JBL BAR 500MK2 User Manual

Your guide to immersive 3D audio.

Important Safety Instructions

Verify Mains Voltage Before Use: The JBL BAR 500MK2 speaker is designed for 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz current. Connecting to a line voltage other than that specified for your product may create a safety and fire hazard and may damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model or the mains voltage in your area, contact your dealer or a customer service representative before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.

Do Not Use an Extension Cord: To avoid safety risks, use only the power cord supplied with your unit. We do not recommend using extension cords with this product. As with all electrical appliances, do not run power cords under carpets or carpeting, and do not place heavy objects on them. Damaged power cords must be replaced immediately with a cord that meets factory specifications, at an authorized service center.

Handle the Power Cord with Care: To disconnect the power cord from a mains socket, always pull the plug, never the cable. If you do not intend to use your speaker for a long period, unplug the power cord from the mains socket.

Do Not Open the Enclosure: This product contains no user-serviceable components. Opening the enclosure may present an electric shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your warranty. If water accidentally enters the unit, unplug it immediately from the mains power supply and consult an authorized service center.

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the JBL BAR 500MK2, designed to bring an extraordinary 3D sound experience to your home entertainment system. We invite you to take a few minutes to read this manual, which describes the product and includes step-by-step installation and setup instructions.

To make the most of the product's features and support, you may need to update its software via the Internet in the future. Consult the software update section of this manual to verify that your product has the latest software version.

Models and technical specifications are subject to change without notice. For any questions about the soundbar, its installation, or operation, please contact your dealer or a customer service representative, or visit our website: www.jbl.com.

Application JBL One

With the JBL One app, you can:

You can find more information in "5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network" and "7.5 Playback via Your Home Network".

Notes:

2. Box Contents

Unpack the box contents carefully and verify that the following items are included. If any item is damaged or missing, do not use it and contact your retailer or a customer service representative.

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

3. Product Overview

3.1 Soundbar

3.1.1 Front and Top Panel

Indicators (System):

Indicators (Network Connection):

Buttons:

3.1.2 Rear Panel

Diagrams show ports for different regions (Americas vs. Others).

3.2 Subwoofer

Connection Indicator:

Power Connector: Connect the power cord.

3.3 Remote Control

Diagrams show remote buttons for different regions.

4. Placement

4.1 Tabletop Placement

Place the product on a flat, stable surface. Recommended distances are shown in the diagram:

Diagram description: Shows soundbar placed in front of a TV, with recommended distances for listening position (>4m/13ft), distance from TV (>10cm/4"), and distance from side walls (1-6m/3-20ft). Subwoofer placement is also indicated.

Notes:

4.2 Wall Mounting

Diagrams show mounting bracket installation.

Preparation:

  1. Apply the provided wall mounting template to the wall using adhesive tape.
  2. Use a pen tip to mark screw locations. Remove the template.
  3. Drill 4 mm / 0.16" holes at the marked locations.

Installation:

  1. Install the bracket for the wall mounting support.
  2. Using the screw, attach the wall mounting bracket below the soundbar.
  3. Mount the soundbar.

Notes:

5. Connection

5.1 Connecting to Your TV and Digital Devices

For audio playback, connect the soundbar to your TV using the provided HDMI cable or an optical cable (sold separately). HDMI connection supports digital audio and video over a single connection and is the preferred option.

Notes:

5.1.1 TV (HDMI eARC)

Recommended for the best Dolby Atmos experience.

Diagram: Shows soundbar connected to TV's HDMI eARC port. TV connected to a digital device via HDMI.

  1. Connect the soundbar to your TV's HDMI IN (eARC) port using the provided HDMI cable.
  2. On your TV, ensure HDMI-CEC and HDMI eARC are enabled. Refer to your TV's manual for details.
  3. Use an HDMI cable (V2.0 or later) to connect your TV to a digital device (e.g., streaming device, set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player, game console).
  4. On your digital device, ensure HDMI-CEC is enabled. Refer to its manual for details.
  5. On your TV and digital device, select "Bitstream" or "Raw Data" in audio output settings for the best Dolby Atmos experience.

