Bose LII with T1 and 2 bass modules

This is a review for the standard L1 Model II purchased with an additional bass bin. Came with some very smart padded gig bags as standard.

The specs have already been covered elsewhere

I've read several reviews that claim that the L1 lacks punch and depth of sound. I can only assume that these reviewers haven't had sufficient bass units for the type of music they are playing. I use the system (this review is based on actual gigs NOT trying it in a shop!) mainly for either guitar with backing track or vocals with backing tracks and have only recieved positive feedback on the sounds. In fact, we set it up recently and ran sound checks for a event only to find that we have been double booked and a "professional" sound company were coming in to provide the PA system. I duly dismantled the L1 and watched as the "pros" set their mixer and powered cabs (4 of them) up. During our sound check, we had admiring comments from everyone we worked with - it was perfect for the large sports hall venue. When the other team turned up, they sounded AWFUL - one artist left the stage in tears and I had a blazing row with the sound engineer because you couldn't hear the backing track over the guitarist because his PA didn't have the headroom to cope - when I pointed out that the L1 had coped with room to spare, I was told to leave!

I can now set up the system in under 5 minutes on my own. I used to dread breaking down at the end of gigs, because everyone else always seems to dissapear and I'm left to do it on my own. Now, I don't mind because the L1 is safely packed in to its padded bags in under 5 minutes no problems at all.
My only gripe is that in order to perform updates on the Tone Match, you have to set up the whole system UNLESS you have paid the extra ??35 and bought the separate power supply. Why doesn't it come with one?

For my purposes, this system is almost perfect - it could maybe do with a few more inputs, but that can be fixed by putting a small mixing desk in front of it.
My Gibson Dark Fire loves it - I can have the pickups in one input and the piezzo in to another and the sound is out of this world.
Every time I have used this system, I get admiring comments on the sound - particularly on the lack of hiss.
My only gripes are the fact that the power supply for the tine engine is an extra and the fact that, when you do make a mistake and the mics feedback, it is the highest pitched squeal I have EVER heard and it is painful as hell!

A response to weirdone regarding phase cancellation. I know I didn't give these details before, but the backing tracks I was using consisted of bass guitar only on the right channel, and drums only on the left. Technically, I suppose you could call that stereo but it actually is two separate mono inputs. However, I also neglected to mention in the first review that I tried using the stereo input on the T1, which is specifically for stereo input, and I also input each track to it's own input on the T1 with the same result. I don't think phase cancellation is the culprit, I believe it is a matter of balance, and the preset eq in the dj boost settings of the T1. As well, the system I've been using is also mono, with each track dedicated to it's own channel.

In the time since I wrote the first review, I have used the backing tracks with the alternate system I described below many times, and have found that to acheive the mix I want, I back off the bass guitar track just a bit below the drums, and add just a tiny bit of high end to the drum track. If the Bose base hadn't froze up, I probably would have discovered that with more opportunity to experiment.

In the end as I said, if I were still gigging full-time, and playing several different size venues, I might opt for the Bose. But for now, playing only once or twice a month, and in relatively the same size places, I'm quite happy with the sound quality of the current system and have had several good comments on the sound and mix. And, I did buy a new bike and golf clubs with the price differnce!

I'm actually purchasing a Bose L1 model 2 in the next few weeks, and have used them on numerous occasions in the past. The original reviewer didn't seem to take into account that the Bose L1 system is a Mono output amplification unit... By feeding in a stereo input, he was inadvertently causing phase cancelation on the frequencies he was complaining about the system lacking. To solve this, DJ's and musicians who require a stereo signal to be broadcast just use 2 towers... one for the right channel, one for the left.

expensive... but.. the L1 was not designed to broadcast in stereo...

I just figured i'd type this in, since his review caused me to do some focused research on the bose system and stereo source amplification.

All the spec's on bose web site and all the info you need plus the forum
wich is great.Now on my second system(up-graded to the model 2) and frankly there aint nuthin else.

The only bug'for most is the lack of f/sw. on the T1 to kill rev/echo, and the to my ears-over clean digital sound when using the link to base.I prefer the analogue input as it is louder and warmer.The extra
of-axis coverage of the MK-2 pole is great.

