JBL Authentics 200 & 500 User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the JBL Authentics speaker. We recommend taking the time to read through this guide, which provides product explanations and step-by-step instructions to help you set up and start using it.

To maximize your product's features and support, you may need to update the product's software via the Internet in the future. Read the software update section in this guide to ensure your product has the latest software.

Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice. If you have questions about this speaker, whether for installation or operation, please contact your retailer or customer service representative, or visit our website at www.jbl.com.

JBL One App

With the JBL One app, you can:

• Easily connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network;
• Set up your voice assistant;
• Connect to music streaming services*;
• Personalize audio settings;
• Manage and control your device;
• Enjoy Dolby Atmos® Music from streaming services (Authentics 500 only);
• Access additional features.

Voice Control

With both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available, you can play your favorite music, control your smart home devices, and much more using just your voice. You can access both assistants simultaneously on this device. For information on how to set up and use the voice assistants, see "6. Voice Assistant".

Important Safety Instructions

Ensure Power Voltage Before Use

The JBL Authentics speaker is designed for use with AC 100-240 volt, 50/60 Hz current. Connecting to a line voltage other than the one intended for your product may trigger safety and fire hazards and may damage the unit. If you have questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model, or about the voltage in your area, contact your retailer or customer service representative before plugging the unit into an outlet.

Do Not Use Extension Cords

For safety, use only the power cord supplied with this product. We do not recommend the use of extension cords with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not place the power cord under carpets or rugs, or cover it with heavy objects. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately by an authorized service center with cords that meet factory specifications.

Handle AC Power Cords with Care

When unplugging the power cord from an AC outlet, always pull the plug, not the cord. If this speaker will be unused for a long period, unplug the plug from the AC outlet.

Do Not Open the Cabinet

No user-serviceable parts are inside this product. Opening the cabinet may pose an electric shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your warranty. If water drips into the unit, immediately disconnect the unit from the AC power source and contact an authorized service center.

Package Contents

Open the box carefully and ensure that the following components are present. If any components are damaged or missing, do not use them and contact your retailer or customer service representative.

Speaker

AUTHENTICS 200 AUTHENTICS 500

Power Cable*

* The number of power cables and plug types vary by region.

Product Information

For more information, see "5.1 Connecting to Your Home Network" and "7.1 Playing Music via Home Network".

NOTE: *Subscriptions may be required and are not provided by the JBL One app.

Product Overview

Front and Top Panel

1) Bluetooth ?

• Press to enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
• Status Indicator:
• Blinking white: Bluetooth pairing
• Solid white: Bluetooth connected
• Off: Bluetooth not connected

2) Playback Controls

• Press once to play or pause.
• Press twice to skip to the next track.
• Press three times to skip to the previous track.

(Volume Control ?️)

• Rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease volume.

3) Moment

• Press to directly access your personalized music playlists and speaker settings in the JBL One app.

4) Voice Assistant LED Status ?

5) Voice Controls

• TREBLE (TREBEL): Rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease treble level.
• BASS (BAS): Rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease bass level.

6) Status Indicators

System:

• Steady pulsing white: System power on
• Fast pulsing white: Software update in progress
• Solid orange: Restoring to factory settings

Network Connection:

• Slow pulsing white: Entering Wi-Fi setup mode or network not connected
• Solid green: Speaker found by JBL One app
• Solid white: Network connected
• Solid yellow: Weak Wi-Fi connection

Voice Assistant Notifications:

* To stop an alarm, timer, or Alexa notification, press ▷ on the speaker.

7) Microphone ?

• For voice control and automatic self-tuning.

Back Panel

1) POWER ⚡

• Connect to power (with the supplied power cable).

2) USB ?

• Connect to a USB storage device to play MP3 files (US version only).

3) AUX ?

• Connect to the audio output of an external device via a 3.5 mm audio cable.

4) ETHERNET ?

• Connect to your home network via an Ethernet cable.

5) Voice Assistant Microphone ?

• Slide the switch to turn the microphone on or off.
• Microphone off
• Microphone on

Powering On

Connecting to Power

• Connect the speaker to power using the supplied power cable. The speaker will turn on and automatically enter Wi-Fi setup mode.

Auto Standby

• If inactive for more than 10 minutes, the speaker will automatically switch to standby mode.

Auto Wake

• In standby mode, the speaker will automatically wake up when:
• You press any button on the speaker;
• The speaker is connected to the home network, and you control speaker settings and playback via the JBL One app;
• The speaker is connected to the home network, and you wake the speaker via the activated voice assistant;
• The speaker is connected to the home network and audio streaming is performed to the speaker via a supported streaming service activated in the JBL One app;
• An audio cable is inserted into the speaker and music playback has started from an external device connected via the audio cable.

