®
PERFORMANCE™
SPECIALIST
SS88IWS
OWNER’S GUIDE
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SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Low-frequency sounds are
normally omnidirectional,
It is generally recommended
that the speaker be installed so
that the bottom of the speaker
is approximately 12" from the
floor. This is to help with the
low-frequency loading (bass
reinforcement). This also helps
hide the speaker in a less visi-
ble place. In special circum-
stances it is acceptable to
install the speaker at any
When using two SS88IWS in-
wall subwoofers, you may need
to be concerned about phase,
as the sound waves may
cancel each other out. If bass
response seems low, try invert-
ing the polarity on one sub-
woofer – i.e., connect the (+)
terminal on the amplifier to the
(–) terminal on the speaker, and
the (–) terminal on the amplifier
to the (+) terminal on the
meaning the listener can’t tell
where they are generated from.
However, frequencies between
75Hz and 150Hz can be local-
ized, especially at higher vol-
ume levels. Positioning your
subwoofer as recommended
will provide the most natural
soundstage and imaging from
your loudspeaker system.
height on a wall.
speaker.
It is generally recommended
that you install your SS88IWS
in-wall subwoofer along the
same wall as the front loud-
speakers. The SS88IWS sub-
woofer is not video-shielded
and should not be placed near
a video display. Installing the
SS88IWS near a corner will
tend to maximize low-frequency
output. Be cautious when
installing in a corner, to avoid a
“boomy” sound. Also take into
consideration any unusual fea-
tures of the room, such as an
alcove, which may tend to cre-
ate a localized node that may
affect bass response in that
area of the room.
Remember that these are just
guidelines. Since every listen-
ing room is different, JBL
strongly recommends experi-
menting with the positioning of
your subwoofer prior to cutting
the wall to obtain the most
pleasing results in your room.
One technique that can help
you find the ideal subwoofer
location is to temporarily bor-
row a stand-alone subwoofer
and place it near the main lis-
tening location. Then move
around the room and determine
where you hear the most pleas-
ing bass performance. This
would then be the ideal loca-
tion for the subwoofer.
3
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SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
Connection Tips
speakers in your system with
the correct polarity remains
equally important in order to
preserve the proper ambience
and directionality of the
To use the spring-clip-type ter-
minals on the SS88IWS loud-
speaker, press the colored tab
and insert the bare end of the
wire into the hole. Release the
tab and gently tug the wire to
ensure that it is secure.
program material.
If two SS88IWS subwoofers
are used, the wires for both
To use the push-type terminals
on the connections panel sup-
plied with the optional
Speakers and electronics have
speakers should be the same
corresponding (+) and (–) termi-
length. If one speaker is
nals. Most manufacturers of
placed closer to the amplifier
SS88IWSBB “back box” enclo-
sure, depress the colored cap
until the pass-through hole in
the binding post is revealed.
While holding the cap down,
insert the bare end of the wire,
or a banana plug, into the pass-
through hole. Release the cap
and tug gently on the wire to
ensure that it is secure.
speakers and electronics,
including JBL, use red to
than the other, hide the excess
wire behind the wall. If bass
denote the (+) terminal and
response seems low, there
black for the (–) terminal. It is
may be a phase problem, with
important to connect both
the sound waves from the two
speakers identically: (+) on the
subwoofers canceling each
speaker to (+) on the amplifier
other out. If bass response
and (–) on the speaker to (–) on
seems low, try inverting the
the amplifier. Wiring “out of
phase” results in thin sound,
weak bass and a poor stereo
image. With the advent of multi-
polarity on one subwoofer –
i.e., connect the (+) terminal on
the amplifier to the (–) terminal
on the speaker, and the (–) ter-
Since the SS88IWS is a passive
loudspeaker, only speaker-level
connections are available.
channel surround sound
minal on the amplifier to the (+)
Depending on whether you are
systems, connecting all of the
terminal on the speaker.
Wire
Recommended
Size
Connection Method #1, Using One SS88IWS
(Remove Shorting Straps)
Length
Up to 20 ft.
