JBL STUDIO 650P/660P Powered Subwoofer
Owner's Manual
Thank You for Choosing This JBL® Product
Your new JBL® powered subwoofer incorporates a high-performance transducer and built-in amplifier that delivers powerful, dynamic, and accurate low-frequency performance, bringing film soundtracks and music to life. With adjustable crossover, phase controls, and automatic turn-on/off, it is also simple to connect and set up.
JBL is confident this subwoofer will provide every note of enjoyment expected. For additional audio equipment needs, JBL products are recommended.
This quick-start guide contains essential information for setting up, connecting, and adjusting your new subwoofer. For more in-depth information, visit www.jbl.com.
Included Items
- JBL Powered Subwoofer (1x)
- Power Cord (1x) - Note: Type of power plug varies by regions.
- Carpet Spikes (4x)
Subwoofer Rear-Panel Controls and Connection
Diagram Description: The rear panel of the subwoofer features several controls and connection ports.
- Power Mode: Switch to 'Auto' for standby mode, automatically turning on with an audio signal and entering standby after approximately 10 minutes of inactivity. Set to 'On' to keep the subwoofer powered until the Power Switch is turned 'Off'.
- On/Standby LED: Indicates the subwoofer's status. Glows blue when 'On', glows red when in Standby mode.
- Phase Switch: Determines if the subwoofer transducer's piston-like action is in phase with the main speakers. Proper phasing enhances bass performance and sonic impact. Experiment with settings for optimal sound.
- Crossover Control: Adjusts the subwoofer's built-in low-pass filter between 50Hz and 150Hz. Higher settings increase the frequency range where the subwoofer operates, allowing for smoother bass transitions with main speakers. Adjust by listening for smooth bass response.
- Volume: Knob to adjust the subwoofer's output level. Turn clockwise to increase, counter-clockwise to decrease. Balance with other speakers for optimal system sound.
- Subwoofer (LFE Input): Connect to the dedicated subwoofer / LFE output of a receiver or processor.
- Power Switch: Turns the subwoofer on or off. Set to 'Off' for extended periods of non-use to conserve energy.
- Power Input: Connect the power cord here after verifying input connections. Plug into an active, unswitched electrical outlet. Do not use accessory outlets on audio components.
Placing the Subwoofer
Subwoofer performance is significantly influenced by its placement within the listening room and its position relative to other speakers. Room reflections, standing waves, and absorptions affect bass output and quality.
- Placing the subwoofer near a wall generally increases bass.
- Corner placement (1) typically maximizes bass but can also amplify standing wave issues, potentially leading to uneven bass response at certain listening positions.
- Placing the subwoofer along the same plane as the left and right speakers (2) can improve integration.
- Placement behind the listening position (3) may also yield optimal performance in some rooms.
Experimentation is strongly recommended. Temporarily place the subwoofer in the listening position, play music with strong bass, and move around the room to find the location where bass performance is best.
Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates three common placement suggestions: 1. Corner placement, 2. Placement aligned with front left/right speakers, and 3. Placement behind the listening position.
Connecting the Subwoofer
To a Receiver or Preamp/Processor with a Low-Pass Filtered Dedicated Subwoofer Output (LFE):
Diagram Description: Connect the 'SUBWOOFER LFE OUT' from the Receiver/Processor to the 'SUBWOOFER INPUT' on the subwoofer using a subwoofer/LFE cable (not included).
- Ensure the subwoofer's Crossover control is set fully clockwise when using this connection type to bypass the subwoofer's internal crossover and utilize the receiver's crossover.
- Check receiver/processor menu settings and select subwoofer as 'On' or 'Yes'. Consult the receiver/processor's manual for detailed setup information.
To a Receiver or Preamp/Processor with Preamp Outputs:
Diagram Description: Connect the 'PREAMP OUTPUT' from the Receiver/Processor to the 'SUBWOOFER INPUT' on the subwoofer using a special subwoofer/LFE cable or an RCA Y-Adapter cable (not included).
- It is recommended to set the subwoofer's Crossover setting to 80Hz for mid-sized speakers, higher for smaller satellite speakers, and lower for larger floorstanding speakers.
Specifications
STUDIO 650P (10" Powered Sub-woofer System)
- Woofer: 10" (254mm) PolyPlas Low-Frequency Woofer
- Power: 250W RMS (500W Dynamic)
- Frequency Response: 28 Hz - 150 Hz
- Crossover Frequencies: 50 Hz - 150 Hz (variable) 24 dB/octave
- Controls: Auto Power, Crossover, Level, Phase
- Input: One (1) Line-Level LFE Input
- Enclosure Type: Bass-Reflex via Bottom-Firing Tuned Port
- Power Requirement: 120V, 60Hz (US); 220-230V, 50/60Hz (EU)
- Power Consumption: <0.5W (standby); 335W/2.1A (max - 230V); 335W/4A (max – 120V)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 395 x 395 x 395 mm
- Weight: 23 lbs (kg)
STUDIO 660P (12" Powered Sub-woofer System)
- Woofer: 12" (305mm) PolyPlas Low-Frequency Woofer
- Power: 500W RMS (1000W Dynamic)
- Frequency Response: 28 Hz - 150 Hz
- Crossover Frequencies: 50Hz - 150Hz (variable) 24 dB/octave
- Controls: Auto Power, Crossover, Level, Phase
- Input: One (1) Line-Level LFE Input
- Enclosure Type: Bass-Reflex via Bottom-Firing Tuned Port
- Power Requirement: 120V, 60Hz (US); 220V-230V, 50/60Hz (EU)
- Power Consumption: <0.5W (standby); 700W/4A (max - 230V); 700W/7.2A (max – 120V)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 420 x 420 x 420 mm
- Weight: 25.10 lbs (kg)
Operating the Subwoofer
Turning the Subwoofer On and Off
Set the subwoofer's Power Switch to the 'On' position. Set the Power Mode to 'Auto'. The subwoofer will automatically turn on with an audio signal and enter standby mode after approximately 10 minutes of inactivity. The LED will glow blue when on and red in standby.
For extended periods of non-use (e.g., vacation), set the Power Switch to the 'Off' position.
Subwoofer Adjustments: Crossover
The Crossover control adjusts the built-in low-pass filter between 50Hz and 150Hz. A higher setting allows the subwoofer to operate at higher frequencies, creating more overlap with the main speakers for a smoother bass transition. Adjust by listening for the smoothest bass response; lower the setting if bass is too strong, raise it if bass is too weak.
Subwoofer Adjustments: Volume
Use the volume control to set the subwoofer's output level. Turn clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease. Balance the subwoofer's volume with other speakers in the system. For optimal results, listen to both music and films with strong bass content to find a suitable 'middle ground' volume level.
If the subwoofer consistently seems too loud or too quiet, consider relocating it. Corner placement tends to increase bass output, while placement away from walls/corners reduces it.
Subwoofer Adjustments: Phase
The Phase switch determines if the subwoofer driver's movement is synchronized with the main speakers. Out-of-phase operation can cancel sound waves, reducing bass performance and impact. While 'Normal' is often suitable, the best setting depends on room acoustics and speaker placement. Listen to music with clear percussive elements (drums, piano) and select the phase setting that provides maximum impact and clarity for these sounds.
Using the Supplied Carpet Spikes
Four metal spikes are provided for use on carpeted surfaces. Do not use them on non-carpeted surfaces.
To insert the spikes:
- Gently lay the subwoofer on its side on a soft, non-abrasive surface.
- Screw each spike into the threaded insert in each foot until fully seated for stability.
Important Note: Never drag the subwoofer. Always lift and carry it to its new location.








