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Bose L1: yeah or nay?
- Thread starter NickInMesa
- Start date
There are plenty of Bose Haters in the world throwing simplistic jeers around but the real world is not that simple. You cannot change a tire with a screwdriver but that doesn't mean that screwdrivers suck.
I didn't have much of an opinion about Bose for a long time. My Mazda RX-8 has a factory-installed sound system made by them, and it sounds fine to my ears. Then last month, I played a solo show at a coffeehouse whose owner took great pride in having spent a year raising the necessary funds to buy an L1 (sans sub).
When I play solo gigs, I typically run my acoustic guitar through a processor and into a 150 watt Peavey mixer and 10" speakers. This setup was very inexpensive and has served me well. On this particular night, though, I left the PA at home because I planned to use the venue's L1.
After plugging my guitar and processor into the system and strumming a few chords, I concluded that I'd heard better sounds from practice amps. Extensive tweaking did nothing to improve what came out of those tiny speakers. I know that many folks believe the system is useless without the sub, but what's the point of dropping that much money on the pole if it doesn't sound somewhat decent on its own?
I can't comment on what the system did for my vocals because the room was so live that I didn't really need amplification. I set the gain around 1 and forgot about it.
Next time I play at that place, my cheap PA is going with me.
When I play solo gigs, I typically run my acoustic guitar through a processor and into a 150 watt Peavey mixer and 10" speakers. This setup was very inexpensive and has served me well. On this particular night, though, I left the PA at home because I planned to use the venue's L1.
After plugging my guitar and processor into the system and strumming a few chords, I concluded that I'd heard better sounds from practice amps. Extensive tweaking did nothing to improve what came out of those tiny speakers. I know that many folks believe the system is useless without the sub, but what's the point of dropping that much money on the pole if it doesn't sound somewhat decent on its own?
I can't comment on what the system did for my vocals because the room was so live that I didn't really need amplification. I set the gain around 1 and forgot about it.
Next time I play at that place, my cheap PA is going with me.
A speaker should be designed to provide an acoustically flat response and be as neutral as possible. Bose products don't come even close. They take advantage of the frequencies that the human ear are sensitive to (Fletcher-Munson Curve). Because of this their products sound attractive at first but are very fatiguing after a short period of time. Due to the small diameter drivers (and poorly designed drivers) they are physically incapable of providing genuine low/high frequencies.
I've mixed on a system comprised of a pair of L1MII a number of times.
Is setup quick and simple? Yes.
Can it sound good? Yes, but not without just as much fiddling as a good standard box (some of which sound MUCH better).
Does the sound change less with distance than "normal" speakers? No.
Is it better than a similarly priced "normal" system? It's not as good, let alone better. Especially if the musical genre "requires" a lot of kick.
At the price, I can't think of any reason to recommend it for any application.
Is setup quick and simple? Yes.
Can it sound good? Yes, but not without just as much fiddling as a good standard box (some of which sound MUCH better).
Does the sound change less with distance than "normal" speakers? No.
Is it better than a similarly priced "normal" system? It's not as good, let alone better. Especially if the musical genre "requires" a lot of kick.
At the price, I can't think of any reason to recommend it for any application.
This is one of the issues with a Bose product. They are now using more traditional c.d. Horn technology than they ever had with their touring/installation products which helps. But the biggest knock on a Bose product for me is the lack of directional realism. I don't want sound reflecting off surfaces and lilting down around enveloping me. I want to look at the source and hear it from the source. Sound needs to emanate for its source in order for a person to not spend any time focusing on where the sound is coming from and to just watch the performance. And a series of tiny Bose drivers and tweeters can not move the sort of air most want to move. If they work for you, well good for you! But do not buy these if your band is a Slayer tribute band. These devices work best for solo act, acoustic acts, jazz artists/groups, and the like. Not a rock or country product at all. Not a high output device, no matter how many subs modules you buy.
Perhaps it's a matter of taste. I hate painfull loud volumes and don't see the need cause the audience will put ear-plugs in...
Working with Bose L1 model 2 for some years now. Indoors one bassbin each side. Outdoors two bassbins on each side. Up to about 500 people it works great. Also with upright, no bassamp on stage needed, directly plugged into the mixer. Drums always acoustic.
The best sound I've experienced ever.
Working with Bose L1 model 2 for some years now. Indoors one bassbin each side. Outdoors two bassbins on each side. Up to about 500 people it works great. Also with upright, no bassamp on stage needed, directly plugged into the mixer. Drums always acoustic.
The best sound I've experienced ever.
