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In Short: I want better sound from my home PA system. I eventually plan to upgrade the PA system enough to have one that is worthy of small performances. It will be costly.
I posted a link to this Bose product. Is something like this overkill? Is it versatile enough to play in a room at home or in the corner of a coffee shop? Can you recommend a similar product?
It will be used to play BIAB and personal backing tracks as well as for vocal performances. The Guitar Amp will be separate.
Bose L1 Compact System Black | Guitar Center
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05-05-2017 08:08 AM
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I am a big fan of Bose products--used to have some Bose stereo speakers, use a Bose system for TV audio.
My bandmate who is a keyboardist has one of the L1 systems--sorry, don't know which one right this moment. It is VERY good for amplifying keyboard and bass and vocals, however I have never plugged my guitar into it.
Don't know about home use, but for gigging if you don't mind the size and have the means to carry it to gigs and the $$$ it's very worthy IMO. It would probably be overkill for just guitar and voices.
I have a Fishman Artist which would fit the bill and only weighs ~25# or so. Very loud and very gig-worthy. I don't do vocals, but reviews say it is excellent. 2 regular inputs and 1 1/8" input (for backing tracks, etc.). Here's a review:
Fishman Loudbox Artist Acoustic Amp Review
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I did not think of using an acoustic amp as a PA speaker for vocals and backing tracks. Sound very plausible and is one hell of a lot cheaper.
Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff
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Fantastic system, imo.
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I don't own this system but I've used it on few occasions. It's fantastic. Surprisingly rich and full sounds perfect for solo gigs in small and medium venues. I used it for acoustic guitar and vocals at a couple of wedding gigs. I also put a small pedal board with my hollow body in front of it for jazz gig and it sounded great. A singer I know brings one with him to the gigs and gets a great sound that keeps up with a full band. It's way overkill for a bedroom, It's gig worthy.
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I did a duo gig w/ a singer and she sounded good through it.
I used my blackface Twin though I should have tried going through the Bose as it was in a bookstore and probably would have sounded just fine.
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I am not getting a picture of how substantial this system is. I desire it so much for those my non-Jazz songs that are high-volume. I can crank my Marshall and play backing tracks through the Bose.
But, now you have me concerned that I might be making a bad decision. I wanted it to be a solid piece of equipment that can keep up with the bands or be used to play songs in my home, even recorded CDs. My "entertainment room" is about 20 X 15 feet (it is now a playroom for my kids but they are getting older and maybe soon, I will be able to set up my amps, guitars, and PAs in it once again on the little stage that is has).
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I completely agree with this - overkill for a bedroom. Originally Posted by Michael Kaye
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I have used a Bose L1 compact for years. It is good, it is loud. Not very big, not very heavy, arguably pretty.
it is outstandingly '3-dimensional' - meaning not directional. It fills the room. I once used it in a tent for 500 people and it did fill it (pretty cranked though - but still not distorting)
I mostly use it for playing backing tracks - works great and gives me joy every day. And yes, even when you play your Twin or your Marshall at volumes that makes your spouse check on your state of mind, it will still deliver :-)
The ToneMatch 4 channel mixer (a separate unit that is recommended for use with the L1) is great. I use it to mix backing tracks from the computer and a mic'ed amp and feed the mix back to the audio interface for easy recording.
Now, for PAing a band it was not that great since it really lacks bottom end. It can also get a tad bit harsh in the top end. I prefer to play my Kemper through an active wedge speaker.
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Frank - Hi! I don't know if you have any experience with other PA systems like the Fishman or SS220(?), but do you have any opinions in terms of comparisons in the field with other PAs out there? And is the Bose or its cohorts suitable for restaurant or jazz bar gigs or overkill? Also, if vocals were important to you, which would you chose? I realize it is subject to opinion, but I'm curious what you think.
Last edited by Veritas; 05-05-2017 at 01:38 PM.
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Unfortunately, I only know the BIG line 6 PA that our band uses but that has a totally different purpose. I don't know the other personal PA systems but I did quite a bit of internet research before I bought the Bose. I don't think that it is overkill but it will do the job in a bar very well and possibly can amplify several instruments (and voice) - but I would not let the bass player play over it - he may be mad at you afterwards :-).
The most amazing feature of this system (to me) is how it fills the room in a way that a guitar amp cannot. It is also only a little bit bigger than a guitar amp and not really heavier. There is a convenient gigbag. If you have to take public transport to the gig then it may not be very comfortable (also due to the strange shape), but otherwise it is not a problem.
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You might want to check this out as an alternative: S600 Series Portable PA Solutions – Carvin Audio
It's getting good reviews on other forums.
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I went to a classical guitar recital where he used it for support with a mic. I was pretty close up front, great sound.
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Hearsay: Martin Taylor performs with one.
The basic version costs $999. And it goes up from there. I can't help thinking that the Buscarino Chameleon is a much better buy for your 20'x15' room. Have you seen the Bose L1? The construction is not confidence-inducing.
The Buscarino Chameleon is $850 new. Get a Mark Bass DV Jazz Head Amp for about $300, 50W into 8ohms. For about $151 more than the Bose L1, I think you get a much better sound for your jazz money.
Or get a Raezer's Edge 10ER or 12ER. $679 for the latter. Mark Bass DV Jazz Head Amp and you're in business for under $999.
And they will last a lot longer and have much better resale on the used market than the Bose L1.
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You might also consider a Schertler Jam 200 for a portable full bandwidth set up.
