BAR 500 - Black - Hero BAR 500 - Black - Front BAR 500 - Black - Back
BAR 500 - Black - Hero

BAR 500

What's on the menu tonight? Movies, music or gaming? The JBL Bar 500 brings your movies to life with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® 3D surround sound. While PureVoice technology optimizes voice clarity to ensure you never miss a word. Feel the thrilling bass from the wireless 10" subwoofer. And with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM) and Chromecast built-in™, you've got over 300 easy streaming options to choose from, whether you want to dance or you're ready to relax. Whatever you're in the mood for, the JBL Bar 500's got you covered.

Product Specifications

General Specifications

Power supply 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz
Networked standby power < 2.0 W
Operating temperature 0°C - 45 °C

Audio Specifications

Total speaker power output (Max @THD 1%) 590W
Soundbar output power (Max @THD 1%) 290W
Subwoofer output power (Max. @THD 1%) 300 W
Soundbar transducer 4x (46x90)mm racetrack drivers, 3x 0.75" (20mm) tweeters
Subwoofer transducer 10” (260mm)
Frequency response 35Hz - 20kHz (-6dB)
Audio inputs 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB (USB playback is available in US version. For other versions, USB is for Service only.)

Dimension Specifications

Soundbar dimensions (W x H x D) 1017 x 56 x 103.5 mm / 40’’ x 2.2’’ x 4’’
Subwoofer dimensions (W x H x D) 305 x 440.4 x 305 mm / 12" x 17.3" x 12"
Soundbar weight 2.8kg/ 6.2 lbs
Subwoofer weight 10 kg / 22 lbs
Packaging dimensions (W x H x D) 1105 x 370 x 475 mm/ 43.5" x 14.6" x 18.7"
Packaging Weight 16.2 kg / 35.6 lbs

Control Connect Specifications

USB port Type A
USB rating 5V DC, 0.5A
Supporting file format MP3
MP3 codec MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 sampling rate 16 - 48 kHz
MP3 bitrate 80 - 320 kpbs
Bluetooth version 5.0
Bluetooth profile A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.5
Bluetooth transmitter frequency range 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth transmitter power <15 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi network IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz)
2.4G Wi-Fi transmitter frequency range 2412 - 2472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and others 13 Channels)
2.4G Wi-Fi transmitter power < 20 dBm (EIRP)
5G Wi-Fi transmitter frequency range 5.15 - 5.35GHz, 5.470-5.725GHz, 5.725 - 5.825GHz
5G Wi-Fi transmitter power 5.15-5.25GHz <23dBm, 5.25-5.35GHz & 5.47-5.725GHz <20dBm, 5.725-5.825GHz <14dBm (EIRP)
2.4G wireless transmitter frequency range 2406 - 2474MH
2.4G wireless transmitter power <10dBm (EIRP)
Please consult the documents for in-depth specs

Documents & Downloads

Videos

What’s in the Box

  • 1 x Main Soundbar
  • 1 x Wireless subwoofer
  • Remote control with 2 x batteries
  • Power cords (up to 8pcs depending on region SKUs)
  • 1 x HDMI cable
  • 2 x L-shape wall-mount bracket with screws
  • Quick start guide
  • Safety Instruction and Warranty Card
  • Wall mount template
BAR 500 - What's in the Box

FAQs & How-Tos

How can I get further technical service?
In the JBL ONE App:
(1) Go to My Products, select your product
(2) Select Support tile
(3) Under General, select Product Support
Why is my soundbar having interference issues with my mesh network?

If you have a mesh network (more commonly seen in Eero Mesh networks), it is possible that you may experience your satellite speakers or subwoofer intermittently disconnecting from the soundbar. This is similar to normal interference that occurs with products on a similar wireless frequency. The special thing about Eero mesh networks is that they do not allow you to move a device to the 5Ghz or 2.4Ghz band. The system will automatically decide which devices should be on which band and will move them accordingly (switching whenever needed). Some of our soundbars run on a 5Ghz frequency which is where the interference can occur. Since we cannot change the signal in which they operate and we cannot change the band they are connected to via their Eero mesh network, there are a few things you can do to try and stop this from occurring. 

  

  1. Move the mesh nodes far away from the soundbar 
  2. Use the 2.4Ghz band instead of the 5Ghz band (if your mesh system allows this) 
  3. Ensure to enable/utilize the MU-MIMO setting (not applicable to all mesh systems). Please refer to your router's website to see if MU-MIMO is being utilized by default. 

  

What is MU-MIMO? 

MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User, Multi-Input, Multi-Output. This allows for the router to send a signal to multiple devices at one time vs. the previous version in which the router would be able to connect to multiple devices, but only send the signal to one device at a time. 

  

NOTE: You may notice that when the soundbar is turned on, there may be a dip in the immediate internet speed, but it will go back to normal within less than a minute.

Does the JBL 300/500 support DTS?
No, the JBL Bar 300/500 does not support DTS.

