JBL Professional 2242HPL - 18" (460 mm) High-Performance LF Transducer for Professional Subwoofers

JBL Professional 2242HPL - 18" (460 mm) High-Performance LF Transducer for Professional Subwoofers

The JBL 2242HPL is an 18” low-frequency loudspeaker engineered to deliver extremely high levels with low distortion and minimal power compression . Its 100mm edge-wound aluminum voice coil architecture, Symmetrical Field Geometry motor, and Super Vented Gap (SVG) cooling deliver efficient heat dissipation while maintaining linearity even at high excursions. With 800W AES into 8Ω , 99dB sensitivity (2.83V/1m), and a usable range of 25–1600Hz (-10dB) , the 2242HPL sets the benchmark for high-power front-loaded subwoofer, home theater, and bass reinforcement systems. It is the same driver used in JBL factory subwoofers and systems (e.g., 4645 and ScreenArray with dual 2242HPLs), ensuring compatibility and predictable results in new or retrofit installations.

Main features

• Power and efficiency : 800 W (AES) / 1600 W (program), 99 dB free field sensitivity.
• SVG motor with Vented Gap Cooling and copper shorting ring to reduce distortion and inductance.
• 100mm (4”) coil of edge-wound aluminum strip for high thermal capacity.
• Linear excursion ±9 mm ( X _max ), allowable peak-to-peak excursion 50 mm.
• Key TS parameters : F _s 35 Hz; Q _ts 0.28; V _as 283 L; R _e 4.7 Ω; L _e 1.25 mH.
• Working range : 25–1600 Hz (-10 dB). Recommended crossover ≤ 1 kHz.
• Snare drum recommendation : 140–340 L (bass reflex); tuning example: 225 L at 30 Hz.
• Robust construction with 10.4 kg magnet assembly and fiberglass reinforced cone.

Product benefits

• Maximum SPL with low compression : SVG cooling maintains performance at high sustained power levels.
• Precise bass and clean transients due to the reduction of inductance thanks to the copper motor ring.
• Proven integration into JBL cinema and touring solutions using factory 2242 HPL.
• Versatility : Suitable for front-loaded, horn-loaded subwoofers or replacement in industrial/JBL systems.

Use cases

• Construction of high-output subwoofers in 140–340 L bass-reflex enclosures.
• Replacement for JBL subwoofers and systems that mount 2242HPL (e.g., ScreenArray configurations with dual 18").
• Film and sound reinforcement applications requiring 25 Hz extension with control and punch.

Installation and recommendations

• Volume and Tuning : As a starting point, 225L tuned to ~30 Hz for balance between extension and control.
• Rear ventilation : leave ≥ 76 mm free behind the magnet and gap vents to ensure cooling.
• Hardware : Bolt circle 441 mm; face cut 427 mm; mounting depth 203 mm.
• Polarity : positive voltage to the red terminal moves the cone forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the difference between the 2242H and 2242HPL? They share the same technical specifications ; H/HPL are documented together in the official technical manual.
• What is the original recone kit? C8R2242 (8 Ω) for 2242H/2242HPL.

Description for projects

JBL 2242HPL LF speaker, 18”/460 mm, 8 Ω, 800 W AES (1600 W program), sensitivity 99 dB (2.83 V/1 m), range 25–1600 Hz (-10 dB); F _s 35 Hz, Q _ts 0.28, V _as 283 L, X _max 9 mm; overall diameter 464 mm, screw circle 441 mm, cut-out 427 mm, depth 203 mm; displaced volume 9 L; net weight 13.2 kg; SVG motor with 100 mm voice coil and copper ring; recommended cabinet volume 140–340 L (example: 225 L @ 30 Hz).