Up to 30 ft.
16-gauge
12-gauge
10-gauge
Receiver/Amplifier Speaker Outputs
Left
Right
Greater than 30 ft.
–
+
–
+
Connection Method #1, Using One SS88IWS
With Back Box (Remove Shorting Straps)
Receiver/Amplifier Speaker Outputs
Rear of SS88IWS
B L K
Left
Right
G R N
L 2
–
+
–
+
L 1
C 2
C 4
C 1
C 3
J 2 J 1
SS88IWS
L 3
L 4
BLK
ORN
YEL/BLK
–
YEL
WHT/BLK WHT
ORG/BLK
–
ORG
GRE/BLK
–
GRE
+
+
–
+
+
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
OUTPUT 1
OUTPUT 2
Front Left Speaker
Front Right Speaker
Connections Panel of
SS88IWSBB Back Box
–
+
–
+
Front Left Speaker
Front Right Speaker
–
+
–
+
4
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using a dedicated subwoofer
amplifier or your main receiver/
amplifier to power the
SS88IWS, select one of the
two connection methods that
follow.
Connect the main left and
right speaker-level outputs on
your receiver/amplifier to the
Input 1 (for left channel) and
Input 2 (for right channel)
connectors on the SS88IWS
loudspeaker or connection
panel. Connect the Output 1
terminals to the correspon-
ding terminals on your front
left speaker, and the Output 2
terminals to the correspon-
ding terminals on your front
right speaker.
You may wish to mount the
SS88IWS horizontally to pre-
serve the stereo image of the
left and right low frequencies.
Connection Method #1
Use this method when you
are using the SS88IWS with
your main receiver/amplifier.
Connection Method #1, Using Two SS88IWS Loudspeakers (Use Shorting Straps)
Receiver/Amplifier Speaker Outputs
Left
Right
–
+
–
+
Rear of Left SS88IWS
Rear of Right SS88IWS
B L K
B L K
G R N
G R N
L 2
L 2
L 4
L 1
C 1
L 1
C 2
C 4
C 2
C 4
C 1
C 3
J 2 J 1
J 2 J 1
SS88IWS
SS88IWS
C 3
L 3
L 3
L 4
BLK
BLK
ORN
ORN
Front Right Speaker
Front Left Speaker
–
+
–
+
Connection Method #1, Using Two SS88IWS Loudspeakers
With Back Boxes (Use Shorting Straps)
Receiver/Amplifier Speaker Outputs
Left
Right
–
+
–
+
Connections Panel of
Connections Panel of
Left SS88IWSBB Back Box
Right SS88IWSBB Back Box
YEL/BLK
–
YEL
+
WHT/BLK WHT
ORG/BLK
ORG
GRE/BLK
GRE
YEL/BLK
–
YEL
WHT/BLK WHT
ORG/BLK
ORG
GRE/BLK
GRE
–
+
–
+
–
+
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
OUTPUT 1
OUTPUT 2
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
OUTPUT 1
OUTPUT 2
Front Right Speaker
Front Left Speaker
–
+
–
+
5
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The SS88IWS’s onboard cross-
over feeds the low-passed sig-
nal (2nd order at 100Hz) to the
SS88IWS subwoofers, and the
high-passed signal to the
Connection Method #2
the higher-order processing
that is occurring at the preamp
stage.
Use this method when you are
using the SS88IWS with a dedi-
cated subwoofer amplifier.
Connect your main receiver/
processor’s line-level subwoofer
output to the line-level input
on your subwoofer amplifier.
Connect the speaker terminals
on your subwoofer amplifier to
either Input 1 or Input 2. If your
amplifier has stereo outputs,
you may connect one channel
to each of Inputs 1 and 2.
However, you must remove the
shorting straps when using
stereo mode. Alternatively, you
may connect each channel to
a separate SS88IWS. When
using only one input on an indi-
vidual SS88IWS, you should
leave the shorting straps in
place.
Using the SS88IWSBB
Back Box
speaker-level outputs for con-
nection to the satellite speakers.
