JBL BAR 300MK2 Owner's Manual

Important Safety Instructions

Verify Line Voltage Before Use: Ensure your product is connected to the correct voltage (100-240V AC, 50/60Hz). Incorrect voltage can cause safety hazards and damage the unit. Contact your retailer if unsure.

Do Not Use Extension Cords: Use only the supplied power cord. Avoid running cords under carpets or placing heavy objects on them. Replace damaged cords immediately.

Handle the AC Power Cord Gently: Always pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting. Disconnect the plug if the unit will not be used for an extended period.

Do Not Open the Cabinet: The product contains no user-serviceable parts. Opening the cabinet may cause electric shock and will void the warranty. Disconnect power immediately if liquid enters the unit.

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the JBL BAR 300MK2. This manual provides instructions for setup and operation. For the best experience, ensure your product software is up-to-date via the JBL One app. Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice. For questions, contact your retailer or visit www.jbl.com.

JBL One App

The JBL One app allows you to:

• Complete product setup easily.
• Connect to music streaming services.
• Discover new music.
• Access software updates.
• Personalize audio settings.
• Access additional features.

Subscription may be needed for some services. App screens may vary.

2. What's in the Box

Unpack carefully and check for the following items. Contact your retailer if any part is damaged or missing:

• Soundbar
• Remote control (with 2 AAA batteries)
• Power cord
• HDMI cable (1.2m / 3.9 ft)
• Wall-mounting kit

* Power cord quantity and plug type vary by region.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Soundbar

Front panel & Top panel

Key components:

• 1) Status indicator: Shows system status (startup, updating, factory reset) and network connection status (Wi-Fi setup, connected, weak connection).
• 2) +/- (Volume): Adjust volume, mute/unmute, or enter Wi-Fi setup mode (hold for 10+ seconds).
• 3) Microphone: Used for sound calibration.
• 4) (Source): Switch on the unit or select audio sources (TV, Bluetooth, HDMI IN). Hold for 3+ seconds to enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
• 5) Status display: Shows information about the soundbar's status.

Back panel

Americas version (excluding Brazil):

• 1) / POWER: Connect to power.
• 2) USB: For software updates (service only) or MP3 playback (US version only).
• 3) HDMI IN: Connect to your digital device's HDMI output.
• 4) TV connectors:
  • HDMI OUT (TV ARC/TV eARC): Connect to your TV's HDMI ARC/eARC input.
  • OPTICAL: Connect to your TV or digital device's optical output.

All other versions: Similar connections with labels like '电源输入' (Power Input), 'USB', 'HDMI IN', 'HDMI OUT', 'OPTICAL'.

3.2 Remote control

The remote control has buttons for power, volume, mute, sound effects (Dolby Atmos), bass adjustment, calibration, and accessing personalized settings via the JBL One app (Moment button).

Source selectors: TV, Bluetooth, HDMI.

4. Place

4.1 Desktop placement

Place the soundbar on a flat, stable surface. Recommended viewing distances are provided in a diagram (e.g., 2.5-3.0m / 8.2-9.8ft, >4m / 13ft).

Ensure the power cord is connected and do not place objects on top of the soundbar.

4.2 Wall-mounting

Follow these steps for wall mounting:

1. Preparation: Use the supplied template to mark screw locations, drill holes (4mm / 0.16"), and install the wall-mounting bracket support.
2. Fasten the bracket to the bottom of the soundbar.
3. Mount the soundbar.

Ensure the wall can support the weight. Install on a vertical wall only. Avoid high temperature/humidity locations. Ensure cables are connected and the unit is unplugged from power before mounting.

5. Connect

5.1 Connect with your TV and digital devices

Connect your soundbar to your TV using the supplied HDMI cable or an optional optical cable for audio playback. HDMI offers digital audio and video with a single connection.

HDMI connection is prioritized over optical if both are used. Full HDMI-CEC compatibility is not guaranteed. HDMI and optical cables for digital device connection may be sold separately.

5.1.1 TV (HDMI eARC)

For the best Dolby Atmos experience, connect the soundbar's HDMI IN (eARC) to your TV's HDMI eARC input. Ensure HDMI-CEC and eARC are enabled on your TV. Connect digital devices (streaming box, Blu-ray player) to your TV using an HDMI cable (v2.0 or later). Enable HDMI-CEC on the digital device and set audio output to "Bitstream" or "Raw data" for optimal Dolby Atmos.

5.1.2 TV (HDMI ARC)

Connect the soundbar's HDMI IN (ARC) to your TV's HDMI ARC input. Ensure HDMI-CEC and ARC are enabled on your TV. Connect digital devices similarly to the eARC setup. If your TV does not support eARC, connect your digital device via the soundbar's HDMI IN to ensure Dolby Atmos information is passed.

