JBL Speaker 4344MKII User Manual

4 3 4 4 M k I I  
P R O F E S S I O N A L S E R I E S  
L O U D S P E A K E R S Y S T E M  
A NEW STANDARD FOR A NEW CENTURY  
 
Table of Contents  
Low-Frequency Transducer  
Mid-Frequency Transducer  
High-Frequency Transducer  
Ultrahigh-Frequency Transducer  
Dividing Networks  
4
5
5
5
6
Battery Replacement  
Placement  
7
8
Speaker Connections  
Bi-Wiring  
9
10  
13  
14  
Maintenance and Service  
System Specifications  
Declaration of Conformity  
We, JBL Europe A/S  
Kongevejen 194B  
DK-3460 Birkerød  
DENMARK  
JBL Consumer Products  
declare in own responsibility, that the loudspeakers  
described in this owner’s manual are in compliance with  
technical standards:  
80 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797  
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329  
1-800-336-4JBL (4525) (USA only)  
EN 50 081-1/1992  
EN 50 082-1/3.1995  
©1996 JBL, Incorporated. JBL is a registered  
trademark of JBL, Incorporated.  
Steen Michaelsen  
JBL Europe A/S  
Birkerød. DENMARK. 2/97  
Printed in USA 2/97  
Part No. 4344MkIIOM97  
A Harman International Company  
 
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.  
Low-Frequency Transducer  
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 compositeform.  
No.  
4
The cone is a rigid paper composite, treated with Aquaplasfor 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.  
 
Mid-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 compositeform. 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.  
High-Frequency Transducer  
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.  
No.  
5
ultrahigh-Frequency Transducer  
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.  
 
Dividing Networks  
The job of the dividing network is to distribute the various frequencies to  
their respective transducers. The network is also designed to complement  
component location on the baffle. Slopes are chosen to match the exact  
response of each driver in its respective frequency range, as well as to  
ensure that the high-frequency transducers are adequately protected from  
dangerous low-frequency components.  
For the 4344MkII system, we chose our Charge-Coupled Linear  
DefinitionDividing Network. The inductors are all designed for high-  
current, low-distortion operation. All capacitors in the network are  
series/parallel connected and operated with D.C. bias. This effectively  
enables the capacitors to operate in “Class A” mode, which substantially  
increases sonic detail, resolution, and dynamics. The low-frequency section  
of the dividing network is mounted on a dedicated circuit board that  
separates both electrical and magnetic properties from that of the  
midrange and tweeter sections.  
Professional Series  
Model 4344MkII  
Serial Number:  
No.  
JBL Incorporated, Northridge, CA USA  
ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY LEVEL, dB  
2.5  
6
6.5  
 
0
Additionally, the 4344MkII’s dividing network allows for passive,  
bi-wire, passive bi-amp, and full active bi-amp operation. For the full active  
bi-amp mode we recommend the use of a high-quality electronic crossover.  
+1.5  
HIGH FREQUENCY LEVEL, dB  
2.5  
6.5  
∞  
0
+1.5  
MID FREQUENCY LEVEL, dB  
2.5  
6.5  
∞  
0
+1.5  
Level adjustments  
are provided to allow  
precision frequency  
response contouring. The  
midrange, high-frequency,  
and ultrahigh-frequency  
drivers may be fine-tuned  
for optimum sound in any  
listening room.  
 
Figure 1 Battery Installation  
Battery Replacement  
The battery should be replaced approximately every 2 years. This is  
accomplished as follows:  
BI-AMP  
BATTERY  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
Unscrew the two screws that hold the battery access cover in place. It  
is located on the upper portion of the dividing network, on the rear of  
the speaker enclosure (Figure 1).  
JBL INCORPORATED  
8500 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA USA  
High Frequency  
Low Frequency  
Write today’s date, including the year, in this manual.  
Install the battery by aligning the battery terminals with the mating  
terminals in the network housing. Align male to female, female to  
male terminals, then snap the connectors together, assuring a tight  
connection.  
Replace the battery access cover and install screws.  
Battery Replacement Record  
Date Installed:  
No.  
7
 
