JBL BAR 9.1 True Wireless Surround User Manual

BAR 9.1 TRUE WIRELESS SURROUND

WITH DOLBY ATMOS

®

OWNER’S MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Verify Line Voltage Before Use

The JBL Bar 9.1 True Wireless Surround with Dolby Atmos
(soundbar, detachable speakers and subwoofer) has been
designed for use with 100-240 volt, 50/60 Hz AC current.
Connection to a line voltage other than that for which your

product is intended can create a safety and re hazard and may

damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage

requirements for your specic model or about the line voltage in

your area, contact your retailer or customer service representative
before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.

Do Not Use Extension Cords

To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord supplied
with your unit. We do not recommend that extension cords be
used with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not run
power cords under rugs or carpets, or place heavy objects on
them. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately
by an authorized service center with a cord that meets factory

specications.

Handle the AC Power Cord Gently

When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet, always
pull the plug; never pull the cord. If you do not intend to use this
speaker for any considerable length of time, disconnect the plug
from the AC outlet.

Do Not Open the Cabinet

There are no user-serviceable components inside this product.
Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard, and any

modication to the product will void your warranty. If water

accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power
source immediately, and consult an authorized service center.

®

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English

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 2

1. INTRODUCTION 4

2. WHAT’S IN THE BOX 4

3. PRODUCT OVERVIEW 5

3.1 SOUNDBAR 5

3.2 DETACHABLE SPEAKERS 6

3.3 SUBWOOFER 6

3.4 REMOTE CONTROL 6

7. PLAY 16

7.1 POWER-ON/AUTO STANDBY/AUTO WAKEUP/POWER­SAVING MODE 16

7.2 PLAY FROM THE TV SOURCE 17

7.3 PLAY FROM THE HDMI IN SOURCE 17

7.4 PLAY FROM THE BLUETOOTH SOURCE 18

7.5 PLAY THROUGH CHROMECAST 18

7.6 PLAY THROUGH AIRPLAY 18

7.7 MULTI-ROOM PLAYBACK 19

8. SOUND SETTINGS 19

9. RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS 20

10. SOFTWARE UPDATE 20

4. PLACE 7

4.1 DESKTOP PLACEMENT 7

4.2 WALL-MOUNTING 7

5. CONNECT 9

5.1 CONNECTION WITH YOUR TV AND DIGITAL DEVICES 9

5.2 BLUETOOTH CONNECTION 11

5.3 CONNECTION WITH YOUR HOME NETWORK 11

6. SETUP 13

6.1 CONNECT THE DETACHABLE REAR SPEAKERS AND
SUBWOOFER 13

6.2 CHARGE THE DETACHABLE SPEAKERS 13

6.3 SOUND CALIBRATION 14

11. RE-CONNECT THE SUBWOOFER 21

12. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 22

13. TROUBLESHOOTING 23

SYSTEM 23

SOUND 23

BLUETOOTH 23

WI-FI 23

MUSIC STREAMING 23

REMOTE CONTROL 23

14. TRADEMARKS 24

15. OPEN SOURCE LICENSE NOTICE 25

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1. INTRODUCTION

2. WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Thank you for purchasing the JBL Bar 9.1 True Wireless Surround
with Dolby Atmos® (soundbar, detachable speakers and
subwoofer) which is designed to bring an extraordinary sound
experience to your home entertainment system. We encourage
you to take a few minutes to read through this manual, which
describes the product and includes step-by-step instructions for
setting up and getting started.

To make the most of product features and support, you may
need to update the product software through the Internet
and the USB connector in the future. Refer to the software
update section in this manual to ensure that your product
has the latest software.

Designs and specications are subject to change without notice.

If you have any questions about the soundbar, installation or
operation, please contact your retailer or customer service
representative, or visit our website: www.jbl.com.

Unpack the box carefully and ensure that the following parts are
included. If any part is damaged or missing, do not use it and
contact your retailer or customer service representative.

Soundbar

Subwoofer

Detachable speakers

Remote control (with 2 AAA batteries)

Power cord*

x 2

* Power cord quantity and plug type vary region.

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English

HDMI cable

Side caps**

(For the soundbar) (For the detachable speakers)

**For some regions only.

Wall-mounting kit

x 2

x 2

x 2

x 6x 6

3. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

3.1 Soundbar

Controls

1 3 4 52

1) (Power)

• Switch on or to standby

2) -/+ (Volume)

• Decrease or increase the volume

• Press and hold to decrease or increase the volume

continuously

• Press the two buttons together to mute or unmute

3)

(Source)

• Select a sound source: TV (default, for audio input

from TV connection where the
connector is prioritized over the connector),
Bluetooth or HDMI IN.

4) Microphone

• For audio calibration (wireless surround sound)

(For details, see “Sound calibration” in the “SETUP”
chapter.)