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For a small room it is definitely overkill. The pianist in my trio uses this for his amp and it is very loud. The real problem though with a small space is the elevated high speaker - the sound of the low speaker and the high speaker won't blend right in a small room. I actually really don't like playing with him using the amp because it makes it very hard to hear anything other than his high speaker. I am standing playing upright bass and the speaker is right in my ear - it is uncomfortable and harsh sounding. In the room it sounds fine of course but I just wish that it was more traditional and had everything in one place instead of having that high speaker so separated from the low one.
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I checked out the Jam 150 and Jam 200. Brother, they ain't cheap either - but cheaper than the Bose. Originally Posted by Spook410
I am going to have to do some thinking on this topic. Do I really want an acoustic amp for use as a PA, or should I just go out and get a good PA, one that I can plug into the Bose Speaker system or something similar?
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Originally Posted by FrankLearns
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)?
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Both going through the Bose L1 Compact (without the tower), with volume to spare:
Last edited by destinytot; 05-05-2017 at 05:00 PM. Reason: Compact
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Carvin AG 300 also looks like one to check out Originally Posted by joespast
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The OP's original post was asking about the Bose L1 Compact which is quite different from the Bose L1. I only bring this up since some of the experiences people are talking about seems to be about the L1.
I have both the Bose L1 Compact and the original L1. The L1 is a louder, more powerful, and more present than the L1 Compact -- as it should be. The L1 has 24 small line array speakers vs just 6 speakers in the Compact. (The two tower sections in the L1 each contain 12 speakers, whereas the L1 compact has only one tower section with only 6 speakers. Two of the sections in the Compact are extenders without speakers to raise or lower the section with speakers)
The larger L1 system is powerful enough to work within a band configuration and can probably present enough sound when working with other musicians using separate amplifiers.
However, in my opinion, the smaller Compact system is not large enough to work in a band configuration.
The OP originally asked if the Bose L1 Compact could work in a coffee shop environment for guitar and vocals. In a small to medium coffee shop it should be fine. In fact, this is what it was designed to do. The Compact has two input sides; guitar and vocal/mic. When using the guitar input side with an electric guitar, it has a very dry sound. No effects or even an adjustable EQ. For this reason, I tend to prefer using a small amp and running the amp into the Compact when using an electric guitar. For acoustic guitar it sounds okay. There is also a vocal/mic input side which allows for better EQing. It requires an XLR input so I've never tried a guitar through that side. I think the best thing you can do to maximize vocals (on this and most other systems) is start with a really good mic. It seems obvious to say, but be sure to consider this when ponying up money for a PA system.
As for using it as a home stereo system, it should work fine -- within limits. I use mine in the home most of the time. Due to its vertical line array design, you will not get noticeable stereo separation or definition, and the sound will be true to whatever input you put into it. Put in good sound and you will get good sound; bad sound equals bad sound. You'll need to adjust your EQ and other sound controls from your source. Basically, it has an 1/8 stereo jack to connect an mp3 player or your computer. Listening to it will not be a "Wow! Now that's a stereo!" sort of experience, but for me it works fine. The L1 Compact also takes up very little room. I use it with only one tower extender making the entire unit stands only 4 feet tall. (I've also used my L1 as a stereo in the same room and it definitely has much more presence and a richer sound. However, the stereo separation issue is still the same.)
As for build quality, I've had my Bose systems for more than 10 years and have had very little problems. Particularly with the L1 system, I used it for hundreds of gigs and I know other players who have done the same. These are workhorse systems. Treat them with reasonable respect and they should give you no problems. And, if needed, Bose support is fantastic.
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Such a cool song. I want to learn/sing that one and I will unless I forget by the time I get home. Originally Posted by destinytot
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I have a pretty nice PA. It rusts. I played AER, Fishman, Bose, et al. Ended up with the Schertler Jam gear. Reasonably high fidelity for acoustic guitar, vocals, saxophone. The Jam200 is grab and go and is also a tractable and practical nice home rig. If you need something bigger, the Jam400 is, IMHO, as good as it gets before you find yourself hiring roadies.
Fun stuff AlsoRan.. hard to choose with all the good gear out there. Hope you're able to audition systems before buying.Last edited by Spook410; 05-05-2017 at 10:45 PM.
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The Bose Compact is not overkill in a small room, after all, it has a volume control. The larger L1 and L1 Model 2 systems are very loud, heavier, and very great, I have used them since the day they were released. The Compact is my main amplifier for every single gig, with 7-string nylon, flamenco guitar with Kremona pickup, archtop, semi-hollow with RMC pickups running Roland GR-55, and multi-effects pedal, including some slamming blues-rock stuff with a loud drummer.
Now, all of these instruments benefit from a multi-effects pedal or conventional pedalboard: the Bose is hi-fi, guitar amps look for ways to get low-fi. It can be heard throughout the band, thus takes no monitor space in big rooms, it goes into the house, but not the monitors. When I played Birdland in Manhattan with it, the sound man didn't bother taking a line, it filled the room beautifully. It's got limits, for sure, especially, as mentioned, pushing bass in a band situation, but I use it with my 7-string with horn, singer and drums, and it works in most situations quite well. I know a lot of big rock stars who use them for rehearsals and as side-fills. Steve Miller told me he just loved them to pieces, as I have since they arrived on the scene. Highly recommended
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You are so right. I could be in for a nice Christmas gift to indulge that kid in me that loves new things, but with gear as you know, you have to choose wisely. Originally Posted by Spook410
I will definitely try these devices out before committing. I don't want to make the mistake of being stuck with gear I really don't like or can't use.
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