Figure 2 Placement  
Position Top View  
Placement  
Ideally the systems should be placed at least three feet from any walls. The  
height, at the bottom of the Lens assembly, should be at ear level. The two  
speakers should be equidistant from your primary listening position; the  
distance should be determined by the distance between the speakers. We  
recommend that the angle between the speakers, at the listening position,  
be between 45° to 60°. For example, if the speakers are 8' apart, your  
listening position should be 8'–12' from each speaker. To widen the area in  
which the best stereo image will be perceived, turn the speaker to face the  
primary listening position (Figure 2).  
3'  
3'  
10 – 15  
10 – 15  
Position Front View  
3'  
3'  
Ear level when  
seated in  
It is normally recommended that the 4344MkII loudspeakers be  
positioned so that the ultrahigh-frequency transducers are towards the out-  
side. In some listening environments, however, the imaging characteristics  
may be improved by positioning the ultrahigh-frequency transducers  
towards the inside. We suggest you experiment with the positioning of  
your loudspeakers to determine the ideal placement in your listening room.  
listening position  
No.  
8
 
Figure 3 Connections  
Speaker Connections  
Bare Wire  
Connecting Method  
The 4344MkII loudspeakers can be connected by one of several meth-  
ods. The binding posts on the rear panel of the 4344MkII will accept  
most types of audio cable and connectors, including banana plugs and  
bare wire (Figure 3). Follow the hookup method that best describes your  
system.  
TED  
JBL INCORPORA  
A
BLVD. NORTHRIDGE, CA US  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Standard Connections (Figure 4)  
Banana/Spade  
Connecting Method  
1. For each channel, connect the red (+) terminal on the  
4344MkII to the red (+) terminal on your amplifier.  
TED  
JBL INCORPORA  
A
BLVD. NORTHRIDGE, CA US  
A
8500 BALBO  
2. For each channel, connect the black (–) terminal on the  
4344MkII to the black (–) terminal on the amplifier.  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Connecting the systems in this manner ensures that they will operate in  
phase; that is, they will work together rather than in opposition.  
Connecting the speaker system out of phase will not cause damage but  
will adversely affect the speaker’s sound.  
No.  
9
Figure 4 Standard  
Connecting Method  
TED  
JBL INCORPORA  
A
BLVD. NORTHRIDGE, CA US  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
 
Bi-Wiring  
The 4344MkII’s outer connection panel and internal dividing  
network are designed so that separate sets of speaker cable can be attached  
to the low-frequency transducer and midrange/high-frequency transducer  
portions of the dividing network. This is called bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can  
provide several sonic advantages and considerably more flexibility in  
power amplifier selection. The advantages of bi-wiring are as follows:  
Reduction of Intermodulation  
The majority of current flowing between an amplifier and speaker is devoted  
to bass reproduction. In fact, 60% or more of an amplifier’s output is des-  
tined for the woofers. When current flows through a wire, it produces an  
electro-magnetic field (EMF) that expands and collapses at a rate equal to  
that of the music’s complex frequency components. If a single speaker  
wire must conduct the full musical frequency, the preponderance of low-  
frequency information can interact with or modulate high frequencies.  
The resulting intermodulation can create audible changes to the high  
frequencies even before they reach the loudspeakers.  
No.  
10  
By using separate cables for high and low frequencies, unwanted high-  
frequency modulation is avoided. Low-frequency information flows  
through one cable while high frequencies flow through another.  
Frequency-optimized Cables  
Having the opportunity to use separate low- and high-frequency cables  
allows you to use cables best suited to each frequency range. Optimally,  
you should use high-quality, audiophile-grade speaker cables for both low-  
and high-frequency conductors. However, let your ears guide you to the  
cables that best match the 4344MkII loudspeakers to your amplifier.  
Amplifier Flexibility  
Bi-wiring also allows you the option of using separate stereo power  
amplifiers for left and right speakers, or even four mono amplifiers.  
Whether you use two or four amplifiers, it is important to use the same  
brand and model to power like connections on the 4344MkII.  
 
