What sort of events are you doing?

I believe they sound great for weddings where the music is pleasant and mild. For music with heavy beats, bass notes and scratching, you may want to look at a traditional speaker.

For events where you don't need 'bowel movement inducing' bass they work quite well. They provide excellent coverage, good frequency response and wonderful flexibility.

In other words, they work excellent for weddings and similar events very nicely.

For school dances and events where you're looking to reproduce a 'nightclub' type experience you're going to need traditional subs.

One other limitation. If you have a BIG crowd of 700-800 people and you want to play to the back of the room with Bose you need to get them up over their heads. Not a problem if you're using the L1 tops with traditional subs - just put them on top of them. FYI - also not a problem if you're playing from a stage. The reason for this is that the 'sticks' are only about 7 feet tall (2 meters). You need to get the speaker up to play to the back of the room. With a traditional speaker you'd just raise the speaker on the stand - something you can't do with the Bose.

If you're trying to decide which way to go on the Bose, I recommend the model 1. If you lose a mixer you can use the one built into the base if you 'had' to for music and a mic. The Model II only has a single input and requires the ToneMatch engine if your'e wanting additional inputs. The Model I is also slightly cheaper.

BTW, I've used a single Bose L1 for up to 150 people without any issues at all. I played a casino ballroom (about 4000 sq. ft) and was able to fill the room, down the hall and annoy other people with a pair of Bose L1's.

I've got 4 bose l1s. I love 'em. Lately, I've used it between 2 and 5 times a week for UCLA Sorority parties. 1 l1 with 2 subs is plenty of power for these parties, which are usually between 80 and 200 kids. I did a frat house party with 2 l1s and 4 subs, about 800 people. Like MM said, if you need to shake the room with bass you'll want to supplement with a regular sub. Sometimes I bring my krk 10" studio sub to supplement, and if it's a really big party, I borrow a jbl 18" active sub from a buddy of mine.

The ease of setup and small size make it a great choice for mobile work. I drive a little hatchback and can still fit 2 l1 systems, my coffin, etc. in there. I definately recommend.

^^ show off!!

Wait I did buy L1 Model 2 :P
I used them in two gigs and I liked them.

800 people at a frat house or another venue?!?

I used them once or twice. They worked well for a wedding. They disburse sound quite well and look very clean, neat and classy if you're doing a wedding or professional event. Extremely portable as well. I like them for that reason the most. Everything else I've read is pretty much on-point. A sub is recommended.

How do they sound if you scratch or cut at louder volume levels particularly on kicks or snares. Do they distort more so than a regular speaker would? Do they sound like they give out of headroom and distort before a conventional speaker would?

Would you rather run standard powered tops with a quality other-brand powered sub or L1's with a quality other-brand powered sub?

The L1's have a built in compressor to prevent damage to the speakers.

I would say that based on what I've heard they distort LESS because there are so many MORE speakers.

Headroom? LOTS of headroom on a properly set up L1 system.

I use the L1 because it WORKS. It was the CHEAPEST way to get an array system of any kind.

Couple it with a properly set up sub and you'll find that it's incredibly flexible. Use the B1's for smaller gigs, pull out the big guns for larger gigs.

+1 musicmeister

At the house.

I've been looking at these again lately. I do mostly weddings and a few other events susally with up to 200 people.
I am looking at the model 2 with the 2 B1's. Do I need the tonematch or will it sound as good just going from my mixer into the system?
For larger venues I can use my Yorkville pair of tops and sub I use now in addition if needed.
Thoughts from L1 users?

Go for 2 L1 compact the best sounds! good bass heres mine

Watchwww.youtube.com

i'm really curious about this system. what's the difference between the 3 models?

how loud can these things get?

i would use 2 L1's with 4 bass bins for a wedding of 200.

the guy at the Bose store said the single L1 with 2 B1s work for up to 500.

500 people that is

And what about their tonematch thing? Do you need it or gain any real advantage with it versus just connecting from your mixer without it?

i did a 400 people wedding with 1 L1 model 2 with 2 bass.
It did good Highs were great but no Bottom

As for the Tonematch you do not need it if you buy a pair of L1s

if your mixer has a Output Sum to Mono then you dont need it, but sometimes the sound comes out muddy.

dont use a Y cable

I also have the L1 compact for small functions happy hours and speeches.

I, for the life of me, do NOT understand why you L1 Bose guys insist on buying those fangled lightweight bass canisters Bose calls bass modules. Why don't you buy an aftermarket REAL sub to go with your L1s?

500...if you're a guy with an acoustic guitar....for a dj, no. it will not.

any other thoughts from L1 owners? I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile. I'm overall happy with my Yorkville 600 watt tops and 200 powered sub but my wife even asks if the L1 would be good since it's light and easy to setup.

how big are your events? i use a single bose L1 and 2 bass bins for weddings up to around 80 ppl. for weddings up to around 200 or so, i would use 2 L1's and 4 bass bins.

i would NOT use these for school functions. maybe the L1's, but definitely with bigger subs.

most of my weddings are around 75 - 100 people with some larger events. Using 2 systems is an expensive proposition and cancels out the advantage of a small lightweight system if you need to carry 2 rather than my one Yorkville setup.