Connecting

Connecting to Your Home Network

Using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, connect the speaker to your network. If you register Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, you can use voice commands to get help or control your smart home devices hands-free. This step also enables Chromecast built-in, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Alexa Cast. Alternatively, with the JBL One app and supported streaming services (AirPlay and Spotify Connect), the speaker can stream music from your smartphone or tablet (See "7.1 Playing Music via Home Network").

Wi-Fi Connection to Your Home Network

1. Connect the speaker to the power source. (Slow pulsing white): Speaker enters Wi-Fi setup mode.

NOTE:

• Ensure the speaker is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android or iOS device.
• If your speaker is not found by the JBL One app, press and hold ? and ⚡ for more than 10 seconds to re-enter Wi-Fi setup mode.
• To enable Chromecast built-in, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Alexa Cast, register Google Assistant in the Google Home app and Amazon Alexa in the Amazon Alexa app.

Wired Connection to Your Home Network Using an Ethernet Cable (Optional)

1. Use an Ethernet cable (not supplied) to connect the speaker to your home network.
2. On your Android or iOS device, download and open the JBL One app to stream and control music.
3. Open the JBL One app. Follow the app instructions to complete the setup. (Solid green): Speaker found by JBL One app. (Solid white): Speaker connected to your home network. You can stream music from the JBL One app or a streaming service you have activated in the JBL One app (See "7.1 Playing Music via Home Network").

NOTES:

• On your Android or iOS device, you can rename the speaker in the JBL One app.
• On your iOS device, add the speaker to the Apple Home app and manage it with other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers.
• On your iOS device, if the speaker has been added to your home network, you can start AirPlay streaming from AirPlay-compatible apps (See "7.1.3 Playing via AirPlay").
• Availability of online music streaming services varies by country.
• Some features require a subscription or service that is only available in certain countries.

Connecting to a Bluetooth Device

Via Bluetooth, connect the speaker to Bluetooth devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Connecting a Bluetooth Device

1. To select the Bluetooth source, press ?. (Fast blinking white): Ready for Bluetooth pairing.
2. On your Bluetooth device, turn on Bluetooth and search for "JBL Authentics 200" or "JBL Authentics 500" within three minutes. (Solid white): Connection successful.

To Reconnect the Last Paired Device

Your Bluetooth device will remain paired when the speaker enters standby mode. When switching to the Bluetooth source again, the speaker will automatically reconnect to the last active device.

To Connect to Other Bluetooth Devices

1. Press ? in the Bluetooth source. The speaker enters Bluetooth pairing mode.
2. Follow Step 2 in "5.2.1 Connecting a Bluetooth Device".

NOTES:

• This speaker supports multi-point connection. You can pair a second Bluetooth device without disconnecting the first.
• Bluetooth connection will be lost if the distance between the speaker and the Bluetooth device is more than 33 ft (10 m).
• Electronic devices can cause radio interference. Devices that generate electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves and wireless LAN devices, should be kept away from the speaker.
• Voice commands cannot be used in Bluetooth mode.

Connecting to an External Audio Device

• Connect the speaker to an external audio device with a 3.5 mm audio cable (sold separately), with one end connected to the AUX socket and the other end to the 3.5 mm audio output connector on the audio device.

NOTE:

• After the audio cable is connected, ensure no music is playing via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to start music playback via the audio cable.

Voice Assistant

Setting Up Your Voice Assistant

With the JBL One app on your Android or iOS device, set up Google Assistant, Alexa, or both.

• Follow the voice assistant setup dialogue in the JBL One app immediately after connecting the speaker to your home network (See "5.1 Connecting to Your Home Network").
• If the speaker is already connected to your home network but has not completed voice assistant setup, follow these steps:

NOTE:

• Ensure your Android or iOS device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the speaker.

To suspend voice assistant usage, turn off the microphone ( ? OFF ). To continue interacting with the voice assistant, turn on the microphone ( ? ON ).

NOTES:

• For more information about Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, please visit assistant.google.com or the Amazon Alexa app.
• If you have set up Alexa or Google Assistant, but the speaker's microphone is turned off, the voice assistant will not respond to voice commands until the microphone is turned back on.

Talking to the Voice Assistant

With the simultaneous voice assistants, command Google Assistant or Alexa to play music, get answers, manage daily tasks, and control smart home devices using just your voice.

