JBL S412PII User manual

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8”
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STUDIO
DESIGN GOAL: Bring the thrill of live performance and movie sound to
the home environment by calling on JBL’s professional engineering leadership.
TWEETER TYPE: Pure-titanium dome with EOS™waveguide
WOOFER TYPE: Cast-aluminum basket with HeatScape™motor structure
CROSSOVER NETWORK:Straight-Line Signal Path™(SSP)
PORT DESIGN: FreeFlow™flared
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE:Studio Monitor
OWNER’S GUIDE
PRODUCT LINE: STUDIO
™
SERIES
S412PII

2
READ THIS! Important Safety Precautions!
1. Read Instructions. All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
the product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions. The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings. All warnings on the
product and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions. All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning. Unplug this product from the
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp
cloth for cleaning.
6. Attachments. Do not use attachments not
recommended by the product manufacturer,
as they may cause hazards.
7. Water and Moisture. Do not use this
product near water–for example, near a
bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry
tub; in a wet basement; near a swimming
pool; or the like.
8. Accessories. Do not place this product on
an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or
table. The product may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious
damage to the product. Use only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket or table recommended
by the manufacturer, or sold with the
product. Any mounting of the product should
follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and
should use a mounting accessory
recommended by the
manufacturer.
9. A Product and Cart
Combination Should Be
Moved with Care. Quick
stops, excessive force and
uneven surfaces may cause the product and
cart combination to overturn.
10. Ventilation. Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensure reliable operation of the product and
to protect it from overheating, and these
openings must not be blocked or covered.
The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or
other similar surface. This product should
not be placed in a built-in installation, such
as a bookcase or rack, unless proper
ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s
instructions have been adhered to.
11. Power Sources. This product should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to your
home, consult your product dealer or local
power company. For products intended to
operate from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.
12. Polarization. This product may be
equipped with a polarized alternating-
current-line plug (a plug having one blade
wider than the other). This plug will fit into
the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the
plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of
the polarized plug.
13. Power-Cord Protection. Power-supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the product.
14. Nonuse Periods. The power cord of the
product should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for long periods of time.
15. Outdoor Antenna Grounding. If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the
product, be sure the antenna or cable
system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-
up static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard to proper grounding
of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge
unit, connection to grounding electrodes,
and requirements for the grounding
electrode. See Figure 1.
16. Lightning. For added protection for this
product during a lightning storm, or when it
is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet
and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the product due
to lightning and power-line surges.
17. Power Lines. An outside antenna system
should not be located in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or other electric light
or power circuits, or where it can fall into
such power lines or circuits. When installing
an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from touching such
power lines or circuits, as contact with them
might be fatal.
18. Overloading. Do not overload wall
outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles, as this can result
in a risk of fire or electric shock.
19. Object and Liquid Entry. Never push
objects of any kind into this product through
openings, as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short-out parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
20. Servicing. Do not attempt to service this
product yourself, as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel.
21. Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this
product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
a. The power-supply cord or the plug has
been damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen onto, or liquid has
been spilled into, the product; or
c. The product has been exposed to rain or
water; or
d. The product does not operate normally
when following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered
by the operating instructions, as an improper
adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation; or
e. The product has been dropped or
damaged in any way; or
f. The product exhibits a distinct change in
performance; this indicates a need for
service.
22. Replacement Parts. When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or that have
the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock or other hazards.
23. Safety Check. Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this product, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.
24. Wall or Ceiling Mounting. The product
should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only
as recommended by the manufacturer.
25. Heat. The product should be situated
away from heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves or other products
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Antenna Lead-In Wire
Ground Clamp
Antenna Discharge Unit (NEC Section 8 0-20)
Grounding Conductors (NEC Section 8 0-2 )
Electric Service Equipment
Ground Clamps
Power Service Grounding Electrode System
(NEC Art 250, Part H)
Figure 1.
Example of Antenna
Grounding as per National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock,
do not use this (polarized)
plug with an extension cord,
receptacle or other outlet
unless the blades can
be fully inserted to
prevent blade exposure.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