5) Status display

x 2

x 2

Product information & wall-mounting template

Rear connectors

1 2 3 4 5 6

1)

• Connect to power (with the supplied power cord)

2)

3)

• USB connector for software update

• Connect to a USB storage device for MP3 le playback

(for US version only)

• Connect to the optical output on your TV or digital device

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4)

• Connect to your home network through an Ethernet cable

1)

• Connection status indicator

5)

• Connect to the HDMI ARC / HDMI eARC input on your TV

6)

• Connect to the HDMI output on your digital device

3.2 Detachable speakers

3

1

2

1) (Connect)

• Press to reconnect to the soundbar

2) Micro USB connector

• For battery charging

3) Status indicator

• For battery power

Flashing red Low battery (battery level: <20%)

Solid red Battery charging underway

Off Battery charging complete

• For wireless connection status

Solid white Connected to the soundbar

Fast ashing white Pairing mode

Slow ashing white

Solid amber Standby mode

2)

• Connect to power (with the supplied power cord)

Reconnecting or exiting the
pairing mode

3.4 Remote control

1

2

3

4

5

6

Slow ashing white

Fast ashing white Connecting to the soundbar

Solid white Connected to the soundbar

3.3 Subwoofer

1

2

Disconnected from the
soundbar

7

8

9

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1)

• Switch on or to standby

2)

• Select the TV source (default, for audio input from TV

connection where the
prioritized over the

3)

(Bluetooth)

connector)

connector is

• Select the Bluetooth source

• Press and hold to connect another Bluetooth device

4)

• Select the level of Dolby Atmos/DTS:X effect: middle

(default), high or low

5) HDMI

• Select the

source

• Press and hold for more than 5 seconds to enter the

calibration mode for wireless surround sound

6) + / -

• Increase or decrease the volume

• Press and hold to increase or decrease the volume

continuously.

7)

(Mute)

• Mute/unmute

4. PLACE

4.1 Desktop placement

Place the soundbar, detachable speakers and subwoofer on a

at and stable surface. Refer to the recommended distance in

the following diagram.

3m/10ft

>10cm/4”

1-1.4m/
3-4.6ft

1m/3ft

L

5cm/2”

2.5-3.0m/8.2-9.8ft

R

1-1.4m/
3-4.6ft

8)

• Select the bass level for subwoofer: 1/2/3 (default)/4/5

9)

• Select the surround sound level for rear speakers: middle

(default), high or low

NOTES:

− The power cord shall be properly connected to power.

− Do not place any objects on the top of the soundbar, detachable
speakers or subwoofer.

− Charge the detachable speakers in time to ensure sufficient battery
power (See “ Connect the detachable rear speakers” in the chapter
“SETUP”).

4.2 Wall-mounting

Wall-mount the soundbar and detachable rear speakers together
or separately.

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A) Wall-mount the soundbar

3

5

4

1

2

≤8 mm/

0.31"

4mm/

0.16"

≥30 mm/1.18"

B) Wall-mount the detachable speakers as rear

surround speakers

4mm/

0.16"

1a)

1c)

2” (50mm)

1b)

1

≤8 mm/

0.31"

≥30 mm/1.18"

32

4

5

1. Preparation:

a) With the distance of about 2” (50mm) from your TV, stick

the supplied wall-mounting template to a wall by using
adhesive tapes.

b) Use your ballpen tip to mark the screw holder location.

Remove the template.

c) On the marked location, drill a 4 mm/0.16” hole.

2. Install the support for wall-mounting bracket.

3. With the screw, fasten the wall-mounting bracket onto the
bottom of the soundbar.

4. Mount the soundbar.

5. After the soundbar is securely wall-mounted, dock the two
detachable speakers onto the soundbar.

1. From the soundbar, remove the two detachable speakers.

2. Install the wall-mounting bracket.

3. Fasten the support onto the back of the speakers.

4. Mount the speakers.

5. Install the side caps as needed.

NOTES:

− Make sure that the wall can support the weight of the soundbar.

− Install on a vertical wall only.

− Avoid a location under high temperature or humidity.

− Before wall-mounting, make sure that cables can be properly
connected between the soundbar and external devices.

− Before wall-mounting, make sure that the soundbar is unplugged from
power. Otherwise, it may cause an electric shock.

− To move the soundbar, first remove the two detachable speakers to
avoid accidental damage.

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5. CONNECT

5.1 Connection with your TV and digital devices

For audio playback through the soundbar, connect the soundbar
with your TV through the supplied HDMI cable or an optical cable
(sold separately).

An HDMI connection supports digital audio and video with a
single connection. HDMI connectivity is the best option for your
soundbar.

