JBL Control 10C-VA Series Ceiling Loudspeakers

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing JBL Control Contractor ceiling loudspeakers. Read through this manual to familiarize yourself with the features, applications, and precautions before you use these products.

Product Descriptions

The JBL Control Contractor Control 10C-VA Series of EN54-24 certified ceiling loudspeakers utilize innovative design and materials to provide premium level performance from compact in-ceiling speakers.

CONTROL 12C-VA

A 3" (75 mm) full-range driver to provide high-fidelity full-range sound over an extremely wide coverage area.

CONTROL 14C-VA

A wide bandwidth ceiling speaker containing a co-axially mounted 4" (100 mm) woofer and 3/4" (19 mm) soft-dome tweeter.

CONTROL 16C-VA

A wide bandwidth, high sensitivity, extended bass ceiling speaker containing a co-axially mounted 6.5" (165 mm) woofer and 3/4" (19 mm) soft-dome tweeter.

Product Feature Identification

(Control 14C-VA Shown)

Loudspeaker Driver: The main sound producing component.

Zinc-Plated Steel Backcan: The enclosure for the speaker components.

Tap Selector: Rotary switch for selecting 70V/100V transformer taps, 8Ω direct, or OFF.

Attachment Screws: Used to secure the speaker mounting tabs.

Gland Nut: Secures the wiring cable entry point.

Seismic Tab: Secondary support point for safety, often required by code.

Terminal Cover Plate: Covers the ceramic terminal block.

Ceramic Terminal Block: Where speaker wires are connected.

Perforated Press-In Grille: The speaker grille that attaches to the front.

Rotating Mounting Tabs (dog-ears): Tabs that extend to grip the ceiling material for secure mounting.

Installation Preparations

The entire installation can be accomplished, if necessary, without requiring access above the ceiling. Bracketry for use with either suspended ceilings or sheetrock ceilings is included. The speaker is held securely in place via mounting ears which lock into place.

Optional Pre-Installation Brackets

In most cases, no brackets other than the ones included with your speaker are required. However, for sheet rock (gypsum board) ceilings, JBL offers optional pre-installation brackets. These brackets can be installed before the sheetrock, providing a point for wiring and acting as a template for cutout. Two types are available:

1) New-Construction Bracket

Made of flat sheet metal with wings for attaching to the building structure. Features pre-drilled holes for standard stud spacing (16" and 24" on-center) and additional holes for custom spacing. Installs over the bracket, and the bracket ring serves as a guide for cutting the sheet rock.

See Figure 2: Optional MR Plaster-Ring Bracket ("Mud Ring")

Using Included C-Bracket with Sheet-Rock

For most installations, the included C-shaped backing plate provides adequate reinforcement to the ceiling material, spreading out the clamping force from the mounting tabs.

See Figure 1: Optional NC New-Construction Bracket

2) Plaster-Ring Bracket ("Mud Ring")

Features a circular offset that acts as an edge guide for sheet rock plastering. Attaches to the building structure. Sheet rock is either precut or cut using the plaster ring as a guide, then plastered up to the ring for a seamless cutout.

Step-By-Step Installation and Wiring

The installation system is designed for completion from beneath the ceiling, useful when overhead access is limited. Removable ceiling tiles may allow for easier access from both top and bottom during installation.

Step-By-Step Installation and Wiring

Step 1 – Cut the Hole in the Ceiling Material

Cut out the circular hole to the specified cutout size. Pull the wiring through the cutout hole.

See Figure 3: Hole Cutout

Step 2 – Insert Backing Hardware Through the Hole

Speakers include two types of backing hardware: a C-shaped backing-plate bracket and two tile rails.

Suspended Ceilings

Insert the C-plate through the ceiling tile hole. Position the C-plate around the hole with tabs as shown in Figure 4. Insert tile rails through the cut hole and snap them into the C-plate tabs. Align rails so their ends extend OVER the T-channel grid of the tile. Secure rails to C-bracket tabs with screws. This can be done from below the ceiling tile.

FOR SAFETY: ALL included support brackets (C-plate and tile rails) MUST be used when installing into suspended ceiling tiles.

See Figure 4: C-Bracket and Tile Rail Positioning on Ceiling Tile

Additional Suspended Ceiling Installation Information

Tile Rails: Designed for standard 24-inch or 600-mm wide tiles. The inverted-V shape at the ends sits OVER the T-grid strut, not attaching directly. Rails are supported by the tile edge. If the tile fails, the rail ends catch the T-grid for secure support.