Whichever connection method
you choose, if you are installing
the SS88IWSBB back box, you
will need to connect all of the
eight wires coming out of the
bottom of the back box to the
appropriate terminals on the
loudspeaker. The wires are
color-coded as follows:
NOTE: When using Connection
Method #1 with only one
SS88IWS, the shorting straps
must be removed.
If you are using two SS88IWS
subwoofers, connect the left
speaker outputs on your
INPUT 1 (–): Yellow with black
stripe
receiver/amplifier to Input 1 on
one subwoofer (or the connec-
tions panel on its back box),
and the right speaker outputs
on your receiver/amplifier to
Input 1 on the second sub-
woofer (or the connections
panel on its back box). Then
connect Output 1 from the left-
channel subwoofer to the inputs
on your main left speaker, and
Output 1 from the right-channel
subwoofer to the inputs on your
main right speaker. When using
the SS88IWS in this mono
INPUT 1 (+): Solid yellow
INPUT 2 (–): White with black
stripe
INPUT 2 (+): Solid white
OUTPUT 1 (–): Orange with
black stripe
NOTE: The built-in network on
the SS88IWS is a 2nd-order
low-pass filter, crossed over at
100Hz. This filter is always
active. Although the subwoofer
or LFE output on your receiver/
processor may already be
OUTPUT 1 (+): Solid orange
OUTPUT 2 (–): Green with black
stripe
OUTPUT 2 (+): Solid green
mode, you should not remove
the shorting straps.
crossed over, the SS88IWS’s
network will not interfere with
Connection Method #2, Using One SS88IWS in Mono Mode (Use Shorting Straps)
Amplifier
Receiver/Processor
Speaker-Level
Outputs
Rear of SS88IWS*
Line-Level
Input
Subwoofer
Out
B L K
–
+
G R N
L 2
L 1
C 2
C 4
C 1
C 3
J 2 J 1
SS88IWS
L 3
L 4
BLK
ORN
6
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Connection Method #2, Using One SS88IWS in Stereo Mode (Remove Shorting Straps)
Amplifier
Receiver/Processor
Speaker-Level
Outputs
Rear of SS88IWS*
Line-Level
Inputs
Subwoofer or
Main Amp
Out
B L K
–
+
R N G
L 2
L 4
Left
L 1
C 2
C 4
C 1
C 3
Left
Left
J 2 J 1
SS88IWS
L 3
BLK
–
+
Right
Right
ORN
Right
* Use corresponding inputs on SS88IWSBB connections panel when installed with back box.
Connection Method #2, Using Two SS88IWS Loudspeakers
With Back Boxes (Use Shorting Straps)
Receiver/Processor
Amplifier
Left SS88IWSBB Back Box**
Speaker-Level
Outputs
Line-Level
Inputs
Subwoofer or
Main Amp
Out
YEL/BLK
–
YEL
+
WHT/BLK WHT
ORG/BLK
ORG
GRE/BLK
GRE
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
OUTPUT 1
OUTPUT 2
Left
Left
Left
Right SS88IWSBB Back Box**
YEL/BLK
–
YEL
+
WHT/BLK WHT
ORG/BLK
ORG
GRE/BLK
GRE
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
OUTPUT 1
OUTPUT 2
Right
Right
Right
** Use corresponding inputs on rear of SS88IWS speaker when installed without back box.
INSTALLATION
Tools Needed
The JBL Performance
Specialist in-wall speakers
were designed to be easily
installed. However, if you
are unsure of your ability to
properly install these loud-
speakers, please contact
your dealer or a qualified
installer.
Pencil
Phillips-head #2 screwdriver
Measuring tape
Utility knife
Awl
Carpenter’s level
7
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EXISTING CONSTRUCTION
SS88IWS
Notes:
Level
• Use the cardboard template
when cutting the drywall.
Although the SS88IWS may
be oriented either horizontally
or vertically, the installation
procedure is the same.
Template
• Please be aware the tem-
plate is slightly oversized to
allow for some margin of
error when cutting with the
drywall saw – there should
be no need to allow for fur-
ther margin of error as this
may risk the integrity of the
installation.
