No, JBL is not an Indian company. It is an American manufacturer of audio equipment headquartered in Los Angeles, California. JBL is a subsidiary of Harman International, which is an American audio electronics company owned by Samsung Electronics. The company offers both home and professional audio products. Home audio products include Bluetooth speakers, home audio speakers, sub-woofers, sound-bars and car audio systems. Professional audio products in the company’s portfolio include studio monitors, live PA systems and loudspeakers.
JBL is a known for its professional-grade equipment, high-fidelity sound and durability. The company’s audio products are widely used for music, gaming and cinema worldwide. JBL is a leading brand in the audio equipment market, with a widespread global presence.
| Details | Info |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Founder | James Bullough Lansing |
| Headquarters | Northridge, California, USA |
| CEO | Christian Sobottka |
| Sector | Audio Equipment |
Company History
JBL was founded in the year 1946 by James Bullough Lansing, an audio engineer. Initially named Lansing Sound, the company was later renamed JBL Sound. First products launched by JBL were D101 15-inch loudspeaker and D-175 high-frequency driver. In the 1960s, JBL gained prominence by launching multiple products, including JBL Hartsfield and Paragon loudspeakers.
JBL was acquired by Jervis Corporation, later renamed Harman International, in the year 1969. Subsequently, the company introduced titanium tweeter diaphragms in its products, which enhanced audio quality. In the 1970s, JBL ventured into professional audio equipment by supplying studio monitors to professional studios. The L100 became a best-selling consumer speaker of the brand, during this period.
JBL partnered with Toyota to get into automotive audio systems in the 1980s. In 1990s and 2000s, the company diversified into portable speakers, home theatre systems and professional cinema audio. Samsung acquired Harman International in the year 2017, thereby integrating JBL in its brand ecosystem.
Current Status
JBL is a global leader in consumer and professional audio products. The company operates manufacturing facilities in India, China, Hungary, Mexico and Germany. Recent product launches by the company include JBL Boombox 4 equipped with AI sound boost and other innovative features, PartyBox Series, Tour One M3 over-ear headphones, Smart Tx Bluetooth transmitter and Horizon 3 radio alarm clock.
JBL exports its products to over 65 countries worldwide. The company has authorised dealers in many countries in North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East.
Future Outlook
JBL is expected to focus on integrating its smart speakers and other products with voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Furthermore, the company is likely to invest more in Auracast and spatial sound technologies to meet the growing demand for wireless, seamless and immersive audio experience.