Vibration Reduction: Loudspeakers can cause vibration. Installers may need to use dampening material under tile rails or tile edges to prevent rattles.

Cutout Placement: Tile rails have pre-punched holes for flexible placement, not limited to the tile's center.

Non-Suspended Ceiling Types

The C-bracket can be used alone to support ceiling material and distribute clamping force. Insert the C-plate through the hole and place it on the back side before inserting the speaker.

Step 3 – Removing Terminal Cover

Loosen the 4 screws holding the Terminal Cover Plate. Slide the plate so screws align with the larger end of the keyholes, then remove the plate.

See Figure 5: Loosening the four set screws holding the Terminal Cover Plate and removing the plate.

Step 4 – Connect the Wiring to the Ceramic Terminal Block

The Ceramic Terminal Block is attached to the speaker. Strip wire insulation back about 5 mm (3/16 inch). Insert the bare wire end fully into the connector, ensuring no bare wire is exposed. Use terminals without existing wires. For looping to another loudspeaker, add a second set of wires in parallel to the same terminals. Tighten hold-down screws with a small Phillips screwdriver. Tighten any unused screws to prevent rattling.

See Figure 6: Affixing gland nut to Terminal Cover Plate

See Figure 7: Connecting Wires to the Ceramic Terminal Block

(Note: The right-hand wire shown in the diagram is optional and only needed if the chassis requires connection to a safety ground.)

Guide to the Pins for Connection: The Ceramic Terminal Block has 3 terminals: + INPUT, - INPUT, and GROUND.

See Figure 8: Connecting two sets of wires to the Ceramic Terminal Block for loop-out to a subsequent loudspeaker

See Figure 9: Paralleling connections to multiple speakers for 70V or 100V distributed speakers systems

See Figure 10: Terminals

See Figure 11: Shown wired (without cover shown)

Step 5 – Re-attach Terminal Cover Plate and Tighten Gland Nut

Slide the wire through the gland nut. Re-attach the cover plate, aligning screws with keyholes and sliding to the narrow-slot end. Tighten the 4 screws. Tighten the gland nut onto the wire, leaving enough slack inside the coverplate to avoid straining the wires.

See Figure 12: Re-attaching Terminal Cover Plate

See Figure 13: Shown wired with Terminal Cover Plate in place

Step 6 – Insert Speaker into Ceiling & Tighten

Insert the speaker into the ceiling until the front baffle rim is flush with the ceiling surface. Turn the attachment screws to tighten the mounting tabs.

IMPORTANT: For each attachment screw, FIRST turn ½ turn COUNTER-CLOCKWISE to release the mounting tab from its guide. Then tighten the mounting tabs by turning the screw CLOCKWISE until tight. The first ¼ clockwise turn rotates the tabs outward, and subsequent turns tighten them onto the back of the ceiling surface. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

See Figure 14: Inserting Speaker into Ceiling

(Diagram shown without cable and ceiling tile for clarity)

See Figure 15: Tightening Mounting Tabs

Step 7 – Adjust Tap Selector

The tap selector rotary switch is on the front baffle. Adjust the tap setting before applying power and inserting the grille. From the OFF position, turn counter-clockwise for the 8Ω (low impedance) setting, or clockwise for 70V/100V distributed system tap settings.

See Figure 16: Tap Selector (Shown: Control 14C-VA. Tap ratings on other models may differ.)

Step 8 – Insert the Grille

After testing the speaker, consider logo orientation and press the grille into place until flush with the rim. Press around the perimeter to ensure it is securely seated and won't vibrate loose.

Removing the Grille

The grille has a tight fit. To remove, insert two pointed objects (like push pins) into nearby holes. Apply slow, even pressure to pull the grille out approximately 6 mm (1/4 inch) at a section. Work around the grille to loosen it evenly.

Painting the Speaker

For EN54 Applications: Painting is not allowed for EN54-certified loudspeakers.

For Non-EN54 Applications: The speaker's textured white finish complements most decor. If interior design requires, speakers are easy to paint. The rim can be painted before or after installation.

Type of Paint: The speaker's ABS rim accepts most latex or oil-based paints. Two coats are recommended.

Painting Process:

• Clean the rim and grille with a light solvent (e.g., mineral spirits) using a lightly dampened cloth. Avoid abrasives like sandpaper or steel wool, and harsh chemicals (gasoline, kerosene, acetone, MEK, paint thinner, detergents) which can cause permanent damage.
• Apply two or more thin coats. Latex paint adheres best with an oil-based primer. Application can be by rolling, brushing, or spraying.