The true wonder is that the design allows virtually no need to alter set levels at different venues,as the sound expands to fill the space!
This is the most natural and superb sounding small p.a. ever made. Audience response just confirms it.Rave revue's from all ages of listener.Most important it doesn't hurt their ears like air-moving systems do when turned up.Makes fold-back obsolete as you hear what they hear.

The look of the system causes disbelief among muso's and punters alike.
Even more so when they hear it before seeing it.The most compact and easy to use p.a.in the known universe(or our bit).

This product has changed my life, extended my career by years,brought me joy beyond words. Guy's you gotta get one.I have now two sets at my disposal having teamed-up with the partner of a late-pal who came with a set of her own. OH' and a word about Bose',they are not a company,they are an adopted family.When you join them as a user this is what they become.Could they be more helpful and friendly? NO' only if they gave you the gear for free. Luv em. The price reflects the quality,I sold my MK1 system for almost what it cost me,so I worked out that it cost 30p (40cents) a gig to own.

This system is designed to replace backline amps, monitors and FOH systems for small to medium sized clubs. I purchased this system as PAS - Personal Amplification System - for bass, guitar and keyboards My goal was to simplify, downsize and modernize my rig. All the info is available online. I use Rickenbacker guitars, the the T1 has presets that sound incredibly great with my Rics. I have an Axe-Fx Ultra which also sound great with the Bose System. I've yet to try my bass and keys as I'm still working with the guitar set-up. I purchased an AB footswitch to switch between the T1 presets (A) and my guitar / bass preamps (B). The T1 presets sound great as-is, as does my Ultra. Everything sounds crystal clear. Very satisfied with my tone, the versatility of the system, portability and more. The build, fit and finish quality is excellent.

Powered, crossover at 200Hz, I think there are 3 250W amps. Portable, easy to set-up, comes with carrying cases. The lowend goes down to 40Hz, not sure on the high end. The T1 has 5 channels, 1-3 are dual XLR/TS with phantom power on/off, 4/5 1/4" TRS that share the channel settings. There are built in circuit and thermal protection/ The T1 is software upgradeable and can be used to update the L1 firmware. The system breaks down into several components that fit in their own travel cases (included)

The speaker sound is great for guitar, I've yet to try bass and keys however I'm not concerned if these sound even half as good as my guitar sounds in this system. That's why I have 2 B1 bass modules - to support the low end of bass and keys. For guitar, the full range sounds sweet.

I've noticed a very even, flat response when I use the Flat setting (bass, mid, treble = 0)) which is exactly what I want when I use my preamps and my keys. The presets for my Rics sounded great, I didn't have to do any EQ thought its there. The effects also sound great, but I have my Ultra to do these for me. I could see just using the Bose System if I don't need all the versatility of the Ultra.

The coverage area is even and distributed in a good arc. I haven't used this in a big room to test out the distance coverage.

I haven't detected any unwanted or unexpected distortion, but I haven't put this system beyond half volume, which is fine for home use.

The whole system is a new concept that no one else seems to understand. If you haven't tried before buying, it takes a leap of faith - the 45 day trial period helps here. I'm really surprised at how good this system sounds, how easy it is to set-up, dial-in and use. Every component has a carrying case (except the T1 which has a cover, but its small enough to fit into a gig bag.

The Bose system is designed to be used behind you on stage, similar to your backline amp set-up. So you don't need polemounts nor do you need to fly these systems. I'd recommend 1 per musician (like an amp) rather than getting two systems and using them like a traditional PA.

To get the full versatility and features, you really need the T1. Also, I recommend 2 B1 bass modules, even if you only play guitar.

This is great for the music I play (progressive rock, rock, pop, psychedelic) and it sounds great by itself and with my other components. If you are playing metal, and extremely loud this may not be the system for you. I haven't played out with the system, but many other owners have if you check the Bose L1 forum. I'm very satisfied with my purchase and its capabilities.

I highly recommend it to other musicians. Worth a try, you have 45 days to decide if its a keeper. I decided after Day 2 its a keeper. Once I verify my bass and keys are a good fit, I'd say its a done deal. I this was stolen, I'd have to get another one - if I can afford it! The price is competitive, if you look at high end boutique amps, cabs, effects, etc., nevermind adding monitors a PA and for me bass and keyboard amps, this system is a bargain for all it does for me.

The only thing I wish it had was a footswitch to make realtime changes and adjustments. I can do this with an AB switch and a MIDI controller for my Ultra (whenever the offer one) so it isn't a huge deal, but it means I probably can't use the system without my preamps.

