Bose L1 Model 2 question

Slowgypsy · #1 08-03-2010, 07:46 AM

I've owned and used the Bose L1 Model 1 PA system for several years now. When the folks I'm playing with need a PA, I offer this system up and it's worked really, really well. I've put everything from just vocals to vocals/acoustic guitar/mandolin/banjo/etc through it, and it's performed. This PA still works perfectly, but it gets used every week, usually several times, and after a few years it's starting to naturally get worn down a bit.

Bose has offered to upgrade my system to the Model 2. Of course there's a bit of cash needed on my end, which isn't a problem. So my question is directed to folks who have actual experience with the Model 2, and hopefully the Model 1 as well. Should I go for the upgrade? Are there any benefits to the Model 2 that would make this switch a no brainer? Any thoughts on this?

Slowgypsy · #2 08-05-2010, 09:38 PM

I figured this was going to be a question that wasn't very "mainstream" but.... bump....

Johnny Crab · #3 08-06-2010, 01:07 AM

We've a Model 2(5th pole of 4).
No huge difference.
IMO the "Tone Match" separate box is not worth the $$ unless you HAVE TO have effects(i.e. reverb, not totally dry, etc.) on vocals. A cheap <pick your brand> will do the same thing OR you can get a separate effects box and loop it into the Model 1 or 2.

Warning:
The newer Model 2 poles do NOT fit in older Model 1 bases and vice-versa. We learned 1st-hand. The carry bags are labeled differently(one has BOSE in the middle, one has BOSE on the ends) and it's best to keep them apart if you have Model 1's and Model 2's.

Slowgypsy · #4 08-06-2010, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Crab

We've a Model 2(5th pole of 4).
No huge difference.
IMO the "Tone Match" separate box is not worth the $$ unless you HAVE TO have effects(i.e. reverb, not totally dry, etc.) on vocals. A cheap <pick your brand> will do the same thing OR you can get a separate effects box and loop it into the Model 1 or 2.

Warning:
The newer Model 2 poles do NOT fit in older Model 1 bases and vice-versa. We learned 1st-hand. The carry bags are labeled differently(one has BOSE in the middle, one has BOSE on the ends) and it's best to keep them apart if you have Model 1's and Model 2's.

Thanks much for the thoughts. I wouldn't have added the Tone Match box anyway... my mixer already has all the effects needed, so I'm not really sure what it would have been able to add.

My real question, which you already answered (thank you) was whether there were any sonic improvements to the Model 2 that would make the upgrade worthwhile. I didn't think there would be any huge improvements, but the idea of this upgrade from Bose is tempting.

Hey.... who doesn't like upgrades?

Bassman 100 · #5 08-06-2010, 05:18 AM

To my knowledge the speakers in your version are not physically panned left & right. I've got the L1.Mark2. I think the sound is fuller, having listend to the Mark 1. I have used an analogue mixer and the Tone Match on different occasions. I can push more volume when using the Tone Match Engine, with almost no feedback. I actually have two Tone Matches now. I run one via the ethernet cable, the other by using it's the Tone Match Power supply & analogue input. Very neat set up eight channells, and a back up right there with you. If the upgrade will pay for itself in a short period of time, you have peace of mind. On the other hand, if it's not broke don't fix it.