JBL Professional MTC-81BB8 - Pre-Installed Ceiling Backcan (Compatible with 8138, 7.4 L)

JBL Professional MTC-81BB8 - Pre-Installed Ceiling Backcan (Compatible with 8138, 7.4 L)

The JBL Professional MTC-81BB8 is a ready-to-install backcan for in-ceiling speakers using the standard 286mm mounting circle, such as the JBL 8138. Designed for jobsites with suspended ceilings, the MTC-81BB8 combines with the MTC-81TB8 Ceiling Bridge to distribute the load and provide a solid, durable installation. Its extra-large 7.4 litre internal volume improves bass extension and overall system response, while the interior features acoustic lining for a more controlled performance.

The 16-gauge (1.3 mm) steel construction with a black powder-coated finish offers high corrosion resistance. It features five 22 mm knockouts (four on the sides and one on the top) for conduit entry and two perforated suspension straps for easy attachment to a building's structural member. It comes with clip-nuts on the mounting circle and the M4x12 mm hardware required to attach the tile bridge to the backcan; M4x40 mm screws for securing the speaker are included with the 8138. Its angled-wall geometry allows for nesting to save space during storage and transportation.

Main features

• Direct compatibility: 286 mm mounting circle for JBL 8138 ; can be used in conjunction with MTC-81TB8 in suspended ceilings.
• Increased performance: 7.4 L of internal volume for more bass and extended bandwidth.
• Heavy Duty Construction: 16 gauge (1.3mm) steel with high rust resistance black powder coat .
• Professional installation: 4 clip-nuts on the 286 mm circle and 4 through holes for screwing speaker-bridge-backcan.
• Site connectivity: 5 x 22mm knockouts (4 side + 1 top) for pipe/conduit.
• Secure suspension: 2 flexible perforated strips for auxiliary anchoring to the structure.
• Well-designed acoustics: internal acoustic lining as standard.
• Optimized logistics: stackable (nesting) design that minimizes warehouse space.

Product benefits

• Better sound in BGM/PA installations thanks to the greater usable volume and acoustic lining.
• Mechanical reliability and environmental resistance in intensive use projects.
• Quick and standardized assembly with included hardware and 286 mm circle.
• Simple construction integration with multiple pipe inlets and suspension points.

Use cases

• Offices, education, healthcare, retail, and hospitality with recessed ceiling systems.
• New construction or renovation projects that require pre-installation before finishing the ceiling.

Installation Notes

• For suspended ceilings use the MTC-81TB8 as a tile bridge.
• The typical assembly (8138 + MTC-81BB8 + MTC-81TB8) requires a 300mm diameter ceiling cutout .
• Secure the backcan to the frame using the hanging straps where necessary.

Description for projects

JBL MTC-81BB8 pre-installable ceiling backcan; internal volume 7.4 L ; material: 16 gauge steel (1.3 mm) with black powder coating ; mounting circle 286 mm ; 5 knockouts Ø 22 mm (4 side + 1 top); 2 perforated suspension strips ; includes 4 clip-nuts and M4×12 mm screws for fixing the tile bridge; dimensions 178 × 300 × 300 mm (H × W × D); net weight 1.1 kg ; compatible with JBL 8138 speaker and MTC-81TB8 bridge.