I always felt like Bose products were never made for a hard partying atmosphere. Great for relaxed cocktail parties or some sort of upscale bar...but it's ALLLL mid's + hi's with clarity, no bottom at all, and even the clarity is of a different type that sounds better with live music to me.

I wonder if the Bose guys had never read a lick of marketing literature on the L1s, would they have the same high regards for them.
There's a DJ that spins a yearly pool party in my neighborhood with the 1st gen L1s. They sound cool but he's not hammering so I can never get a gauge on the true sound.

Yeah Bose's best quality is supreme marketing, and it works great with their target base of 35+s who like "high quality sound," especially in the home. None of their products are made for large crowds...and they may stress small size and portability, but most DJ's already know that bigger speakers, especially with subs, tend to work best for crowds, even if it's not as clear.

I spent (and almost wasted) $400 for the Bose portable iPod system, really just to do a beach party this past weekend....I also bought a Sony Xplod Boombox that cost $109 and lets you hook up an iPod or anything else. The Bose sounded a tad bit clearer, but the Xplod sounded better overall for Rap, and it lasted much longer on the 8 D batteries...the damn Bose shit was done after 3-4 hours, off of a FULL battery....so I took it back to Best Buy last night, LOL.

It seems like the only guys to really have the L1s are 50+ year old grey-bearded DJs that ONLY do weddings, are pictured in a corny tux and mic in every pic and have those funny looking all-in-one rack-mount controller units with PC DJ as their software of choice. They'll praise them like they're the ultimate in speaker design and tout how "simply amazing" and "incredible" the sound is and how much their clients praise the Bose at every venue.

My experience with Bose equipment: 801s, 901s, wave radio, factory car stereos etc. has always been that they sound as if they lack highs and lows... kind of an excellent mid-range sound across their entire product line.

I like the simplistic and neat look of the L1. If the price was lower, I'd probably use them for weddings too. My mom thinks Bose is the best thing running. ANything with Bose on the label is top tier in her opinion. Lay people probably think their getting the best sound when a DJ is using them so they can charge a premium touting they have a "Bose" soundsystem. I think the bass bins are worthless and laugh when I see DJs stacking up to 8 Bose bass cans trying to achieve the bass they'll get with someone else's 18" sub.

When I was a new jack I came across a Bose 802 Extended system and didn't know what I had. I ripped the drivers out of the subs and sold them for $100 and traded the tops for a pair of Peavey 15" full range speakers. I was only 19 at the time and this was before the internet was readily available to look this type of stuff up. That was my worst mistake ever a DJ. I liked the sound of the speakers, but I just felt I needed something bigger for my parties.

They were cool looking speakers and I knew of a few bar/lounges that flew them. Didn't they have some weird external hardware crossover that you had to run inline with them? I knew the technology was hogwash after hearing them. 9 little 4.5" PAPER speakers are suppose to produce a full spectrum of sound? GTFO!

Oh... for the record, Bose has some EXCELLENT sounding headphones in those QuietComforts. They just those have dual earcup wires and no coil cord so they're not-DJ worthy.

Well, I'm 49 and do mostly weddings, but rarely wear the tux.
I also have most of my stuff in a rackmount for transport, though I got the dn-s3700s now and they are in separate cases and I use SSL, not pc dj.
My mom had the wave radio too. A Bose rep tried to get me to use the wave thing when they first came out and I told him I'd be laughed out of business using that small thing in a large gym or hall.
Needing multiple systems or even multiple bass bins to get the sound negates the advantage of a light quick setup system since you have to have more things to set up anyway.
I have heard some guys will charge more to use the L1.But then are you not using them as much to get more use out of them for the money spent on them? Plus then you need more systems to use when the client doesn't want to pay the upcharge for the Bose. And you're charging more for what is supposed to be an easier setup and better sound?

My video using 2 L1 compact all i can say is wow! nice clear and krisp sounds

Watchwww.youtube.com

Nice job ernie. It seemed that the sound was pretty consistant even at a good distance. How is the bass on that system?
I do mostly weddings and play mainly top40 and oldies etc.

Out of all the L1s, the compact seems like the 1 to get for me. I've already got a main setup in the QSC powered stuff (2 12" and 2 18"s). This would be great buying only 1 or 2 compact for a ceremony... I would use my other stuff for the more serious sound. If I wanted to gig with the L1Cs, I'd just add an 18" to the fray for true full-range sound.