Painting the Speaker Along With the Ceiling: Insert a clear plastic paint shield into the speaker front to mask drivers and baffle, paint the speaker, then remove the shield.

Painting the Grille: Remove the logo before painting (re-stick it centrally after). The grille backing is glued and should remain in place. Spray the grille lightly with thinned paint, ensuring light passes through the holes for sound transmission. Avoid rolling or brushing, as this can clog the mesh and affect sound quality. A very short-napped roller may work.

Safety Agency Compliance

UL Listing:

The standard Control 12C/T, Control 14C/T, and Control 16C/T models are certified per UL-2043 Fire Tests for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and their Accessories Installed in Air Handling Spaces, NFPA-70 National Electric Code 1996, Article 300-22(C), and NFPA-90A Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems, Section 2-3.10.1 (a), Exception 3. Listed UL1480-6 Speakers for Fire Protective Signaling Systems. SUITABLE FOR USE IN AIR HANDLING SPACES.

EN54-24 Certification:

The C-VA models (Control 12C-VA, Control 14C-VA, and Control 16C-VA) are certified per EN54-24.

EMC Directive Compliance:

These products comply with the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Article 10 (1) of the directive, in compliance with Technical Regulations EN50081-1 and EN50082-1. For a copy of the model-specific CE Declaration of Conformity, contact JBL.

Maintenance

No maintenance is required when installed in accordance with installation and wiring guidelines described in this manual.

Replacement Parts

There are no user-serviceable parts inside these speakers. Refer servicing to an authorized JBL Service Center. For the name of an authorized Service Center in your area, contact JBL Professional.

Warranty & Contacting JBL

These products are designed and backed by JBL Professional. For complete JBL warranty information, to order replacement parts, or for clarifications to this manual, contact JBL Professional:

Within the United States:

Applications Dept, JBL Professional, PO Box 2200, 8500 Balboa Blvd, Northridge CA 91329 USA. Phone: (818) 894-8850 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Coast Time).

Other Areas Throughout the World:

Contact the JBL Professional Distributor in your country. A list of JBL Professional Distributors and U.S. Service Centers is available on the JBL Professional website (JBLPRO.COM).

Product Specifications

See product specification sheets for complete specification listings.

Control 12C-VA

• Components: 76 mm (3 in) full-range driver
• Frequency Range: 68 Hz - 17 kHz
• Power Capacity (low-Z): 40 W Cont. Program, 20 W Cont. Pink Noise
• Sensitivity: 84 dB
• Coverage: 130°
• Max. SPL: 97 dB @ 1m ave., 103 dB peak
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (in direct/bypass 8Ω setting)
• Transformer Taps: 15W, 7.5W, 3.8W @ 70V & 100V; plus 1.9W @ 70V

Control 14C-VA

• Components: 100 mm (4 in) LF driver; 19 mm (3/4 in) HF driver
• Frequency Range: 74 Hz - 20 kHz
• Power Capacity (low-Z): 60 W Cont. Program, 30 W Cont. Pink Noise
• Sensitivity: 87 dB
• Coverage: 120°
• Max. SPL: 102 dB @ 1m ave., 108 dB peak
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (in direct/bypass 8Ω setting)
• Transformer Taps: 25W, 12.5W, 6.3W @ 70V & 100V; plus 3.2W @ 70V

Control 16C-VA

• Components: 165 mm (6.5 in) LF driver; 19 mm (3/4 in) HF driver
• Frequency Range: 62 Hz - 20 kHz
• Power Capacity (low-Z): 100 W Cont. Program, 50 W Cont. Pink Noise
• Sensitivity: 91 dB
• Coverage: 110°
• Max. SPL: 108 dB @ 1m ave., 116 dB peak
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (in direct/bypass 8Ω setting)
• Transformer Taps: 30W, 15W, 7.5W @ 70V & 100V; plus 3.8W @ 70V

Notes:

1. Half-space (flush mounted in ceiling).
2. Continuous Pink Noise Rating is IEC-shaped pink noise with a 6 dB crest factor for 100 hours continuously. Continuous Program Power is a conservative expression of the system's ability to handle normal speech and music program material, and is defined as 3 dB above the Continuous Pink Noise Rating.
3. Half-space (in ceiling) average 1 kHz to 16 kHz.

Contribution of Each One-Third Octave Frequency Band

(Measured at 4 meter distance, required by EN54-24)

Control 12C-VA

Control 14C-VA

Control 16C-VA