1. Ensure the speaker is connected to your home network and the microphone is turned on.
2. Say "Hey Google" ("Hi Google") or "Alexa" to start.

Examples:

• "Hey Google, play some music"
• "Alexa, turn up the volume"
• "Alexa, set a timer for 15 minutes"
• "Hey Google, stop"

Playback

NOTES:

• To enable Chromecast built-in, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Alexa Cast, register Google Assistant in the Google Home app and Amazon Alexa in the Amazon Alexa app.
• The speaker can support audio streaming, but not video streaming.
• During music streaming via Chromecast built-in, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Alexa Cast, AirPlay, Bluetooth, or other streaming services activated in the JBL One app, music playback will be paused on the currently connected device if a second connected device is used to play music.
• When the speaker switches between the home Wi-Fi network and a wired network during AirPlay, music playback will be temporarily interrupted and will resume within a few minutes depending on broadband bandwidth conditions. For wired home network connection, see "5.1 Connecting to Your Home Network".

Playing Music via Home Network

Before you start, ensure:

• Your Android or iOS device and speaker are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for music streaming and control (See "5.1 Connecting to Your Home Network").

Play via JBL One App

Via the JBL One app, stream audio from activated music services to the speaker.

1. On your Android or iOS device,
• Open the JBL One app, browse available music streaming services to select music, then start streaming music to the connected speaker.

Access your presets with the (Moment) button.

1. In the JBL One app,
• Personalize features (Moment).
2. On the speaker,
• Press to access your customized playlists and speaker settings.

Playing with Chromecast built-in

With Chromecast built-in, stream audio playback from your Android or iOS device to the speaker.

1. On your Android or iOS device,
• a) Open the JBL One app and ensure you have enabled Chromecast built-in.
• b) In a Chromecast-enabled app, play music, touch the cast icon ?, and select the connected speaker.

To exit music playback, switch to another source.

NOTE:

• *Subscriptions may be required and are not provided by the JBL One app.

Playing via AirPlay

Via AirPlay, stream audio playback from your iOS device to the speaker.

1. On your iOS device,
• To access Control Center on your iOS device, swipe down from the top-right corner. Tap ? to select the connected speaker, then start streaming audio from the app.

To exit music playback, switch to another source.

Playing via Alexa Cast

If the speaker is already connected to Alexa Cast, you can stream music from your Amazon Music library to the speaker.

1. On your Android or iOS device,
• Open the JBL One app and ensure you have enabled Amazon Alexa.
2. Open the Amazon Alexa app to start music playback.
• Open the Amazon Music app to access your Amazon Music library.
• Ensure you start music playback from the same Alexa account that was enabled in the JBL One app. Refer to the Amazon Alexa app for more details.

Playing Dolby Atmos Music

Authentics 500 supports Dolby Atmos sound effects. When playing Dolby audio content while streaming Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos effects are automatically applied to produce immersive 3D surround sound.

NOTES:

• To enjoy Dolby Atmos Music on TIDAL, a TIDAL HiFi Plus subscription is required.
• Dolby Atmos Music is not supported on Authentics 200.

Multi-room Playback

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

Chromecast built-in

1. Set up Google Assistant with Chromecast built-in in the Google Home app. Via the app, connect multiple Chromecast-enabled speakers to the same network, assign these speakers to multiple rooms, and create groups as needed.
2. Launch a Chromecast-enabled app on your smartphone or tablet.
3. Play music. Touch ? and select the grouped speakers.

NOTES:

• To create multi-room speaker groups in the Google Home app, ensure you have connected all speakers to the same home network and used the same Google login account. Refer to the Google Home app for more details.
• Music streaming can be performed to a maximum of 6 Chromecast-enabled speakers depending on your local network bandwidth.

AirPlay

1. On your iOS device, access Control Center.
2. Tap ? to select multiple connected speakers as needed.
3. Start streaming music from the app.

Alexa MRM: Multi-room Music

1. Ensure you have enabled Amazon Alexa on the speaker via the JBL One app.
2. Create Multi-Room Music groups for speakers via the Amazon Alexa app. For more information, open the Amazon Alexa app for more details.

NOTE:

• Music streaming via Bluetooth will be paused if Wi-Fi music streaming is initiated.

Controlling Music Playback

You can control music playback during music streaming from the JBL One app, Chromecast built-in, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Alexa Cast, AirPlay, or Bluetooth.

• Press once to play or pause.
• Press twice to skip to the next track.
• Press three times to skip to the previous track.
• Rotate the volume knob clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease volume.