2 of them is $2000 though... for that kind of loot, they'd have to pay for themselves really quickly.

they do LOL

2 happy hours paid for 1 ;)

Who you DJ'ng for, Oprah?

sounds is consistent on all sides you can hear the music so clear im playing 192 kbps music on that video. with the bass i will tell you im satisfied. not that loud but satsfying
i got people telling me how good the sound is. and 1 compact is enough for 100 guest in an indoor gig

just got from a gig had to use my L1M2 double bass for the dance part and Compact for the ceremony.

that god for the compact, there were guest that had slide shows that no one told me.

I was able to move and use the compact with just using half of the poles and it went perfect

On of my CDJ was not sending the right signal into serato and ended up using VCI all night long WHEEW THANK YOUUU ITCH VCI!

Busy night and both Bride and Groom were very Happy!

Pictures to follow!



how much do you charge?? i go 1k up ;) for weddings

Let's just say I haven't tapped that market yet... LOL

Well get to tappin! LOL

I'd love to get more into that market but it seems more and more people are price shopping. Even with my range starting a little less than that I have people going cheap. I need to figure out how to better market to the upper end weddings.

So how many people were there with your L1M2 double bass setup?

its good to hear that itch save your life lol! i never had a $1k gig

Total guest last night was 250. Ceremony, dining and dancing room were in 3 separate area.
I used the Compact during ceremony, dinner and slide show, while the L1M2 was in the dance area.

Mikep I also have a residency at a restaurant every Friday and Saturday. I just tell my manager that i will be off at least 1 month ahead. I am not too concerned if a potential client turns my price down, but usually they give in.

Figure it out, If a client has 200 guest, catered at 75 dollars a plate, drinks, room rentals, etc = $$$ whats another 1k? :P

Nobody can deny that best part of a wedding is the reception and dancing.
That is what everyone will remember most.

Never go cheap on entertainment, Heck I spent a good $$ for my wedding dj!
and that DJ is on this forum! LOL

So for the 250 the single L1 double bass was enough?

I know the importance of the entertainment but getting the client to buy into it is usually another story. More people are even consdiering doing their own ipod music thing and when the call me they say they realize they might need someone since a DJ does more thanjust play music, like MC, coordinate the events etc.

hey let's sound check when there's no one in the room.

yea this Bose shit sounds OK

Okay... I just went to GC to take a listen to the L1 system(s). They had the L1 original/compact and version II there.

I brought my iPod and listen to several songs: Buy you a drank - TPain, Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls and Beat it - Michael Jackson.

All three of my songs were 320k mp3s.

L1 compact... not impressed. At a nominal volume level, the sound was 'cool' but not "amazing" and "incredible" like others on other forums have mentioned. I played "Don't cha" and the L1 compact did not even pick up the low bass kick in the song. I was done with it after that.
I took a listen to the L1 version II and it was louder than the L1C and had a lil more sub bass but not impressive at all. I walked around the room to see if I'd hear the 'amazing' clarity from every nook and cranny of the room like Bose's marketing would have you to believe and did notice it. It sounded best in front of the speaker.

I'm not gonna even go into the details of the sound as I feel it would be a waste.

If you're playing recorded material (mp3s/cds), these speakers aren't a great solution. They're barely a 'good' solution IMO. I'd rather have a traditional set of powered speakers. I went to the back and played the same tracks on the QSC K12s, HPR 12s and PRX 12s... much more full, louder and deeper and just better all around from all 3 cabinets.

If you're a live acoustic musician or play tons of Bach, Beethoven, CHopin or Jazz, these L1 speakers would be right up your alley.

From bose forum

J.D. Puente
Posted Mon August 17 2009 11:09 AM
Hello all,
I did a gig Saturday night with my Compact using the extensions in a 40x80 Bar&Grill.There were about 75 people eating,dancing,and talking.At one of the tables close to the bandstand was a group of people pointing and discussing my sound source.When I took my break,one of the men came up and asked me where my PA was.I pointed at the Compact behind me.He asked me some more questions not believeing that was the only sound source.He was one of those guys in a group that knows everything about nothing,but has everyone convinced he is wise and ever knowing.I showed him the short line array at top and then showed him the 8" woofer on the Compact.He told his friends that there were speakers inside the extensions that I didn't know about.They then believed that the Compact was doing such a great job because of the hidden speakers inside the extensions.
He left to go the bathroom.I quickly removed the extensions,slid the array into the Compact's slot ,set the Compact on a chair,raised the volume up a notch,and took my break.
I started my next set,and into the second song I noticed everyone pointing at my Compact once again.Doubting Thomas came up and was studying the Compact with a dumb founded look on his face.He commenced to look all over the stage area for some more equiptment.He scratched his head and went back to the table with everyone laughing at him.He didn't have too much to say after that.
That made my night - J.D.

correction... I walked around the room to see if I'd hear the 'amazing' clarity from every nook and cranny of the room like Bose's marketing would have you to believe and DIDN"T notice it.

