the subhatch at the top on the rear-panel and remove the hatch to
change the battery.
When doing so, check the positive and negative sides of the battery (9V, rectangular 006P type battery) and install it
correctly.
The battery included in the shipped system is for testing purpose only. We recommend that you replace it as soon as
possible.

8: Specifications

Type 4-way floor type
Units used

Impedance 6 Ω
Allowable input 400 W (RMS)
Output sound pressure

level
Frequency response 33 Hz – 40 KHz (-6 dB)

Crossover frequencies 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz
Dimensions (W x H x D) 597 x 1080 x 400 mm (with grill 425 mm)
Weight 90.4 kg

38 cm pure pulp cone woofer 1500FE
25 cm fiber composite cone/mid-range transducer 2251J-1
75 mm aluminum compression driver 435AI
25 mm pure titanium compression driver 045Ti

95 dB (2.83 V/1m)