If you're reading this review I'm assuming you've visited Bose' website and know about this system.

Bose doesn't provide these type of tech specs, except size and weight. This is a big selling point for this system, the portability. Also a plus is that Bose includes carry bags for all pieces.

I planned to use this system using two vocal mics, acoustic guitar, Taylor 612ce, electric guitar processed through GNX4, and playing backing bass and drum tracks, mostly classic rock. I would be switching from acoustic to electric, not two guitars at the same time.

When I first plugged it in, I thought, I'm keeping this, even though it's $3500. But after the first day, I started to listen critically and tried the different presets for each input signal. Individually, the vocal mics sounded very smooth and the reverb and delays are excellent. I was also able to get great acoustic guitar sound. It's with the electric guitar and backing tracks that it starts to get troublesome. Under the DJ settings, there are three choices, flat, low volume, and high volume music. Flat, the system is weak and lacks drive. Selecting either low or high volume music, and bass boost is amazing, but all of a sudden, the bass guitar sound is about three steps in front of the drums and the midrange punch and body, especially for the snare, are lost. I may have been able to overcome this by re-eqing things but didn't get the chance, I'll explain shortly. Also, although the vocals sounded great individually, the vocals can easily get lost in the mix. It's as if the system is too high-fi, lacks the midrange as I mentioned, and can be difficult to hear in noisy environment.

Part of Bose claim is high output before feedback, but a curious thing happened. While performing the recommended firmware upgrade to the power stand, the system froze and I was unable to get any output. I called Bose and they were going to send me a replacement, no problem. I didn't freak out, I'd read about this problem in their forum. OK, so I got a few days til new base arrives. So I thought, what the hey, I'll set up my practice PA and see how it compares. This system is comprised of Behringer PMH518 powered mixer and pair of Wharfedale SVP-10 speakers. I set it up behind me, about 7 ft., just like Bose system recommends for the L1. It took a minor amount of tweaking, but what do you know, perceptably, I was easily able to acheive the same sound pressure levels as the Bose system. Not only that, but that midrange punch I was missing, magically reappeared. Granted this small system doesn't have the same bass output, and mic preamps aren't as clean, but I've ordered a powered sub to add, so we'll see how that affects the final outcome.

The portability of this system was a huge attraction for me. The system I ordered included the two L1 radiators, two bass modules, the power stand, and the T1 (six pieces). To set it up, insert two radiators into power stand, install T1 bracket, plug T1 into power stand, connect the two bass modules, plug in power, plus whatever inputs you have. On the plus, the max weight of any individual piece is about 25 lbs.

By comparison, the system I'll be using includes powered subwoofer, two SVP-10's, powered mixer, pole mount for SVP-10's and collapsible stand for the mixer (six pieces). To setup, expand mixer stand, mount pole and speakers on sub, plug in two speakers, and run line out from mixer to the sub, two power cords, plus all inputs. The SVP-10's weigh 22 lbs each, mixer 17 lbs., and the subwoofer is 43 lbs., easily handled by one person. In case you're wondering, the sub is a DB Technologies Sub 12 so you can look up the specs if you're interested. The pole mount for the SVP-10's is standard 35mm pole inserted into sub and I have Passport dual speaker mount on top so both satellite speakers are on one pole.

In summary, the carry in and setup time are about the same for each, and both systems fit in my Corolla.

I think the Bose system is great, there are plenty of wonderful features and I'm sure with more time I could've coaxed the sound I wanted out of it. On the downside, IMHO, I think Bose may be overstating the gain-before-feedback issue. As for the claim regarding more even sound distribution, I didn't test the theory, but for me, I don't see it as an issue. I'm a part-timer that plays small rooms of about 100 people, so I don't believe these rooms are large enough to really hear the difference.

The price is the real set back for this system. I was full time professional musician for many years, and if I were still in that game playing more varied rooms and crowd sizes, I would probably opt for the Bose system. But for semi-retired guy playing a few gigs here and there, I can't justify the cost difference for the Bose. I guess I didn't mention, the total cost for the comparison PA was $958.92. If the Bose were under $2000 for the system I've described, I think it would be a no-brainer, but $3500 is a lot of coin. I plan to get a new road bike (bicycle) and new set of irons with the money I've saved.