Bose L1 Model ii vs RCF Evox 8...which system can handle larger events effectively?

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DJ Ricky B

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Mar 9, 2015
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Doing some research for no reason....

I have been reading on other forums the Bose vs RCF Evox 8 debate...I don't want to start a debate thread about what is better and why. I am making this thread because I want to understand the abilities, and limitations of each system.

When I read specs on the Bose L1 model ii...I read that it is 250 watts cont. to the bass modules, and 250 watts cont. to the high speakers. ...500 watts RMS doesn't sound like that much...but then I hear of DJs claiming they handle events of 400 to 500+ fine with a pair of these speakers.
Since they are a line array system, can the Bose and Evox both have more throw and coverage area than a typical speaker ox with the same power rating?

Also, Evox 8 is rated at 700 watts rms...shouldn't it be able to cover larger events compared to the Bose L1s? ...I have read from Bose owners that the L1s are more powerful than the Evox8, yet specs don't say that?

I have heard both before, but don't think I have heard the Bose at full volume before.
 
There are some mathematics in relateing line array power and throw versus standard conical speakers. Arguments are all over the place, however when the smoke and mirrors, handgrenade frags, and flash bang poppers end, there is a rule of thumb that can be applied. 4x .

To achieve an identical volume spl level at a measurable distance (10 meters, I believe), a conical speaker requires 4 times the power of a line array (not just Bose). Not magic at all.

The difference between Evox 8 and the L1 Model 2 comes down to design and dispersion. Being unfamiliar with the Evox 8, I cannot speculate, however using the L1 line array since its inception 12 years ago, a pair of my L1 Model 2 with a B2 bass module on each side, separated at 10' in stereo, have handled 400 heads without breaking a sweat; 825 once and ran it red-lined all night. It was outstanding but I was a wreck. The second time I had additional bass augmentation and it was superb again but without me being a psychotic..
 
Numbers don't tell the whole story. The L1 Model II is a better fit than the EVOX 8 for larger audiences. The EVOX 8 is probably closer to the L1 Model 1S. The EVOX 12 is close to the Model II, though may have a slight edge due to a larger bass radiator.
 
Numbers don't tell the whole story. The L1 Model II is a better fit than the EVOX 8 for larger audiences. The EVOX 8 is probably closer to the L1 Model 1S. The EVOX 12 is close to the Model II, though may have a slight edge due to a larger bass radiator.

Do those B2 Bass Modules actually compare to larger subwoofers? ...I look at the price ($499) and I wonder how much bass they actually through at full volume.

I have heard the Bose L1 model 2 at DJ Expo 3 times, but it's hard to determine sound quality, bass etc. with everything going on...plus they aren't pushing them that hard there. Outside of that, only heard it briefly at bridal shows by DJs. I've listened to them twice when violin quartets were using a single L1 with bass module...for live acoustics during cocktail hour, it definitely shines!
 
Do those B2 Bass Modules actually compare to larger subwoofers? ...I look at the price ($499) and I wonder how much bass they actually through at full volume.

I have heard the Bose L1 model 2 at DJ Expo 3 times, but it's hard to determine sound quality, bass etc. with everything going on...plus they aren't pushing them that hard there. Outside of that, only heard it briefly at bridal shows by DJs. I've listened to them twice when violin quartets were using a single L1 with bass module...for live acoustics during cocktail hour, it definitely shines!
In my opinion, they are pretty decent .. comparable to many 12" and some 15" subs. I would say the B2 is similar to the bass unit on the EVOX 8. The Bose are setup to use multiple B2s if needed, so that could be a benefit. I think the Bose look sharper .. but the EVOX 8 pack much smaller, which was a consideration for me. They're both excellent systems.
 
Obviously, the (Bose) B1 and B2 bass modules differ; what's the difference? Also, what's the Tonematch module all about? The EVOX8 seems a little more straightforward (as in traditional).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Obviously, the (Bose) B1 and B2 bass modules differ; what's the difference? Also, what's the Tonematch module all about? The EVOX8 seems a little more straightforward (as in traditional).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
B1 uses dual 5.25" drivers .. B2 uses dual 10" drivers. Tonematch is both a basic mixer and an EQ/DSP for the system.
 
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The Bose are setup to use multiple B2s if needed, so that could be a benefit.

This is incorrect. The Bose are able to use multiple B1s, but can't handle more than one B2 or more than 2 B1s without the use of an additional Packlite amplifier.

No doubt that both the Evox and L1 Model X systems are both outstanding. I have a pair of Evox 8's coming my way this week, so I'll soon know which system is a better fit for different sized audiences.
 
I can't speculate on Evox vs Bose but I can chime in the L1 M2. On several occasions I've paired my single with a Yorkville LS801p, and in some fairly large rooms. In each case, this was a monster rig. Not as much air as my QSC K10s but a monster rig nevertheless. That Bose, as a top, throws a long, long way.
 
This is incorrect. The Bose are able to use multiple B1s, but can't handle more than one B2 or more than 2 B1s without the use of an additional Packlite amplifier.

No doubt that both the Evox and L1 Model X systems are both outstanding. I have a pair of Evox 8's coming my way this week, so I'll soon know which system is a better fit for different sized audiences.
I didn't realize that .. I knew you needed the amp when going beyond 2, but thought you could double the B2s as well.
 