3
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING JBL
For more than 50 years, JBL
has been involved in every
aspect of music and film
recording and reproduction,
from live performances to
the recordings you play in
your home, car or office.
We’re confident that the
JBL loudspeakers you have
chosen will provide every
note of enjoyment that you
expected –and that when
you think about purchasing
additional audio equipment
for your home, car or
office, you will once again
choose JBL.
Please take a moment to
complete the enclosed
profile card. It enables us to
keep you posted on our
latest advancements,
and helps us to better
understand our customers
and build products that
meet their needs and
expectations.
JBL Consumer Products
Proper placement of the
speakers is an important
step in obtaining the most
realistic soundstage
possible. These recommen-
dations are for the optimal
placement of the loud-
speakers. Use them as a
guide. Slight variations will
not diminish your listening
pleasure.
The S412PII loudspeakers
are video-shielded and can
safely be placed near a
television.
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
The S412PII speaker features
four rubber feet that enable
it to be placed on a smooth-
surfaced floor, such as tile
or hardwood. Four metal
spikes are supplied for use
when the speaker is to be
placed on a carpeted
surface to decouple the
speaker from the floor and
prevent unwanted damping.
To insert the spikes, gently
lay the speaker on its side
(not its front or back) on a
soft, nonabrasive surface.
Each spike screws into the
threaded insert in the center
of each rubber foot. Make
sure all four spikes are
screwed in completely for
stability.
NEVER drag the speaker to
move it, as this will damage
the spikes, the feet and/or
the wood cabinet itself.
Always lift the speaker and
carry it to its new location.
CAUTION: Floorstanding
(tower) loudspeakers have
a high center of gravity and
may become unstable and
tip over during earthquakes
or if rocked, tipped or
improperly positioned. If this
is a concern, these speakers
should be anchored to the
wall behind them, using
the same procedures and
hardware customary for
anchoring bookcases and
wall units. Customer is
responsible for proper
installation and proper
selection of hardware.

4
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
–+–+
–+
Receiver’s Speaker Outputs
LEFT
RIGHT
–+
CONNECTION TIPS
SPEAKER-LEVEL CONNECTIONS
Your S412PII speakers
should be connected to your
receiver in two ways (at
speaker level and line level)
in order to achieve the best
performance, especially
when listening to program
material recorded in digital
formats, such as Dolby*
Digital and DTS.
®
Connect the left-front and
right-front speaker terminals
on your receiver or amplifier
to the 5-way binding posts
on the back of each S412PII
speaker. Remember to
maintain the correct
polarities (“+”to “+”and
“–” to “–”). The S412PII uses
a red binding post for “+”
and black for “–”. These
connections will provide
full-range sound to all four
transducers, and you should
ALWAYS make these
connections.
If your receiver or amplifier
does not have a line-level
subwoofer output, then you
do not need to make any
other connections, and you
should skip to the section
titled “Amplifier Controls.”
Speakers and electronics
terminals have corre-
sponding (+) and (–)
terminals. It is important to
connect both speakers
identically: (+) on the
speaker to (+) on the
amplifier and (–) on the
speaker to (–) on the
amplifier. Wiring “out of
phase”results in thin sound,
weak bass and a poor
stereo image.
With the advent of
multichannel surround
sound systems, connecting
all of the speakers in your
system with the correct
polarity remains equally
important in order to
preserve the proper
ambience and directionality
of the program material.
To use the binding-post
speaker terminals, unscrew
the collar until the pass-
through hole in the center
post is visible under the
collar. Insert the bare end of
the wire through this hole;
then screw the collar down
until the connection is tight.
The hole in the center of
each collar is intended for
use with banana-type
connectors.

5
RECEIVER/AMPLIFIER
LEFT S412P
II RIGHT S412P II
LEFT RIGHT
Y-Connector
(not included)
LFE IN LFE IN
SUBWOOFER OUT
Each S412PII speaker is also
equipped with a line-level
Low-Frequency Effects
(LFE/Subwoofer) input for
superior performance with
digital surround formats. The
.1 LFE channel contains
additional low-frequency
information not found in the
left- and right-front
channels. The LFE input
works with the full-range
speaker-level input to
provide the dynamics and
effects that your favorite
filmmakers intended.
You will need to use a
Y-Connector (not included)
with one male connector
and two female connectors
to connect the line-level
subwoofer output on your
receiver/amplifier to the
LFE/Subwoofer inputs on the
S412PII speakers. Plug the
male connector into the
subwoofer output on your
receiver or amplifier, and
connect each of the two
female connectors to
extension RCA patch cords.
Then plug each patch cord
into the LFE/Subwoofer input
of the left and right S412PII
speakers. Note: If your
receiver has separate
left and right line-level
subwoofer (or LFE) output
jacks, you do not need to
use a Y-Connector.
LINE-LEVEL CONNECTIONS