NOTE:

• Music control is not possible in AUX mode.

Playing from AUX Source

With a 3.5 mm audio cable, listen to music playback on an external audio device through the speaker.

1. Ensure the speaker is correctly connected to your Bluetooth device (See "5.2 Connecting to a Bluetooth Device").
2. To select the Bluetooth source, press ?.
3. Start audio playback on your Bluetooth device.
4. You can also press ? on the speaker to control playback.

1. Ensure the speaker is correctly connected to the external audio device (See "5.3 Connecting to an External Audio Device").
2. Ensure music streaming from Bluetooth and the home network on the speaker has been paused.
3. Start audio playback on your external audio device.
4. Adjust the volume on the external audio device or the speaker.

NOTE:

• If no sound comes from the external audio device, try unplugging and re-plugging the audio cable.

Settings

Sound Settings

Sound Control

With the JBL One app or the speaker knobs, you can change the Equalizer (EQ) settings to adjust the sound.

Option 1: On the speaker:

Option 2: Via the app:

NOTE: Sound settings on the app and speaker will be synchronized.

Auto-tuning

To optimize the audio experience in your listening environment, the speaker will automatically perform auto-tuning each time it is connected to power and music playback is initiated. Auto-tuning takes three minutes. If music playback stops before auto-tuning is complete, auto-tuning will resume when music playback starts again.

NOTE: Automatic auto-tuning will be disabled when the microphone is turned off.

Software Update

When the speaker is connected to the internet via your home network, the speaker's software will be automatically upgraded to the latest version.

Restore to Factory Settings

Press and hold ? and ⚡ on the speaker simultaneously for more than 10 seconds to restore factory default settings. After this process is complete, the speaker will turn off and on again automatically.

Product Specifications

Authentics 200

General Specifications

• Model: Authentics 200
• Sound System: Stereo 2.0
• Power Supply: 100–240 V AC, ~50/60 Hz
• Total Speaker Output Power (Max. @THD 1%): 90 W
• Transducers: 2 x 25 mm tweeters + 5" woofer
• Standby power (networked): <2.0 W
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C–45 °C

Audio Specifications

• Frequency Response: 50 Hz–20 kHz (-6 dB)
• Audio Input: 1 Audio in, Bluetooth/ Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB (USB playback available in US version. In other versions, USB is for Service only.)

USB Specifications

• USB Port: Type C
• USB Rating: 5 V DC, 1A

Wireless Specifications

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP 1.3.2, AVRCP 1.5
• Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400 MHz–2483.5 MHz
• Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <17 dBm
• Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4 GHz/5 GHz)
• Wi-Fi 2.4G Transmitter Frequency Range: 2412–2472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM band, US 11 Channels, Europe and others 13 Channels)
• Wi-Fi 2.4G Transmitter Power: <20 dBm
• Wi-Fi 5G Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15–5.35 GHz, 5.725–5.825 GHz
• Wi-Fi 5G Transmitter Power: <23 dBm

Dimensions

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm / 10.48" x 6.76" x 6.59"
• Weight: 3.12 kg / 6.88 lbs
• Package Dimensions (W x H x D): 319 x 254 x 218 mm / 12.6" x 10" x 8.6"
• Package Weight: 4.15 kg / 9.1 lbs

Authentics 500

General Specifications

• Model: Authentics 500
• Sound System: 3.1 & Dolby Atmos Music
• Power Supply: 100–240 V AC, ~50/60 Hz
• Total Speaker Output Power (Max. @THD 1%): 270 W
• Transducers: 3 x 25 mm Al dome tweeters + 3 x 2.75" midrange + 6.5" subwoofer
• Standby power (networked): <2.0 W
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C–45 °C

Audio Specifications

• Frequency Response: 40 Hz–20 kHz (-6 dB)
• Audio Input: 1 Audio in, Bluetooth/ Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB (USB playback available in US version. In other versions, USB is for Service only.)