It depends on the room, if there is one. In some situations (outside, for example) they do work that way, up to a point. At extreme distances, of course, there is no difference.
I have worked with an L1 with two bass bins for about 8 years, in all sorts of environments. It is, like anything else, better suited for some than for others.
jive1
Commercial User
I've used the L1 in a church setting, as well as for an acoustic pop act. For the acoustic act, the L1 worked out well. Had nice clarity and intelligibility, but lacked low end. My guess is that it probably needed a bass module. The Bose system I used at church had a bass module, and it worked out OK. It had more low end, but it didn't have the punch I was looking for. From a monitoring aspect, they were cool in that they resisted feedback, so you didn't have to be as careful with mic placement to avoid feedback.
Recently, I got to do a little comparison of the L1 and a more traditional box, the Yamaha DXR10. Last week, I checked out a band I used to work with at an outdoor gig that used the L1. The system had really good intelligibility and clarity. The vocals, violin, and acoustic guitar came out sounding nice and clear. From up close it sounded real good, and sounded good from a distance although it started sounding thinner for further distances. But during breaks when they played an MP3s through it, it sounded thin. A little bass up close, and almost none further away. BTW, this system had no bass module.
The following week, I was performing at the same venue doing an acoustic show using a single DXR10 set for FOH, which gives it a little bass boost, and no high pass. From a monitoring aspect, it was a little more challenging in that I couldn't just put the speaker anywhere. I also had to put in a low cut around 80Hz, to keep it from being too boomy. But, the sound was great. It was very full sounding, and did a good job of filling up the space. The sound from a distance was pretty good as well. During breaks was the real difference. The DXR10 sounded loud and full when MP3s were pumped through it. Had plenty of bass, and I was pleasantly surprised by this little speaker.
The DXR10 is a nice box with a street of $599. The L1 goes for $999 without the bass module.
- The DXR10 had more low end, no contest. It also performed better across the frequency range.
- The L1 had a little bit better dispersion in terms of angle, but the DXR was better in terms of distance, especially in the bass frequencies.
- The DXR10 is a little more flexible in that it can be used as a floor monitor.
- The L1 is easier to carry than a DXR10 and a speaker pole. It's a pretty small package. However, the DXR10 isn't too heavy until you add the cover and a 50' XLR cable.
- The L1 is less prone to feedback. The vocalist had the tower behind her, moved around, and no feeback. I had to set the speaker to the side, and move the mic to a place where it wouldn't feedback.
IMO, IME, a good traditional box like the Yamaha DXR10 outpeforms the L1 for less cost and offers more flexibility. However, the L1 is a light carry and quick setup that sounds great for acoustic performances and speech. But, for a full band, I wouldn't suggest it unless you got the additional bass modules. When you get to that point, you're talking about a $2K+ system and there's other comparable and preferable options. But, depending on how you set up the L1, you may be able to get by without a monitor which will save some lugging and set up time. But in the end, I prefer the sound and flexibility of a good speaker cabinet.
Recently, I got to do a little comparison of the L1 and a more traditional box, the Yamaha DXR10. Last week, I checked out a band I used to work with at an outdoor gig that used the L1. The system had really good intelligibility and clarity. The vocals, violin, and acoustic guitar came out sounding nice and clear. From up close it sounded real good, and sounded good from a distance although it started sounding thinner for further distances. But during breaks when they played an MP3s through it, it sounded thin. A little bass up close, and almost none further away. BTW, this system had no bass module.
The following week, I was performing at the same venue doing an acoustic show using a single DXR10 set for FOH, which gives it a little bass boost, and no high pass. From a monitoring aspect, it was a little more challenging in that I couldn't just put the speaker anywhere. I also had to put in a low cut around 80Hz, to keep it from being too boomy. But, the sound was great. It was very full sounding, and did a good job of filling up the space. The sound from a distance was pretty good as well. During breaks was the real difference. The DXR10 sounded loud and full when MP3s were pumped through it. Had plenty of bass, and I was pleasantly surprised by this little speaker.
The DXR10 is a nice box with a street of $599. The L1 goes for $999 without the bass module.
- The DXR10 had more low end, no contest. It also performed better across the frequency range.
- The L1 had a little bit better dispersion in terms of angle, but the DXR was better in terms of distance, especially in the bass frequencies.
- The DXR10 is a little more flexible in that it can be used as a floor monitor.
- The L1 is easier to carry than a DXR10 and a speaker pole. It's a pretty small package. However, the DXR10 isn't too heavy until you add the cover and a 50' XLR cable.
