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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider How JBL is redefining 80 years of sound from Hollywood to the global stage

How JBL is redefining 80 years of sound from Hollywood to the global stage

Published Apr 30, 2026 09:20 am
Eighty years is a massive milestone in the tech world. In an industry where brands often disappear as quickly as a viral trend, reaching eight decades of dominance is a feat reserved for the true titans. This year, JBL, the legendary audio brand under the HARMAN umbrella, marks its 80th anniversary. To celebrate, the brand hosted the JBL Playback Tour in Los Angeles, California -- an editorial-first immersive journey through the products, people, and places that have defined audio history.
Manila Bulletin - Technews was among the select members of the media and influencers invited to witness this historical deep dive. From iconic music venues to secret engineering labs, the tour provided first-hand insight into how JBL has shaped global culture and the future of audio innovation.
The visionary roots of authentic sound
A replica of James B. Lansing’s living room at the JBL Playback Gallery.
A replica of James B. Lansing’s living room at the JBL Playback Gallery.
The story began back in 1946 when a visionary engineer named James B. Lansing established the company. Since its inception, the goal has remained remarkably consistent: to deliver sound that is authentic, raw, and unfiltered. Whether you are an audiophile listening to high-fidelity tracks at home or a moviegoer feeling the rumble of an explosion in a theater, there is a high probability that a JBL component is making that experience possible.
This relentless pursuit of excellence has earned the brand the industry’s highest honors, including Academy Awards for sound engineering and a Grammy Award for its continual mastery in concert and cinema sound.
Powering the pitch at BMO Stadium
The Los Angeles journey kicked off at BMO Stadium, a premier 22,000-seat open-air venue. Since opening in 2018 as the home of Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC, it has become a benchmark for modern stadium design, specifically built for the high-energy atmosphere of soccer and massive concerts.
A guided tour of the facility revealed the sheer scale of the brand's influence. There are more than 400 JBL Professional speakers scattered throughout the venue. From the massive arrays providing clarity to every seat in the house to the specialized setups in the luxury VIP areas, the stadium serves as a massive proof of concept for handling large-scale acoustic environments.
Inside the legendary Larrabee Studios
The next stop was the historic Larrabee Studios. For over 50 years, Larrabee has been one of the most prestigious recording facilities in the world, serving as the creative home for legends like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Dr. Dre. It is a place where music history isn't just played; it is made.
Crucially, the sonic accuracy required for these global hits depends on the equipment. The studio’s legendary monitoring systems are powered by JBL, ensuring that what the artist hears in the booth is exactly what the fans experience.
Celebrating history at The Roxy Theatre
Marking its official 80th anniversary, JBL hosted JBL Live at the legendary Roxy Theatre along the famed Sunset Strip. Since opening in 1973, The Roxy has remained a landmark in music culture, serving as the launchpad for artists such as Neil Young and hosting the premiere of The Rocky Horror Show. Its intimate atmosphere made it the ideal venue to highlight JBL’s enduring role in shaping and powering live music experiences across generations.
The celebration featured electrifying performances from Grammy Award-winning musician FINNEAS and Australian DJ Tigerlily, capped by a celebratory toast led by executives from HARMAN International and JBL leadership.
Innovation at the HARMAN Global Centre of Acoustic Excellence
The heart of the tour took place in Northridge at the HARMAN Global Centre of Acoustic Excellence. Here, media members explored the JBL Lab and the JBL Playback Gallery, which houses a curated collection of the brand's most iconic technical achievements.
A highlight of the visit was a thought leadership session with Sharon Peng (SVP, Global Engineering) and Mikael Herje (Director, Global Headphones). They discussed the evolution of the JBL Sound Curve, a specialized frequency tuning aimed at delivering clear, natural audio.
The new tuning, featured in the 2026 flagship products, focuses on:
Controlled, natural bass that avoids bloating.
Enhanced midrange clarity for better vocal presence.
Cleaner high frequencies for a more immersive experience.
As a final surprise, attendees were given a preview of the soon-to-be-released JBL Tour ONE M3 Smart Tx in a special Green with Copper colorway -- a sophisticated look released specifically to honor this 80-year legacy.
With 80 years of excellence behind it and a bold vision for the future, JBL remains committed to powering the voices that move, connect, and inspire people across the globe.

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