JBL History

JBL is an American audio company owned by Harman International that was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing. Their primary products are loudspeakers and associated electronics. There are two independent divisions within the company – JBL Consumer and JBL Professional. The former produces audio equipment for the home market while the latter produces professional equipment for the studio, installed sound, tour sound, portable sound and cinema markets. While Harman International does not break out the sales figures of their individual brands, it is believed that JBL is one of the largest, if not the largest selling loudspeaker brand in the world.

During the 80s and 90s, JBL expanded their presence in the professional field to become the largest professional sound company in the world. JBL became the dominant supplier to the tour sound industry, with their loudspeakers being employed by the largest touring rock acts and music festivals. JBL products were the basis for the development of THX loudspeaker standard which resulted in JBL becoming the premier cinema loudspeaker manufacturer. The portable sound market was largely established by JBL with their Cabaret product line and continues to be dominated by their Eon series. JBL was equally successful in the installed sound market with their Control series.

JBL continues to command a leadership position in the audio industry. In the professional field, they dominate virtually every market segment and maintain the prestige position as evidenced by the 2005 Technical Grammy awarded to JBL for being "... preeminent in high-end loudspeaker technology for all facets of professional sound since its formation in 1946."