- The L1 is less prone to feedback. The vocalist had the tower behind her, moved around, and no feeback. I had to set the speaker to the side, and move the mic to a place where it wouldn't feedback.
IMO, IME, a good traditional box like the Yamaha DXR10 outpeforms the L1 for less cost and offers more flexibility. However, the L1 is a light carry and quick setup that sounds great for acoustic performances and speech. But, for a full band, I wouldn't suggest it unless you got the additional bass modules. When you get to that point, you're talking about a $2K+ system and there's other comparable and preferable options. But, depending on how you set up the L1, you may be able to get by without a monitor which will save some lugging and set up time. But in the end, I prefer the sound and flexibility of a good speaker cabinet.
Just did a gig where the keyboardist had one (single stick) for his rig and had vocals running through it along with a small mixer. Sounded ok with the keys. Vocals....meh! I had my own rig. He did have a bass module and it sounded good. I can see those being used as mini-subs for small venues. Way too expensive though.
actually Jive the L1 compact is $999.00 the regular L1 is almost twice that at $1799.00 It does have the bass module though.
The BL in one of my bands has a compact that he uses at the guest ranch we play for his solo act. It works well for that. The last 2 band gigs there we used it as a monitor so a guest singer could hear herself. It works, but for the money I could buy a way better speaker to use a s a monitor
jive1
Commercial User
Yeah, I forgot about that. The L1 I used at church was a model 1 or 2, I believe and the L1 used at the outdoor gig was a compact.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I played an outdoor party gig a couple weeks ago and there were a couple different bands at the party. My band played most of the party and the other band played some the other band had a guitar player turned bassist and he had this rig.
He used it for bass, electric guitar and bass guitar. It worked pretty well for all three. On the bass side it worked nicely. But he could have used some effects like a vt bass pedal. The lows were clean and powerful but as he went up the neck and played higher notes it sounded a little sterile. With the 2 bass modules it had lots of low end. I can imagine it would make a nice pa. And if it lacks low end adding a pair of powered 1x15 or 1x18 subs should fill out the sound nicely.
One thing to remember on a pa for a dance club. Get the tweeters up to at least 10 feet high otherwise all the high frequency stuff will be absorbed by the people on the dance floor and the people in the back will hear only the low end.
He used it for bass, electric guitar and bass guitar. It worked pretty well for all three. On the bass side it worked nicely. But he could have used some effects like a vt bass pedal. The lows were clean and powerful but as he went up the neck and played higher notes it sounded a little sterile. With the 2 bass modules it had lots of low end. I can imagine it would make a nice pa. And if it lacks low end adding a pair of powered 1x15 or 1x18 subs should fill out the sound nicely.
One thing to remember on a pa for a dance club. Get the tweeters up to at least 10 feet high otherwise all the high frequency stuff will be absorbed by the people on the dance floor and the people in the back will hear only the low end.
I run everything through one Bose L1 1s with one B2 subwoofer and love it. Everything means bass, guitar, vocals, harmonica, and bass drum or an Alesis SR16 drum machine. I don't really play all that loud, but it sure seems to work for me. As just a bass amp it would be a Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver into the Bose. There wouldn't be so many Bose out there if they weren't working for some of us. I really like the B2 sub.
Just checking in to get some specific feedback from folks using the Bose systems, particularly with experience with the Compact version.
I'm considering a small PA for a 3 to 4 piece side project (Blues, covers, light rock, light jazz), for several SMALL indoor venues (50 to 100 people max).
The PA would be 99 percent vocal only. Bass, guitar, harmonica, would come from their own small amps. Drums would be acoustic, occasionally electric, but let's assume acoustic for sake of this post and let's assume it's mostly rods and/or brushes for low volume.
Option 1: An relatively small powered mixer, a couple hundred watts or so, with a pair of 10" or 12" two way mains. Gravy would be a unit with monitor channels and a couple of small monitors and/or sub out, unnecessary but gravy. Want to keep it simple.
Option 2: Smallest Bose array system I could get away with. No I don't like the prices of the Bose stuff, but one of my former bands used a pair of the original models about ten years ago and yeah, for the smaller venues they worked great and wow, the setup and teardown times were amazingly quick. [Edit: I realize I'd have to add a small mixer to run any more than two channels]
Anyway, I'm familiar with the good and bad of the "big" Bose arrays, but I'm curious if their "half" mast model (don't remember the name but only the top half of the stick has speakers) or especially if the "Compact" model could suit my needs.
I know on paper and the specs say it's too small, but I'm only talking vocals and maybe a [del]harp[/del] harmonica.
