Bose L1 systems comparison - indoor/outdoor

[ROBERT49JR]

checking out everything I can on the Bose L1 and came across this. You guys sound FANTASTIC ! To hell with all the "anti" comments. Anyone with a half an ear can hear how good this system sounds, and you guys certainly do it justice. Purchasing mine this weekend. My back and ears can't wait !

[PeterVred]

@ROBERT49JR Yeah, to hell with them! You just don't know until you've spent time in that L1 sound field. It's blissful. I would not have been making music these last 9 years with them.

[torytompkins]

I love my Bose l1 model 2 for solo gigs in Austin and Houston Tory TT from Austin Texax

[BudMantheyBand]

I have 2 L1's (4 subs) didn't really need the 2nd but I wanted to Go sterio , I just A/B'd one L1 set up against My old Pa 4 yamaha S115Vi 's 400 w.at 4oms the 4 Yamys were always blisteringly LOUD !!!! and would have to be way out Front to be cranked up . But. one L1 takes the bass guitar /electric Drums/ My guitar (often looped) and 3 vocals ... EASILY LoUDER and Clearer . the 2 systeme are OBSCENE !!!! check out My channel , Then look for ' Strum and Drummer'. Have a nicer day .

[alfie62]

just wondered if anyone has an idea of how this compares volume wise with my system, two mackie srm450's and a swa1501 bass!! seems to me that the size of this would compromise the bass side of things?

i'm a solo singer guitarist and use midi backings with a roland mc80 microcomposer!!

[patchcords]

Those sound great! I just imagine how it sounded there "live"

[doomey89]

could you use one L1 speaker as a guitar cabinet for an 18w guitar tube amp?

[blackholesun2001]

Hey folks

I've used top of the line Mackie's and the B52 systems for my Roland TD20vk's

and I also have a Yamaha DTX 950. In other words I don't skimp on cheap gear.

A good friend is drum manager in a local store and told me that the L1 series II with two sub woofs was great. He was right. I auditioned the system. Best fucking sounds i've heard of the V drums from even higher wattage or supposedly "higher end" PA's. By the way, I also tried them with JBL EON"s the 1500 pair and the bose wins.

[PeterVred]

@blackholesun2001 I agree!

[WiLARP]

I like the fact that I could trade everything in and not have to haul hundreds of pounds of equipment in.

As I learned more about sound reinforcement and how to set up smarter, I was able to get rid of my monster 4k watt SP6's and am looking for something like this...

[platinumplusenter]

There was a discussion on a DJ chatboard about the Bose and I felt that they are kind of expensive compared to other Pro audio gear. I do a lot of research on audio equipment and I'm always looking for new ideas and a better way of doing things. I've seen and heard the Bose system many times and it sounds just fine IMO. My interested in the L1 is the fast load in and setup. That's super important to me. I really haven't considered the L1 because of the price, but I may change my mind some day.

[PeterVred]

Yes, the L1 is expensive, but for a professional, or even the passionate, it's a great long-term investment. I used to have gobs of gear, speakers, amps, monitors, mixers, & racks of outboard gear used to try to "fix" it all. I sold all of it once I got my first L1. I now have three of them, and they cost less than what I took in on my old gear on eBay. So, price is relative.

Not only am I free from lugging all the gear, but the sound "on stage" is the best it's ever been.

[platinumplusenter]

@PeterVred I do a one man show singing to backing tracks. It doesn't pay much. I do it because I love to entertain. I consider myself a professional entertainer. I'm considering selling off most of my gear and get an L1 system because it's so portable and fast/easy to set up. I'm also looking to do weddings down the road and I think the L1 is a good way to go, but I would probably use an LS720P or some other sub instead of the Bose bass bins. Music is LOVE, keep up the great work you are doing!

[platinumplusenter]

Wow, these guys are really good!!! Sound is good too. Very cool electronic drums too. VERY, VERY good vocals which is rare on YouTube! Thanks for posting this.

[PeterVred]

Thank you for the very nice comments plantinumplus!

You are quite a good singer yourself.

What led you to view this video...interest in the Bose L1?

[Adriansamash]

Suena muy bien!! y tocan muy chido felicidades!!

[UK2AK]

You don't mention if the bass is going through the Boses as well.

[PeterVred]

Hi UK2AK ,

Everything goes thru the L1s. Bass is going into a Line 6 BASS POD, guitar is going into a Roland MicroCube amp, and is Lined Out into the L1. No amp speakers on stage, everything is Bose sound. Last year we made the move to Model II systems, the bass now goes directly into a T1 Tonematch set to a 69 Fender Jazz preset and sounds great.

[UK2AK]

@PeterVred

Wow. Perfect. Thanks for that detail.

I have the 1st generation L1s and love them, not that I wouldn't love moving to the current generation more.

I have friends who are considering them, but their bass player seems to think that the L1s can't handle bass and they intend to gig with everyone using Bose except the bass.