Notes:

5.1.2 TV (HDMI ARC)

Diagram: Shows soundbar connected to TV's HDMI ARC port.

  1. Connect the soundbar to your TV's HDMI IN (ARC) port with the provided HDMI cable.
  2. On your TV, ensure HDMI-CEC and HDMI ARC are enabled. Refer to your TV's manual for details.
  3. Use an HDMI cable (V2.0 or later) to connect the soundbar to your digital device (e.g., set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player, game console).
  4. On your digital device, ensure HDMI-CEC is enabled. Refer to its manual for details.
  5. On your digital device, select "Bitstream" or "Raw Data" in audio output settings for the best Dolby Atmos experience.

Notes:

5.1.3 OPTICAL

Diagram: Shows soundbar connected to TV via Optical cable.

  1. Connect the soundbar to your TV using an optical cable.
  2. Use an HDMI cable (V2.0 or later) to connect your TV to a digital device (e.g., streaming device, set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player, game console).

Note:

5.2 Connecting to Your Bluetooth Device

To use Bluetooth, connect the soundbar to your Bluetooth device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop).

Diagram: Shows Bluetooth range and device connection.

5.2.1 Connecting a Bluetooth Device

  1. To select the Bluetooth source, press the button on the soundbar or on the remote control. "BT PAIRING" will be displayed.
  2. On your Bluetooth device, enable Bluetooth and search for "JBL BAR 500MK2" within three minutes. "BT CONNECTED" will be displayed upon successful connection, followed by a confirmation tone.

5.2.2 Reconnecting the Last Paired Device

Your Bluetooth device is remembered when the soundbar is in standby. The soundbar will automatically reconnect to the last paired device when you select the Bluetooth source again.

5.2.3 Connecting Another Bluetooth Device

Diagram: Shows steps for pairing another device, including using the JBL One app for Wi-Fi setup.

  1. On the Bluetooth source, press and hold the button on the soundbar or remote until "BT PAIRING" is displayed. The soundbar enters Bluetooth pairing mode.
  2. Follow step 2 of "5.2.1 Connecting a Bluetooth Device".
  3. If the device was previously paired, first "forget" "JBL BAR 500MK2" on the device.

Notes:

5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network

The JBL One app and supported streaming services (Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect) allow you to stream audio to the speaker from smartphones or tablets.

Notes:

Diagram: Shows Wi-Fi setup process with JBL One app.

Wi-Fi Setup:

  1. On the soundbar, enter Wi-Fi setup mode: Press any button to turn it on (See "7.1 Power On/Auto Standby/Auto Wake"). If the soundbar has not been connected to a network, the display will show "HELLO" then "SETUP WIFI".
  2. Connect your Android or iOS device to your home Wi-Fi network. Download the JBL One app.
  3. Launch the JBL One app. Follow the app's instructions to complete Wi-Fi setup.

6. Installation

6.1 Power Connection

Diagram: Shows power connection to soundbar and subwoofer.

  1. Press the / CALIBR button on the remote to start calibration. "CALIBRATION" will appear on the soundbar.
  2. When "PRESS AGAIN TO CONFIRM" appears, press the / CALIBR button again.

Steps:

  1. Connect the soundbar to the mains using the provided power cord. The soundbar display will show "LOAD" then "HELLO".
  2. Connect the subwoofer to the mains using the provided power cord. The subwoofer will automatically connect to the soundbar. "Connected" will be displayed with a steady white light.

Notes:

6.2 3D Surround Sound

6.2.1 Audio Calibration

Optimize your 3D surround sound experience for your specific listening environment.

Diagram: Shows a person listening to the soundbar, with sound waves.

Calibration Process:

  1. A countdown from 5 to 1 will begin. You will hear a calibration tone, and audio calibration will start.
  2. "CALIBRATING" indicates calibration is in progress.
  3. "DONE" indicates calibration is complete.

Notes:

6.2.2 Dolby Atmos

Virtual Dolby Atmos provides height sound effects when watching movies via the TV / HDMI IN source.

