JBL MS-8 SYSTEM INTEGRATION DIGITAL PROCESSOR

Designed at LDA, LLC in Irvine, California.

A STRONG DESIGN LANGUAGE

For more than 15 years Myk Lum and the design team at LDA have worked closely with JBL's mobile audio division to develop their various lines of speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers. This collaboration with LDA has led to a recognizable and aggressive design language which has helped JBL maintain a strong foothold in the competitive mobile audio market.

INTEGRATING A DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY

In 2007 JBL partnered with LDA to create a new digital amplifier that could interface with vehicle on-board computers. Previous generations of car amplifiers had leveraged analogue components to enhance and boost sound quality from simple car head units. However, with mobile computing being increasingly integrated into car interiors JBL and other mobile audio companies now faced the challenge of how to harness digital signals being relayed from complex head units. The JBL MS Series amplifier was the first amplifier to bridge the gap created by these new digital systems.

EVOLVING THE BRAND

When developing this new amplifier JBL had to make a critical decision: would they integrate this new technology into a product that was completely in line with the design language which had previously brought them so much success or would they evolve that design language to reflect their leap in innovation? Ultimately JBL decided to pursue a concept which would leverage the bold detailing of previous JBL amplifiers while incorporating a more elegant, simplified form which leaned heavily on fit, finish and materials to reflect and communicate a digital message to consumers.

MS-8 SYSTEM INTEGRATION DIGITAL PROCESSOR

The JBL MS-8 System Integration Digital Processor provides maximum convenience to consumers who want to integrate a digital amplifier into their audio system with as little hassle as possible.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS: Joseph Morin, Won Song.