The grille is packed separately
from the speaker. If at some
later date you wish to remove
the grille from the speaker, to
avoid scratching the grille or
baffle you may unfold a paper
clip, insert the straight end
through one of the holes in the
grille, and gently pull up.
Determine the correct speaker
location.
1/2"
1/2"
1/2"
Cut the drywall.
Connect the speaker wires
to the speaker as
described on pages 4–7.
Note: Always allow at least
one-half inch between a wall
stud and the speaker cutout, or
the locking tabs will not be able
to swivel into place.
Place the frame assembly in
the wall until the frame surface
is flush with the wallboard.
Screw down each of the ten
Phillips-head screws. It is best
to use a low-speed cordless
driver or a hand-held screw-
driver to tighten the screws to
prevent over-tightening. The
locking tabs will swivel into
place and secure the unit to the
rear surface of the drywall.
Replace the metal grille. Attach
the JBL logo to the grille to cor-
respond to vertical or horizontal
installation.
8
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NEW CONSTRUCTION
You may either purchase the
optional SS88IWSBB kit, or you
may install the speaker after the
See
wallboard has been installed by
Detail A
following the instructions for
existing construction on page 8.
L-Brackets
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
INSTALLING THE SS88IWS
USING THE SS88IWSBB BACK
BOX KIT
Detail B
See
Detail B
The SS88IWSBB enclosure
(“back box”) is optional. If
desired, it is installed during
new construction before the
wallboard is installed.
Centering Bar
3. Fit the enclosure into the
wall. The bottom edge of the
bottom L-brackets will rest
against the baseboard two-
by-four. At this time, make
note of adjustments neces-
sary to square the enclosure
into the wall (see Detail C).
Included With the SS88IWSBB:
(4) L-brackets
(8) #10 32 x 1" screws
(8) #10 split washers
(8) #10 flat washers
(8) #8 x 3/4" woofer screws
(2) wood centering bars
(4) #10 32 x 1-1/2" flat-head
screws
Centering Bar
Installation:
1. Install the two centering bars
as shown in Detail B in the
drawings. The centering bars
are for setting the depth of
the enclosure. They also help
locate the left/right position
of the enclosure as they can
be mounted into the studs at
the left and right to hold the
enclosure in the correct loca-
tion before final mounting.
Detail C
See
Detail C
L-Brackets
Detail A
4. After refitting and tightening
the L-brackets into the enclo-
sure (but not the wall studs
yet), fit the enclosure into the
wall once again.
2. Install the four L-brackets to
the four corners of the en-
closure. Each of the eight
screws should have both the
split washer and flat washer
installed; the split washer
goes on first. Leave the
screws a half-turn loose at
first to allow for adjustment
later (see Detail A). Do not
screw the L-brackets to the
wall studs at this time (see
step 6).
5. At this time, you may want to
screw through each side of
the wood centering bars to
mount the enclosure to the
studs. This will help hold the
enclosure in position before
the L-brackets are mounted
to the studs.
9
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6. Screw the L-brackets into the
studs.
7. Remove the wood centering
bars and replace the flat-
head screws into the holes
left over (the holes left in the
cabinet face underneath the
bars are also counterbored to
accept the flat-head screws).
See
Detail A
8. The enclosure is now
installed and ready for the
wallboard to be installed
over it.
9. Make the connections from
your receiver/amplifier to the
SS88IWSBB connections
panel, and to any other
speakers as appropriate for
your system, following the
instructions on pages 4–7.
Connect the eight wires
hanging from the bottom of
the SS88IWSBB back box to
the correct terminals on the
SS88IWS loudspeaker. See
pages 6–7.
PAINTING THE SPEAKER
FRAME AND GRILLE
JBL in-wall loudspeakers can be
painted to match any décor. If
you wish to change their color,
the satin finish on the grille and
frame will function as a primer
coat. Before painting, install the
plastic paint shield securely into
the recess in the baffle. This will
protect the speaker components
and baffle from paint residue.