Dj Gaffle,

Its not for everybody.
Im used to the heavy bass and that was my first complaint about my model2 with double Bass.
I was skeptical at first,search for my bose posts. But after doing weddings with the L1's since last year, I like the Bose for what is has to offer.
I got my friday and saturday residency to satisfy my "club bass" requirement.

If you lived my way id invite you to a gig and let you hear it ln action ;)

But I've heard it in action at the GC, albeit, with 1 B1 bass can.

I think the thought that sound is coming from a skinny Black stick of vertical speakers and and the name 'Bose' as to the "it sounds great" status. If one were blind folded and the L1 were compared to a very good quality 'traditional' powered full-range speaker, most people would choose the traditional speaker. To each his own...

i never rely on in store demos, the rooms sometimes gives you false reading.
and I am not trying to sell you anything lol!

i came from the srm450s yes they were more "punchy" louder
i came from 4 double 18 sub scoops in the early 90s

The bose is NOT "club" banging speakers.

But for wedding use it fits my needs.

Tomorrow I will be just using the L1 Compact at my company's Happy Hour outdoor.
along with my laptop and a VCI-300.

easy setup and tear down = FTW!

Amen to that... I'm not completely there yet but working on it.

Ok fellas here's the deal yes the bose is expensive and have you know limits an so on but let be true to what this is mobile DJ........ The art of carrying the bose bags some cords a coffin a sub and a laptop....... Priceless! I been DJing from late 80's early 90's and the biggest thing was moving equipment and having someone or I should say a crew moving MY speakers. OK if you are a club DJ and need the Yorkvilles JBLs and all that back breaking equipment go right ahead with that. I live in NY (brooklyn stand up) I play hard core reggae music hip hop top 40 etc I use 1 l1 and 1 QSC 18 active sub and I rocked every gig I did this summer. If you know how to hook up your equipment and its clean without the mudd YES GIVE ME MY BOSE ANYDAY. The rest of you who needs a crew to be a mobile DJ enjoy. I will bring my little 2 speakers to anyones event and we can go toe to toe. A small ax can cut down a big tree. Thats my .02

I found this video on youtube hes using 2 L1C with 20 percent volume.

Watchwww.youtube.com

+1

I found this video on youtube hes using 2 L1C with 20 percent volume.

Watchwww.youtube.com

nice! youre making me want to buy another compact! damnit!

FYI I finished my gig it was was raining like heck!
ended up djaying in my mini van LOL
Will upload some pics and vids

Sum pictures

viewmorepics.myspace.com

I lol'ed at myself

Watchwww.youtube.com

nice stuff ernie and X.

Does anyone ever have deals on Bose? It seems that sales always exclude Bose.

they have 1 year 0 interest

That can help, but it would be nice to get a deal too :-).

ok so I've done some research on these systems and can anyone confirm this:

Bose L1 Compact : 70 watts

Bose L1 Original: 750 watts (w/ bass bin)

Bose L1 II: 500 Watts

Anyone with more comparisons between the model 1 and 2?

check the bose site they have a side by side comparison.

Thanks, I saw that but was wondering about anyone ho has tried or used both. And do you NEED the T1?

bump

anyone?

nah, i doubt it.

i have the old model (which i hear is supposedly compatible with the T1) but i run the preset eq on the bose flat. didn't bother to upgrade the firmware which is supposed to have a setting for more bass but my friend did it and i wasn't impressed. It's like they cut some mids or highs besides adding bass. Running the presets at 00 had the best clarity in my opinion. all i do is just pump the bass on the handheld control and control eq'ing from my mixer.

I believe on the model 1 you can hook L&R straight into the base

Model 2 has only 1 input which what made me buy the T1 just to get stereo into the T1 then into the Model II.

I tried the Mono Switch via Scratchlive out to mixer and a single cord into the Model 2 and the sound was very Muddy.

do you need the T1 for djaying? No. Some of my gigs require multiple Mics so purchasing the T1 was justified.

Alright so, I bought a Compact for a basement house party and I did notice that I had enough volume but I was lacking the bass I needed so I added a small JBL control subwoofer to it and I was fine. I'm thinking about either picking up a model II with 2 bass modules but I'm getting the impression that I won't be happy with the bass I get so, I'm wondering if I should just get a second Compact and perhaps a QSC K-Sub. What are your thoughts DJ_X_Trodinaire?

If you don't live too far away I'd be interested in hearing your system. I listened to the L1's in GC too and I agree that you can't go by what you hear in that demo room and my Compact sounded much better when I tested it at home and during the house party.

go with the qsc for your intents and purposes

LOL

Hi Westell
I live in Rockville Md not tooo far from Waldorf.
It all depends on what music majority you play.
If you are playing all heavy bass music then go buy a Sub.

Model 2 will definitely be louder and has more bass than the compact, again it depends on how loud you want the bass to be.

ive had the model 2 for over a year and yes now i can really say that i am very satisfied with it. And also satisfied with the compact for the few month Ive had it.

the next gig that i will use my Model 2 will be Dec 5th in Frederick.
You can check it out live, just let me know.
I will let you know if something earlier comes up.

