(February 3, 2026) JBL Synthesis is kicking off 2026 with an impressive rollout of nine new loudspeakers and three next-gen processing products grounded in a unified, system-first philosophy. This isn’t a piecemeal refresh. It’s a full ecosystem push that reflects how modern high-end theaters are actually being designed: more channels, greater architectural flexibility, performance headroom, and a tighter, purpose-built integration between speakers, processing, and amplification.
At the core of the rollout is a major refresh of the SCL Custom Loudspeaker lineup. Unsurprisingly, the latest models are timbre-matched across the range and engineered to function as part of complete JBL Synthesis systems, whether installed behind an acoustically transparent screen or mounted directly on a wall in a mixed-use living space.
The new releases fall into two primary categories: architectural in-wall models and in-room or on-wall designs. The in-wall additions push JBL’s capabilities further into true reference territory. Updated compression drivers, refined HDI horn geometry, and high-output woofer arrays are designed to deliver cinema-grade dynamics without sacrificing installation flexibility. Of course, not every premium theater can go fully in-wall, and that's where on-walls come in, delivering the brand’s signature output and dynamics in spaces where architectural installations aren’t practical.
In-Wall Models Include:
- SCL-2XL: The new flagship in-wall option features four 8" woofers paired with a high-frequency compression driver. It’s built for LCR duty behind acoustically transparent screens and for large surround applications in bigger rooms.
- SCL-4XL: A dual 8" configuration that balances output and coverage, positioning it as a premium all-purpose solution for high-performance theater layouts.
- SCL-6XL: Using four 6.5" woofers, this model targets high output with an installer-friendly footprint, giving integrators another option for demanding architectural designs.
- SCL-7XL: One of the more interesting additions, this dual 6.5" design features an offset HDI horn that allows installers to aim sound toward the listening area. That makes it especially useful for surround and center channel applications where placement flexibility is limited.
- SCL-10XL: A flagship in-room speaker featuring dual 10" woofers, engineered for reference output behind projection screens or inside custom cabinetry. This one is clearly aimed at large dedicated theaters.
- SCL-10: A more compact dual 6.5" design that still targets high dynamic output, making it suitable for medium to large rooms that need performance without the physical footprint of the XL model.
- SCL-9XL: An on-wall powerhouse with four 5.25" woofers and a compression driver, built for immersive systems that demand high output next to large flat-panel displays.
- SCL-9: A slimmer dual 5.25" on-wall speaker designed for LCR or surround duty in design-focused spaces where aesthetics matter just as much as performance.
- SSW-5 Subwoofer: Rounding out the lineup is a new 12" powered subwoofer delivering 1,000 watts of amplification. It’s designed to integrate directly with the SCL ecosystem, offering deep bass performance for mixed in-room and architectural systems.
Processor and Receiver Models include:
- SDP-70 Immersive AV Processor: This 24-channel flagship processor is built for large-scale immersive systems. It supports advanced routing, expanded channel flexibility, and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment for full-system optimization. It’s clearly targeted at high-channel-count theaters with complex layouts.
- SDP-60 Immersive AV Processor: The 16-channel sibling delivers reference-grade decoding, balanced outputs, Matrix Channel Assignment, and Dirac Live ART support. It’s designed for serious home cinemas that don’t require the full channel count of the SDP-70.
- SDR-40 Immersive AV Receiver: For integrators looking for a streamlined solution, the SDR-40 combines 16-channel processing with nine channels of Class G amplification. This allows for high output performance while reducing system complexity and rack footprint.
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