JBL marks 80 years with AI karaoke, next-gen audio ecosystem at Clark launch

• Megan Lee, Director of Product Planning & Strategy, Consumer Audio Harman Asia Pacific.

JBL Philippines celebrated its 80th anniversary by unveiling a wide range of new audio products in the Philippines, highlighting how artificial intelligence, immersive audio, portable entertainment, and gaming technologies are increasingly shaping modern listening experiences.

Launched on May 15 at the Clark Marriott Hotel, JBL’s latest lineup spans AI-powered karaoke systems, portable speakers, premium headphones, gaming headsets, and large-scale party speakers, positioning the company toward what it describes as a more connected and lifestyle-driven audio ecosystem.

The launch comes as audio brands continue expanding beyond traditional speakers and headphones, with newer devices now integrating AI-assisted sound processing, real-time vocal manipulation, spatial audio, low-latency gaming features, and multi-device wireless ecosystems.

Founded in 1946, JBL has long been associated with professional concert audio, cinema sound systems, home entertainment, and consumer portable speakers. The company said its latest direction focuses on how sound now intersects with content creation, gaming, livestreaming, mobile entertainment, and social experiences.

One of the biggest highlights during the launch was JBL’s new EasySing lineup, which integrates real-time AI Vocal Removal technology into microphones and compatible speakers.

The new JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo and EasySing Mic Mini allow users to transform streaming tracks into instant karaoke versions by reducing or completely removing vocals from songs through a single button press.

Unlike traditional karaoke systems that depend on official instrumental releases, JBL’s implementation works dynamically with streaming audio, allowing users to sing over newly released songs immediately.

The lightweight microphones also feature AI-assisted noise suppression, voice enhancement technology, reverb controls, and flexible recording configurations for livestreaming, casual content creation, and mobile performances.

JBL said the microphones can be handheld, clipped onto clothing, or mounted using ring handles, while the included USB-C wireless dongle enables quick connectivity with compatible JBL portable speakers and PartyBox systems.

For larger karaoke setups, JBL also introduced the EasySing Mic system for PartyBox speakers, adding built-in vocal tuning controls, customizable backing vocals, and up to 10 hours of wireless operation.

The company is also embedding AI-powered karaoke functionality directly into speakers themselves through the new JBL PartyBox Encore 2 Plus and PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus.

Both speakers feature integrated AI Vocal Removal, wireless microphone support, synchronized party lighting systems, and JBL Pro Sound tuning designed for social gatherings and live entertainment setups.

Beyond karaoke, JBL expanded its portable speaker portfolio with the JBL Go 5 and JBL Xtreme 5.

The compact JBL Go 5 now features a more rugged waterproof, dust-proof, and drop-proof design alongside ambient edge lighting and Auracast connectivity, allowing easier multi-speaker synchronization.

The device also introduces AirTouch pairing, enabling users to pair two speakers together by physically tapping them.

Meanwhile, the JBL Xtreme 5 targets higher-end portable audio users with a redesigned acoustic system, AI Sound Boost processing for reduced distortion at high volumes, lossless audio playback support, SmartEQ listening modes, built-in powerbank functionality, and up to 28 hours of battery life.

For larger outdoor events and parties, JBL unveiled the PartyBox 130, which introduces a redesigned hexagonal body structure and updated top panel layout while retaining portability and splash resistance.

The speaker integrates JBL Legendary Sound tuning, AI Sound Boost processing, karaoke-ready inputs, synchronized lighting effects, and Auracast multi-speaker connectivity.

On the personal audio segment, JBL introduced major updates across its Live Series and Tune Series headphones and earbuds.

The JBL Live 680NC and Live 780NC headphones feature redesigned industrial aesthetics with metallic accents, updated hinges, soft-touch materials, and expanded color options aimed at more lifestyle-oriented users.

The devices support JBL Signature Sound, Hi-Res Audio playback, Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, Spatial Sound processing, and battery life of up to 80 hours.

JBL also refreshed its Live 4 earbuds lineup with three different wearing styles — Buds, Beam, and Flex — offering different fit preferences ranging from sealed in-ear designs to more open-style listening.

The new earbuds include six-microphone AI-enhanced calling systems, Spatial Sound, improved active noise cancellation, Smart Charging Case controls, and longer battery performance.

Meanwhile, the more affordable JBL Tune Series lineup now includes the Tune 530BT, Tune 730BT, Tune 680NC, and Tune 780NC.

The lineup supports Bluetooth 6.0, multipoint connectivity, JBL Pure Bass Sound, lightweight designs, and up to 76 hours of battery life, while select models also add Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Spatial Sound technologies.

JBL also strengthened its gaming portfolio through new additions to the Quantum Series gaming headsets.

The JBL Quantum 250, Quantum 650, and flagship Quantum 950 are designed for competitive gaming, featuring JBL Quantum Spatial Sound technology, low-latency wireless connectivity, and support for QuantumENGINE customization software.

A notable shift in the new Quantum lineup is its modular hardware approach.

Key components including microphones, ear cushions, cables, and headband systems are now designed to be replaceable, allowing users to extend the lifespan of their headsets rather than replacing entire units.

The launch was followed by the JBL Audio Playground event held on May 16 at Clark Global City, where the company combined gaming, fitness, music, and creator-focused activities into a full-day community event.

Activities included a Mobile Legends tournament featuring the JBL Quantum 650, DJ workshops, dance showcases led by UPeepz, skate park exhibitions, and live performances from Ben&Ben, HORI7ON, Dionela, Al James, and G22.

Among the products now available in the Philippine market are the JBL Go 5, Xtreme 5, PartyBox Encore 2 Plus, PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, Live 680NC, Live 780NC, Tune Series headphones, and Quantum gaming headsets.

Additional products including the EasySing Mic Mini Duo, PartyBox 130, and Live 4 earbuds series are expected to arrive in the local market soon.

Pricing starts at P2,899 for the JBL Go 5 portable speaker and reaches up to P26,999 for the JBL PartyBox Encore 2 Plus, while the flagship JBL Quantum 950 gaming headset is priced at P21,999.