Bose L1 Compact System or Similar - Has Anyone Used This?

[AlsoRan]

Both going through the Bose L1 Compact (without the tower), with volume to spare:

DT, I am not saying this to be pretentious or in a mocking manner, but I swear at times that I hear some Nat King Cole influence in your voice. Was he someone that influenced you?

[destinytot]

DT, I am not saying this to be pretentious or in a mocking manner, but I swear at times that I hear some Nat King Cole influence in your voice. Was he someone that influenced you?

Totally!

[AlsoRan]

Totally!

I thought so!

[Frank67]

Thanks, Frank. You sound like you are using it just the way I would envision using one. Your comment about the lack of bottom end is concerning. I wonder if it could just be your position in relation to the speakers, and the possibility of the tower set-up overpowering the lows since your head is closer (as rio suggested)?

Well, I totally backed off separating the the speaker elements. I have it set up without the extensions on a small table about my ears height when I am sitting - that is (to me) how it sounds best at a relatively close distance. I completely agree that using the extenders makes it sound quite uneven when you're standing.

[tonyp145]

I've had the Bose L1 Compact for many years, it is a very "pretty" sounding system, but it is not loud and you can't turn it up very loud without struggling with feedback. I also find that the speaker array emphasizes really high frequencies and the sub has the lows but you could drive a truck through them for the lack of mids. I've always used my L1C with an outboard mixer for EQ and effects.

Recently I decided to give the Fishman SA330 a try and now my Bose is for sale on the Seattle Craig's List. It's not as "pretty" sounding as the Bose, but is way more practical. Nice, flexible built-in mixer and the speaker array in the Fish stick uses 4" speakers (Bose uses 2" I believe) so the mids are nice and strong and it has a surprising amount of bottom end considering I don't have the sub. I did buy the expander module and the mounting bracket (they have a rebate deal where they'll send you the custom roller case for free when you buy the SA330 and the expander). It's all a really nice system.

I'm running my archtop through a Tech21 para driver DI into the SA330 and getting a really nice sound from that. Vocals sound great through it too. I'm a convert.

[Tcaron20]

Use this on a regular basis for 6 piece group. Everything is mic'd through it with a small external mixer. Bass and drums are set up next to the tower. Bass is not through system.

Always get complements on our sound. Balance, mix, clarity, tone are exceptional. No monitors needed, people in the back hear everything. People in other groups have asked to borrow it and I tell them that it is not a loaner system. Too complicated for others to figure out on the fly and I think the system would not take a lot of abuse.

Use Shure SM 58s. They shine through this system. Also use external outs from amps when I can vs. mic'd amps.

tom

[AlsoRan]

Here is a link to Guitar Player Magazine's review of several PA systems, some are comparable to the Bose L1 Compact.

A Quick & Simple Guide to 11 Portable P.A. Systems | GuitarPlayer

It looks as though I will be able to get what I need for around $600.00, especially if I catch a sale or get a coupon.

[BigToe]

I've been playing through/own the L1 Compact for about 3 years now. Lots of cafes, halls, weddings, indoor and outdoor etc. I really like it. 23lbs, no monitors needed, no cables, great sound. however I do bring a small 8 channel mixer, as some EQ is needed for every venue. My guitar goes through a pedal board with a tube preamp and IR cab simulator to the mixing board and into the L1 Compact. Electric guitar can sound a little sterile without it. Acoustic guitar sounds fantastic, both nylon and steel string. Someone mentioned having the column at head height - If there are situations where stage space is limited and the column is close to someone's head then one (or both) of the columns can be removed to lower the tweeters. I don't usually put bass through it so I can't speak to that. Somehow I don't think it would handle it that well. I think it's rated to fill a room with 100 people in it. beyond that you might have some drop off. It depends on the venue of course. No problems with it technically. Seems to be fairly robust for local small gigs. I would agree there are not a lot of mids through the unit so you don't get a creamy Marshall Plexi sound or anything, but the highs a lows are so lovely for acoustic based music. It's really a treat to play through. I have no regrets with it.