JBL 4311...upside down?

[Zonker92]

That makes sense, like the Horizons. Maybe I'll try sideways, too.

I still want to make Murphy's crossovers for mine. Troels's are too expensive.

(kuad, I don't get the Coke bottle reference, either.)

 

[Dave1027]

I used to run my 4311s upside down when I used them as floorstanders on stands. I had them in the normal way when I had them high mounted, suspended from the ceiling.

They are best when the tweeter and mid is closer to ear level.

 

[kuad]

:yes:

 

[albowlly]

Mine are horizontal at present but previously were right side up on the stands.

 

[mech986]

Actually, in one of the original applications for Capitol Records, the 4310/4311 was designed to be wall/soffit tilted down mounted in a multi-track mix (8 tracks) application in a large studio. Since the SOTA monitor speaker of the time, the Altec 604 Triax was too big in its cabinet to mount 8 on a wall, JBL designed the 4311 to be used with mids/tweeters down so they are closer to the listener and the woofer doesn't get quite as much reinforcement if they were mounted flush with the wall.

Also, by placing the controls at the bottom front of the speaker, you could reach them easier to make any adjustments. This came in handy when they moved down to top of mixer near fields.

Here's a pic with the much larger 4320 monitor mounted 4 in a row in the control room:

In Studio:

Comparison of the size of 4320 and 4310 monitors:

 

[Zonker92]

Cool! What is it about the 4311 that makes it more suited to near field listening? Just the tight driver positioning?

 

[4343]

Cool! What is it about the 4311 that makes it more suited to near field listening? Just the tight driver positioning?

After using 4320 components for years, I'd say the 4310 was near-field by necessity. I mean, the 4320 could fill a small club with sound, even do SR in a pinch.

The 4310, 4311, 4412, etc. not so much. Close up they can get loud, but maximum volume is a _lot_ less than the bigger monitors.

 

[dadsaway]

Ok...I know that you can place them any way you want...and that if they are "upside down" people look at them and tell you they are "upside down. What I would like to know.... is there someone out there making replacement nameplates for those of us that will be placing them upside down? I mean like turning the JBL name and the control settings upside down? Much like the TERRIBLE photoshop job in the pic.

 

[Zonker92]

is there someone out there making replacement nameplates for those of us that will be placing them upside down? I mean like turning the JBL name and the control settings upside down?

Nope. At least, I've never heard of that. I would not bother, but if it really bugs you, you might just buy some foilcals off eBay, cut off the right-hand area around the knobs, turn the two pieces upside down and switch sides with them, use some removable adhesive to cover up the original foilcals, and reorient the knobs on the shafts. Done properly it might look OK.

Maybe. :saywhat:

 

[dadsaway]

Nope. At least, I've never heard of that. I would not bother, but if it really bugs you, you might just buy some foilcals off eBay, cut off the right-hand area around the knobs, turn the two pieces upside down and switch sides with them, use some removable adhesive to cover up the original foilcals, and reorient the knobs on the shafts. Done properly it might look OK.

Maybe. :saywhat:

I have seen someone on that site selling them but wondered if anyone has done it? It really doesn't bother me that much...but if there was the option I might look into it.

Thanks

 

[Tapehead47]

When I used 2 pair I kept the woofers near the floor on one set, and near the ceiling with the other. About 8-12" away.
As far as "they're upside down" comments. If someone tells you that I'd say to them something like "you're screaming ignorance, moron"

 

[kuad]

:lmao:

 

[cornwallguy]

A friend of mine and at the time co-worker who used to sell and install these JBL's used to get annoyed when someone would comment "hey, these are upside down"
He would jump in and say actually these are correct for placing on top or near top of the soundboard right at the soundmans ears.
Ive allways put the tweeter/mids right at ear level regardless of size or brand.
We even fly our p/a speakers with the horns at the bottom of the stack aimed at the house

 

[rmeade]

I asked this question a few years ago and the response was that the intended installation of the monitor (at time of mfr) was on the wall with the hi and mid at ear level. Should your choice be a home installation on the floor, hi and mid should be above the lf driver.

-bringing the post back to point (ah no Blue Velvet references here [too scary for me])

 

[kuad]

:worried: rmeade, who did you ask? So, IF it is going to be on the floor the mids and highs should be above the woofer? In other words...upside down?

 

[Zonker92]

:worried: rmeade, who did you ask? So, IF it is going to be on the floor the mids and highs should be above the woofer? In other words...upside down?

I agree with the advice rmeade got: I would not want to place 4311s on the floor, but if I did, I'd put the mids and tweeters on top (position the speakers upside down) so that they wouldn't just play into the carpet.

 

[kuad]

:thmbsp:.....until I get my stands!

 

[rmeade]

:worried: rmeade, who did you ask? So, IF it is going to be on the floor the mids and highs should be above the woofer? In other words...upside down?

Zilch is the one that responded, I might be able to find it actually.