JBL Logo PNG
The JBL logo conveys the same energy and power as the potent sound of its speakers. This is a key characteristic for the manufacturer of acoustic systems, as it attests to the high quality of the products. The emblem captivates with its inherent aggression.
JBL: Brand overview
JBL is an American manufacturer of audio and acoustic products. It entered the market in 1946 as part of the Stamford-based firm Harman International Industries. It has two divisions specializing in consumer and professional equipment.
James Bullough Lansing, a gifted engineer and acoustician, founded the Lansing Manufacturing Company in 1927 in Los Angeles, California, marking the beginning of JBL’s history. Lansing initially focused on making radios but soon shifted his attention to designing and creating loudspeakers.
In the 1930s, Lansing Manufacturing Company began supplying loudspeakers to movie theaters, which became a significant business venture. Due to their excellent sound quality, Lansing developed a series of innovative loudspeaker models that quickly became well-known in the motion picture industry.
In 1941, Lansing partnered with Ken Decker to form Altec Lansing, which continued to supply professional audio equipment, particularly for theaters. However, disagreements with partners led Lansing to leave Altec Lansing in 1946. He then established a new company, James B. Lansing Sound, Incorporated, later known as JBL.
The company’s early years were challenging. The focus was on creating loudspeakers for professional use, relying on James Lansing’s expertise and reputation. The D130 loudspeaker was one of the early successes, gaining popularity among sound engineers and musicians.
James Lansing’s sudden death in 1949 marked a turning point for the company. Despite this, it continued to grow under the leadership of Bill Thomas, who became president. Thomas emphasized innovation and quality, which helped solidify its industry position.
The 1950s were a period of expansion. The company introduced several new loudspeaker models for residential and commercial use. The D130, launched in 1954, became a standard in the music industry and was used by many famous performers.
The company continued to innovate in acoustics throughout the 1960s. The breakthrough 075 compression driver set new standards for high-frequency sound quality. At the same time, the company expanded into the home audio market with the high-end Paragon series, designed for domestic use.
In the 1970s, the company entered the studio monitor market by introducing the 4310 series, quickly becoming the industry standard in professional recording studios. Many iconic albums from that era were recorded using these monitors.
In 1969, the brand was acquired by Jervis Corporation, later known as Harman International. The acquisition provided additional resources for growth and research, though the focus on innovation and sound quality remained.
Throughout the 1980s, the brand continued to expand, growing its consumer and professional product lines. The L100 series, introduced during this time, became one of the best-selling speaker systems.
In the 1990s, the brand launched high-quality car audio systems into the automotive audio market. The company also introduced the VerTec line array system, revolutionizing sound in the live concert industry.
The product lineup continued to expand, and new technologies were developed throughout the 2000s. Innovative products, including portable Bluetooth speakers, quickly gained popularity with consumers.
In 2010, the company developed WaveGuide technology, significantly improving the sound quality of portable devices. This technology became the foundation for many successful products in the following years.
In 2015, it launched the Pulse 2, a portable speaker with built-in LED lighting. This speaker became popular among younger audiences due to its cutting-edge design and excellent sound.
In 2016, the brand introduced Connect+ technology, allowing synchronized playback across up to 100 compatible speakers. This innovation further strengthened its leadership in the portable speaker market.
2018, the company introduced the Link series of smart speakers featuring Google Assistant integration. This move demonstrated its commitment to enhancing product functionality and staying current with technological trends.
In 2020, the company advanced its professional audio offerings by launching the PRX One series, combining portability with high-quality sound for live performances.
In 2021, it released the Reflect Flow Pro, a wireless headset with active noise cancellation, signaling its intent to compete in the high-end wireless headphone market.
By 2022, the company continued strengthening its professional and consumer audio market presence. Updated versions of popular portable speakers and high-end acoustic systems were introduced.
In 2023, the brand maintained its focus on audio technology innovation, developing products across both modern (portable speakers, wireless headphones) and traditional (home and professional acoustics) categories. Significant efforts were made to integrate products into modern digital ecosystems.
Over the years, the company has grown from a small firm founded by a talented engineer into one of the world’s leading producers of audio equipment. Its success has been driven by high product quality, a commitment to innovation, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer needs while maintaining its heritage of premium sound.
Meaning and History
What is JBL?
It is an American manufacturer of sound reproduction devices, including acoustic systems, headphones, and speakers. The company was founded in 1946 by the innovative engineer James Bullough Lansing and was named in his honor. Today, JBL is one of the most well-known brands in the audio equipment industry and is part of Harman International Industries.