Alright, thanks.

I was thinking about getting a Model 2 around March but I don't wanna keep dumping money into a system and still not be able to get the sound I'm happy with. I play mostly house but for the house party I had to play lots of Go-Go and rap, so I ended up taking out an extra subwoofer to get more low end. Over all I do enjoy the sound quality coming from the classic and my thinking was 2 compacts would possibly give me more volume and then I could invest in an active subwoofer. I'm still not sure what I want to do because I really like the portability of the compact.

Portability and looks are the main reasons i bought the Bose systems. Huge complements specially for wedding parties.

Now if you are constantly playing go go and rap you definitely want to get a separate subs.

Honestly, I hate go-go but that's what these kids wanted to hear. I didn't own a system prior to my purchase so I kind of bought it on a whim and I really needed something lightweight and easy to set up. I was really impressed with the design and that's why I bought it and the sound quality wasn't bad either. I liked the way that the sound projects from it no matter if you're near it, or standing on the other side of the room. I'd definitely be interested in hearing your system. Just let me know when you have the time available.

I just got a K-sub to supplement my bose for when I want more bass and I'm very happy with the results...the l1 spreads the highs and mids around the room with better coverage than anything else I've used, and the K-Sub does the job while still being compact and easy to move. If you really want a thumping sub, the k isn't the way to go, but if you're willing to sacrifice a little bit for a compact easy to move sub, it's perfect.

That's kind of what I was wanting to know. Thanks Michael Basic. Even my sales guy at GC was suggesting that but I never fully trust the guy working on commission. lol

DJ Michael Basic, which bose system do you have?

before i only have 1 bose l1 compact but after purchasing another compact now im satisfied even without subwoofer the sounds is so clear and amazing!

@ ernie,

Yeah, I think that was your video I saw on the Bose forum (at the park). I guess it goes back to the same thing that keeps being said, it depends on the type of function and the type of music that you play. I've been organizing a bunch of music in ScratchLive and so I've got the compact hooked up to my laptop as a reference. Maybe it's just me but it seems like I get more bass response off to the side of the compact than I do from in front of it. I wonder if it's because of the design with the array being placed directly in front of the subwoofer.

Do you notice more volume when using 2 compacts as compared to running just one? I was thinking about taking mine back out to GC to run it next to their floor model to see if it gives more volume, or just more coverage. I've read on the Bose forums that only the model 1 & 2 gives more volume but I also keep in mind that most of the users on that forum are musicians or strictly wedding reception/karaoke DJ's. Simply meaning that they don't use the speakers at "rave" levels all the time and most of them play less woofer intensive music than some of the stuff that the rest of us play.

Hi all..I am an Entertainer and Kids recording Artist in Australia..I have been using an "AMICO 1000 w Pa - it has 2 - 8 inch Sattelite spks , Built in Mixer and 15" sub! Its on wheels but a heavy Motha ! I am intersted in the Bose L1 ..
I have seen that the newer L1 compact is a little light on Volume..I perform a lot of shows in School Halls to anything from 150 to 400 ...I use a Radio headset wireless , Mac , Otcopad Drum Pads , Sure 58 with canon leadand an IPod .
Would a Bose L 1 cut it?? I run the amico not much over 50% ..at school gigs
At the end of the show i kick it up and get em to dance so I need some grunt.
Which Bose would do the job! .
I am touring all 2011 and wanna punchy . reliable, PORTABLE pa..
IF anyone can help would be great! cheers
mooseboy

mooseboy, i don't think the bose L1 is for you.

hey mooseboy.... I love my L1M1. I just got my second set so I have 2 L1M1 with 4 B1.
1 set woould work for most of my weddings but 2 will give me more coverage and fullness and act as backup.
Some people say it doesn't give the "punch" they want so they use more B1's or add another sub. For most of what I do it's fine.
If you have a chance to check them at a local store do that. They also have a 45 day satisfaction guarantee that may be for your area also.
Also go the their online forum to see how people are using them.

The Bose systems aren't for everyone, and the Compact system is even more limited to the types of events that it can be effectively used for. The main advantages of these systems are that they have one of the best coverage areas of any typical PA system on the market. They also have the huge advantage of being very lightweight and very efficient with the built-in power amps that they use.

In my humble opinion they cannot really be compare to a traditional PA setup because of their design. They are best suited for events where quality sound is more desired than volume. That's not to say that they can't go loud, because they are very capable systems when it comes to output. You will find that most people (especially on the Bose forum) are either musicians or primarily wedding DJ's.

The main thing to keep in mind when considering this system is that it is a Bose unit. If you own any of their other products, then you should be familiar with "Bose" sound. People seem to either love it or hate it, but with the L1 systems they are attempting to take that same sound quality and project it over a much larger area, over longer distances with an even volume level so people up close to the speakers aren't getting headaches throughout the event.