TV (HDMI ARC)

(Recommended connection for the best Dolby Atmos / DTS:X
experience)

HDMI (ARC)

English

HDMI IN

HDMI OUT

HDMI OUT

(TV ARC)

HDMI IN

1. Connect the soundbar with the connector on
your TV by using the supplied HDMI cable.

• On your TV, check that HDMI-CEC and HDMI ARC have

been enabled. Refer to the owner’s manual of your TV for
more information.

2. Use an HDMI cable (V2.0 or later) to connect the soundbar

*

with your digital device, such as a set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray
player or game console.

• On your digital device, check that HDMI-CEC has been

enabled. Refer to the owner’s manual of your digital
device for more information.

• On your digital device, select “Bitstream” or “Raw data”

in the audio output settings for the best Dolby Atmos
experience.

3. To play audio from the digital device connected to the
soundbar, select

on the remote control.

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TV (HDMI eARC)

OPTICAL

HDMI OUT
(TV ARC)

HDMI (eARC)

HDMI IN

HDMI OUT

*

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

HDMI IN

*

HDMI OUT

TV

1. Connect the soundbar with the connector
on your TV by using the supplied HDMI cable.

• On your TV, check that HDMI-CEC and HDMI ARC have

been enabled. Refer to the owner’s manual of your TV for
more information.

2. Use an HDMI cable (eARC compatible, V2.0 or later) to connect
your TV with your digital device, such as a streaming device,
set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player or game console.

• On your digital device, check that HDMI-CEC has been

enabled. Refer to the owner’s manual of your digital
device for more information.

• On your TV and digital device, select “Bitstream” or “Raw

data” in the audio output settings for the best Dolby
Atmos experience.

3. To play audio from the digital device connected to your TV,
select

on the remote control.

TV

NOTES:

− With the 4 up-firing speakers and the detachable surround speaker
design, the Dolby surround upmixer of the soundbar can expand the
legacy channel-based audio of Dolby Digital format, including 5.1 and

7.1 content, and provide an immersive 3D Atmos experience.

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1. Connect the soundbar with your TV by using an optical cable.

2. Use an HDMI cable (V2.0 or later) to connect your TV with your
digital device, such as a streaming device, set-top box, DVD/
Blu-ray player or game console.

3. To play audio through the optical cable, select

on the

remote control.

NOTES:

− * The HDMI cable (for digital device connection) and the optical cable
are sold separately.

− Full compatibility with all HDMI-CEC devices is not guaranteed.

− When both HDMI ARC and optical cables are connected to the
soundbar for audio input from TV connection, the HDMI ARC
connection is prioritized.

5.2 Bluetooth connection

Through Bluetooth, connect the soundbar with your Bluetooth
device, such as a smartphone, tablet and laptop.

Settings Bluetooth

Bluetooth

DEVICES

JBL Bar 9.1_xxxx

Now Discoverable

< 10 m / 33 ft

Connected

To reconnect the last paired device

Your Bluetooth device is retained as a paired device when the
soundbar goes to standby mode. Next time you switch to the
Bluetooth source, the soundbar reconnects the last paired
device automatically.

To connect to another Bluetooth device

3S

1. In the Bluetooth source, press and hold on the soundbar or
on the remote control until “ ” is displayed.

→ The previously paired device is cleared from the soundbar.
→ The soundbar enters the Bluetooth pairing mode.

2. Follow the Step 3 under “Connect a Bluetooth device”.

• If the device has ever been paired with the soundbar, rst

unpair

NOTES:

− The Bluetooth connection will be lost if the distance between the
soundbar and Bluetooth device exceeds 33 ft (10 m).

− Electronic devices may cause radio interference. Devices that generate
electromagnetic waves must be kept away from the Soundbar, such

as microwaves and wireless LAN devices.

on the device.

BT PAIRING

Connect a Bluetooth device

1. Press to switch on (See “Power-on/Auto standby/Auto

wakeup” in the “PLAY” chapter).

2. To select Bluetooth source, press
the remote control.

→ “

”: Ready for BT pairing

3. On your Bluetooth device, enable Bluetooth and search for

within three minutes.

→ Successful connection: The device name is displayed

if your device is named in English. A conrmation tone

is heard.

on the soundbar or on

5.3 Connection with your home network

Through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, connect the soundbar to your
home network. With Chromecast built-in and AirPlay supported,
the soundbar allows you to stream audio on smartphones or
tablets through the soundbar speakers.

1. On the soundbar, enter the Wi-Fi setup mode:

• Press

wakeup/Power-saving mode” in the “PLAY” chapter).

• To re-enter the Wi-Fi setup mode, press and hold

“ ” is displayed.

to switch on (See “Power-on/Auto standby/Auto

→ If the soundbar has not been connected to a network,

the screen shows “

” and then, “ ”.

until

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2. On your Android or iOS device, add the soundbar to your
home Wi-Fi network.

Through the Google Home app

a) Connect your Android or iOS device to your home Wi-Fi

network. Download the Google Home app. Sign in with
your Google account. If you do not have, create a new
one.

b) Follow the app instructions to complete setup.