Use a high-quality spray paint,
and apply a thin coat of color.
Paint the grille separately from
the baffle before installing it.
Be certain the grille
perforations remain
free of paint. Filling
them with paint will
diminish the sound
quality.
10
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TROUBLESHOOTING
If there is no sound
from any of the
speakers:
If the system plays at
low volumes but shuts
off as volume is
configured to enable all channels
that you are using.
increased:
If there is low (or no)
bass output:
• Check that receiver/amplifier
is on and a source is playing.
• Check all wires and connec-
tions between receiver/amplifier
and speakers. Make sure all
wires are connected. Make sure
none of the speaker wires are
frayed, cut, punctured or touch-
ing each other.
• If more than one pair of main
speakers is being used, check
the minimum-impedance
requirements of your
• Make sure the connections
to the “Speaker Inputs” have the
correct polarity (+ and –). If you
are using two SS88IWS sub-
woofers, try inverting the polarity
on one subwoofer as described
on page 4.
• Check all wires and connections
between receiver/amplifier and
speakers. Make sure all wires
are connected. Make sure none
of the speaker wires are frayed,
cut, punctured or touching each
other.
• Consider adding a separate
power amplifier to drive the
SS88IWS subwoofer.
• Review proper operation of
your receiver/amplifier.
If there is no sound
coming from one
speaker:
receiver/amplifier.
®
®
• In Dolby Digital or DTS modes,
make sure your receiver/proces-
sor is correctly configured. When
using a power amplifier with your
SS88IWS subwoofer, make sure
the subwoofer output of the
receiver/processor has been
enabled. See your receiver/
processor’s owner’s manual for
further information on correct
speaker configuration in Dolby
Digital, DTS and other surround
sound modes.
• Check the Balance control
on your receiver/amplifier.
• Check all wires and connec-
tions between receiver/amplifier
and speakers. Make sure all
wires are connected. Make sure
none of the speaker wires are
frayed, cut, punctured or touch-
ing each other. In multichannel
applications, make sure that your
receiver/processor has been
11
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SPECIFICATIONS
SS88IWS
Frequency Response
Maximum Recommended Amplifier Power
Impedance
30Hz – 100Hz (–6dB)
†
250 Watts per channel
8 Ohms nominal per woofer
94dB (2.83V/1m), both woofers driven
100Hz, 2nd order
Sensitivity
Crossover Frequency
Woofer
Dual 8" polymer-coated aluminum cones w/rubber surrounds
11-7/16" x 20-7/16" (290mm x 518mm)
10" x 18-5/16" (254mm x 465mm)
3-7/8" (98mm)
Plate Size (W x H)
Mounting Cutout Size (W x H)
Mounting Depth
Weight per Speaker
17 lb (7.7kg)
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
† The maximum recommended amplifier power rating will ensure proper system headroom to allow for
occasional peaks. We do not recommend sustained operation at these maximum power levels.
JBL and Harman International are registered trademarks, and Performance Series, Pro Sound Comes Home and
Straight-Line Signal Path (SSP) are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
Declaration of Conformity
We, Harman Consumer Group International
2, route de Tours
72500 Château du Loir
France
declare in own responsibility that the product described in
this owner’s manual is in compliance with technical stan-
dards:
EN 61000-6-3:2001
EN 61000-6-1:2001
Laurent Rault
Harman Consumer Group International
Château du Loir, France 10/05
PRO SOUND
COMES HOME™
OWNER’S GUIDE
PRODUCT LINE:
PERFORMANCE™ SPECIALIST
JBL Consumer Products
250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329
MODEL: SS88IWS
NOTE: For new-construction applications, be sure
to purchase the SS88IWSBB back box kit.
DESIGN GOAL:
Combine the superior performance of traditional
JBL loudspeakers with the convenience of in-wall installation.
© 2005 Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
All rights reserved.
WOOFER TYPE: Polymer-coated aluminum cone with rubber surround
™
™
)
CROSSOVER NETWORK: Straight-Line Signal Path (SSP
Part No. 406-000-05223
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE: Studio Monitor
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