Anyway, anyone think the Compact would be adequate? I'm really interested in making it work because I could also justify the Compact in both my and my son's other acoustic guitar work.
Thanks
I'm considering a small PA for a 3 to 4 piece side project (Blues, covers, light rock, light jazz), for several SMALL indoor venues (50 to 100 people max).
The PA would be 99 percent vocal only. Bass, guitar, harmonica, would come from their own small amps. Drums would be acoustic, occasionally electric, but let's assume acoustic for sake of this post and let's assume it's mostly rods and/or brushes for low volume.
Option 1: An relatively small powered mixer, a couple hundred watts or so, with a pair of 10" or 12" two way mains. Gravy would be a unit with monitor channels and a couple of small monitors and/or sub out, unnecessary but gravy. Want to keep it simple.
Option 2: Smallest Bose array system I could get away with. No I don't like the prices of the Bose stuff, but one of my former bands used a pair of the original models about ten years ago and yeah, for the smaller venues they worked great and wow, the setup and teardown times were amazingly quick. [Edit: I realize I'd have to add a small mixer to run any more than two channels]
Anyway, I'm familiar with the good and bad of the "big" Bose arrays, but I'm curious if their "half" mast model (don't remember the name but only the top half of the stick has speakers) or especially if the "Compact" model could suit my needs.
I know on paper and the specs say it's too small, but I'm only talking vocals and maybe a [del]harp[/del] harmonica.
Anyway, anyone think the Compact would be adequate? I'm really interested in making it work because I could also justify the Compact in both my and my son's other acoustic guitar work.
Thanks
Just checking in to get some specific feedback from folks using the Bose systems, particularly with experience with the Compact version.
I'm considering a small PA for a 3 to 4 piece side project (Blues, covers, light rock, light jazz), for several SMALL indoor venues (50 to 100 people max).
The PA would be 99 percent vocal only. Bass, guitar, harmonica, would come from their own small amps. Drums would be acoustic, occasionally electric, but let's assume acoustic for sake of this post and let's assume it's mostly rods and/or brushes for low volume.
Option 1: An relatively small powered mixer, a couple hundred watts or so, with a pair of 10" or 12" two way mains. Gravy would be a unit with monitor channels and a couple of small monitors and/or sub out, unnecessary but gravy. Want to keep it simple.
Option 2: Smallest Bose array system I could get away with. No I don't like the prices of the Bose stuff, but one of my former bands used a pair of the original models about ten years ago and yeah, for the smaller venues they worked great and wow, the setup and teardown times were amazingly quick. [Edit: I realize I'd have to add a small mixer to run any more than two channels]
Anyway, I'm familiar with the good and bad of the "big" Bose arrays, but I'm curious if their "half" mast model (don't remember the name but only the top half of the stick has speakers) or especially if the "Compact" model could suit my needs.
I know on paper and the specs say it's too small, but I'm only talking vocals and maybe a [del]harp[/del] harmonica.
Anyway, anyone think the Compact would be adequate? I'm really interested in making it work because I could also justify the Compact in both my and my son's other acoustic guitar work.
Thanks
For what you are talking about the Compact would be fine. I knew a guy who used one and everyone loved it. I use the L1 1s with the B2 for everything including bass. The compact would be great for just vocals for up to 100 people. It won't go down to the lowest note on a 4 string bass though, for sure. So I'm not sure how it would put out the bass drum thump on an electronic drum set.
Thanks.
Yeah, that's it, the L1 1S, I think that is the next step up from the Compact that I couldn't remember in my previous post.
I appreciate your thoughts.
Good point about the electric kick drum.
It will spur me to do some experimenting over the next few weeks. Thinking out loud I'm wondering if I had the Compact if I could split the drum signal and crossover the highs to the Bose and the lows to my bass amp. I know my amp isn't a sub but may be good enough for the small venues.
I've also been checking out several of the youtube reviews of the Compacts and seems many DJs are using them for pretty large crowds (a couple hundred) by adding powered subs. Maybe an elegant solution for what I'm planning to do.
So, going to investigate what mixer options would suffice (again the compact primarily for vocals), look into incorporating my bass amp (which I would use anyway) as a sub, as well as proper powered sub options.
Of course, with all that factored in the budget I may be close to knocking on the door to the 1S / sub $2k price tag.
More expensive, but would mean no extra bass amp or powered sub, and simpler set up/tear down.
Okay, just another option for me to weigh out.
Still saving my coins, I've got time.
Again, I appreciate the input. Thanks.