1946 – 1967
This JBL logo, introduced in 1946, immediately reflected the brand’s core idea. At its center is the abbreviation “JBL,” derived from the name of the company’s founder, James Bullough Lansing. These three letters, enclosed in a circle, symbolize both the focal point and continuity. The circle in the design can be associated with speakers—the company’s main product.
The logo’s symbolism, featuring an inverted triangle extending into the circle, resembles a large exclamation mark. This visual cue suggests the company’s commitment to being at the forefront of the audio industry. The exclamation mark is a stylish element that symbolizes the brand’s confidence in its sound quality, indicating that JBL’s products have something special and worthy of attention.
An interesting feature is using the word “signature” next to the main symbol. The font here differs from the main text, rendered in a calligraphic style with soft, flowing lines resembling a handwritten autograph. This adds a personal touch and suggests that each JBL product is almost “signed” by the creator, further emphasizing the brand’s uniqueness and high quality.
The black background and white elements create a stark contrast, giving the logo a sharp and professional look. The design conveyed the company’s serious intentions and its drive to establish a reputation as a leader in the audio sphere.
1967 – today
Today’s JBL logo stands out with its bold and energetic design. The main symbol is a stylized exclamation mark consisting of a triangle and a circle. This element evokes associations with loud, rich sounds. The exclamation mark emphasizes the company’s confidence in its products and symbolizes high power and vibrant sound quality.
Interestingly, the original design was created by renowned designer Jerome Gould, the same designer behind the Pepsi brand. However, JBL President Arnold Wolf later made modifications, refining the emblem and adding the modern text element. With this exclamation mark, the logo took on the form that is now recognized worldwide.
The emblem’s color scheme features a bright red or orange-red rectangle with white lettering. This vibrant red color represents energy, passion, and power. For a company that specializes in sound, this choice perfectly reflects its products. The company’s sound is energy that captivates, and the red color effectively conveys this idea.
The font used for the letters “JBL” is simple, without unnecessary details, but with sharp and confident lines. It pairs perfectly with the overall style of the visual mark: sleek, modern, and assertive.
At a time when sound technology was rapidly evolving, the company took a bold approach to its branding, deciding to showcase confidence in its products. The logo became integral to all company products, from stationery to speaker packaging and audio systems. Over time, the company released its design standards book, clearly regulating how to use the logo.
JBL: Interesting Facts
JBL stands for James B. Lansing Sound, Inc., a famous American brand that makes good speakers and headphones. James Bullough Lansing started it in 1946, and since then, JBL has been a big name for people who love listening to music, whether they’re just enjoying tunes at home or mixing sounds in a music studio.
- Two Sides of the Business: JBL makes gear for everyone, from regular folks who want great sound at home to professionals who need top-quality equipment for making and playing music.
- Cool Tech: In the 1960s, JBL introduced the L-100 Century loudspeaker, which many people loved because it sounded amazing and cool.
- Movies Sound Better: JBL helped create sound systems for movies that make you feel like you’re right in the action. Many cinemas around the world use JBL speakers.
- Famous Moments in Music: JBL’s equipment was used at big events like Woodstock and the Monterey Pop Festival, which were important in music history.
- Inventing New Stuff: JBL has created many new technologies for speakers that have made them sound better and last longer. One big invention was a new kind of driver in the 1980s that’s still used today.
- Winning Awards: People worldwide love JBL for its quality, and it’s won many awards for being so good.
- Caring for the Planet: JBL uses recycled materials and other green ideas to make its products and packaging better for the environment.
- Sports Partnerships: JBL works with the NBA and other sports groups, showing that it’s about music that brings exciting sound to sports fans.
- Going Wireless: JBL offers Bluetooth speakers and headphones that let you listen to music without getting tangled in wires, and they even have smart speakers you can talk to.
- Top Choice for Headphones: Lately, JBL has become popular for its headphones because they sound great, cut out noise from around you, and are comfy.
Font and Colors
The main element of the logo is the “JBL” inscription, executed in a bold, strict sans-serif font. The letters combine straight angles and curves simultaneously, making them original. A small exclamation mark complements the abbreviation. It harmoniously fits before the letter “J,” balancing its geometric shape. This is the symbol that designer Jerome Gould invented many years ago: an acute-angled triangle with a circle.
The label’s color palette is limited to several shades. The classic version is white, orange, or red. Additional options include black letters on a white background or vice versa. The branding rights, including the registered emblem, belong to the parent company, Harman International Industries.