Google Home

Google Home

CHROMECAST, AIRPLAY READY

SETUP WIFI

*Through AirPlay setup on an iOS device

a) Connect your iOS device to your home Wi-Fi network.
b) On your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Under

SET UP NEW AIRPLAY SPEAKER…, select

and follow onscreen instructions to complete

setup.

3. If necessary, use an Ethernet cable to connect the soundbar
to your home network.

• Make sure that you connect to the same network as you

did during the setup.

NOTES:

− During the Wi-Fi setup through the Google Home app, you can name
the soundbar and organize it by room.

− On your iOS device, add the soundbar to the Apple Home app and
manage it together with other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers.

− *On your iOS device, if the soundbar has been added to your home
Wi-Fi network through the Google Home app, skip the steps under
“Through AirPlay setup on an iOS device” and you can start AirPlay
streaming from an AirPlay-compatible app (See “Play through AirPlay”
in the “PLAY” chapter).

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6. SETUP

6.1 Connect the detachable rear speakers and subwoofer

1

POWER

HELLO

2

LOAD

READY

POWER

6.2 Charge the detachable speakers

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection will be off and the soundbar will
enter into power saving mode when the detachable surround
speakers are out of battery.

The first time you use the two detachable speakers, charge them
for more than 3 hours to ensure sufficient battery power.

→ When the battery power runs low, the status indicator

ashes red on the detachable surround speakers and “

” is displayed on the soundbar.

→ When the battery power runs out, “

“ ” is displayed on the soundbar.

CHARGE SPKR. BATT LOW

” or

1. Connect the soundbar to power by using the supplied power

cord.

→ The screen on the soundbar shows “

” and then,

“ ”.

2. Do the following to start the connection:

• Connect the subwoofer to power by using the supplied

power cords;

• On the soundbar, press

to switch on;

• Dock the detachable speakers onto the soundbar, or

on the detachable speakers to fast re-connect to

press
the soundbar.

→ The soundbar connects the subwoofer automatically.

Connected:

turns solid white on the subwoofer.

→ The soundbar connects the detachable speakers

automatically.
Connected: The status indicator turns solid white (

) on

the detachable speakers.

6.2.1 Charge by docking the detachable speakers

With the detachable speakers docked, the soundbar will enter the
charging mode after switching to standby mode.

→

( turns off). The soundbar returns to standby mode.

→ The charging mode exits when the soundbar is switched

on (after auto wake-up or by your pressing
soundbar or remote control). See “Power-on/Auto­standby/Auto wake-up/Power-saving mode” in the
“PLAY” chapter.

→ It takes about 3 hours for the empty battery to be fully

charged.

: The detachable speakers are fully charged

on the

STDBY

100%

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6.2.2 Charge through a USB cable

100%

Micro USB

1) Calibrate the listening zone

1-CALIBRATION

• Use a USB cable to connect the detachable speakers to

power respectively.

• For the detachable speakers, the status indicator is used

for status indication of both battery power and wireless
connection (See “Detachable speakers” in the “PRODUCT
OVERVIEW” chapter).

NOTES:

− * The USB cable is sold separately.

6.3 Sound calibration

For sound calibration, do the following:

− Make sure that your room is quiet;

− Make sure that the soundbar and the two detachable rear speakers
are fully in sight of each other, without obstacles in between.

− Make sure that the left and right rear speakers are properly placed, the
L speaker on the left and the R speaker on the right.

6.3.1 Wireless surround sound

With the audio calibration, your surround sound
experience will be optimized for your favorite seating and
speaker positions.

1DONE

>5S

L

R

1. Place the detachable rear speakers beside your seating
position.

• Make sure that the two detachable speakers have been

connected to the soundbar (See “Wireless connection”
under “Connect the detachable rear speakers” in the
“SETUP” chapter).

2. On the remote control, press and hold

until

“ ” is displayed on the soundbar.

→ Countdown starts from 5 to 1.
→ Calibration tone is heard. Audio calibration starts.
→ “
→ “

”: Calibration ongoing.

”: Calibration of the listening zone is completed

successfully.

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2) Calibrate the speaker position

L

L

2-CALIBRATION

2DONE

>5S

R

R

6.3.2 Dolby Atmos® / DTS:X

®

With Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, overhead audio distribution is
provided for powerful 3D sound immersion.

1. To play the surround sound of DOLBY ATMOS or DTS:X,
connect and play your Blu-ray player or streaming device
as described under “Connection with your TV and digital
devices” in the “CONNECT” chapter.

2. To select suitable strength for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, press

on remote control to switch between middle (default),

high, low or off.

R

HIGH

MID

R

L

L

R

L

LOW

1. Place the detachable rear speakers in your desired location.

2. On the remote control, press and hold

until

“ ” is displayed on the soundbar.

