Introducing the Useful Features of the JBL EON700 Series, PRX ONE, and EON ONE MKII: Pass Thru ＆ Time Align

In this fourth edition, I would like to introduce Pass Thru & Time Align.

First, let me talk about Pass Thru. This feature allows you to output a line-level signal that is mixed from the signals connected to each input of the powered speaker, before the signal is amplified by the power amp. This feature is almost always available in powered PA speakers, which have built-in power amps.

The main uses of this feature include:

• Expanding the area where sound reaches by adding more powered speakers
• Enhancing bass by adding a powered subwoofer

Of course, it’s also possible to use Pass Thru to drive a passive speaker system with an external power amp.

What sets the Pass Thru output in the JBL EON700 Series, PRX ONE, and EON ONE MKII apart is:

• You can apply a high-pass filter (HPF) to the signal output from the source speaker.
• You can apply a low-pass filter (LPF) to the signal output from the Pass Thru.
• You can adjust the output level.

In many powered speakers:

• You can’t apply high-pass/low-pass filters, or if you can, the frequencies are fixed.
• You can’t adjust the output level; the output level is either the same as the input level, or it changes if you adjust the gain or master volume.

Now, about Time Align (Time Alignment Delay). You might be familiar with delay effects in guitar pedals (like an echo), but the delay used in PA systems serves to “eliminate the delay between when sound reaches your ears,” which is particularly useful when setting up multiple speakers at a distance from each other.

For example, you’ve likely experienced hearing the sound of a firework after seeing it explode in the sky. Similarly, when signals are sent to distant speakers simultaneously, the sound from the farther speakers will reach your ears later, causing a doubling effect. This delay function helps you adjust for that time difference.

Example 1
When subwoofers are placed in front of the stage and full-range speakers are on stage, the subwoofers are closer to the audience, so they should be slightly delayed.

Example 2
If you add full-range speakers behind the audience while the main full-range speakers are on stage, the rear speakers should be delayed.

Now, let’s take a look at the JBL Pro Connect app screen and the unit’s interface.

①In the app, select ‘Speakers’ and then choose the model name (e.g., EON710). Select ‘Pass Thru Settings’.

②On the unit, press the MAIN/MENU knob, and from the menu screen, select Pass Thru & Time Align.

③Here are the screens of JBL Pro Connect.
There are three presets available: Full Range, SUB, and Custom. You can see that the high-pass and low-pass filter values differ for each.

④Here’s the screen on the speaker unit.

I’m going to explain each parameter:

- Pass Thru
When turned on, the mixed signal from each channel is output through the XLR terminal. When turned off, the signal is not output from the XLR terminal (Bluetooth music playback audio is also output).

● Preset
You can choose from Full Range, SUB, or Custom.
Full Range: Used when you want the output speaker to produce the same sound as the source speaker.
High-pass filter: 20 Hz (The source speaker outputs sound above 20 Hz)
Low-pass filter: 20 kHz (The connected speaker receives sound below 20 kHz)
SUB: Used when connecting a subwoofer.
High-pass filter: 80 Hz (The source speaker outputs sound above 80 Hz)
Low-pass filter: 80 kHz (The connected subwoofer receives sound below 80 kHz)
Custom: You can manually set the filter frequencies.

● High Pass Filter to this Speaker (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
You can apply a high-pass filter (low cut) to the signal output from the source speaker.

● Low Pass Filter to Pass Thru Out (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
You can apply a low-pass filter (high cut) to the signal sent to the connected speaker (signal output from the XLR).

● Delay to this Speaker (0 ms to 100 ms)
You can delay the signal output from the source speaker. 100 ms = 0.1 seconds = approximately 34.2 m (at temperature 18°C). For example, if the subwoofer is 3.42 m in front of the main speaker, delay the subwoofer by 10 ms.

● Delay on Pass Thru Out (0 ms to100 ms)
You can delay the signal sent to the connected speaker.

● Pass Thru Level (-100dB to +6dB)
Adjust the output level.

How was that?
With the Pass Thru & Time Align features of the JBL EON700 Series, PRX ONE, and EON ONE MKII, you can easily expand your system by adding full-range speakers or building a two-way system with a subwoofer. Plus, you can adjust it flexibly to match your environment. If you’re looking for a PA system for music events, JBL is highly recommended! Please consider it!