USB Specifications

• USB Port: Type C
• USB Rating: 5 V DC, 1 A

Wireless Specifications

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP 1.3.2, AVRCP 1.5
• Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2.400–2.483.5 MHz
• Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <17 dBm
• Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4 GHz/5 GHz)
• Wi-Fi 2.4G Transmitter Frequency Range: 2.412–2.472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM band, US 11 Channels, Europe and others 13 Channels)
• Wi-Fi 2.4G Transmitter Power: <20 dBm
• Wi-Fi 5G Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15–5.35 GHz, 5.725–5.825 GHz
• Wi-Fi 5G Transmitter Power: <23 dBm

Dimensions

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 447 x 240 x 255.7 mm / 17.60" x 9.45" x 10.07"
• Weight: 7.8 kg / 17.20 lbs
• Package Dimensions (W x H x D): 526 x 326 x 325 mm / 20.7" x 12.8" x 12.8"
• Package Weight: 11.4 kg / 25.1 lbs

Troubleshooting

Do not attempt to repair this product yourself. If you experience problems using this product, read the following points before requesting service. For more troubleshooting tips, visit the help page at https://product.jbl.com/AUTHENTICS-200.html or https://product.jbl.com/AUTHENTICS-500.html.

System

Unit does not turn on.

• Ensure the power cable is connected to the outlet and the speaker.

Speaker does not respond when a button is pressed.

• Unplug the power cable and plug it back in.

Bluetooth

Device cannot connect to the speaker.

• Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
• If the speaker has been paired with another Bluetooth device, re-enter Bluetooth pairing mode (See "5.2.3 To Connect to Other Bluetooth Devices").

Low audio quality from a connected Bluetooth device

• Bluetooth reception is poor. Move the source device closer to the speaker or remove obstructions between the source device and the speaker.

Wi-Fi

Cannot connect to Wi-Fi.

• Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled.
• Ensure the network you selected and the password you entered are correct.
• Ensure your router or modem is powered on and within range.
• In router settings, ensure the security type is set to WPA2 or automatic.
• Ensure your speaker is connected to the same wireless LAN as your smartphone or tablet.
• If there are issues setting up Wi-Fi, press and hold ? and ⚡ on the speaker until the status indicator pulses white slowly.

Voice Assistant

No response to voice commands

• Ensure the speaker is connected to your home network (See "5.1 Connecting to Your Home Network").
• Ensure voice control is initiated with the correct activation command (See "6.2 Talking to the Voice Assistant").
• The speaker's surrounding environment may prevent it from detecting voice commands. Do not place the speaker in a noisy, windy, or echoey environment.
• Ensure the built-in microphone is not muted or covered.
• Speak closer to the microphone.

Playback

AirPlay cannot find the speaker as an AirPlay speaker for music streaming.

• Update your Apple device's software to the latest version: iOS 13.4 and later, macOS 10.15.4 and later, or tvOS 14.3.
• Ensure your Apple device is connected to the same network as the speaker.
• With a PC using iTunes for Windows, you can stream music from your PC to the speaker via Bluetooth.

Music playback is choppy when switching audio sources from Bluetooth to Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, or Alexa.

• The quality of broadcasting and audio playback depends on the traffic and network range connecting the speaker and the broadcasting device, such as a phone, tablet, or PC.

Speaker status appears "Offline" in the Amazon Alexa app or playback issues related to MRM with Alexa occur.

• To restore the speaker, reset it to factory settings by pressing and holding ? and ⚡ simultaneously for more than 10 seconds.

Music does not play from the Audio In source when switching audio sources from Bluetooth to Audio In.

• Unplug and re-plug the 3.5 mm audio cable to the speaker.

No high Dolby Atmos sound effects

• Enjoy Dolby Atmos sound effects when streaming via Wi-Fi. Dolby Atmos cannot be used for audio streaming over Bluetooth.
• Dolby Atmos Music is not supported on Authentics 200.

Trademarks

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by 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.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ and the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ Logo are trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

Google, Android, Google Play, and Chromecast built-in are trademarks of Google LLC. Google Assistant is not available in certain languages and countries. Availability and performance of certain features, services, and applications are device and network dependent and may not be available in all areas.

Use your phone, tablet or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to spotify.com/connect to learn how. The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.

Dolby, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works. Copyright © 2012-2021 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Being Roon Ready means that HARMAN uses Roon streaming technology, for an incredible user interface, simple setup, rock-solid daily reliability, and the highest levels of audio performance, without compromise.

Amazon, Alexa and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Alexa is not available in all languages and countries.

Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple, and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. To control this AirPlay 2-enabled speaker, iOS 13.4 or later is required.

Open Source License Notice

This product contains open source software licensed under the GPL. For your convenience, the source code and related build instructions are also provided at https://harman-webpages.s3.amazonaws.com/Harman_One_OS_A_package_license_list.htm. Please contact us at: Harman Deutschland GmbH ATT: Open Source, Gregor Krapf-Gunther, Parkring 3 85748 Garching bei Munchen, Germany or OpenSourceSupport@Harman.com if you have any other questions regarding the open source software in the product.