JBL launches Cove, its new Wi-Fi speaker range

American brand JBL has launched the JBL Cove range, a series of WiFi speakers designed to provide sound across several rooms within the same ecosystem. It includes three complimentary devices: the compact Cove M1, the portable Cove P1 and the Cove X1, designed to deliver a broader and more immersive reproduction. All three use the JBL One app and a shared platform intended to simplify their installation, pairing and control. As well as music playback, JBL also offers integration with the Bar Series MK2 soundbars to bring multi-room and home theatre systems together within a single setup.

Three Wi-Fi speakers to suit a range of uses

The new JBL Cove range includes three speakers, each with its own distinct features. The JBL Cove M1 has a compact format designed for daily use at home. Its acoustic architecture combines three tweeters and a midbass driver. This model can work alone, as a stereo pair, or as part of a multi-room system.

The JBL Cove P1 adds an integrated battery offering an autonomy of 14 hours and a charging station. With an IP56 rating, it is water and dustproof, making it easy to use in different spaces both indoors and outdoors. It is equipped with four tweeters, one of which is up-firing, and a woofer. This configuration also allows the speaker to support Dolby Atmos Music tracks.

At the top of the lineup, the JBL Cove X1 features a larger design that allows it to incorporate four tweeters, one of which is up-firing, and two 90 x 120 mm midbass drivers. JBL designed it to deliver immersive sound throughout the room, with support for the Dolby Atmos Music 3D audio format.

Automatic calibration and sound optimisation

The JBL Cove P1, X1, and M1 speakers share several technologies developed by JBL. Automatic calibration adapts their sound reproduction to the characteristics of the room and their placement. Constant Sound Field technology, for its part, aims to maintain uniform sound throughout the listening area, whilst AI Sound Boost adjusts the speaker’s performance to minimise distortion as the volume increases.

Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN, describes this lineup as a major milestone in JBL’s growth in the home audio market: “JBL Cove marks an important step in our ambition to become a leading force in home audio, combining powerful JBL Legendary Sound with the simplicity, flexibility and outstanding value.”

Multi-room, streaming, and home theatre integration

The JBL One app serves as the control centre for the Cove ecosystem. It allows you to group multiple speakers together to play the same music in different rooms, while still giving you the option to play music independently in a specific space. The speakers can also be used as a stereo pair.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect. JBL also announces support for high-resolution audio. The Moment button provides access to Spotify Tap and is also used for the Music Follows Me feature, which allows you to continue listening to music or TV audio as you move from one room to another.

JBL also plans to pair these speakers with the Bar 300, 500, 800, 1000, and 1300 MK2. The Cove M1 and Cove P1 can therefore serve as rear channels with compatible soundbars, while the range also integrates with their multi-room music streaming system.

JBL Cove: key features

In summary

With the Cove series, JBL combines Wi-Fi audio, multi-room, streaming, and home theatre capabilities into three complementary speakers. The M1 prioritises compactness, the P1 adds a battery and Dolby Atmos, while the X1 features a more ambitious acoustic design with two woofers. Automatic calibration, Constant Sound Field, AI Sound Boost, and the JBL One app form the common foundation of this ecosystem.