Diagram: Shows soundbar projecting sound upwards and forwards.

  1. Connect your Blu-ray player or streaming device and play content as described in "5.1 Connecting to Your TV and Digital Devices".
  2. Press the button on the remote to activate or deactivate height sound effects (default: activated).

Notes:

6.2.3 Bass Adjustment

You can adjust bass levels to your preference.

Diagram: Shows remote buttons for bass level adjustment.

7. Playback

7.1 Power On/Auto Standby/Auto Wake

Diagram: Shows soundbar and subwoofer with "HELLO" display.

7.1.1 Power On

7.1.2 Auto Standby

If the soundbar is inactive for over 10 minutes, it will automatically enter standby mode. "STDBY" will be displayed. When you turn the soundbar back on, it will resume the last selected source. The subwoofer will also enter standby and show a solid amber light.

7.1.3 Auto Wake

In standby mode, the soundbar will automatically wake up when:

7.2 Playback from TV Source

With the soundbar connected, you can enjoy TV audio through the soundbar.

Diagram: Shows TV connected to soundbar via HDMI ARC/Optical.

  1. Ensure your TV is set up for external speakers and internal speakers are disabled. Refer to your TV's manual for details.
  2. Verify the soundbar is correctly connected to your TV (See "5.1 Connecting to Your TV and Digital Devices").
  3. To select the TV source, press the button on the soundbar or the "TV" button on the remote. "TV" will be displayed. The TV source is selected by default in factory settings.

Note:

7.2.1 TV Remote Control Setup

To use your TV remote for the soundbar, ensure your TV supports HDMI-CEC. If not, follow the "IR Remote Control Learning" steps.

HDMI-CEC:

If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, enable the functions as per your TV's manual. You can control volume (+/-), mute/unmute, and power on/standby of the soundbar using your TV remote.

IR Remote Control Learning:

This feature allows you to program the soundbar to accept IR commands from your TV remote for simple controls.

  1. On the soundbar, press and hold the and buttons until "LEARNING" is displayed. The soundbar enters TV remote learning mode.
  2. Point your TV remote at the soundbar. Follow on-screen instructions to operate TV remote buttons:
    • When "POWER", "VOL+", "VOL-", or "MUTE" is displayed, press the corresponding button on your TV remote. "DONE" indicates commands are learned. The soundbar returns to the last selected source.
    • To stop and exit learning mode, press and on the soundbar until "EXIT LEARNING" is displayed. Learned functions will be ignored.

Note:

7.3 Playback from HDMI IN Source

With the soundbar connected as shown, your digital device can play video on your TV and audio through the soundbar.

Diagram: Shows digital device connected to soundbar's HDMI IN, and soundbar connected to TV's HDMI OUT.

  1. Turn on your digital device. Your TV and soundbar will wake from standby, and the input source will be selected automatically.
  2. To select the HDMI IN source on the soundbar, press the button on the soundbar or the "HDMI" button on the remote.

Note:

7.4 Playback from Bluetooth Source

Stream audio from your Bluetooth device to the soundbar.

Diagram: Shows Bluetooth range and playback.

  1. To select the Bluetooth source, press the button on the soundbar or on the remote control.
  2. Verify the soundbar is correctly connected to your Bluetooth device (See "5.2 Connecting to Your Bluetooth Device").
  3. Start audio playback on your Bluetooth device.
  4. Adjust the volume on the soundbar via the remote or your Bluetooth device.

7.5 Playback via Your Home Network

Notes:

Before you start:

7.5.1 Play with Google Cast

With Google Cast, stream audio from your Android or iOS device to the soundbar.

Diagrams: Shows steps for enabling Google Cast in JBL One app and selecting the soundbar for casting.

Note:

Access your presets with the (Moment) button:

  1. In the JBL One app: Personalize the (Moment) function.
  2. On the soundbar: Press the button on the remote to access your personalized playlist and soundbar settings.

7.5.2 Play via AirPlay

Stream audio via AirPlay from your iOS device to the soundbar.

Diagram: Shows iOS control center for AirPlay selection.

