Selecting the Right All-Weather Loudspeakers for Commercial Installations

When it comes to selecting professional-grade loudspeakers for all-weather applications – most definitely not all speakers are created equal.

There are some important factors to consider when searching for the right outdoor speaker(s) for your project. In this article, we’ll explain what’s what and why – to better assist you in making the most informed decisions on all-weather speakers.

WHAT MAKES A SPEAKER ‘ALL-WEATHER’?

• 

  Watch how JBL designs many of its commercial loudspeakers for all-weather applications.

  All-weather speakers should integrate enclosures, components, and electronics that can withstand outdoor elements. Typically, that includes dust, UV exposure, rain, mist, salt, humidity, and other challenges.

• What type and level of protection speakers have against the elements will depend on the product’s stated IP rating (see more on IP ratings below).
• Regardless of a speaker’s robustness, the most important consideration should be how it sounds.
• Like any speaker, it must deliver a great listening experience no matter how well it can perform in extreme outdoor conditions.

Before diving further into the nuances of what makes a worthy all-weather speaker, let’s first talk about one of its most important specifications – its “IP” rating.

DECODING IP RATINGS

• 

  Get a full description of IP ratings sorted by solids and liquids.

  IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and measures how well a device or in this case, a speaker, is protected against solids and liquids entering the speaker and ultimately affecting its performance and possible product lifespan..

• A speaker’s IP number is displayed as IP-XY, where:
  • X (0-6): Indicates protection against solid particles.
  • Y (0-8): Indicates protection against liquids.
• An IP55 rating means:
  • 5 (Solid Protection): Dust-protected, ensuring limited dust ingress that doesn’t interfere with operation.
  • 5 (Liquid Protection): Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction.
• So a speaker with an IP55 rating is well-equipped for outdoor use and can handle both dust and unexpected rain showers with ease.

Now, let’s talk about some additional considerations to evaluate when selecting the right speaker for an outdoor application.

EVALUATING ALL-WEATHER LOUDSPEAKERS

Check out this in-depth discussion of real-world loudspeaker testing standards.

• Audio Performance

Check out this in-depth discussion of testing standards for commercial loudspeakers.

• Environmental Conditions

  • Temperature Extremes: For hot or cold climates, ensure the speaker’s components are built to withstand continuous severe temperatures.
  • Wet and Humid: In tropical, misty, rainy, or splash-prone areas, look for speakers with higher liquid ingress protection.
  • Salt & Corrosion Exposure: Coastal areas and ocean-going vessels require corrosion-resistant materials to combat salt damage.

• Materials and Build Quality

  • Enclosure Material: When identifying the right speaker, try to identify models that feature high-quality enclosure materials that resist and minimize corrosion and UV damage to prevent discoloration and degradation.
  • Grille Composition: Stainless steel, powder-coated or other weather-resistant finishes should minimize and hopefully eliminate speaker grille rust and decomposition.
  • Sealing and Gaskets: Select speakers from reputable manufacturers that are known for designing enclosures that are well-sealed to keep moisture out.

• Compliance and Certifications

  • Industry-recognized Compliance: Try to select models that feature compliance, certifications, and safety standards from reputable, industry-recognized agencies and laboratories.
  • Environmental Tests: Seek products made by companies that maintain a reputation for rigorous real-world testing protocols, including UV resistance, humidity, corrosion,  thermal shock, and other stringent testing protocols.

Now that you have a better understanding of some of the more important considerations, here are some all-weather speaker choices from JBL Professional that are ideal for a variety of commercial applications and include real-world case studies where they’ve been installed for all-weather usage.

SUGGESTED ALL-WEATHER LOUDSPEAKERS & ALIGNING CASE STUDIES

JBL Pro has been designing and manufacturing commercial loudspeakers longer than just about anyone else, with many designed specifically for outdoor applications. These models feature iconic JBL acoustic performance, superior durability, and rock-solid reliability. We also invite you to explore the full JBL installed loudspeaker portfolio.

