Bose L1 System

[Harry Reid]

Kicking around the idea of buying a Bose L1 system. Are there any KJ's using this type of sound system? If so I would like to know what you think of it, and was it worth the investment.

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by Harry Reid

Kicking around the idea of buying a Bose L1 system. Are there any KJ's using this type of sound system? If so I would like to know what you think of it, and was it worth the investment.

If your club is small, it may work. I tried it out in my current club (2 sticks & one sub module - would've retailed $3400), very bass lacking & not a very full sound. Used it as a monitor on stage (original intent of the system) & it worked great, however it was pretty pricey just for a monitor.
It was no comparision to my regular PA & for that price you can get a REALLY nice PA system.

[muzicman144]

Originally Posted by Harry Reid

Kicking around the idea of buying a Bose L1 system. Are there any KJ's using this type of sound system? If so I would like to know what you think of it, and was it worth the investment.

Some of the old guard are very reluctant to acknowledge the Bose L1 system as a great system. I recommend the L2 with double bass module, and the little tone engine mixer does a fantastic job with quality effects. I had the L1, sold it, but bought two L2 w/double bass. I plug my computer via usb, no mini plugs to mess with. Single bass units DO NOT do the job. I have played in venues seating 4-600 using one single L2, double bass, played 1000 seat venue using two L2 systems. Great even sound that fills a room without pushing to get sound to the back. One well known R&R singer joined me one night and couldn't believe what he was hearing.
As i said, old guard does not want to accept it, but, i have used it for two years up and down the east coast without fail. Buy it without fear. Someone said it was pricey, Hell, i have had mixers that cost that much alone. i thought $3,400 was a great deal compared with what my other stuff cost, and only weighs 65lbs in the back seat of a car, replacing a fourteen foot trailer full of gear! Give me a break. Now i did keep my pro system for pro concert work when needed, but i haven't met anyone who uses the Bose system that would change back.
muzicman

[capnvic]

Originally Posted by muzicman144

Some of the old guard are very reluctant to acknowledge the Bose L1 system as a great system. I recommend the L2 with double bass module, and the little tone engine mixer does a fantastic job with quality effects. I had the L1, sold it, but bought two L2 w/double bass. I plug my computer via usb, no mini plugs to mess with. Single bass units DO NOT do the job. I have played in venues seating 4-600 using one single L2, double bass, played 1000 seat venue using two L2 systems. Great even sound that fills a room without pushing to get sound to the back. One well known R&R singer joined me one night and couldn't believe what he was hearing.
As i said, old guard does not want to accept it, but, i have used it for two years up and down the east coast without fail. Buy it without fear. Someone said it was pricey, Hell, i have had mixers that cost that much alone. i thought $3,400 was a great deal compared with what my other stuff cost, and only weighs 65lbs in the back seat of a car, replacing a fourteen foot trailer full of gear! Give me a break. Now i did keep my pro system for pro concert work when needed, but i haven't met anyone who uses the Bose system that would change back.
muzicman

One of my competitors has an L1 system, and I have to admit it sound great when adjusted properly. She has the single subwoofer unit. she's also a senior, so the less weight the better...Go for it!

[muzicman144]

Originally Posted by capnvic

One of my competitors has an L1 system, and I have to admit it sound great when adjusted properly. She has the single subwoofer unit. she's also a senior, so the less weight the better...Go for it!

The single sub just doesn't cut it. The difference between the L1 and the L2 is night and day. I sold the L1 w/2subs and bought the L2 w/subs. The sound adjustment is just like any mixer i have ever used, requires no additional knowledge. Wouldn't trade it for anything up to 600 seat venue, two L2's for up to 1000 seat capacity without losing sound quality that i'll match with anyone. And, i don't call $3400 cheap for a quality sound system. As i have said, i have had mixers that cost more than that alone.
muzicman

[Lonman]

Again, I tried out the system, it did not fit my club. They want LOUD with BASS THUMPIN sound, the Bose did not fit that bill. We run live band sound levels & they want to FEEL the bass!
I can see it fitting clubs that huge volume is not an issue and pumping bass response.

[muzicman144]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Again, I tried out the system, it did not fit my club. They want LOUD with BASS THUMPIN sound, the Bose did not fit that bill. We run live band sound levels & they want to FEEL the bass!
I can see it fitting clubs that huge volume is not an issue and pumping bass response.