→ Countdown starts from 5 to 1.
→ Calibration tone is heard. Audio calibration starts.
→ “
→ “

”: Calibration ongoing.

”: Calibration of the speaker position is

completed successfully.

3. To select suitable surround sound, press

repeatedly to

switch between high, low or middle (default).

NOTES:

− During calibration, all buttons on the remote control are disabled
except for

− “

and .

” is displayed if calibration failed.

HIGH

MID

LOW

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7. PLAY

7.1 Power-on/Auto standby/Auto wakeup/ Power-saving mode

12

POWER

LOADREADY

3

• the soundbar is connected to your TV through the HDMI

ARC connection and through the HDMI connection, is also
connected to your digital device such as a set-top box, DVD/
Blu-ray player or game console, and your digital device is
switched on;

• the soundbar is connected to your home network and audio

is streamed to the soundbar through Chromecast or AirPlay.

Power-saving mode

In power-saving mode, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled on the
soundbar. You cannot wake up the soundbar by playing music
through Chromecast or AirPlay.

The soundbar will switch to standby, and then enter power­saving mode if the detachable speakers

• run out of power; or

• lose wireless connection.

On the detachable speakers, the status indicator ashes red;

on the soundbar, “
displayed. Charge the detachable speakers by docking them
onto the soundbar or though USB cables (See “Charge the
detachable speakers” in the “SETUP” chapter). If necessary,
press on the detachable speakers to re-connect to the
soundbar.

” or “ ” is

HELLO

Switch on

• On the soundbar, press to switch on.

→ “
→ The subwoofer is reconnected to the soundbar

automatically. Connected:

→ On the detachable speakers, press

soundbar.

” is displayed.

turns solid white.

to reconnect to the

Auto standby

If the soundbar is inactive for more than 10 minutes, it will switch
to standby mode automatically. “ ” is displayed.

→ The subwoofer also goes to standby, and

amber.

→ 10 minutes later, the detachable speakers switches to

standby, and the status indicator turns off for wireless
connection status.

→ Next time you switch on the soundbar, it returns to the

last selected source.

turns solid

Auto wakeup

In standby mode, the soundbar will wake up automatically when

• the soundbar is connected to your TV through the HDMI

ARC connection and your TV is switched on;

• the soundbar is connected to your TV through an optical

cable and audio signals are detected from the optical cable;

CHARGE SPKR. BATT LOW

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7.2 Play from the TV source

With the soundbar connected, you can enjoy TV audio from the
soundbar speakers.

HDMI eARC/
HDMI ARC

OPTICAL

TV

1. Make sure that your TV is set to support external speakers
and the built-in TV speakers are muted. Refer to the owner’s
manual of your TV for more information.

2. Make sure that the soundbar has been properly connected to
your TV (See “Connection with your TV and digital devices” in
the “CONNECT” chapter).

3. To select the TV source, press
the remote control.

”: The TV source is selected.

→ “

• In the factory settings, the TV source is selected by default.

on the soundbar or on

→ “
→ “

” is displayed on the soundbar.

”: The function of the soundbar button is learnt

by your TV remote control button.

3. Repeat Step 2 to complete the button learning.

4. To exit the TV remote control learning mode, press and hold

and + on the soundbar until “

” is displayed.

→ The soundbar returns to the last selected source.

7.3 Play from the HDMI IN source

With the soundbar connected as shown, your digital device can
play video on your TV and audio from the soundbar speakers.

HDMI (ARC)

1

HDMI OUT

(TV ARC)

HDMI IN

2

HDMI OUT

NOTES:

− If the soundbar is connected to your TV through both an HDMI cable
and an optical cable, the HDMI cable source is selected for the TV
connection.

7.2.1 TV remote control setup

To use your TV remote control for both your TV and the soundbar,
check that your TV supports HDMI-CEC. If your TV does not support
HDMI-CEC, follow the steps under “TV remote control learning”.

HDMI-CEC

If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, enable the functions as instructed
in your TV user manual. You can control the volume +/-, mute/
unmute, and power on/standby functions on your soundbar
through the TV remote control.

TV remote control learning

1. On the soundbar, press and hold and + until “ ”

is displayed.

→ You enter the TV remote control learning mode.

2. Within 15 seconds, do the following on the soundbar and your
TV remote control:

a) On the soundbar: press one of the following buttons +, -,

+ and - together (for the mute/unmute function), and

b) On your TV remote control: press the desired button.

.

.
.
.

1. Make sure that the soundbar has been properly connected to
your TV and digital device (See “Connection with your TV and
digital devices” in the “CONNECT” chapter).

2. Switch on your digital device.

→ Your TV and the soundbar wake up from standby mode

and switch to the input source automatically.

• To select the

source on the soundbar, press

on the soundbar or on the remote control.