Figure 5 Bi-Wire Connecting Method  
Bi-Wiring Connections  
Figures 5 through 8 show two bi-wiring options, single-stereo amplifier  
and dual-stereo amplifier modes. For passive and bi-wire connections, set  
the switch to the Normal/Bi-Wire position (Figure 5a).  
AMP  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
TED  
JBL INCORPORA  
A
BLVD. NORTHRIDGE, CA US  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Important  
1. The external “strapping bars” that normally connect the 4344MkII  
low-frequency and high-frequency terminals  
Figure 5a Normal/Bi-Wire Position  
.
To remove the shorting straps, simply loosen and slide the bars off to the  
side (Figure 8).  
Bi-AMP  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
Figure 6 One-Amp Bi-Wire  
2.  
Preamp  
Operating two amplifier channels without removing the  
strapping bars can seriously damage your amplifiers!  
HF  
LF  
HF  
LF  
Stereo amp  
3. If you have hooked up your 4344MkII loudspeakers in any of the  
bi-wire configurations indicated, it is not advisable to use additional  
speakers separately or simultaneously.  
No.  
11  
Figure 7 Two-Amp Bi-Wire  
4. As with conventional one-amplifier connections, make sure that all  
speaker cables are the same length.  
Preamp w/Y-corded output  
HF  
LF  
HF  
LF  
Stereo amps  
Figure 8 Removal of Shorting Straps  
AMP  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
TED  
JBL INCORPORA  
A
BLVD. NORTHRIDGE, CA US  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
 
Figure 9 Bi-Amp Connecting Method  
Bi-Amping Connections  
AMP  
The optimal method of powering the 4344MkII system is with two  
amplifiers, one for low frequencies and one for the mid/high frequencies.  
It is necessary to use a high-quality active crossover module. Since each  
amplifier only drives a limited frequency range, this method allows the  
user to select amplifiers with the desired sonic character for low and  
high frequencies.  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
TED  
JBL INCORPORA  
A
BLVD. NORTHRIDGE, CA US  
A
8500 BALBO  
HIGH FREQUENCY  
LOW FREQUENCY  
Make sure that the input sensitivity of each of the amplifiers is the same,  
or that input level controls are provided to maintain the proper low-to-  
mid/high balance. If two identical stereo amplifiers are used, one may be  
located near each loudspeaker to drive low- and mid/high-frequency  
sections through short wire runs.  
Figure 9a Bi-Amp Switch Setting  
BI-AMP  
BATTERY  
NORMAL/  
BI-WIRE  
The external “strapping bars” that normally connect the 4344MkII  
low-frequency and high-frequency terminals  
No.  
12  
To remove the shorting straps, simply loosen and slide the bars off to the  
side (Figure 8).  
If the system is wired in the bi-amp method, set the Bi-Amp/Normal  
switch to the Bi-Amp position (Figure 9 and Figure 9a).  
 
Maintenance and Service  
The 4344MkII loudspeaker systems have an oiled finish. Cleaning  
should be done with an untreated dust cloth. Do not use conventional  
furniture waxes and polishes, which are not designed for oiled finishes.  
If touch-up is necessary or the finish appears to be drying out, the surface  
may be re-oiled with a commercially available oil-finishing preparation.  
Do not use any solvents on the finish.  
The grille may be gently vacuumed. Stains may be removed with an aerosol  
cleaner, following the cleaner's instructions. Do not use any solvents on the  
grille.  
All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or remade  
periodically. The frequency of maintenance depends on the metals involved  
in the connections, atmospheric conditions, and other factors, but once per  
year is the minimum. The battery should be replaced approximately every  
three years. Consult your JBL dealer for specific recommendations.  
No.  
13  
If a problem occurs, make sure that all connections are properly made and  
clean. If a problem exists in one loudspeaker, reverse the speaker wires to  
the left and right system. If the problem remains in the same speaker, then  
the fault is with the loudspeaker. If the problem appears in the opposite  
speaker, the cause is in another component or cable. In the event that your  
4344MkII loudspeaker system ever needs service, contact your local  
JBL dealer.  
 
System Specifications  
Frequency Response:  
30Hz – 22kHz –6dB  
Sensitivity:  
95dB for 2.83V @ 1 meter  
Recommended Maximum  
Power Handling:  
200 watts continuous  
800 watts peak  
Nominal Impedance:  
6 ohms  
Crossover Frequencies:  
340Hz, 1300Hz, 8000Hz  
ME150H  
Low-Frequency Transducer:  
Mid-Frequency Transducer:  
High-Frequency Transducer:  
2123H  
No.  
275ND  
14  
Ultrahigh-Frequency Transducer: 2405H  
Tuning Frequency of Woofer:  
Dimensions (HxWxD):  
32Hz  
41-3/8 x 25 x 17"  
1051 x 635 x 432 mm  
Weight:  
180 lbs  
82 kg  
 

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