It supports the following Dolby Audio formats:

Dolby Atmos
Dolby Digital
Multichannel PCM
Learn how to troubleshoot when you can’t connect your Google Assistant device to your home Wi-Fi network.

The Checklist

Let us walk-through a list of things needed to ensure every requirement is met.

  1. Check your mobile device if that is able to connect to same Wireless network.
  2. Make sure you are within range of your Wireless router.
  3. Check the Wireless signal on your mobile device, does it have a weak signal then move closer to the router.
  4. Try both Wireless network bands 2.4GHz and 5GHz in case one of them are failing.
    1. You will have longer range with 2.4GHz, but less performance and most of the times a crowded network (many devices are using 2.4GHz band).
    2. You will have less interference with 5GHz and higher performance, however, the range of the 5GHz network has shorter range.
  5. Try using a different mobile device, if you have one.
  6. Reboot your Wireless network router and your mobile device.
Watch the video below for help with setting up your Google Assistant device.

Wireless Network Extender

Some houses or apartments can be too big for one Wireless network router to cover it all.
Let's talk about the issues that might appear with an Extender network.

  1. Network Extenders that will help cover poor signal in your home, often results in poor connection and low speed performance.
  2. Often the Network Extender is a low budget device or not suited for having too many devices attached to it.
  3. Placement of the speaker is crucial as you can put it in a place where it could connect to either main Wireless router or the Extender, that will confuse Wireless network devices.
  4. To solve this issue, try move the speaker closer to main router or have fewer devices attached to your Wireless Extender.
  5. In addition, always use 5GHz connection between your Network extender and main router (best solution and performance).

One Wireless Network Name (SSID)

  1. You may have set the Wireless Network SSID (Wi-Fi network name) to one big Wireless network (With a main router + Extender(s).
  2. If the speaker is within range of both Wireless networks (Main router & Extender) then it can get confused with which one to connect to.
  3. To solve this issue, using two different name for your extended network will help with the performance of the Speaker and Google Assistant request.







 

How can I get a software update?
Once the speaker/soundbar is connected to the network, software updates will automatically be sent to the speaker/soundbar through Wi-Fi or the internet, if available
Is it possible to connect rear/surround speakers
The JBL Bar 500 does not support rear/surround speakers. Alternatively the JBL Bar 800/1000 has detachable wireless rear speakers included.
BAR 300 & BAR 500: Software Update Release Notes
BAR 300 & BAR 500
Software Update Release Notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Version:  V 22.31.11.80.00
Release Date:  August 08, 2022
Release Media:  OTA (over the air) Automatic Upgrade and/or USB
Filename:  JBL_Bar_300_500_ver_22.31.11.80.00

What’s New
  1. Improved LED Display messages
  2. Improved Wi-Fi music streaming connectivity
My Soundbar is not found during setup. How do I solve that?
  1. Ensure that your JBL One app device is less than 10m/33ft from the soundbar during the initial set-up.
  2. Ensure your JBL soundbar is plugged into power and the power LED is illuminated on the BAR.
  3. Unplug the power cord, wait 10 seconds, reconnect the power cord and allow the speaker to power up.
  4. Temporarily relocate either the BAR or router so that they are closer together.  If the connection succeeds, the original location may be too far from the router to maintain a stable connection.
  5. Try using a different device with the JBL ONE app installed and connected to your home network.
When using the JBL One app to set up my speaker/soundbar, my Wi-Fi network is not appearing in the list. How can I connect to my Wi-Fi network?
You can manually type in the network name (SSID) and password to connect if the network does not appear.
How to reconnect the subwoofer
(1) On the subwoofer's rear panel, press and hold the pairing button until the LED  turns fast, flashing white.
(2) To enter the subwoofer pairing mode on the soundbar, press and hold the bass button on the remote control for more than three seconds. Then, press VOL - on the remote control.

On the soundbar LED display:
→ "SUB PAIRING": The subwoofer is ready for pairing.
→ "SUB PAIRED": The subwoofer is connected.
How to restore factory default settings (factory reset) for your device
The factory reset button restores your device to the default settings, including network and audio configurations. 

Please use one of the following solutions:
  1.  Press and hold VOL -, VOL +, and Source buttons on the device at the same time until the LED light flashes (hold for more than 5 seconds)
Or alternatively;
  1. Open your JBL ONE App.
  2. Navigate to the support tile.
  3. Select RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS. 
How do I fix AirPlay not streaming music to my speaker/soundbar?
If you cannot stream music  with AirPlay, use the JBL One App; 
(1) Go to Settings.
(2) Select 3rd Party Service.
(3) Select the Airplay tile.
(4) Select Reset AirPlay.
Can I use the speaker/soundbar without the App?
Yes, however, the JBL ONE App gives you another level of control over the speaker/soundbar.
Through the App, you can personalize the performance, such as:
  • Customizing EQ settings
  • Setting up our new feature called: My Moment 
  • Connect your favorite streaming music services.
What does the Sound Calibration function do?
The calibration sound setup process ensures the soundbar delivers the best 3D surround effects for any interior and room layout.
How to save your favorite music to the My Moments feature
(1) Use JBL One App to set up the My Moment Feature.
(2) Select the JBL device you want to set your favorite music to the My Moment feature.
(3) Tap the My Moment card to assign music.
(4) Click Add Music to manage music streaming services and specific music tracks.
(5) Set the timer to inactive speaker/soundbar (optional)
(6) Set the music loudness (optional)
(7) Press SAVE
SMART MODE: Lacking Dialogue/Too Much Surround
 