If you are in a position to try them out, then I suggest that over going to a store to listen to them. The sound rooms in most stores aren't realistic places to get a good enough idea of what they will sound like at an event. For the venues that you're doing right now the Model 1 or 2 would be the suggested setup with about 4 of the B1 subs.

I get a kick from clients saying "that sounds is coming from that 1 speaker?" You're great here's an extra $100.

That's another big plus that I hear from almost all Bose DJ's... They are able to charge a lot more for their events and usually have no problem getting it.

yah thats me on the youtube vidoe all i can say is if you want clear and good sounds the bose is the one.. cuz most crowd like weddings or party they like what the clear and crisp sound of the bose.. and also i always got good compliment because of its design very compact and i dont need tripod and i can set it up almost anywhere. and if i have a bigger crowd i just bring my JBL prx 518 powered sub woofer and i will tell you it can cater the crowd of 400 people or more

Just ordered myself the Bose L1 double bass system (model 1). Any tips or pointers from you long time users? I've seen some people on the Bose forums elevate the units, is that really needed?
Extra bass is not a concern for me because I have a 18" B-52 powered sub and two 15" JBL's if needed.
Thanks

Some tips:

You'll get much more volume with XLR Cables than 1/4"

The only "Master Volume" knob is on the remote, so if you find that you're having to push the bose to clipping to get enough volume, plug the remote in and turn the gains down and the master volume up.

Drunk chicks think this is a stripper pole, so set it up somewhere where it's protected from access.

Elevating it will extend its range somewhat...not necessary unless you're playing to a lot of people or in a long thin room. For small groups (50 ppl) you can use it with just one of the speaker poles.

Some accessories you might consider buying:

www.ebay.com

www.ebay.com

or

www.ebay.com

Holy crap, I would flip my shit if some bitch tried to hang from my $2,000 stripper pole.

Thanks. What preset do you suggest? 58? Does hanging lights from them cause any rattling with those or any adapters?

3000 (with the controller thing, hear it makes a huge difference)

So I used it at a bar this past weekend up in Wisconsin. Gotta say it worked very well. I did use preset 58 for a little extra kick.

Hey Michael,
Have you tried them?

i'm a little concerned about loudness. do they have the punch that you need to turn it up. Someone said they are best for live music but not the pack the dance floor loudness that people want.

The loudness was definitely there. I never even turned up more than half way and the venue I was at had about 300 drunk college kids in it. The bass was just okay, no floor vibrating bass like my 18" sub puts out but certainly gets the job done for most of my gigs.
The venue did have their own speakers but I actually asked them to turn them off after I discovered quite a few of them were busted and had that nasty farting/muffled sound.

lol... i know exactly what you mean.

Do you use two or the towers and 2 subs?

Nope I only purchased one of the towers with two bass boxes.
I still have two B-52 Matrix 2000 systems and two JBL 15" powered speakers if I ever need more sound for huge events.

i'm really leaning to getting one myself... other than looks, what would make you want to buy a 2nd one?

The looks are a factor but not a huge factor for me. The biggest factor was the weight and size of it. After all these years of lugging huge traditional speakers, up and down stairs, in and out of my van, through snow etc. I wanted something easier to transport and setup. This is my first Bose system, not my second one.
So far this move reminds me of when I stopped using vinyl only. It still kind of amazes that I can carry a 35,000 plus song collection in a hard drive that fits in my pocket.

I need to hear one of these. I just don't believe it...

After working 3 yrs at a production company doing concert sound, the one thing I learned is you can't cheat physics. I you want clean, crisp sound in a big room, you need lots of power and big speakers. You need to move lots of air, and there is NO WAY around that. People are "water bags" and absorb sound like you wouldn't believe. The more people you need to cover, the more sound you need.

Every other Bose system is gimmicky at best, I can't imagine that this one is any different. There is a reason professional audio companies buy line arrays and racks of power amps, not a bunch of Bose systems.

Different strokes for different folks. As has been said a million times before if you want that earthquake feeling, glasses vibrating on the table type bass then look at traditional speakers instead.
I had the same doubts as you about it's coverage and sound until this one gig I had a couple of years ago. Here I was loading in with my van full of gear and huge speakers and this other DJ pulled up with a little Camry and pulled the Bose setup out the trunk. I didn't even think it was a speaker when I first saw it. I thought he might have been the photography guy or something, but the room he was mixing in had about the same amount of people in it as mine (about 150) and it did cover the whole room. It didn't have that crazy thumping bass but it was definitely impressive, enough so that I told myself I'd get myself a set when I could.

it's not the bose system, but here is a wright up from mobile beat magazine, i use the set up with a qsc gx7, killer sound, download pdf-----> www.mediafire.com

dunno who said it, but i'll back that up.