You stated you tried the L1 with one sub. That don't cut it. The L2 with 2Subs do cut it and if you want more you can use 4subs. Currently when i play clubs that want the pumping bass, i can make the stage vibrate. I have played with top pro equipment, complete band. I KNOW sound. I have played 1000 seat clubs and have never used over half the volume on this system.
I can appreciate your opinion as to what you have used, but the Bose L2 with 2 or more subs is the real deal. Volume, pumping bass, quality sound, its there or you can bet your last dollar i certainly wouldn't be using it OR talking about it.
muzicman

[capnvic]

Originally Posted by muzicman144

The single sub just doesn't cut it. The difference between the L1 and the L2 is night and day. I sold the L1 w/2subs and bought the L2 w/subs. The sound adjustment is just like any mixer i have ever used, requires no additional knowledge. Wouldn't trade it for anything up to 600 seat venue, two L2's for up to 1000 seat capacity without losing sound quality that i'll match with anyone. And, i don't call $3400 cheap for a quality sound system. As i have said, i have had mixers that cost more than that alone.
muzicman

My competitor friend plays mostly small venues (small bars, clubs, where seating cap is less than 75....

[marklwood]

With a good quality sub, I prefer a couple dozen of these

[RIKKI TIKKI]

Originally Posted by Harry Reid

Kicking around the idea of buying a Bose L1 system. Are there any KJ's using this type of sound system? If so I would like to know what you think of it, and was it worth the investment.

Not just for monitors anymore!

I have been using the Bose L1 original with 2 bass modules, a little over 5 yrs now! Not one glitch! ( I replaced one of the cables for the base modules )

I can play a large room, or a house party, and not have any complaints. Most of my regulars report their complaints about other KJ systems, and I just smile. I know by checking out different shows, when I get the chance, that there are better sounding systems, but as Muzicman mentioned, you don't carry that kind of gear around in the back seat, and that was one of the criteria I weighed when I was looking to replace my original speaker/power amp configuration. Did I mention I weighed the advantages? That's exactly why I purchased the Bose unit! It breaks down to 3 pieces that are light enough that your betterhalf can carry it around ( My Roadie / My girlfriend is 59ish), and won't warp your back trying to push it up on a stand!

Sounds great... you can talk in front of the setup, while it's in operation.... It's now more versatile if you purchase the L2 ( Get the full system with effects mixer, and double base module! as per Muzicman's recommendation! ) which is a little lighter, and compact than the original L1. That will be where my next purchase upgrade would be, knowing what the newer model can do! Kick the tires! Go down and check it out at a Guitar Center Store, listen to it, tear it down, and check out the return/free trial offer that Bose allows, play a couple of practice sessions with it, and see if it doesn't blow you away!

Great investment in my opinion!

Rick
Rikki Tikki Karaoke

[ddouglass]

Harry if you aren't confused by now it is a miracle. To boil this all down, if you like the sound and have the money to spend on it go for it. It is your ear and wallet that has to make the ultimate decision. Good luck.

[Harry Reid]

Thank y'all for all the good information ( and the laughs) really it's been very informative.
I havn't been a regular on here, but I believe I will be from now on, lots of good information here!
Thanks Again to everyone who replied.
Harry

[kod]

Originally Posted by Harry Reid

Kicking around the idea of buying a Bose L1 system. Are there any KJ\\\\\\\'s using this type of sound system? If so I would like to know what you think of it, and was it worth the investment.

I have a set of L1 Compacts and they are awesome. I have used them in a room of 150 people and they worked fine. I love the fact that they have 180 degree projection.

I have had a lot of compliments on the sound.

As far as price, I learned a long time ago, you get what you pay for! Bose knows sound!

[xxyzz]

I’m looking in to the Bose L1 16 any thoughts on that I’m getting to old to lug around heavy equipment also need suggestions on wireless microphones which I have never used because I didn’t want my customers walking all over the place, you thoughts on that?

[kod]

Originally Posted by xxyzz

I’m looking in to the Bose L1 16 any thoughts on that I’m getting to old to lug around heavy equipment also need suggestions on wireless microphones which I have never used because I didn’t want my customers walking all over the place, you thoughts on that?

For Karaoke, I use VocoPro UDH-Dual wireless microphones (~$159.00) (900MHz). Although I have had them dropped, I never had one broken. These do a fine job for the price.

For festivals (The MC, Dignitaries, etc.), I use Sennheiser XSW 1-835 Dual microphones (~$649.00) (548-572 MHz). They have a scan feature I like for making sure I have no interference.

For speakers I also have two QSC 8.2 (2,000 watt) (27 lbs. each) and two QSC CP8 (1.000 watt) (21 lbs. each) and two Bose S1-Pro speakers (~15 lbs. each). Awesome sound from them all!

I am 77 with a bad back. Weight means everything to me also!