When listening to multichannel content you may find that your dialogue isn’t coming in as clear, or your surround effects are louder than you’d like. Our sound bars have a feature called ‘Smart Mode’ that implement our unique JBL Surround Sound as well as other tailored EQ settings. While these are great for content that needs a helping hand, for some multi-channel content it can be overwhelming. If you find this to be the case with some content, you can disable ‘Smart Mode'.

To toggle between smart mode and standard surround, on the remote control, press and hold MUTE for more than 3 seconds, then press Volume Up (+). "OFF SMART MODE" or "ON SMART MODE" will be displayed.
 
NOTE: The sound bar defaults to smart mode every time the bar is turned on.
How to find the MAC address

NOTE: Apple IOS users are not able to find their MAC address in Google Home app due to privacy policies in the USA and European market.

We advise setting up your device on a less secure network. Log into the router and retrieve the MAC address for your device then add it to your preferred network.

Instructions below are for Android only

  1. Open your Google Home app Google Home app
  2. Enable Bluetooth User-added image on your device.
  3. Enable Location service User-added image on your Android device.
    1. Remember to "Allow" Google Home to view your location while using the app (You are asked during setup of the Google Home app).
    2. In case you denied access go to Settings User-added image Apps User-added image Google Home User-added image Permissions User-added image Allow to view Location.
  4. When you at selecting the Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks, before tapping on your network you need to get the MAC address.
    1. Tap  the User-added image located top right corner.
    2. In the pop-up menu press "Show MAC address" User-added image Write down the MAC Address.
part 3User-added imagepart 5

You can now add the MAC address to your local Wireless router or system if your configuration requires this before installing the device on your network.

Finding the MAC address after speaker is installed

  1. Open your Google Home app Google Home app.
  2. Tap on  to view your home.
  3. Find your room User-added image.
  4. In the top right corner tap Settings icon User-added image.
  5. ​Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. You will see some system information and the MAC address as well.
How do I rename my device?
(1) Select the JBL device you want to rename
(2) Navigate to the Support tile and select "Rename My Product."
(3) Press the current name and type in the new name
(4) Press SAVE
There is no sound from my soundbar. How do I fix it?
Common fixes:
(1) Make sure that the soundbar is not muted.
(2) Select the correct audio input source on the remote control.
(3) Check the connections to your TV or other devices
(4) Perform a reset if none of the above is working. 
(4.1) Press and hold VOL -, VOL +, and Source buttons to perform a reset.
 
Can I create my own custom equalization settings?
Yes!
By using the JBL ONE app, you can change the equalization settings of your speaker/soundbar to fit your personal taste by adjusting the settings of each frequency to create your personalized EQ:
  • BASS: Adjust the lower frequency sounds, such as bass or a kick drum.
  • MID: Adjust the mid-frequency sounds, such as human speech.
  • TREBLE: Adjust the higher frequency sounds for clarity.
What does the Audio Sync function do?
Sometimes, when the soundbar is connected to a digital TV, the audio may not synchronize with the video. If the video is behind the audio, adjust the audio delay time to match the video.
You can set the audio delay time between 0 msec and 250 msec.
Note: The audio delay time you specify may not be exact, depending on the played content.
The audio sync function will not resolve instances where the video is ahead of the audio.
What does the Moment button do?
It is a personalization feature that allows you to customize your favorite music track, auto-off timing, and music volume.
Once set up, you can directly access it through the remote control or within the JBL ONE App.
What is Dolby Atmos and what does it do?
Dolby Atmos is a 3D surround sound format.
Using Dolby Atmos, the soundbar can reproduce multi-channel surround sound, including a virtual height channel. 
Note: This feature only applies to Dolby Audio content.
For more information, visit Dolby Atmos at https://www.dolby.com/technologies/dolby-atmos. 
What does the Auto-Off function in the Music streaming App menu do?
It is a feature that allows you to set a timer to turn off the device automatically.
For example, you can set it to "never" or 15, 30, 45, and 60 mins.

JBL BAR 300/500 How to connect to Wi-Fi and TV

Register your product

Do you own this product?
Register it here!

Register now

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Call Us

Call Us

Talk to a support agent
Call us now at: (800) 336-4525

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm (ET)
Sat - Sun: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (ET)

Chat With Us

Chat With Us

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm (ET)
Sat - Sun: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (ET)

message

Ask a Product Expert

Get help with questions about product features, set-up and troubleshooting.

IMPORTANT: Product Experts cannot help with warranty, refund or order-related issues.

Always Available.

(United States/Canada only)