JBL BAR 500MK2 Quick Start Guide

Online Support

For comprehensive support, including the owner's manual, visit the official JBL website:

www.jbl.com [PDF Document]

What's in the Box

Ensure all the following items are included:

• JBL BAR 500MK2 Soundbar
• JBL BAR 500MK2 SUB (Subwoofer)
• Remote Control
• Power Cords (quantity and plug type vary by region)
• Batteries (x2 AAA)
• Wall Mounting Brackets (x2)
• Quick Start Guide

Connectors

Identify the ports on the back of your soundbar:

• 1. Power Connector: For connecting the power cord.
• 2. USB Connector: For USB devices (e.g., firmware updates, audio playback in US version).
• 3. HDMI Input: Connect to an HDMI source device.
• 4. TV ARC / TV eARC: Connect to your TV's HDMI ARC or eARC port for audio return.
• 5. Optical Input: Connect to an optical audio source.

Remote Control

Familiarize yourself with the remote control functions:

• 1. On/Standby: Powers the system on or off.
• 2. Volume: Adjusts the sound level (+/-).
• 3. Mute/Unmute: Silences or restores audio.
• 4. Dolby Atmos: Activates Dolby Atmos processing.
• 5. Bass: Adjusts bass levels.
• 6. Sound Calibration: Initiates room calibration.
• 7. Moment (Quick Access): For custom sound modes.
• 8. HDMI Source: Selects the HDMI input source.
• 9. Bluetooth Source: Selects the Bluetooth input source.
• 10. TV Source: Selects the TV input source (e.g., ARC/eARC, Optical).

Wall Mounting

Mounting the soundbar on a wall is optional. Follow these steps:

1. Mark the desired mounting points on the wall, ensuring they align with the soundbar's mounting slots (600mm / 23.6" apart).
2. Install appropriate wall anchors and screws (ensure they are suitable for your wall type and can support the weight). The diagram shows screws of varying lengths (e.g., ≥ 30mm / 1.18" for drywall, 4mm / 0.16" for mounting bracket thickness, ≤ 8mm / 0.31" for screw head clearance).
3. Attach the wall mounting brackets to the soundbar.
4. Hang the soundbar onto the wall-mounted screws.

Connecting Your System

Connect the soundbar to your TV for optimal audio experience.

For eARC TV:

Connect an HDMI cable from the soundbar's HDMI eARC port to your TV's HDMI eARC port.

For ARC TV:

Connect an HDMI cable from the soundbar's HDMI OUT (ARC) port to your TV's HDMI ARC port.

Ensure the correct HDMI ports are used on both devices.

Powering On

Connect the power cords to the soundbar and the subwoofer, then plug them into a power outlet. Press the On/Standby button on the remote or the soundbar to power on the system.

Sound Calibration

Calibrate the soundbar to your room for the best audio performance:

1. Place the soundbar and subwoofer in their desired locations.
2. Press and hold the 'CALIBRATION' button on the remote control for approximately 10 seconds. The soundbar will emit sounds to measure the room acoustics.
3. The system will indicate 'DONE' when calibration is complete. You may need to press the button again to confirm or play the recorded audio (feature availability may vary by region).

Using the App

Enhance your experience by using the JBL ONE app:

• Download the JBL ONE app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Connect your Android™ or iOS device to your Wi-Fi network.
• Follow the in-app instructions to complete the speaker setup and access additional features.

Note: Feature availability may vary by country.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications:

• Model: BAR 500MK2 (soundbar unit), BAR 500MK2 SUB (subwoofer unit)
• Sound System: 5.1 channel
• Power Supply: 100 - 240 V AC, ~ 50/60 Hz
• Total Speaker Power Output (Max. @THD 1%): 750 W
• Soundbar Output Power (Max. @THD 1%): 450 W
• Subwoofer Output Power (Max. @THD 1%): 300 W
• Soundbar Transducer: 5 x (42 x 80) mm racetrack drivers, 4 x 0.75" (20 mm) tweeters
• Subwoofer Transducer: 10" (260 mm)
• Networked Standby Power: <2.0 W
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C - 45 °C