• JBL AW (All-Weather) & AWC (All-Weather Compact) Series

  • IP Rating: IP56
  • Applications: Perfect for stadiums, themed attractions, and transportation hubs as they resist heavy rain, wind, and high-pressure steam cleaning.
  • 

    Learn more about JBL All-Weather Compact (AWC) loudspeakers in this highlights video.

    Features:

    • A 14-gauge stainless steel grille, backed with open cell foam and stainless steel mesh, provides excellent protection in the harshest environments.
    • Weather-resistant, all-fiberglass enclosures.
  • Case Study:
    • Munsu Football Stadium, South Korea
    • “…JBL AWC129 and VLA-C2100 durable loudspeakers reinforce the sound and coverage for the first floor and upper levels, respectively.”

• JBL Control Contractor 20 Series Surface-Mount Speakers

  • • IP Rating: Up to IP55
    • Applications: Retail stores, cafes, patios, and anywhere where a top-quality, high-output indoor/outdoor speaker is required.
    • 

      Explore the JBL Control Contractor Control 20 Surface-mount lineup and its all-weather protection.

      Features:

      • Models feature weather-resistant transducers and enclosures, and their molded, high-impact polystyrene shells are available in black, white or paintable finishes.
      • Choose from 13 models in an array of transducer sizes, coverage patterns, and output ranges.
    • Case Study:
      • Andamanda Phuket Theme Park – Thailand
      • “… the beach and bar areas utilize a combination of JBL Control 28-1 speakers and JBL AWC129 all-weather compact speakers, the latter of which features a 12-inch woofer with a Kevlar-reinforced cone and a three-inch voice coil for distinct speech intelligibility and extended frequency response.”

• JBL VLA Compact Series

  • IP Rating: IP55
  • Applications: VLA Compact models are ideal for many long-term applications such as domed stadiums and larger performance spaces.
  • 

    Dive into the Twickenham Stadium video case study to see how JBL VLA-C and other all-weather loudspeakers support the venue.

    Features:

    • Offers advanced audio capabilities, out-of-the-box IP55-rated weather protection and a fiberglass enclosure for stadiums and arenas.
    • Zinc plated, powder coated, and stainless steel hardware maximize durability.
  • Case Study:
    • Twickenham Stadium, United Kingdom
    • “The JBL VLA-C … it’s IP-rated so that it can be permanently installed in a stadium without any concerns of damage from water Ingress or other weather concerns…”

• JBL CBT Series Controlled Coverage Columns

  • IP Rating: IP55
  • Applications: Designed for venues that would typically use larger point-and-shoot speakers, CBT models incorporate technical advancements that allow them to vastly outperform competitive systems.
  • 

    Australia’s Cali Beach Club employed a variety of JBL speakers to ensure the outdoor elements never dampen the party atmosphere. Read more.

    Features:

    • Asymmetrical vertical coverage sends more sound toward far area of room to make front-to-back sound levels more consistent.
    • Constant Beamwidth Technology™ provides constant directivity up to the highest frequencies.
  • Case Study:
    • Cali Beach Club, Australia
    • “We used a combination of CBT column speakers and AWC full-range coaxial speakers. They worked seamlessly to create the right audio experience for everyone.”

Thanks for your interest to explore how to select the right all-weather loudspeakers for your project or installation. We invite you to dive deeper into all of our support resources as you continue your journey – we hope we can be of help.

EXPLORE FURTHER:

Dive into all of our additional details, specifications, videos, training, and more:

Products:

• JBL Installed Loudspeakers
• JBL Portable PA Loudspeakers
• JBL Tour & Sound Reinforcement Loudspeakers
• JBL Recording & Broadcast Loudspeakers 
• JBL Videos
• JBL Case Studies 
• JBL Training Resources
• Anytime Help Center

Connect with Us:

• Sign up to receive our latest updates via email
• Get notified of our latest videos to debut on YouTube
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

READY TO TALK TO A SOLUTIONS EXPERT?
We’d love to discuss your projects and ideas. To locate a representative near you, please visit our WORLDWIDE LOCATOR.