3. Switch your TV to standby mode.

→ The soundbar and source device are switched to standby mode.

NOTES:

− Full compatibility with all HDMI-CEC devices is not guaranteed.

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7.4 Play from the Bluetooth source

Through Bluetooth, stream audio play on your Bluetooth device
to the soundbar.

1. Check that the soundbar has been properly connected to
your Bluetooth device (See “Bluetooth connection” in the
“CONNECT” chapter).

2. To select the Bluetooth source, press

on the soundbar or

on the remote control.

3. Start audio play on your Bluetooth device.

4. Adjust the volume on the soundbar or your Bluetooth device.

7.5 Play through Chromecast

Through Chromecast, stream audio on your Android or iOS
device to the soundbar.

1. On the soundbar,

a) Check that the soundbar has been properly connected

to your home network (See “Connection with your home
network” in the “CONNECT” chapter).

b) Check that the soundbar has been switched on or to

standby mode.

2. On your Android or iOS device,

a) Check that your Android or iOS device has been

connected to the same network as the soundbar.

b) On a Chromecast-enabled app, play music, tap the cast

icon

and select the connected soundbar.

7.6 Play through AirPlay

Through AirPlay, stream audio on your iOS device to the soundbar.

1. On the soundbar,

• Check that the soundbar has been properly connected

to your home network (See “Connection with your home
network” in the “CONNECT” chapter).

2. On your iOS device,

a) Check that your iOS device has been connected to the

same network as the soundbar.

b) To enter the Control Center on an iOS device, swipe down

from the upper right corner (iOS 12 or later) or swipe up
from the bottom edge (iOS 11 or earlier). Tap
the connected soundbar and then, start audio streaming
from an app.

usic

Phone

ining Room speaker

to select

CHROMECAST

3. To exit from the music playback, switch to other sources.

AIRPLAY

3. To exit from the music playback, switch to other sources.

NOTES:

− The soundbar can support audio streaming and cannot support video
streaming.

− During Chromecast or AirPlay, music playback pauses on the current
connected device when you start music playback on a second
connected device.

− When the soundbar switches between your home Wi-Fi and wired
network during AirPlay 2, music playback pauses and will resume in
a few minutes, depending on the bandwidth condition of broadband.
For the connection to your home wired network, see Step 3 under
“Connection with your home network” in the Chapter “CONNECT”.

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7.7 Multi-room playback

With the multi-room playback, you can stream music on your
Android or iOS device to multiple Chromecast / AirPlay speakers.

Chromecast

1. Through the Google Home app, connect multiple Chromecast
speakers to the same network, assign them to multiple rooms,
and create groups as needed.

2. Run a Chromecast-enabled app on your smartphone or tablet.

3. Play music. Press

NOTES:

− Refer to the Google Home app for more details.

− Depending on the bandwidth of your local network, you can stream

music to up to 6 Chromecast speakers.

AirPlay

1. On an iOS device, enter the Control Center.

2. Tap

to select multiple connected speakers as needed.

3. Start music streaming from an app.

and select the grouped speakers.

usic

BL Bar 5.1_xxxx

BL Bar 9.1_xxxx

8. SOUND SETTINGS

Bass adjustment

1. Check that the soundbar and subwoofer are properly
connected (See the “SETUP” chapter).

2. On the remote control, press
between bass levels.

” to “ ” is displayed (default: “ ”).

→ “

Audio sync

With the audio sync function, you can synchronize audio and
video to make sure that no delay is heard from your video content.

1. On the remote control, press and hold
seconds and then, press +.

2. Within ve seconds, press + or - on the remote control to
adjust the audio delay and match with video.

→ The audio sync timing is displayed.

NOTES:

− If no action is taken within five seconds, you will exit the audio sync
mode.

Smart mode

With the smart mode enabled by default, you can enjoy TV
programs with rich sound effects. For TV programs such as
news and weather forecasts, you can reduce sound effects by
disabling the smart mode and switching to the standard mode.

Smart mode: EQ settings and JBL Surround Sound are applied
for rich sound effects.

Standard mode: The preset EQ settings are applied for standard
sound effects.

To disable the smart mode, do the following:

• On the remote control, press and hold
seconds. Press +.

→ “
→ Next time you switch on the soundbar, the smart mode is

enabled again automatically.

”: The standard mode is enabled.

repeatedly to switch

for more than three

for more than three

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9. RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS

10. SOFTWARE UPDATE

By restoring the default settings dened at factories. you remove

all your personalized settings from the soundbar.

• On the soundbar, press and hold

seconds.

→ “
→ The soundbar shows “

goes to standby mode.

” is displayed.

and for more than 10

” and “ ” and then,

For optimal product performance and your best user experience,
JBL may offer software updates for the soundbar system in the
future. Please visit www.jbl.com or contact JBL call center to

receive more information about downloading update les.