I'm a bass player and I'm trying to tell them to go all Bose, they'll be glad they did.

[PeterVred]

UK2AK,

One more BIG thing...our bassist & I both use the Bose Extended Bass Package on our Double Bass Systems,so we each have FOUR B1 bass modules. We don't always use all 4 though, for really quiet gigs, we will go with two, but for the bars and louder gigs, 4 can be pretty essential. That was why our bassist used the POD with only 2 bass mods, for the extra boost. You can also put kick drum and bass gtr in the same system to save on money.

[PeterVred]

UK2AK, The Bose sounds great with bass, but it IS different than you might be used to...the L1 is more "deep water" bass, than snappy, punchy bass at a flat setting. But our bassist, after using the L1 for a while, sold all his old bass combos (and his old PA!) and loves the L1.

[Aldenif]

Question: Using the Tone Match syst., what are the best settings for the music & mic. so that one's vocals won't sound as though they are singing from far away but rather sound natural and balanced. I know there many settings like reverb, frequencies, etc, but I don't understand much. Could you tell me where you would recommend setting the options in all sections of that little turning knob on the top right area of the tone match so that one's voice will sound the way it should be heard??

[PeterVred]

Do our vocals sound "far away"?

I'm not hearing that.

Maybe you are just used an In-your-face speaker in front of the band.

The L1 is behind the band, so the musician can hear what you hear.

That maybe be why you hear it as "distant".

I've listened from out front too, and sort of know what you are saying.

But I've adjusted, and so has our audience.

We're very happy.

Tweaking the T1 is infinitely variable, no one setting works for all things, like any mixer.

I hope this helps

[PeterVred]

Also...we are NOT using T1 ToneMatch in this clip, this was made before it came out.

[wosfu]

I see you are using the L1's outdoors but on a stage with a backwall to reflect the sound. How do you think they would do outdoors but in the open air?  Have you tried them this way? Thanks Keith

[PeterVred]

We sat up on the ground IN FRONT OF this stage to give the B1s a back wall, and because the L1 won't throw sound UP or DOWN, just 180 degrees out. Although reflections will take the sound up higher.

I hope this helps.

[PeterVred]

Keith, here is a video without a back wall. We've done plenty of gigs out in the open with no problems.

[generatrix999]

Yeah, perfect- BOSE L1-return it to sender, it sounds like shit

[PeterVred]

@generatrix999

What, exactly, is it that you do not like about the sound of the L1? "It sounds like shit" is just not giving me enough info. I'd like to be able to improve our sound, maybe your clarifications would be of some help. To me it sounds very clean and clear...not sure what more you could ask for.

[generatrix999]

@PeterVred

If you think BOSE sounds good, I can't help you.

[PeterVred]

I don't know about BOSE in general, but I do quite like the sound of the L1 systems when used as they were designed, one system per player. So do the majority of those who commented on this video, all but you as a matter of fact. So I think I'm in good company. I really wish you could have elaborated on your derogatory comments, enlightenment is good, even if it's hard to take.

[generatrix999]

@PeterVred Yes and Bose loves you for it, the L1 system is classic Bose- shallow, lacking detail.

Let us know if you have this system in a year or two, most dump theirs after further exposure to better sounding systems.

[PeterVred]

Have been using L1s since 2003, wouldn't use anything else. Used traditional PA (15/horn & subs, racks & racks of cure-alls) gear since '71. Sold all that stuff after buying my first L1. So yeah, I've been exposed to "other" gear.

I think the L1 is more detailed than traditional gear. Guess we'll just have to disagree on that.

[CoCoKid]

@generatrix999

That has to be the lamest flame against Bose that I have ever heard. People will no skill that don't understand it and have only hate for it. I agree Pete. If you are going to dis something, at least come up with a legitimate reason why you hate it. "Shallow" and "Lacking detail" is a poor attempt at excusing yourself from an intelligent conversation. If you don't like Bose and have nothing to back your hate, don't say anything and move on. I Love the Bose L1 !!

[CoCoKid]

@generatrix999

That has to be the lamest flame against Bose that I have ever heard. People will no skill that don't understand it and have only hate for it. I agree Pete. If you are going to dis something, at least come up with a legitimate reason why you hate it. "Shallow" and "Lacking detail" is a poor attempt at excusing yourself from an intelligent conversation. If you don't like Bose and have nothing to back your hate, don't say anything and move on. I Love the Bose L1 !!

[generatrix999]

@CoCoKid I think you meant to say "People 'will' become skilled and realize Bose sounds like a can."

Look, no serious musicians use Bose gear, otherwise Bose'd be big in the pro market... why they're not? Sounds like mid-range consumer stereo gear as all Bose does.

Again, get back to us in a year or two at which time I'll bet you'll have already shit can the Bose.