6
AMPLIFIER CONTROLS
LFE Level Control: Allows
you to adjust the volume of
the low-frequency effects/
subwoofer channel to suit
your room acoustics or
tastes. However, it only
affects the LFE signal. If you
are not using the LFE input,
the LFE level control will not
operate.
Configuring Your Receiver:
You should choose the
“Large”or “Wide”option for
the left- and right-front
speakers so that full low-
frequency information will
be sent to the S412PII
speakers. Make sure that
you also configure your
receiver for “Subwoofer On”
or “LFE On.”In this case, the
LFE/Subwoofer signal will
consist only of the .1 (bass)
channel. The LFE signal level
can be adjusted by using the
LFE level on the S412PII
amplifier panel. For initial
setup, you should set the
level controls on both
speakers at minimum
(full counterclockwise
rotation). With 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1
source material playing,
advance the level controls
on each speaker slowly until
the desired amount of
effects channel is present.
This is a rather subjective
adjustment and should be
made using a variety of
program materials.
If you choose, you can use
the “Small”or “Narrow”
setting on your receiver.
In this case, all of the
information below 80Hz
will be fed to the LFE/
Subwoofer input on the
S412PII. Now the level
control operates through out
the entire bass spectrum
below 80Hz, not just within
the .1 channel portion. This
configuration is generally
unnecessary but, in certain
room-placement conditions, it
allows greater bass-level
control.
Power Switches: The main
“Power”switch is simply
marked “On”and “Off.”Turn
this switch on to commence
operation of the powered
amplifier after you have
plugged the power cord into
an AC outlet. The second
switch is labeled “On/Off”
and has two positions.
Placing the switch in the
“Auto”position puts the
amplifier in Standby mode.
In this mode the speaker will
be able to automatically
sense an incoming signal,
which will trigger it to turn
fully on. The speaker will
also automatically switch
itself back into Standby
mode after approximately 10
to 15 minutes have passed
without its sensing a signal.
We recommend that you
leave this switch in the
“Auto”position for most
applications. If you will be
away from home or not
using your speakers for an
extended period of time, you
should turn the speakers off
by using the main power
switch. The Manual position
will bypass the auto-sensing
feature and leave the
amplifier on until turned off
with the main switch or
returned to auto sensing by
choosing the auto position.
LED Indicators: When your
speaker is turned on but is
not receiving a signal, the
LEDs on the front of the unit
glow red to let you know
that your speaker is plugged
in. When the speaker is
receiving a signal, the LEDs
glow green. We have
provided a convenient
“Green ‘On’LED”switch on
the back panel to allow you
to shut off the front LEDs
should they interfere with
your enjoyment of a movie.
This switch has no effect
when the LEDs are in red
mode.
MANUAL
LFE LEVEL
Min Max
AUTO
ON
OFF
S412PII
LFE IN –
ON
OFF
GREEN“ON”LED
POWER ON/OFF
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
“WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSETHIS APPLIANCETO RAIN OR MOISTURE.”
“AVERTISSEMENT:POUR PRÉVENIR LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE OU
DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, EVITER D’EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA
PLUIE OU A L’HUMIDITE.”
This area is designed to become quite warm
during normal operation.