5.1.3 OPTICAL

Connect the soundbar to your TV using an optical cable. You may need to select the TV source. Connect digital devices via HDMI to your TV.

5.2 Connect to your Bluetooth device

Pair your smartphone, tablet, or laptop via Bluetooth for audio streaming.

5.2.1 Connect a Bluetooth device

1. On the soundbar or remote, press the Bluetooth button until "BT PAIRING" appears.
2. On your Bluetooth device, enable Bluetooth and search for "JBL BAR 300MK2".
3. Once connected ("BT CONNECTED"), you will hear a confirmation tone.

Keep devices within 10m (33ft). Avoid interference from other electronic devices.

5.2.2 Reconnect the last paired device

The soundbar automatically reconnects to the last paired Bluetooth device when the Bluetooth source is selected.

5.2.3 Connect to another Bluetooth device

If issues arise, unpair the device from the soundbar or vice-versa. Follow pairing steps again.

5.3 Connect to your home network

Use the JBL One app to stream audio from services like Google Cast, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect.

Wi-Fi Setup:

1. On the soundbar, ensure it's powered on. If not connected to a network, it will display "HELLO" then "SETUP WIFI".
2. Connect your Android or iOS device to your home Wi-Fi network and download the JBL One app.
3. Launch the JBL One app and follow instructions to complete Wi-Fi setup.

A solid white status light indicates a successful network connection.

If the soundbar is not discovered, hold the Volume +/- buttons for 10+ seconds to re-enter Wi-Fi setup mode. You can rename the soundbar in the JBL One app.

6. Setup

6.1 Connect power

Connect the soundbar to a power outlet using the supplied power cord. The soundbar will display "LOAD" then "HELLO". Ensure all other connections are made before powering on.

6.2 3D surround sound

6.2.1 Sound calibration

Optimize your 3D surround sound experience by calibrating the soundbar to your listening environment.

1. Press the / CALIBR button on the remote. "CALIBRATION" will appear on the soundbar.
2. When "PRESS AGAIN TO CONFIRM" is shown, press / CALIBR again.

A countdown will occur, followed by a calibration tone. The soundbar will display "CALIBRATING" and then "DONE" upon completion.

During calibration, only the / CALIBR button is active. Environmental sound is recorded.

6.2.2 Dolby Atmos

Enjoy height sound effects with Dolby Atmos when playing content from TV/HDMI IN sources. Press the Dolby Atmos button on the remote to toggle these effects on or off (default is 'on').

Dolby Atmos effects apply only to Dolby Atmos content.

6.2.3 Bass adjustment

Use the / bass buttons on the remote to adjust bass levels from LVL1 to LVL5 (default is LVL3).

7. Play

7.1 Power-on/Auto standby/Auto wakeup

7.1.1 Switch on

Press any button on the soundbar or remote to turn it on.

7.1.2 Auto standby

The soundbar enters standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. It will automatically resume to the last selected source when switched on.

7.1.3 Auto wakeup

The soundbar wakes up automatically when:

• Connected to your TV via HDMI eARC/ARC and the TV is on.
• Connected to your TV and digital device via HDMI, and the digital device is on.
• Connected to your home network and streaming audio.

7.2 Play from the TV source

Ensure your TV speakers are muted and the soundbar is connected to your TV. Select the TV source on the soundbar or remote. The TV source is selected by default.

7.2.1 TV remote control setup

If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, you can control volume, mute, and power functions of the soundbar using your TV remote. If not, you can use the soundbar's IR learning feature to program it to respond to your TV remote commands.

7.3 Play from the HDMI IN source

Connect your digital device to the soundbar's HDMI IN and your TV's HDMI ARC/eARC. When you switch on your digital device, the soundbar and TV should automatically switch to the correct input. Select the HDMI IN source on the soundbar if needed.

7.4 Play from the Bluetooth source

Stream audio from your Bluetooth device. Select the Bluetooth source, pair your device, and start playback. Adjust volume as needed.

7.5 Play over your home network

Stream audio wirelessly from your Android or iOS device over your home Wi-Fi network.

7.5.1 Play with Google Cast

Launch the JBL One app, enable Google Cast, and select the soundbar. Then, use a Google Cast-enabled app to play music and tap the cast icon to select the soundbar.

7.5.2 Play through AirPlay

On your iOS device, access the Control Center, select the soundbar, and start streaming music from an app.

7.5.3 Play through the JBL One app

Browse music streaming services within the JBL One app and stream to the soundbar. You can also access personalized playlists and settings using the (Moment) button.