[rrrrockin]

@generatrix999 i agree ive tried most on the market ,,,and found the almighty bose was a shit box midrange oversized AM radio ..the frequency range lacks the low hz range ,,,..I use 2 SR150Jam plus amps di to Hartke 140w bass amp for my acoustic,and line6 wireless mic ,,,have a nice day

[PeterVred]

@CoCoKid Best to leave the troll under the bridge. Check out his channel...he's not a musician. We will never change the mind nor the opinion of the Anti-Bose faction, the vast majority of whom have never gotten to know an L1 as we have.

[panaclean775]

@CoCoKid Thumbs up to you!! Well said! I am pretty tired of all the anti Bose comments myself..Video's on your computer sound as good as you computer..I have heard these L1'S from a local band at a wedding.I was very impressed to say the least at the sound quality.Rich and very powerful from such small enclosers!! I am a Bose fan.Love there idea of what good sound should be:)

[arjunkaul]

Hi, sorry but i have a question..what dyou think would be the basic (bare-minimum) requirement for a four piece rock/metal band?

2 guitars, 2 vox, bass and drums?

Using the L1 system i mean.

[djfritzentertainment]

if your playing any kind of loud/agressive music... DO NOT USE NEWER BOSE PRODUCTS the older 901 and 801's will cover your mids and highs alright but if you want your tone as well as im assuming the deep punchy kick your looking for use EAW, Kustom, Makie, Tapco, JBL, or even home made boxes (I recommend goldwood drivers) BUT DO NOT USE BOSE!

[MrDickTater]

djfritzeentertainment - We have had this discussion and heard this type of Anti-Bose rants many times, but we have proven this to be false.

If you are wanting to play extremely loud to where your ears bleed and you can't make out anything but distortion, then yes, the Bose isn't for you.

However, we have played venues that needed some extra bite and just added a few extra B1's all around (2+ per person / 4 each Bass & Drums) and the Bose rocked like champs!

[PeterVred]

True, if you like your music loud and aggressive, the L1 is not for you.

[badbrian1]

thank you for that info

[PeterVred]

arjunkaul,

I can not comfortably recommend L1s for your type of music. They are not mean to be loud+, but they are clean and clear. It is possible to sound heavy and full and powerful at a lower volume that would work with the L1s, but would require small amps or simulators running direct. It would be a change and some don't like that. The great thing about L1s is "being in the soundfield". The stage sound where you stand is fantastic and unlike anything you might have experienced before.

[arjunkaul]

Okay thanks for that information Peter. Much appreciated.

I'm doing small gigs with my Roland Street Cube.

Will get something for bigger gigs as and when I figure it out :P

[spinout3]

great version. 10/10. [daz].

[constono]

bose l1 looks awesome and seems like it sounds awesome as well, can you plug pedals through it?

[PeterVred]

Yes you can. We have used Line 6 PODs as well, with excellent results. Right now we use a Roland Micro Cube's Line Out into the L1. The bass goes direct with no interface...but we have 4-B1 bass modules driven with a Bose Packlite amplifier. With less B1s, you might need an interface.

[nietosuarez]

hello yamo nick and I am Spanish and I am writing to you from a translator who can understand me I'm Elvis impersonator and play the guitar chords I can say thank you very much please your escrbime tb descending to a Spanish translators so that I can understand you please adios

[JOHNTYSON30]

it should sound good, 3! l1's ??? how much dough ?

[PeterVred]

Bose designed these as a one-per-player system. They are $2000 each. Not a lot of money if you look at a lifetime career. Also, think of all the other stuff you Don't need: Big PA, monitors, amps, EQs, racks of processing, carts, lots of back muscles, etc. The L1s are a bargain at any price, I could never go back to traditional PA.

[Rodbowers031959]

That rocks. I usethe bose system also live check out my vids .

[aleslubi]

hi where is the T1 tonematch audio engine? thanks aleš

[PeterVred]

These are the *Classic* L1 systems, the T1 wasn't born yet when we videoed this tune.

[PeterVred]

Hi whiterobin, the L1 IS a dream machine. I hope you can get your hands on one. Don't forget the 1-year no interest from Bose. That's how I got my first two. If you are serious about your music, and expect to be at it a long time, the L1 is a great investment.

[guateperu]

Hi PeterVred, I'm planning to buy the Bose L1 system. Based on your experience, would you recommend it if I were to use it for live concerts of about 500 people audiences, indoor settings?

[PeterVred]

hi guateperu, you have a message from me.

[arjunkaul]

Hi Peter!

Same question..

[PeterVred]

an audience that large, 500, is said by Bose to be the limit. However, the acoustics, audience noise level, and number of L1 systems would interact there. So it might work. Our trio played outdoor gigs with great results. The L1s threw the sound darn near forever.

[markiskool92]

tis amazing chaps!!

i love this

[fly2hell]

But the origi,,, is better.... but nice..

[PeterVred]

No doubt!

:)