Updating online

UPDATE FOUND

• On the soundbar, mount the two detachable speakers when

“ ” is displayed.

→ “
→ “

”: Software updating underway

”: Software updating completed

NOTES:

− For automatic online upgrading when update software is available,
make sure that the two detachable speakers have been docked onto

the soundbar.

Updating through a USB storage device

1. Check that you have saved the software update le to the root
directory of a USB storage device.

2. Check that you have docked the detachable speakers onto
the soundbar. Connect the USB device.

USB

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English

3. To enter the software update mode, press and hold and - on
the soundbar for more than 10 seconds.

→ “
→ “
→ “

”: Software updating underway

”: Software updating completed

” is displayed.

→ The soundbar returns to the last selected source.

NOTES:

− Keep the soundbar powered on and the USB storage device mounted
before software updating is complete.

− ”
speakers are not properly mounted onto the soundbar.

− “
and 5 minutes later, the soundbar exits the software update mode.

− “Error”is displayed if software updating has failed twice.

” is displayed if no USB storage device is detected,

” is displayed if the two detachable

11. RE-CONNECT THE SUBWOOFER

The soundbar and subwoofer are paired at factories. After
power-on, they are paired and connected automatically. In some
special cases, you may need to pair them again.

2

4

POWER

1

3

POWER

To re-enter the subwoofer pairing mode

1. On the rear panel of subwoofer, press and hold until it turns

fast ashing white.

2. To enter the subwoofer pairing mode on the soundbar, press
and hold
Press - on the remote control.

→ “
→ “

NOTES:

− The subwoofer will exit the pairing mode in three minutes if pairing and
connection are not completed.

slow flashing white.

on the remote control for more than ve seconds.

”: The subwoofer is ready for pairing.

”: The subwoofer is connected.

turns from fast flashing white to

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12. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

General specication:

• Model: BAR 9.1 CNTR (soundbar unit),

BAR 9 .1 SURROUND (detachable speaker),
BAR 9.1 SUB (subwoofer unit)

• Sound system: 5.1.4 channel

• Power supply: 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60 Hz

• Lithium battery: 3.635 V, 3283 mA

• Total speaker power output (Max. @THD 1%): 820 W

• Soundbar output power (Max. @THD 1%): 400 W

• Surround speaker output power (Max. @THD 1%): 2 x 60 W

• Subwoofer output power (Max. @THD 1%): 300 W

• Soundbar transducer: 4 × racetrack drivers + 2 × up-ring

full-range drivers + 3 × 0.75” (20 mm) tweeter

• Surround transducer (per piece): up-ring full-range drivers +

0.75” (20 mm) tweeter

• Subwoofer transducer: 10”

• Operating temperature: 0°C - 45 °C

HDMI specication:

• HDMI Video input: 1

• HDMI Video output (with enhanced Audio Return Channel,

eARC): 1

• HDMI HDCP version: 2.3

h

• 5G Wi-Fi frequency range: 5.15 - 5.35 GHz, 5.470-5.725 GHz,

5.725 - 5.825 GHz

• 5G Wi-Fi Max. transmitting power: 22 dBm (EIRP)

• Modulation Type: QPSK, BPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM

• 5G wireless frequency range: 5180.0 - 5240.0 MHz,

5725.0 - 5825.0 MHz (varies depending on country, if applicable)

• 5G Max. transmitting power: 13 dBm (EIRP)

• Modulation Type: QPSK

Dimensions

• Dimensions (W x H x D):

884 x 62 x 120mm / 34.8 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches (soundbar);
173 x 60 x 120 mm / 6.8 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches (detachable
surround speaker, per piece);
305 x 440 x 305mm / 12.0 x 17.3 x 12.0 inches (subwoofer)

• Weight:

3.64 kg / 8.0 lb (soundbar);

0.72 kg x 2 / 1.6 lb x2 (detachable surround speaker);

11.10 kg / 24.5 lb (subwoofer)

Audio specication:

• Frequency response: 34 Hz - 20 KHz

• Audio inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB (USB playback is available

in US version. For other versions, USB is for service only.)

USB specication (Audio playback is for US version only):

• USB port: Type A

• USB rating: 5 V

• Supporting le format: MP3

• MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3,

MPEG 2.5 Layer 3

• MP3 sampling rate: 16 KHz - 48 KHz

• MP3 bitrate: 80 kbps - 320 kbps

500 mA

Wireless specication:

• Bluetooth version: 4.2

• Bluetooth prole: A2DP V1.2, AVRCP V1.5

• Bluetooth frequency range: 2402 MHz - 2480 MHz

• Bluetooth Max. transmitting power: < 13 dBm (EIRP)

• Modulation Type: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK

• Wi-Fi network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz)

• 2.4G Wi-Fi frequency range: 2412 – 2472 MHz (2.4GHz ISM

Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and others 13 Channels)

• 2.4G Wi-Fi Max. transmitting power: 20 dBm (EIRP)

• Modulation Type: DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK, QPSK, BPSK,

16QAM, 64QAM

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13. TROUBLESHOOTING

Never try to repair the product yourself. If you have problems
using this product, check the following points before you request
services.