HDMI Specification:

• HDMI Video Input: 1
• HDMI Video Output (eARC): 1
• HDMI HDCP Version: 2.3
• HDR Pass Through: HDR10+, Dolby Vision

Audio Specification:

• Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz (-6 dB)
• Audio Inputs: Optical, Bluetooth, USB (US version only for audio playback)

USB Specification (US version only):

• USB Port: Type A
• USB Rating: 5 V DC, 0.5 A
• Supported File Formats: mp3
• MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
• MP3 Sampling Rate: 16 - 48 kHz
• MP3 Bitrate: 80 - 320 kbps

Wireless Specification:

• Bluetooth Version: v5.3
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP v1.3, AVRCP v1.5
• Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz
• Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <15 dBm (EIRP)
• Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
• 2.4G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 2412 - 2472 MHz (USA: 11 channels, Europe: 13 channels)
• 2.4G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: < 20 dBm (EIRP)
• 2.4G Wireless Transmitter Frequency Range: 2406 - 2474 MHz
• 2.4G Wireless Transmitter Power: <10 dBm (EIRP)
• 5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15 - 5.35 GHz, 5.470 - 5.725 GHz, 5.725 - 5.825 GHz
• 5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: 5.15 - 5.25 GHz <23 dBm, 5.25 - 5.35 GHz & 5.470 - 5.725 GHz <20 dBm, 5.725 - 5.825 GHz <14 dBm (EIRP)
• Note: Band 5.6 - 5.64 GHz will be disabled for Australia / New Zealand.

Dimensions:

• Main Soundbar (W x H x D): 940 x 50.5 x 104 mm / 37" x 2.0" x 4.1"
• Subwoofer (W x H x D): 325 x 400 x 325 mm / 12.8" x 15.7" x 12.8"
• Soundbar Weight: 2.9 kg / 6.5 lbs
• Subwoofer Weight: 8.1 kg / 17.8 lbs
• Packaging Dimensions (W x H x D): 1020 x 395 x 490 mm / 40.2" x 15.6" x 19.3"
• Packaging Weight: 18.0 kg (EMEA/UK/AU/NZ); 15.86 kg (Others)

* RMS @THD 1%: 375 W | ** RMS @THD 1%: 225 W | *** RMS @THD 1%: 150 W

Legal and Compliance

This equipment complies with FCC/IC radiation exposure limits for uncontrolled environments. Maintain a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body during installation and operation.

This product may contain open-source software licensed under GPL. Source code and build instructions are available at: harman-webpages.s3.amazonaws.com

For inquiries regarding open-source software, contact Harman Deutschland GmbH or OpenSourceSupport@Harman.com.

Warning: Refer to the exterior bottom enclosure for electrical and safety information before installation or operation.

This equipment is Class II or double insulated.

Trademarks and Compatibility

Bluetooth®: The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Use by HARMAN International Industries is under license. Other trademarks are their respective owners'.

HDMI: The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI trade dress, and HDMI Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

Google: Google, Android, Google Home, Google Cast, and Google Assistant are trademarks of Google LLC. Availability and performance of features depend on device, network, and region.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™: The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Logo is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

Dolby: Dolby, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Copyright © 2012–2024 Dolby Laboratories.

Works with Apple: Indicates accessories designed to work with Apple technology and certified to meet Apple performance standards. Apple® and AirPlay® are trademarks of Apple Inc. For AirPlay with JBL Bar 500MK2, the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is recommended.

Spotify: Use your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Visit spotify.com/connect for instructions. Spotify Software is subject to third-party licenses found at spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.

Roon Ready: Indicates HARMAN uses Roon streaming technology for a superior user experience, simple setup, reliability, and high audio performance.

DTS Virtual:X™: Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. DTS, the DTS logo, DTS:X, Virtual:X, and DTS Virtual:X logo are trademarks of DTS, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

Works with Samsung SmartThings: Compatibility with Samsung SmartThings platform.