background levels, it's great. the dispersion is awesome. but when you want to kick it up to dance levels, the system automatically limits itself so the user doesn't blow the speakers. you're used to feeling more bass and depending on how many bass bins you have, the system will only let things go so much.

i've used a dual setup with 4 bass bins (2 per stick) for weddings around 200. when it's dance time, true, the focus is only for those on the floor. pumping things louder, it will go louder....except for the bass. those get limited. at higher levels, it sounds like you're running without subs and won't have that punch.

for a small system with more thump, i'd take a look at the new ev zxa system. the 8" tops with 12" subs.

thats what this pdf is......2 sb122's & 2 zx1'a---> www.mediafire.com

Had a sales guy saying if you want thump, to just run your normal subs. through a cross over, and use the Bose as your normal mains, no need for any other type of speakers.

wtf, this system is so wack. i just came from a wedding with and this guy was using this system, it has a little clarity to it, but its weak and hollow, deff no bass. then my other friends wedding in june, the f'n dj is using another bose system "Our enhanced BOSE Sound System includes two BOSE 802 loud speakers, and two BOSE MB4 subwoofers, for a total of four speakers. They deliver up to 1500 watts of power that can fill any size venue. You and your guests will be blown away with crystal clear music, and Bass you can feel." - what is this?

Yeah I have the SKB case and the light bar. The case is fantastic, way better than the bags it comes with. I love things on wheels. The light bar is good too, but don't hang heavy lights from it as it'll tilt your tower forward a little (not enough to make it fall but it points it downwards slightly and you lose some dispersion.) I hang a Revo 4 and microgalaxian from it with no trouble.

These days, most of the time I use the bose, I use it as my mains and instead of the subs it came with, I use my QSC powered sub.

I do have a lounge gig that I do where I use it with 1 sub...but as has been said a ton of times in this thread, if you want punch, run it with a bigger powered sub.

My pet peeve about speaker shopping in general, is that you never have a very large room to test it in... so at loud volumes, it just sounds like a loud speaker in a small room... wow! sound travels 30 feet really well... and wow, its loud 30 feet away too...

Oh Em Gee!!!

compare below models... why would i get one vs another. Is the tone match that big of a deal to us? If i played a ton of different instrruments it would be a big deal.. but it at least comes with presets...

L1® Model I double bass package

to

L1® Model II double bass package

to

L1® Model II double bass package with ToneMatch® audio engine

In my humble opinion, the whole concept of these systems are if you prefer the "Bose" sound for PA applications. I've used mine indoors and out but as with any type of PA setup, there will always be variables that will impact your sound needs. One thing that this system will impress you with is its sound coverage. It has an almost 180 degree coverage pattern and emits sound for a very long distance (especially outdoors). A lot of people who are fans of this system will tell you that if you want big bass with them, then buy the additional Bose subs (up to 4 per unit). That's just going to add more "Bose" sounding bass to the system but won't give you the bass that you're looking for.

Through some experimenting, I have found that the best setup for me has been to use your own sub of choice and use the L1 "sticks" as your tops. I use a dbx Driverack PX to control them and it made a huge difference in sound quality and volume output (even helps the smaller Compact in this configuration).




The main difference with these packages for DJ applications is that the Model I is considered to be more directive and has a bright spot towards the front of it which will give the impression that it's louder. The Model II has a more even/consistent sound pattern and is supposed to be have the latest technology and design of the two (according to Bose). Although a lot of people still prefer the Model I because they have been able to use it in some cases (background dinner music) without the sub.

The ToneMatch engine is basically a box with Bose sound presets installed in them designed to make all of their PA systems have the "Bose" sound signature. Not that this is a bad thing mind you...but it's a little bit of exaggerated advertising from Bose that these were designed with DJing in mind and to me, that's just not the case.

I hope that most will agree that there are several different types/categories of DJs out there. It's not to knock one style or another, but weddings don't usually require the sound levels/frequencies of clubs. These speaker systems aren't for everybody but can be used very effectively in DJ applications. One immediate comparison between these systems and traditional PA systems is that they sound almost the same no matter where how near/far you're standing. With traditional PA speakers, they can really cause discomfort to the audience if they are too close to them for long periods of time (wedding receptions, dinner parties, bars, etc).

I use the Compact model for as much stuff as possible and it never fails. I can set everything up in one trip from the car and if I need more sound coverage, I can add a second unit with a single powered sub, all being managed through my dbx unit.

i just posted this same question in another thread, but this semms like a better place.

i've been thinking of getting a bose l1, but i'm wondering about the lack of a loud spot. it seems like i want a loud spot in order to make the dancefloor louder then the seating. also can you really use it as a monitor? i usually like my monitor to be less loud than the dancefloor.

thanks

Kinda expensive to be just your monitor. However, I have placed either my model II or the compact next to my DJ table so I can use them as a monitor also.

And they are on sale now, all models.