7.6 Multi-room playback

Stream music to multiple Google Cast or AirPlay-enabled soundbars simultaneously.

7.6.1 Google Cast

Use the Google Home app to connect multiple soundbars, assign them to rooms, and create groups. Then, play music from a Google Cast-enabled app and select the grouped speakers.

7.6.2 AirPlay

On an iOS device, enter Control Center, select multiple connected speakers, and start music streaming.

8. Advanced Usage

8.1 Sound settings (Audio sync)

Synchronize audio and video by holding the TV button for 3+ seconds, then pressing +. Adjust audio delay using the or buttons on the remote. This can also be adjusted via the JBL One app.

8.2 Factory reset

To restore factory settings, hold the , + and buttons for 5+ seconds. "RESET" will be displayed, and the soundbar will restart.

8.3 Software update

Connect the soundbar to your home network. Software updates will download and install automatically when available. The soundbar will display "WAIT" during the update and "DONE" upon completion.

9. Product Specifications

General Specification

• Model: BAR 300MK2
• Sound system: 5.0 channel
• Power supply: 100 - 240 V AC, ~ 50/60 Hz
• Total speaker power output: 450W (Max. @THD 1%)
• Soundbar transducer: 5 x (42 x 80) mm racetrack drivers, 4 x 0.75" (20 mm) tweeters
• 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: 50 Hz - 20 kHz (-6 dB)
• Audio inputs: Optical, Bluetooth, USB (USB playback US version only, service only for others).

USB Specification (Audio playback for US version only)

• USB port: Type A
• USB rating: 5 V DC, 0.5 A
• Supporting file format: 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 profile: 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
• 2.4G Wi-Fi transmitter power: <20 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: Varies by band, e.g., 5.15 - 5.25 GHz <23 dBm.
• Note: Band 5.6 - 5.64 GHz may be disabled in Australia/New Zealand.

Dimensions

• Main soundbar dimensions (W x H x D): 940 x 50.5 x 104 mm / 37" x 2.0" x 4.1"
• Soundbar weight: 2.9 kg / 6.5 lbs
• Packaging dimensions (W x H x D): 1180 x 120 x 160 mm / 46.5" x 4.7" x 6.3"
• Packaging weight: 4.8 kg / 10.6 lbs
• * RMS @THD 1%: 225 W

10. Troubleshooting

System

• Unit will not turn on: Check power cord connection.
• No response to button presses: Restore to factory settings (See "8.2 Factory reset").

Sound

• No sound: Ensure not muted, correct source selected, proper connections, or perform factory reset.
• Distorted sound/echo: Mute TV's built-in speakers if playing TV audio through soundbar.
• Audio/video not synchronized: Enable audio sync (See "8.1 Sound settings (Audio sync)").
• No height sound effects of Dolby Atmos: Ensure correct HDMI connection (e.g., HDMI IN on soundbar if TV only supports ARC). Dolby Atmos not supported for Bluetooth/casting.

Bluetooth

• Device cannot connect: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on device. Reset Bluetooth on soundbar if previously paired with another device. Unpair and re-pair if necessary.
• Poor audio quality: Move source device closer to soundbar, remove obstacles.
• Connects/disconnects constantly: Poor Bluetooth reception; move device closer, remove obstacles.

Wi-Fi

• Failed to connect: Ensure Wi-Fi is on, correct network/password used, router is in range, and security type is WPA2/auto. Ensure soundbar and device are on the same network. Re-enter Wi-Fi setup mode if needed.

Playback

• AirPlay cannot find soundbar: Update Apple device software. Ensure Apple device is on the same network as soundbar.
• Music playback not smooth (source switching): Dependent on network traffic and coverage.
• Music playback does not resume: Bluetooth playback stops when switching sources. Restart playback on the Bluetooth device when returning to Bluetooth source.

Remote control

• Remote control does not work: Check/replace batteries. Reduce distance/angle to the unit.
• Failed TV remote control learning: Ensure using an IR remote, not Bluetooth.

11. Trademarks

Trademarks mentioned include Bluetooth®, HDMI, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS:X, Virtual:X, Google, Android, Google Home, Google Cast, Apple, AirPlay, and Spotify.

Specific usage licenses and terms are detailed for each trademark, including links to relevant websites for Spotify and DTS patents.

Spotify: Use your phone/tablet/computer as a remote control via spotify.com/connect.

Roon Ready: Indicates use of Roon streaming technology for enhanced user experience and performance.

Works with Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, Google Cast, Apple AirPlay: These badges indicate compatibility and certification with respective technologies.

12. Open Source License Notice

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

For inquiries, contact Harman Deutschland GmbH or email OpenSourceSupport@Harman.com.