  1. On an iOS device, access the Control Center.
  2. Tap to select the connected soundbar, then start audio streaming from an app.

7.5.3 Play via the JBL One App

The JBL One app allows you to stream audio from enabled music services to the soundbar.

7.6 Multi-room Playback

With multi-room playback, you can stream music from your Android or iOS device to multiple soundbars compatible with Google Cast or AirPlay.

7.6.1 Google Cast

  1. The Google Home app allows you to connect multiple Google Cast-compatible soundbars to the same network, assign them to rooms, and create groups as needed.
  2. Run a Google Cast-compatible app on your smartphone or tablet.
  3. Play music, tap , and select the grouped speakers.

Notes:

7.6.2 AirPlay

Diagram: Shows iOS control center for selecting multiple speakers.

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

8. Advanced Usage

8.1 Sound Settings (Audio Sync)

The audio sync function allows you to synchronize audio and video to eliminate any delay in your video content.

  1. On the remote, press and hold the TV button for over 3 seconds, then press +. "SYNC" will be displayed.
  2. Within five seconds, press + or on the remote to adjust the audio delay to match the video. The audio sync delay will be displayed.

Note:

8.2 Factory Reset

To restore factory settings, press and hold the , + , and – buttons for over 10 seconds. "RESET" will be displayed. The soundbar will turn off and restart automatically when factory reset is complete.

8.3 Software Update

Connect the soundbar to your home network. Online updates will be performed automatically when software updates are available.

9. Subwoofer Reconnection

The soundbar and subwoofer are paired at the factory. Upon power-on, they automatically pair and connect. In some cases, you may need to re-pair them.

Diagram: Shows subwoofer pairing button and soundbar remote buttons.

Subwoofer Pairing Reminder:

  1. On the rear panel of the subwoofer, press and hold the button until it flashes white rapidly.
  2. To pair the subwoofer on the soundbar, press and hold the / button on the remote for over three seconds, then press the button on the remote. "SUB PAIRING" will be displayed, indicating the subwoofer is ready for pairing. "SUB PAIRED" indicates the subwoofer is connected.

Note:

10. Product Specifications

General Specifications

HDMI Specification

Audio Specifications

USB Features (Audio playback reserved for US version)

Wireless Specifications

Dimensions

11. Troubleshooting

Never attempt to repair this product yourself. If you encounter problems during use, check the following points before requesting service.

System

The unit does not turn on.

The soundbar does not respond to button presses.

Sound

No sound from the soundbar

Distorted sound or echo

Audio and video out of sync.

No Dolby Atmos height sound effects

Bluetooth

A device cannot connect to the soundbar.

Poor audio quality from a connected Bluetooth device

The connected Bluetooth device connects and disconnects constantly.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connection failure

Playback

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

Music playback does not work correctly when the sound source switches from Bluetooth to Google Cast or AirPlay.

Music playback does not resume when the sound source switches from Bluetooth to TV/HDMI IN, then back to Bluetooth.

Remote Control

The remote control is not functioning.

Unable to complete TV remote control learning

12. Trademarks

Bluetooth®: 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.

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

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

Spotify: 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.

Roon READY: 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.

Works with Samsung SmartThings:

COMPATIBLE WITH Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos: Dolby, Dolby Vision, 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 © 2012–2024 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Works with Google Home / Google Cast: Google, Android, Google Home, Google Cast and other marks 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.

Works with Apple AirPlay: 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 and regions. To use AirPlay with JBL Bar 500MK2, the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is recommended.

13. Open Source License Notice

This product contains Open Source software under GPL license. For your convenience, the source code and associated compilation instructions are also available at https://harman-webpages.s3.amazonaws.com/Harman_One_OS_C_package_license_list.htm.

Please feel free to contact us at:

Harman Deutschland GmbH
ATTN: Open Source, Gregor Krapf-Gunther, Parkring 3
85748 Garching bei Munchen, Germany

or at OpenSourceSupport@Harman.com if you have further questions regarding the Open Source software used by the product.

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HA JBL Bar 500MK2 OM Global FR V5

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