Sound is, for some, a source of healing, and for others, the very essence of life. While that might sound a bit dramatic, in the world of gaming, sound is more than just noise—it is a means of survival and a source of thrills during unforgettable chapters. It is no exaggeration to say that audio is a core element that defines a game's level of immersion.

A speaker that costs ₩10 million. I had the chance to audition the 'JBL L100 Classic 80,' a limited edition released to celebrate JBL's 80th anniversary, with only 50 units allocated to Korea out of 800 worldwide. On June 18, JBL, a global lifestyle audio brand and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, held a product launch and experience event at Til Table in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The event will continue as a pop-up for the public from June 19 (Fri) to June 20 (Sat), between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

Beyond the aforementioned JBL L100 Classic 80, the event showcased two 'Bandbox' models—which function as both smart amplifiers and Bluetooth speakers—as well as the AI-powered 'EasySing Mic' and 'EasySing Mic Mini.' It was a great opportunity to see the latest trends from JBL, a brand that consistently impresses with eye-catching designs and rich, satisfying sound.

"Made to Be Heard": JBL's core value of authenticity

The event began with a brand introduction by Choi Kyung-hoon, a pro at the Lifestyle Division of Harman International Korea. Choi highlighted JBL's history, which has spanned world-class stages from the 1969 Woodstock Festival to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Tomorrowland.

One of the most impressive parts of Choi's presentation was the statement, "Music became a part of gaming in the 1990s." While this likely refers to the origins in sports broadcasts, I felt the common denominator today is the thrilling impact and spatial awareness gamers feel in-game, as well as the overwhelming roar and energy of e-sports, all of which reach us through rich, immersive sound.

A ₩10 Million Speaker! Shall we listen to some limited-edition sound?

The event moved on to an audition session for the 'JBL L100 Classic 80,' which I was even more curious about after seeing it in person. The session was led by lifestyle expert and director Jung Woo-sung.

We listened to three tracks: The Hollies' 'Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress,' Francine Thirteen's 'Queen Mary,' and Lee Sora's 'The Wind Blows.' Director Jung provided incredibly detailed explanations of what to listen for in each track. Even for someone like me who isn't an audiophile, it was a delightful experience where I could physically feel the quality of the music and the speaker.

There are 800 units worldwide. (The unit 'pair' refers to a set of speakers.) Released as a limited edition to commemorate a 80-year legacy, each unit features a commemorative plaque with the signature of Principal System Engineer Chris Hagen and a unique serial number, adding to its collectible value.

Another interesting aspect is that this product continues the lineage of reference or monitoring speakers once used by artists and engineers in studios to judge original sound. It is not tuned to make music sound 'prettier,' but rather to check for accuracy—ensuring vocal placement is correct and that the powerful impact of drums and the heavy bass are not distorted.

I don't know if it's a similar context, but high-end cooking shows these days seem to focus less on "new" flavors and more on "how much of the original ingredient's taste can be brought out." This speaker feels similar: it allows you to hear exactly what the creator intended. Even as someone who doesn't know much about music, I was captivated.

From Home Recording to Outdoor Performances! Two 'Bandbox' Models

Next, Lim Sang-woo, a pro at Harman International Korea's Lifestyle Division, introduced two new products. The first is the 'Bandbox,' a high-end speaker that allows you to practice as a one-person band. Honestly, even after seeing the amazing demonstration and writing this article, it is such a unique product that I'm not quite sure what to call it.

Is it a smart amp? A speaker? It is being released as the 'Bandbox Trio,' a model for serious sound play and outdoor activities, and the 'Bandbox Solo,' a compact version that fits in one hand.

This is where AI comes in: the industry-first 'Stem AI' is truly remarkable. The product has a built-in NPU chip that processes AI calculations directly. What can you do with it? It perfectly separates vocals and instruments from actual audio tracks. Thanks to the built-in NPU, it works perfectly even outdoors where internet connectivity is poor or unavailable.

In the demonstration, simply turning the knob on the top allowed us to experience the vocals or specific instruments disappearing from the original track, or conversely, removing the vocals to leave only the natural accompaniment.

This could also be a useful feature for creators or music professionals—for example, streamers who need to broadcast copyright-free sound in real-time, or experts mixing background music on the fly. While I didn't try it myself, it is clearly a convenient feature that requires no separate editing or complex setup.

Additionally, it includes a metronome for precise timing, a drum machine with various rhythms, a looper function to layer sounds, and professional-grade guitar effects and amp modeling.

The Bandbox Trio features a 4-channel built-in mixer, allowing simultaneous connection of microphones, guitars, electronic drums, and synthesizers. It uses a replaceable battery that lasts up to 10 hours without external power, and it is loud enough for outdoor busking.

The Bandbox Solo is tailored for users who want to focus on individual instrument practice and home recording. While I don't need the Trio, as someone with a personal interest in instruments, the Solo was very appealing.

After the event, we were treated to a performance by the Korean rock band 'Kkachisan.' Before they started, we heard a professional's take on the Bandbox Trio. One comment that stood out was, "Setting up an electric guitar usually requires so much equipment, but the Bandbox Trio produces excellent sound without any of those extra tools."

Stop searching for 'wedding song MR'! Two 'EasySing Mics'

The era of searching for 'wedding song MR' or 'vocal-removed versions' is coming to an end. The JBL EasySing Mic and JBL EasySing Mic Mini support on-device AI vocal removal using the aforementioned Stem AI.

You can reduce the original vocals of any song in real-time—completely, or by 25%, 50%, or 75%. The physical setup is done by plugging in the included USB-C dongle. Since it is optimized for JBL speakers, you should check compatibility with your audio device if you are interested. If you already own a JBL product, you are all set.

Personally, I was more interested in the Mini than the EasySing Mic, which looks like a traditional microphone. It is about half the size of a credit card and includes a stand and magnetic clip, making it versatile for different environments. It seems like a great product for YouTubers or creators who need their hands free.

It also features a 'Voice Boost' function that smooths out high notes—a bit of a 'cheat' to make singing sound better. The Mini is also available as the 'JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo,' which includes two microphones.

People reveal their most authentic selves when their voices are heard and understood

JBL's new slogan, "Made to Be Heard," is reportedly built on the human insight that people reveal their most authentic selves when they feel their voices are truly heard and understood. It stems from the belief that raw, performance-grade sound creates connections—between artists, creators, friends, and our own inner voices—inspiring us to step forward with confidence and honesty.

I actually came here to hear how rich the sound of a 10-million-won limited edition speaker could be, but it ended up being an occasion to fall for the JBL brand all over again. It might be a risky statement for audiophiles, but I wonder if we would even have such high-quality sound in a Bluetooth environment if it weren't for JBL.

Years ago, JBL approached us with a fun, 'party-party' vibe that felt slightly disconnected from the domestic sentiment. In 2026, JBL has returned with a more serious, grounded feel—in a positive way. Of course, the excellent sound and signature hip sensibility remain unchanged.