Yeah I meant as a monitor and main. So do you usually use it without an additional monitor? And is it possible to make the dancefloor louder than it is at the tables in the back of the room? Thanks

physics handles that one

I wonder if they are bringing out new models?

So would most people agree that the ToneMatch Audio Engine is over rated?

^For DJ use yes, but since I do some karaoke the extra channels help out

They usually go on sale at this time of year and around December.

Wonder how these would work as satellites in conjunction with a traditional system? Anyone tried?

yurp, and the L1s apparently have different physics than traditional tops. They're line-arrays and whatnot.

I've seen a review where someone that the even dispersion is a problem because the seating is as loud as the dancefloor. I've also seen a review where someone said that they don't actually cover the room well enough.

If anyone has any experience with using a L1 in a wedding style event (dancefloor and seating in one room) lemme know how it treated you as far as dispersion and dancefloor volume.

And did you miss having stereo sound?

Anyone that uses a model 2 use a small mixer to sum the signals?

Really thinking of buying one of these things.
I have a qsc H system already. The wooden cabinets sound great and it knocks, but it's a little overkill for a restaurant or winery gig or whatever.

thanks

Deezlee

The only thing I could suggest is to do the 45 day trial.
You will get a lot of different answers just like what you just posted.
Different scenarios different results.

I am happy with my L1 M2 with double bass and my Compact. I have had my M2 since 2008.
I did purchase the Bose T1 mixer for the sole purpose of summing the stereo signal.
But then I started using the T1 for Karaoke, so it worked out.
I tried using the Mono sum in Serato but it sounded muddy. The highs disappeared.

I only had 1 complaint that it was too loud LOL.
Lots of complements on the looks and sound.

Now that I see that the prices are down, I will consider buying another model 2 but with just 1 bass bin and buy the EV Zxa-Sub as a extra punch for larger parties.
Yes these do not provide club thumping bass, but they are adequate. Fyi I use to be a resident club dj so yes I do miss the thump!

Good luck!

If a large crowd is standing in front of your speakers it does not matter what type of speakers you use, some of the sound will be blocked/absorbed. I have seen other DJ's elevator their Bose systems for larger events.

Thanks y'all. Yeah imona try and get one. Seems like it'd make my life easier.

it would be cool if they made it so that you could have it horizontal like a lighting bar and get the 180 coverage... you could elevate it and get great distribution,

Freeman there are some light bar made for the L1s

I have not tried them yet but good concept.

www.ebay.com

I am talkin about turning it 90 degrees ant raising it 7 or 8 feet in the air so less sound is absorbed by people. It will travel further and sound better

I purchased one of those^
Works great. I used it for a small backyard party where my usual light setup would have been overkill. Hung a couple of LED washes on there and called it a night.
But I think Free Man is talking about.. Never mind he just posted :)

The built-in bass of the Bose L1 is impossibly good already given that it's an array of tiny little speakers, but it's just not enough punch for a dance event.

Add a subwoofer (either the Bose model or another one) and even the entry-level Bose L1 is awesome for an impressive amount of space. All L1 models have a TRS 1/4" line-out that you can run to a sub. Higher-end models have the option of adding an integrated subwoofer.

so, anyone tried/upgrade to the new bose model? or just upgrade the bass?

bose l1 model 1s (this model is between compact and l1, hence the l1s)
bass b2 (they say its equivalent to 4 bass module)

www.bose.com

Is a B2 supposed to be like four of the smaller bass modules? Hmm I might have to consider adding one of those to my rig. Sometimes I miss the bass kick I would get from the 18" sub I used to use.

i think that the bass is suppose to fill in the lows more than provide any kind of kick of bump. I have seen many people get subs like any other system that we would use.

I my opinion its best to have a more clear precise sound than a bunch of bass. Sometimes a system can be to harsh and loud sounding that the sound is no longer pleasing and satisfying. You can have a loud system with some clarity or have all clarity with Bose.

I still have my L1 M2 since 2008 and the L1 Compact.

They are still my back's favorite system LOL

Hi guys,
I have 2 of the Bose L1 M2 with 2 B2 bass modules and a T1 tonematch, they handle most of my gigs. I was like most people very sceptical about what the system could do, thankfully my local dealer said if I took the system to try and it wasn't right for my needs then he would change it for a system that was. I used the system for a month at various gigs and it performed very well indeed! I tend to do weddings, bday parties and corporate gigs etc, I use both systems at most gigs regardless of the size of booking cuz I want stereo sound and I think it looks better :) I only use a traditional 15" or 18" sub with the Bose for marquee bookings if needed but the b2 bass has 3 different bass settings so it's fine for most bookings, I also visit the venue before the bookings to eminate any potential sound problems which is what many people on the forums tend to worry about...
From what I read on here and other forums most people have the compact or 1 L1 M2 with B1 units, the newer system with 2 B2 bass module does me just fine. I hope this helps anyone thinking of buying this system but I would recommend buying 2 systems to get the most out of it.