JBL Synthesis Expands Immersive Audio Speaker and AV Lineup

The new range is making its global debut at ISE 2026, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing emphasis on system-level design rather than isolated component upgrades.

Unveiled by HARMAN Luxury Audio Group, the expanded lineup significantly broadens the JBL Synthesis SCL ecosystem, spanning architectural in-wall loudspeakers, new in-room and on-wall designs, and updated immersive AV processing hardware. The move reflects the growing complexity of modern residential cinema and luxury home installations, where scalability, predictability, and integration are increasingly prioritised over individual product heroics.

Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio, told StereoNET:

With this new generation of JBL Synthesis loudspeakers and electronics, we’re delivering the most complete and flexible immersive audio ecosystem we’ve ever offered. From architectural in-wall solutions to in-room loudspeakers and advanced processing platforms, every product is designed to work together as part of a cohesive system. This expansion gives integrators and designers the tools they need to create reference-level cinema experiences.

At the centre of the 2026 announcement is a substantial expansion of the JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker range, with all new models timbre-matched and engineered to integrate seamlessly within complete JBL Synthesis systems. The architectural in-wall lineup is led by four new designs aimed at uncompromising cinema installations.

The SCL-2XL sits at the top of the range, employing quadruple 8-inch woofers and a high-frequency compression driver for high-output LCR and surround duties in large and extra-large rooms, particularly behind acoustically transparent projection screens. The SCL-4XL follows with a dual 8-inch configuration, while the SCL-6XL adopts four 6.5-inch woofers, balancing high performance with installer-friendly architectural integration. The SCL-7XL introduces an offset HDI horn design that precisely aims sound toward the listening area, making it especially suitable for surround and centre-channel applications where directivity control is critical.

Recognising that not all premium spaces allow for in-wall installation, JBL Synthesis has also expanded its in-room and on-wall offerings. The SCL-10XL is positioned as a flagship in-room or built-in loudspeaker, using dual 10-inch woofers to deliver reference-level output behind projection screens or within custom cabinetry.

A more compact alternative comes in the form of the SCL-10, which employs dual 6.5-inch drivers and is aimed at medium to large rooms. On-wall solutions include the SCL-9XL, a high-output design featuring four 5.25-inch woofers for immersive systems built around large displays, and the slimmer SCL-9, intended for design-driven spaces that require flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Completing the loudspeaker expansion is the SSW-5 powered subwoofer, a new 12-inch, 1,000-watt design developed to deliver deep, controlled low-frequency performance across in-room and mixed architectural systems.

Alongside the loudspeaker range, JBL Synthesis has introduced three new electronics platforms designed to anchor modern immersive systems. The SDP-70 Immersive AV Processor sits at the top of the lineup, offering 24 channels of processing, expanded system flexibility, network-ready architecture, and support for Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART). Below it, the SDP-60 provides a 16-channel alternative with balanced outputs, Matrix Channel Assignment, and the same Dirac Live ART optimisation tools.

Rounding out the electronics is the SDR-40 Immersive AV Receiver, which combines 16-channel processing with nine channels of Class G amplification, aimed at delivering high output and efficiency in a more streamlined, all-in-one solution.

All three platforms support current immersive formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and AURO-3D, and have been developed to integrate seamlessly with the expanded SCL loudspeaker family.

Rather than positioning the 2026 products as standalone upgrades, JBL Synthesis is framing the release as a unified ecosystem. Loudspeakers, processing, amplification, and subwoofers have been developed together to ensure consistent voicing, predictable behaviour, and scalable performance across a wide range of residential cinema and luxury living applications. This system-first approach may be the most significant takeaway for integrators, particularly as immersive installations continue to grow in channel count and overall complexity.

At ISE 2026, attendees will be able to experience the new SCL-6XL loudspeaker in HARMAN’s dedicated JBL Synthesis theatre, alongside demonstrations featuring the SCL-9XL and SSW-5 in systems built around large flat-panel displays.

The new JBL Synthesis lineup is scheduled to begin shipping in the Northern Hemisphere summer, with regional pricing and availability to be confirmed closer to launch.

For more information visit JBL Synthesis