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No evox experience, but love my l1, model 2's, with T1 and B2. I rarely put the B2 on the plus setting. I could not see a situation that I'd ever use 2x B2 with 1 L1. Bass overkill IMO.

I love that the T1 is portable and not part of the L1. I can keep it right on my table top, . It plugs into the L1 M2 with one cable that also provides power. also, I can use it with other things like my compacts, other other sound systems.

I'm sure both units are good, I bet there are some advantages and disadvantages to each.

I can say this, when the F1 came out, I had no interest. I can't see myself ever going back to big heavy bulky speakers anytime soon, regardless of who makes them.
 
I have had every system. And I brag about what I have used as well. I am back with the Bose L1, M2 and won't look back.

They are amazing sounding, people love the look, my back loves the load in/out and it's all I will ever need.

I have had the F1's from Bose, the ETX from EV and let me tell you... the Bose L1, M2's give me everything I need. Granted, I am no longer doing school dances because I have WAY too many weddings booked (NOT BRAGGING).
 
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I can't speculate on Evox vs Bose but I can chime in the L1 M2. On several occasions I've paired my single with a Yorkville LS801p, and in some fairly large rooms. In each case, this was a monster rig. Not as much air as my QSC K10s but a monster rig nevertheless. That Bose, as a top, throws a long, long way.

I would assume you had the 801 turned back quite a bit to smoothly match with the L1? To me it would defeat the purpose if I had to carry the monster
 
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I would assume you had the 801 turned back quite a bit to smoothly match with the L1? To me it would defeat the purpose if I had to carry the monster

Yes, it has to be dialed back to match up, but together, that rig is a monster.
 
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This is incorrect. The Bose are able to use multiple B1s, but can't handle more than one B2 or more than 2 B1s without the use of an additional Packlite amplifier.

No doubt that both the Evox and L1 Model X systems are both outstanding. I have a pair of Evox 8's coming my way this week, so I'll soon know which system is a better fit for different sized audiences.

I'll be interested in your reply once you have the opportunity to use the Evox 8. I agree with many who use the Evox 8 that it is a very, very weight friendly system. My experience has shown that the Evox 8 can handle a decent sized room of between 300-400 guests at a formal event, but not so great at teenage events without supplementing the system with a good size subwoofer. I had the LS801PB Yorkville and can assure you that if coupled with the Evox 8 (like RickRyan says) would be a "monster" rig.
 
Doing some research for no reason....

I have been reading on other forums the Bose vs RCF Evox 8 debate...I don't want to start a debate thread about what is better and why. I am making this thread because I want to understand the abilities, and limitations of each system.

When I read specs on the Bose L1 model ii...I read that it is 250 watts cont. to the bass modules, and 250 watts cont. to the high speakers. ...500 watts RMS doesn't sound like that much...but then I hear of DJs claiming they handle events of 400 to 500+ fine with a pair of these speakers.
Since they are a line array system, can the Bose and Evox both have more throw and coverage area than a typical speaker ox with the same power rating?

Also, Evox 8 is rated at 700 watts rms...shouldn't it be able to cover larger events compared to the Bose L1s? ...I have read from Bose owners that the L1s are more powerful than the Evox8, yet specs don't say that?

I have heard both before, but don't think I have heard the Bose at full volume before.


One issue I have with the BOSE system is the total cost. I just about a year ago bought the entire EVOX 8 system ( two speakers/subs ) with bags for about $3000
To buy two L1 Model ll's - that would cost closer to $5000
I have not heard the sound from the BOSE, but I really do like the EVOX system. I am exclusively a formal style DJ, weddings, anniversary parties, etc. I do not do teenage events and avoid them like the plague regardless of what they might pay me.
That being said, I have used the EVOX system with wedding crowds that were between 200 and 250 guests and they did not even break a sweat!
The carry in a very small footprint and are for the most part a relatively light to carry system that weighs in with bags at about 52 lbs.
I think BOSE makes super nice stuff and they look great, frankly look a bit better than the EVOX system, but just not worth an additional $2000
Systems required for events are so dependent on size of crowd but more importantly the shape, dimensions of venue you are working and WHERE the management decides to place you. The EVOX does not work in all instances, therefore I also can do events with a speaker on pole system, QSC K series stuff and they still perform very well.
Happy New Year to you all!
 
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As I mentioned, I don't have any experience with the Evox, so please don't take what I'm about to say as anything against the Evox line or the company.
But I love the fact that my gear is "expensive". Customers know it and recognize it as quality. There are brands that cost the same or close, but most customers don't realize it. I believe it adds another layer of comfort to them. Please don't mistake this to mean the equipment is more important than the dj. That will never be the case. A bad dj with great equipment is a bad dj. A great dj with mediocre equipment will always be better than a bad dj with any equipment. But great equipment certainly helps and in most cases is s good business decision over cheap equipment. They also hold their value better than any speaker I've owned, making it less expensive to use that a lot of gear.

I love the customer service. They fix an issue quickly. Dedicated support line for pro gear with people on the other end that actually use the product, not a foreign person reading a computer screen. Once you use this service, it makes it difficult to consider another company. They offer discounts for replacement products for gear they no longer support, even after 10 years. I love that is an American company that has not been bought, sold, merged, a 100 times. And yes, I love how the products perform.

If this sounds like a commercial for Cap, I'm sorry. It's my experience. There is nothing magical about it. There are limitations and downsides like any equipment.