Bose MB4

The MB4 is designed for smller bands or DJs that don't need earthshaking volume. (200watts) This is a subwoofer designed to go with other Bose mid-high range speakers. It is in the same type of molded plastic encloser other Bose stage products are made of. It weighs 45 pounds and has a small footprint. It gets good marks because it is easy to move and designed to be portable. You carry it like a briefcase.

This is a passive enclosure and Bose recommends their comtroller, but I have successfully employed it without the controller by reading the stats and setting my own eq. It doesn't cover a wide range (40-300) but is a perfect match for the high range Bose speakers. Without this MB4 enclosure, they sound tinny. As soon as you add this module, they sound very good. Materials are supposed to be rugged, but I haven't had mine long enough to know if it will stand up to moving alot. The only case offered is a gig bag type zipper cover which is better replaced by a thick blanket and bungee cord- I'm cheap. As said before, weight is light for useful sub.

The sound quality of this sub is unique. It does not sound good as a stand alone unit. Alot of big subs have nice sound even thought the highs are not present. This one has such a small range that it sounds like mud alone. When added to the high frequency speakers, it really shows it's worth. I use it with 502A Bose speakers. This system is not for everyone. This is a mid to low volume setup. It shines for small bands and light gigs that many of us are doing these days due to the economy. The reproduction is very clear and clean. It's just that Bose products do not mix well with other brands. So, if you use this sub with a peavey sp2 or some other two way speaker, it will sound weak and fuzzy. (I tried) The coverage is as Bose advertises, which is spead out and non-directional. But not real loud. I take away points for the fact that these subs are only good for the purpose I listed.

This is a simple rig. It does require speakon cables and carries like a suitcase. (45 lbs is not heavy) Versatility is good as far as placement on stage is concerned. It is not directional as a traditional 15 or 18 inch speaker can be. It is not versatile in the areas of volume. 200 watts is just not enough to play AC/DC to 1000 people. So, if you're doing that sort of thing, forget BOSE. This is coffehouse, small venue, acoustic guitar, folk/alt rock kind of stuff that makes you sound really tight. I wouldn't play this system to more than 500 people. Again, this will only sound good with other Bose speakers that cover the rest of the range and at the same volume.

I gave a fair analysis before. This is great sounding if you are playing medium volume gigs with a small band. You will not blow anyone's ears off or "melt faces" with a Bose system. It is not intended for that. This is light, easy to set up equipment that sounds great in small bars and clubs. It is not good for a Motorhead cover band. However, these speakers also offer the mellow artist to perform without monitors, which makes up for the extra dollars you spend on Bose equipment. Your time is money as well as the equipment you buy. It is nice to set up or tear down in a couple of minutes instead of sweating it out after playing a gig all night. If you have roadies, you are playing gigs too big for a bose system:)