Holy Cow! The Harman Luxury Audio Group lion has reared back its head and roared AUDIO!!! I mean, the company is launching a total of 24 brand-new audio products at the 2026 Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show. Even for a company the size of Harman, that’s a lot! For now, I’m going to focus on the moves the company made with its JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker line, which includes nine new speakers and three new “next-generation” AV processors.
Learn all about the new JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker and processor introductions…
Calling this massive launch at ISE a significant expansion of its immersive audio portfolio, these nine new JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeakers and three new processors represent “the brand’s most comprehensive product evolution in years.” It also reinforces “JBL Synthesis’ long-standing commitment to reference-level performance, architectural flexibility, and system-driven design.”
The company argues persuasively that these new Synthesis models demonstrate JBL’s ability to support “increasingly sophisticated residential cinema and luxury home audio installations.” They also offer integrators “greater flexibility, scalability, and performance across architectural and in-room applications.”
JBL’s Most Complete Immersive Audio Ecosystem Ever
This expanded line offers integrators and system designers incredible flexibility and scalability with new architectural in-wall models, new in-room models, and new on-wall solutions. All models are timbre-matched (don’t automatically assume other brands are doing this; it is relatively rare and requires a deliberate effort by the manufacturer).
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.
Jim Garrett, Harman Luxury Audio Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning
New SCL In-Wall Loudspeakers
When you want an architectural installation that can deliver an uncompromised cinema experience, this new SCL in-wall option is where you want to turn. Featuring both an expansion and an update of the flagship in-wall lineup, this series incorporates the latest JBL transducer technologies, advanced compression drivers, and precision HDI™ horn geometry. This series includes…
- SCL-2XL — A reference-grade, high-output model featuring quadruple 8-inch woofers, a powerful high-frequency compression driver for LCR applications behind an acoustically transparent screen, and for demanding surround duties in large or even extra-large spaces.
- SCL-4XL — A surprisingly powerful loudspeaker with dual 8-inch drivers, a high-frequency compression driver delivering wide and consistent coverage, and balanced performance in premium cinema environments.
- SCL-6L — Quadruple 6½-inch speakers with a powerful compression driver delivering pristine high-frequency performance
- SCL-7XL — A dual 6½-inch speaker design, featuring a compression driver with an offset HDI™ horn design that provides for the driver to be precisely aimed at the listening area. Harman says this is ideal for surround and center-channel applications
New SCL In-Room and On-Wall Loudspeakers
Find yourself in a situation where mounting speakers in-wall is either not possible or not desirable? Have no fear! JBL Synthesis offers both in-room and on-wall solutions that will deliver true JBL Synthesis performance in either alternative installation option.
- SCL-10XL — A flagship in-room/built-in loudspeaker with dual 10-inch woofers. It is engineered for reference-level output behind projection screens or within custom cabinetry
- SCL-10 — A more compact version of the above, but still high-performance with dual 6½-inch in-room/built-in solution. It features exceptional dynamics for medium to large rooms
- SCL-9XL — A high-output quadruple 5¼-inch on-wall loudspeaker with a powerful compression driver designed for large displays
- SCL-9 — A slim and versatile dual 5¼-inch on-wall loudspeaker ideal for LCR or surround use
- SSW-5 — New 12-inch, 1,000-watt powered subwoofer that delivers deep and accurate low-frequency performance
New Next-Generation JBL Synthesis Processing and Amplification
JBL Synthesis is also launching three new advanced processors specifically designed to work with the new expanded JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker line and to anchor modern immersive systems
- SDP-70 Immersive AV Processor — The Mac-Daddy of this lineup, the SDP-70 is a 24-channel beast of a processing platform that offers expanded system flexibility, advanced Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART), and network-ready architecture for complex immersive designs
- SDP-60 Immersive AV Processor — Offers 16 channels of reference-grade decoding. Also features balanced outputs, Matrix Channel Assignment, and supports Dirac Live ART optimization for high-performance cinemas
- SDR-40 Immersive AV Receiver — A powerful all-in-one solution offering 16-channel processing with nine channels of Class G amplification. The SDR-40 offers high output, efficiency, and streamlined system deployment
Harman notes that this new line of processors – obviously – works seamlessly with the new, expanded JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker family. They also support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and AURO-3D immersive formats. And they offer the control and flexibility that today’s most demanding system installations require.
Designed to Operate as a System, Not a Jumble of Unmatched Components
Harman suggests integrators reorient their thinking to designing solutions on a systemic level rather than a jumbled mix of different components. This is what the company did in designing JBL Synthesis, not just in, for example, timbre matching the speakers, but also designing the electronics for these speakers…and vice versa.
Architecting a system made up of components designed to work together at a systemic level, “will ensure consistent voicing, predictable performance, and scalable system design across a wide range of residential applications.” It’s the best way to achieve the maximum performance level out of the system.
See and Experience JBL Synthesis at ISE 2026 in Stand 2F150
Harman will be showing and demoing the new JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeakers at ISE. Attendees can find – and hear – the new SCL-6XL in the Harman dedicated home theater at Stand 2F150. The company will also demo the SCL-9XL and the SSW-5 in a system with a large flat-panel display.
The all-new JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker lineup will begin shipping in summer 2026. For more information, visit www.jblsynthesis.com.
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