7
TROUBLESHOOTING
If there is no sound from
any of the speakers:
•Check that receiver/amplifier
is on and that a source is
playing.
•Review proper operation of
your receiver/amplifier.
If there is no sound coming
from one speaker:
•Check the “Balance”control
on your receiver/amplifier.
•Check all wires and connec-
tions between receiver/
amplifier and speakers.
•Make sure all wires are
connected. Make sure none of
the speaker wires are frayed,
cut or punctured.
•Make sure no wires are
touching other wires or
terminals and creating a short
circuit.
•Turn off all electronics and
switch the speaker in question
with one of the other speakers
that is working correctly. Turn
everything back on, and
determine whether the
problem is in the same place,
i.e., the speaker that was
working previously now has no
sound and the speaker that
was not working now sounds
fine; or whether it has moved,
i.e., the speaker that was not
working still has no sound and
the speaker that was working
is still fine. If the problem is in
the same place, the source of
the problem is most likely with
your receiver or amplifier, and
you should consult the owner’s
manual for that product for
further information.
If the
problem has followed the
speaker, consult your dealer
for further assistance or, if that
is not possible, visit our Web
site at www.jbl.com for further
information.
If the system plays at low
volumes but shuts off as
volume is increased:
•Check all wires and connec-
tions between receiver/
amplifier and speakers.
•Make sure all wires are
connected. Make sure none of
the speaker wires are frayed,
cut or punctured.
•If more than one pair of
main speakers is being used,
check the minimum impedance
requirements of your receiver/
amplifier.
If there is no (or low) bass
output:
•Make sure the polarities
(+ and –) of the left and right
“Speaker Inputs”are
connected properly.
•Make sure that the speaker
is plugged into an active
electrical outlet and switched
on, and that the green LEDs are
displayed.
•In Dolby Digital or DTS mode,
make sure your receiver/
processor is configured so that
the subwoofer and LFE output
are enabled.
If you used the LFE input and
there is no sound from the
subwoofer:
•Check that receiver/amplifier
is on and that a source is
playing.
•Make sure that the speaker
is plugged into an active
electrical outlet and switched
on, and that the green LEDs are
displayed.
•Check all wires and connec-
tions between receiver/
amplifier and speakers.
•Make sure all wires are
connected. Review the “Line-
Level Connections”section on
page 5 of this manual and make
sure that a single RCA patch
cord is connected to each
loudspeaker from the
Y-Connector plugged into the
receiver/amplifier’s subwoofer
output. Make sure none of the
speaker wires are frayed, cut
or punctured.
•In Dolby Digital or DTS mode,
make sure your receiver/
processor is configured so that
the subwoofer and LFE output
are enabled.
If you are using the S412PII
LFE/Subwoofer input and the
bass level decreases (instead
of increasing) when you turn
the LFE/Subwoofer Level knob
clockwise:
•Recheck to make sure that
your receiver or amplifier-
speaker outputs are correctly
connected to the S412PII
speaker inputs (gold-plated
binding posts), (+) to (+) and (–)
to (–). The S412P II (+) terminal
has a red stripe and is located on
the right-hand side, below the
letter “L”of the molded JBL logo,
when looking directly at the back
of the S412P
II .
•If the wires are connected
properly, the confusion may be
attributable to the design of your
receiver/amplifier. Your unit may
have inverting inputs, which
reverse the polarity of the signal
between the inputs and outputs
of the amplifier. To check if this is
the case, reverse the speaker
connections for ALL S412P
II’ s in
your system (and disconnect any
other
speakers in the system)
so that the receiver/amplifier’s
(+) connector is connected to
each S412PII’s (–) (black stripe)
speaker connector. If you do
this and the S412PII’s function
properly (bass increases as you
turn your LFE/Subwoofer level-
control knobs clockwise), your
receiver/amp uses inverting
inputs. This is not a problem.
Simply connect all of the
speakers in your system the
same way, with the receiver or
amplifier’s (+) terminal to the
speaker’s
(–) terminal, and the
receiver
or amplifier’s (–)
terminal to the speaker’s (+)
terminal.

SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Recommended
Amplifier Power:** 250W
Powered Subwoofer
Amplifier Output: 200W
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 92dB
Frequency Response (–3dB): 32Hz – 20kHz
Crossover Frequencies: 250Hz, 700Hz, 3500Hz
High-Frequency Transducer: 1" Pure-titanium dome, with rubber surround, shielded;
Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal™(EOS) waveguide
Midrange Transducer: 4" PolyPlas™(polymer-coated cellulose fiber) cone, rubber
surround, shielded; Linear Field Proximity™(LFP) bezel
Midbass Transducer: 6" PolyPlas™(polymer-coated cellulose fiber) cone, rubber
surround, shielded
Low-Frequency Transducer: 12" PolyPlas™(polymer-coated cellulose fiber) cone,
rubber surround, SFG,™magnetic shorting rings, high-temp
oversized Kapton®voice coil, HeatScape™motor structure,
cast-aluminum basket, shielded
Dimensions (H x W x D): 44" x 14-3/4" x 16-1/16" (17" with grille)
1118mm x 375mm x 408mm (432mm with grille)
Weight (per speaker): 100 lb (45.5kg)
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
*Trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
**The maximum recommended amplifier power rating will ensure proper system headroom to
allow for occasional peaks. We do not recommend sustained operation at these maximum
power levels.
JBL Consumer Products
250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329
800-336-4JBL (4525) (USA only)
www.jbl.com
©2001 JBL, Incorporated
JBL is a registered trademark of JBL, Incorporated.
Part No.
338047-001
TWEETER TYPE: Pure-titanium dome with EOS™waveguide
DESIGN GOAL: Bring the thrill of live performance and movie sound to
the home environment by calling on JBL’s professional engineering leadership.
CROSSOVER NETWORK: Straight-Line Signal Path™(SSP)
WOOFER TYPE: Cast-aluminum basket with HeatScape™motor structure
PORT DESIGN: FreeFlow™flared
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE: Studio Monitor
OWNER’S GUIDE PRO SOUND
COMES HOME™
PRODUCT LINE: STUDIO™SERIES
MODEL
S412PII
NUMBER: