JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2

Important Safety Instructions

For all products:

1. Clean only with a dry cloth.
2. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Do not install near heat sources like radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
4. Do not defeat the safety purpose of polarized or grounding-type plugs. A polarized plug has two blades, one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
5. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
6. Use only attachments specified by the manufacturer.
7. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
8. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
9. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
10. To disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, pull the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.
11. The AC power supply cord receptacle shall be installed near the apparatus and shall be easily accessible.
12. This unit is intended for use only with the power supply and/or charging cable supplied by the manufacturer.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.

The symbol on the product means that there is uninsulated, dangerous voltage within the product enclosure that may constitute a risk of electric shock.

The symbol on the product means that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in this manual.

Correct disposal of this product (Waste Electrical / Electronic Equipment)

This symbol means that the product must not be disposed of as household waste and should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. Proper disposal and recycling help protect natural resources, human health, and the environment. For more information about disposal and recycling of this product, contact your local municipality, waste disposal service, or the shop where you purchased the product.

This product is RoHS compliant.

This product complies with Directive 2011/65/EU and its amendments on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

REACH

REACH (Regulation No 1907/2006) addresses the production and use of chemical substances and their potential impacts on human health and the environment. Article 33(1) of the REACH Regulation requires suppliers to inform recipients if an article contains more than 0.1% (by weight per article) of one or more substances on the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) ("REACH Candidate List"). This product may contain the substance "lead" (CAS No. 7439-92-1) in a concentration of more than 0.1% by weight. At the time of release of this product, no substances from the REACH Candidate List, other than the substance lead, are contained in a concentration of more than 0.1% by weight in this product.

Note: On June 27, 2018, lead was added to the REACH Candidate List. The inclusion of lead in the REACH Candidate List does not mean that lead-containing materials pose an immediate risk or result in a restriction of their use.

For devices with headphone jack

WARNINGS

Do not use headphones at a high volume for extended periods.

• To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for prolonged periods.
• Turn the volume down on the device before placing the headphones on your ears, then gradually turn the volume up to a comfortable listening level.

For products that include batteries

Instructions for users on removing, recycling, and disposing of used batteries

To remove the batteries from your equipment or remote control, reverse the insertion procedure described in the User's Guide. For products with a built-in battery that lasts for the product's lifetime, removal by the user may not be possible. In such cases, recycling or dismantling centers handle the separation of the product and the removal of the battery. If for any reason it becomes necessary to replace such a battery, this procedure must be performed by authorized service centers. In the EU and elsewhere, it is illegal to dispose of batteries with household waste. All batteries must be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Contact your local waste management officials for information on environmentally sound collection, recycling, and disposal of used batteries.

WARNING:

RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS.

The "separate collection" symbol for all batteries and accumulators must be the crossed-out wheel bin shown below:

WARNING - For products that contain coin/button cell batteries

BATTERY MAY BE SWALLOWED - CHEMICAL BURN HAZARD. This product contains a coin/button cell battery. If the coin/button cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns in as little as two hours and can lead to death. Keep new and used batteries away from children. If you think batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.

For all products with wireless operation:

HARMAN International hereby declares that this equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. The Declaration of Conformity can be viewed in the specifications section of the product information page found at www.jbl.com or www.jbl.com/doc.

EPILEPSY WARNING

Some people may experience epileptic seizures when exposed to flashing lights.

1. Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase! This manual contains information about the JBL PARTYBOX ENCORE ESSENTIAL 2 speaker. We encourage you to spend a few minutes reading this manual, which describes the product and includes step-by-step instructions to help you set up and get started. Please read and understand all safety instructions before using the product.

If you have any questions about this product, its installation, or operation, please contact your retailer or customer service, or visit our website at www.jbl.com.

2. What's in the Box

1) Main unit

2) Power cord*

3) Product Information

* The number and type of power cords and plugs vary by region.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Top Panel

1) Handle

2) [TWS button] - Press to wirelessly connect or disconnect multiple speakers.

3) [Bluetooth button] - Press to activate Bluetooth pairing mode.

4) [Light effect button] - Press to turn the light effect on or off. Hold for more than 2 seconds to turn the strobe/star light on or off. Rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to switch between different light patterns.

Warning: Do not look directly at the illuminated parts when the speaker lights are on.

5) [Power button] - Turn the power on or off.

6) LED ring

7) Strobe light

8) Battery level indicator

9) [Play/Pause/Volume button] - Press once to play or pause playback. Press twice to skip to the next track. Press three times to skip to the previous track. Rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to increase/decrease volume.

10) [Bass Boost button] - Select a bass level: level 1, level 2, or off.

LED Indicators

3.2 Rear Panel

1) GAIN - Adjust the gain of the guitar/microphone input.

2) [Microphone/Guitar Input] - Connect to a guitar/microphone.

3) Guitar/Microphone Volume Knob - Adjust the volume for guitar/microphone (if connected).

4) Guitar/Microphone Source Select

5) AC Power Input - Connect to AC power outlet.

6) Battery Compartment

7) AUX IN - Connect to an external audio device using a 3.5 mm audio cable (not included).

8) USB-C - Connect a USB storage device. Connect to a PC, tablet, or other mobile devices. Charge your mobile devices.

4. Placement

Warning: Do not sit on or lean on the speaker, or push it sideways, as it may tip over and cause injury.

Place the speaker on a flat, stable surface, ensuring the side with the rubber feet faces downwards.

5. Power On

Warnings:

• Use only the supplied power cords.
• You can use either AC power or the built-in battery as the power source for the speaker.

1. Connect AC power.

If you want to use the built-in battery, disconnect from the AC power outlet when the speaker is charged.

2. Press the [Power button] to turn on.

Note:

• Charge the speaker fully before first use to extend the built-in battery's lifespan.
• When the speaker is on, you can check the battery level by pressing any button on the speaker.
• The speaker will automatically enter standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. You can press the [Power button] on the speaker to switch to normal operation.

6. Using Your PartyBox

Note: Only one audio source can be played at a time.

6.1 Bluetooth Connection

You can use the speaker with your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet.

1. Press the [Bluetooth button] on the speaker to activate Bluetooth pairing mode.

2. Select JBL PartyBox ENC ESS 2 on your Bluetooth device to connect.

3. Once connected, you can wirelessly play audio from your Bluetooth device on this speaker.

Note:

• This speaker supports multipoint connection. You can pair a second Bluetooth device without disconnecting the first.
• Enter "0000" if a PIN code is requested to connect to a Bluetooth device.
• Bluetooth performance may be affected by the distance between this product and the Bluetooth device, as well as the environment.

To disconnect the Bluetooth-enabled device:

• Turn off this speaker, or
• Disable Bluetooth on your device.

To reconnect the Bluetooth device:

• The next time you turn on this speaker, it will automatically try to connect to the last connected device.
• If not, manually select JBL PartyBox ENC ESS 2 on your Bluetooth device to connect.

6.2 USB Connection

• Connect the speaker to a PC, tablet, or other mobile device for audio playback and recording (microphone and guitar input only).
• Connect a USB storage device with compatible audio content to the speaker's USB-C port (not applicable to EMEA region).
• The speaker will automatically switch to the USB source.
• Audio playback will start automatically.

Tip: The speaker plays audio files on the USB storage device from the root folder to the last level of subfolders in alphabetical order. Up to 8 levels of subfolders are supported.

Supported Audio Formats

6.2.1 Record Audio to a USB Storage Device

1. Press and hold the [Bluetooth button] and [Play/Pause/Volume button] simultaneously for at least 2 seconds to start recording (microphone and guitar input only).

The [Play/Pause/Volume button] LED will blink white once when recording starts.

2. Repeat step 1 to stop recording.

The LED will blink white twice when recording stops.

6.3 Music Control

• Press the [Play/Pause/Volume button] once to pause or resume playback.
• Press the [Play/Pause/Volume button] twice to skip to the next track.
• Press the [Play/Pause/Volume button] three times to skip to the previous track.
• Rotate the [Play/Pause/Volume button] clockwise or counterclockwise to increase/decrease the volume.
• Press the [Bass Boost button] to select a bass level: level 1, level 2, or off.

Note: Skip-track operation is not available in AUX mode.

6.4 AUX Connection

1. Connect an external audio device to the speaker using a 3.5 mm audio cable (not included).

2. Once playback from any other source is stopped, you can start audio playback on the external device.

6.5 Mixing Audio with a Microphone and/or Guitar

By using a microphone or electric guitar (not included), you can mix audio with an audio source.

Note:

• Always set the guitar or microphone volume to minimum before connecting or disconnecting the guitar or microphone.
• Always disconnect the guitar or microphone when not in use.

6.5.1 Connecting a Microphone

1. Connect a microphone to the [Microphone/Guitar Input] jack.

2. Move the switch to the [Microphone] position.

6.5.2 Connecting a Guitar

1. Connect a guitar to the [Microphone/Guitar Input] jack.

2. Move the switch to the [Guitar] position.

6.5.3 Mixing Audio

Sing through the microphone or play the guitar.

• To adjust the volume of the audio source, rotate the [Play/Pause/Volume button] clockwise or counterclockwise.
• To adjust the volume or gain of your guitar or microphone, turn the corresponding volume knob or GAIN control.

6.6 Charging Your Mobile Devices

Warning: Do not connect the speaker until the USB-C port is completely dry and clean.

Note: USB-C cable is not included.

6.7 Battery Replacement

1. Use a screwdriver to open the cover at the bottom.

2. Open the battery compartment and remove the old battery.

3. Insert a new battery of the same type as shown, and close the battery compartment.

4. Close the cover.

Note: Replacement batteries can be purchased from the JBL customer service center.

7. Transporting Your PartyBox

Warnings:

• Before carrying the speaker, ensure all cords are disconnected.
• To prevent personal injury and/or property damage, secure the product during transport.

Hold the handle on top firmly to carry the speaker.

8. Advanced Use

8.1 JBL PartyBox App

Download and install the JBL PartyBox app to get more out of the product.

8.2 Light Effect

• Press the [Light effect button] to turn the light effect on and off.
• Hold the [Light effect button] for more than 2 seconds to turn the strobe/star light on or off.
• Rotate the button clockwise or counterclockwise to switch between different light patterns: NEON, LOOP, BOUNCE, TRIM, SWITCH, or FREEZE.

8.3 Connecting Multiple Speakers

You can connect multiple PartyBox speakers to create a festive atmosphere with enhanced sound.

Press the [TWS button] on both speakers.

To disconnect:

Turn off or press the [TWS button] on one of the speakers.

Tip: By default, the speaker connected to your Bluetooth device acts as the primary speaker.

8.4 Restore Factory Settings

To restore factory settings, press and hold the [Light effect button] and [Play/Pause/Volume button] for more than 10 seconds.

8.5 IPX4

Warnings:

• Always keep the connector dry before plugging the speaker into an AC outlet.
• To guard against splash, always keep the protective covers fully closed.

The speaker is splashproof (IPX4).

9. Specifications

• Transducers: 1 x 135 mm (5.25 inch) woofer, 2 x 20 mm (0.75 inch) dome tweeter
• Output Power: 100 W RMS (IEC60268)
• Power Input: 100 - 240 V ~ 50 / 60 Hz
• Frequency Range: 40 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80 dB
• Battery Type: Li-ion polymer 34 Wh (7.2 V / 4722 mAh)
• Battery Charging Time: < 3.5 hours (when speaker is off)
• Music Playback Time: Up to 15 hours (depends on volume level and audio content)
• USB file format (not for EMEA region): .MP3, .WAV, .FLAC
• USB Charging: 11 V / 2 A (max) (when speaker is off)
• Cable Length: 2 m
• Bluetooth® Version: 5.4
• Bluetooth® Profile: A2DP V1.4, AVRCP V1.6 (SW), TMAP1.0, PBP1.0
• Bluetooth® Transmitter frequency range: 2.4 GHz - 2.4835 GHz
• Bluetooth® Transmitter power: ≤ 15 dBm (EIRP)
• Bluetooth® Transmitter modulation: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
• Product Dimensions (W x H x D): 319.5 mm x 342 mm x 260.4 mm
• Net Weight: 6.2 kg
• Package Dimensions (W x H x D): 400 mm x 365 mm x 350 mm
• Gross Weight: 8.25 kg

10. Troubleshooting

Warning: Never attempt to repair the product yourself. If you have trouble using this product, check the following points before requesting service.

System

The speaker does not turn on.

• Ensure the speaker battery is not discharged. If it is, use an AC outlet instead.

Certain buttons do not respond

• The product might be in demo mode. In demo mode, some buttons are disabled. When AC power is connected, press and hold the [Bluetooth button] and [Play/Pause/Volume button] simultaneously for more than 10 seconds to exit.
• The top panel might be locked. In this case, all buttons on the top panel except the [Power button] are disabled. Use the JBL PartyBox app to unlock them.

Audio

No sound from the speaker.

• Ensure the speaker is turned on.
• Adjust the volume.
• Ensure an audio source is active and not muted.

Bluetooth

A device cannot connect to the speaker.

• Ensure the device's Bluetooth function is turned on.
• The speaker is already connected to another Bluetooth device. Press and hold the [Bluetooth button] on the speaker for more than 10 seconds to disconnect and pair with a new device.

Poor quality of audio playback from a connected Bluetooth device

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

11. Compliance

The product complies with EU energy requirements.

Bluetooth Connection Mode

The product is intended to be used for wireless music playback via Bluetooth connection. Consumers can stream Bluetooth audio to the speaker. When the product is connected via Bluetooth, the Bluetooth connection must always remain active to ensure proper operation. The product will enter sleep mode (network standby) after 20 minutes of inactivity. Power consumption in sleep mode is less than 2.0 Watts, after which it can be reactivated via Bluetooth connection.

Other Mode

The product will enter standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. Power consumption in standby mode is less than 0.5 Watt.

12. Trademark

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.

HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated 8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329 USA www.jbl.com

© 2025 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

JBL is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. Features, specifications, and appearance are subject to change without notice.