System

The unit will not turn on.

• Check if the power cord is plugged into power and the

soundbar.

The soundbar has no response to button pressing.

• Restore the soundbar to factory settings (See the “RESTORE

FACTORY SETTINGS” chapter).

Sound

No sound from soundbar

• Make sure that the soundbar is not muted.

• Select the correct audio input source on the remote control.

• Connect the soundbar to your TV or other devices properly

• Restore the soundbar to its factory settings by pressing

and holding
seconds.

Distorted sound or echo

• If you play audio from your TV through the soundbar, make

sure that your TV is muted or the built-in TV speaker is
disabled.

Audio and video are not synchronized.

• Enable the audio sync function to synchronize audio and

video (See “Audio sync” in the “SOUND SETTINGS” chapter).

Bluetooth

A device cannot be connected with the soundbar.

• Check if you have enabled Bluetooth on the device.

• If the soundbar has been paired with another Bluetooth

device, reset Bluetooth (see “To connect to another device”
under “Bluetooth connection” in the “CONNECT” chapter).

• If your Bluetooth device has ever been paired with the

soundbar, reset Bluetooth on the soundbar, unpair the
soundbar on the Bluetooth device, and then, pair the
Bluetooth device with the soundbar again (see “To connect
to another device” under “Bluetooth connection” in the
“CONNECT” chapter).

and on the soundbar for more than 10

Wi-Fi

Failed to connect to Wi-Fi.

• Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on.

• Make sure that you have selected the right network and

entered the correct password.

• Make sure that your router or modem is turned on and within

the range.

• Make sure that your soundbar is connected to the same

wireless LAN as your smartphone or tablet.

• On the soundbar that you have connected to Wi-Fi through

the AirPlay speaker setup on an iOS device, make sure that
you connect the soundbar to the same Wi-Fi network when
you set up Chromecast through the Google Home app.

The Google Home app cannot nd the device.

• Make sure that your soundbar is powered on.

• Make sure that your network is working properly.

• Make sure that your router or modem is powered on and

within the range.

Music streaming

Failed to stream music from Chromecast or AirPlay

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection will be off and the soundbar

will enter into power saving mode when the detachable
surround speakers are out of battery. Charge the two

detachable speakers in time to ensure sufcient battery

power.(See “Charge the detachable speakers” in the

“SETUP” chapter).

Remote control

The remote control does not work.

• Check if the batteries are drained. If so, replace them with

new ones.

• Reduce the distance and angle between the remote control

and the main unit.

Poor audio quality from a connected Bluetooth device

• The Bluetooth reception is poor. Move the source device

closer to the soundbar, or remove any obstacle between the
source device and the soundbar.

The connected Bluetooth device connects and
disconnects constantly.

• The Bluetooth reception is poor. Move the source device

closer to the soundbar, or remove any obstacle between the
source device and the soundbar.

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14. TRADEMARKS

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks
owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by
HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated is under license.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective
owners.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Denition Multimedia Interface, and

the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
Licensing Administrator, Inc.

The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Logo is a certication mark of the Wi-Fi

Alliance®.

For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com. Manufactured
under license from DTS, Inc. DTS, the Symbol, DTS and the
Symbol together, DTS:X, and the DTS:X logo are registered
trademarks or trademarks of DTS, Inc. in the United States and/
or other countries. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Apple®, AirPlay®, iPad®, iPad Air®, iPad Pro® and iPhone® are
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has

been designed to work specically with the technology identied in
the badge and has been certied by the developer to meet Apple

performance standards.
To control this AirPlay 2–enabled speaker, iOS 11.4 or later is required.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby,
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Vision and the double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

The Chromecast built-in logo is a trademark of Google LLC.

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15. OPEN SOURCE LICENSE NOTICE

This product contains open source software licensed under
GPL. For your convenience, the source code and relevant
build instruction are also available at
s3.amazonaws.com/jbl_9.1_3D_Surround_package_license_list.htm
Please feel free to contact us at:

Harman Deutschland Gmb
HATT: Open Source, Gregor Krapf-Gunther,

Parkring 3 85748 Garching bei Munchen, Germany

or [e-mail] if you have additional
question regarding the open source software in the product.

https://harman-webpages.

.

English

HARMAN International Industries,
Incorporated 8500 Balboa
Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329
USA

www.jbl.com

© 2020 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated.
All rights reserved.
JBL is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in

the United States and/or other countries. Features, specications and appearance are

subject to change without notice.

www.jbl.com

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