I experienced the Bose L1

[ahoustondj]

Well, since I have read so much about the Bose L1 system on this forum, I wanted to check it out “Live” for myself. (No Cap, I did not go to buy it. You would be my first choice if I was to buy one.)
I went to Guitar Center and had them demonstrate it for me. It is a nice system but I was not really that impressed. For the price I could get a much better sound from using conventional speakers. I must admit that the sound was indeed Bose. However for that price, I would pass. They demonstrated one stick with one bass module. I am sure that with added sticks and bass modules it would be more awesome.
Again, if you went the ultimate route with two sticks and four bass modules the price would be high as a giraffe’s azz.
The guy who demonstrated it to me is a sound engineer and certified stage and lighting tech. He admitted that for real DJ applications where solid bass and thump was needed, the Bose would always fall short to a comparable conventional speaker system for the same dollars. He does not suggest it for heavy DJ use. He looks upon it as a novelty item.
I still believe in having a major system that can be versatile enough to give you different configurations for applications as small as a Birthday party for 50 people upwards to a large hall/ outdoor for several thousand people.
Based on what I already have and intend on buying my plan is to end up with (Speakers Only, I already have the electronics)
2 Bose 802s (Already own)
2 JBL JRX 125 (Already Own) http://www2.jblpro.com/catalog/general/Product.aspx?PId=91&MId=3
2 EV DH1506 Midrange Drivers each attached to wide dispersion horns EV HR90/ 26” x 10” (Already own)
2 JBL Hi Frequency drivers with horns (To be purchased)
4 JBL Long Throw Folded Bass Bins 4530 http://www.jblpro.com/pub/obsolete/Low_Frequency_Enclosures2.pdf
(Each Loaded with http://www.jblpro.com/pub/obsolete/2205hj.pdf) (Already own)

I will be purchasing:
2 JBL PRX 535 http://www2.jblpro.com/catalog/general/Product.aspx?PId=48&MId=3 or http://www.jblpro.com/ae/am6315_64.html
2 JBL AM6200/95 http://www.jblpro.ru/pdf/AM6200_95.pdf
1 JBL MRX518S http://www2.jblpro.com/catalog/general/Product.aspx?PId=53&MId=3
This collection will be able to give me any kind of configuration that I need from small (Pick what I need) to large applications (Take everything)
I also do Caribbean parties in large halls and you got to have good low end to handle all that Reggae Bass.
My Main system will always utilize an Electronic 3 way crossover network with each frequency being powered by its own independent amplifier.
For those who like the Bose L1 I think it’s a good system but for me its is not rugged enough for the use that I’ll be applying.
One of my main reasons for not going with the L1 system is the fact that the speakers are controlled by its own electronics. if that fails, then your whole speaker system is down. Using conventional speakers and amps, if one item fails it can be quickly replaced by a spare. I do not see myself buying two L1 systems using one as a spare. Thats even higher than a giraffe's azz!

 

[DJ SVO]

Houston,
You need to talk with Cap about setting up the system, from what I've read on the different forums some time ago, the people at GC do not maximize the true potential of the system. That's why Cap makes the system shine and when you buy it from him before you put it together he's on the phone with you setting it up. After that's taken care of the full potential of the system comes out.

Yes the Bose system is not for everyone or every type of event, but from all the reviews I've read online from Caps' customers I believe the system does have something special about it. And if I'm not mistaken there's also a 30 day money back guarantee .

 

[ahoustondj]

Houston,
You need to talk with Cap about setting up the system, from what I've read on the different forums some time ago, the people at GC do not maximize the true potential of the system. That's why Cap makes the system shine and when you buy it from him before you put it together he's on the phone with you setting it up. After that's taken care of the full potential of the system comes out.

Yes the Bose system is not for everyone or every type of event, but from all the reviews I've read online from Caps' customers I believe the system does have something special about it. And if I'm not mistaken there's also a 30 day money back guarantee .

I am weighing in on a lot of things here. If I was starting out with no equipment whatsoever, I'd maybe say yes to the Bose system. I already have a lot of gear that is still usable. I want to add, not completely replace. I can't integrate the Bose with my other stuff.
Not too long ago, someone on here was complaining that the Bose system was inadequate for an outside Gig that they were doing. The Bose system does not have the long throw and spread that I want in a large system.
Mind you, I am not knocking the Bose system, I just don't think the Bose four bass modules can stand up to my four bass bins for a deep thump bass.
As noted before, I am mainly replacing my mid and high sections When all was working, I used to sometimes outshine bands that were on the same outdoor stage with me. I had more power, clarity and SPL. Look at the specs for yourself on the items that I have and intend to buy and you'll see what I mean.
Most importantly, I do not trust a system that relies on itself for processing and amplification. If that fails then all Hell breaks loose.

 

[jokerswild]

Don't use GC as gage of the capabilities of the L1 Bose systems.... If your GC is like mine they probably had only one L1 and one B1 setup.... not to mention some know nothing set it up without "setting it up properly".... to truely experience a Bose L1 you need to set it up right.

I have run mine indoors and outdoors for an audience of up to 240 with just one L1 and two B1's.... the sound is outstanding and fills a room like no other system can.

If you lived in Indiana I'd tell ya to come out to the karaoke show I'm doing on Sep. 13th and truly get a good example of what a single L1 and dual B1 setup can do.

I guarantee you wouldn't be dissappointed...

 

[Fred Wright]

The L1/B1 system is what it is. As I understand, it wasn't designed to replace nor replicate a large, conventional FOH system. The primary advantage it offers is compactness, being light in weight and the processing is already set for the operator. Plus there's the aesthetics ~ you don't have "those big, black boxes" in the venue with racks that look like the cockpit in a 747.

Where L1 operators mess up is incorrect preset processing settings and/or incorrect input feeds. Trying to get the system to do more than it was designed to do doesn't help either. Cap has been advising L1 users on the correct system settings and levels for a long time. Any PA system can be made to sound like mud if the operator doesn't know what he's doing ~ or doesn't care.

The radiators or "sticks" as they're often called utilize a line array design. This design tends to shine in venues that have less than favorable acoustics because slapback and echo are no longer muddying up your tone. High ceilings, large columns, hard walls and floors all contribute to poor acoustics. The L1 can negate many of these issues. Agreed, it's a lot of money to pay for a set of mid-tops.

That said, I wouldn't suggest the use an L1/B1 system at an outdoor show. We've been bi- and tri-amping our system for years with satisfactory results. It's a lot more gear to load and a lot more weight but it works well for us. With the conventional system we have we can pick and choose among cabinets to get the job done.

Thoughts?

 

[jokerswild]

That said, I wouldn't suggest the use an L1/B1 system at an outdoor show. We've been bi- and tri-amping our system for years with satisfactory results. It's a lot more gear to load and a lot more weight but it works well for us. With the conventional system we have we can pick and choose among cabinets to get the job done.

Thoughts?

I disagree.... while I also wouldn't use it for an outdoor gig where 1000's of people are going to show up.... I have used my 1L1/2B1 combo at a recent outdoor gig for about 100 people and the sound was just fine... in fact I was asked to turn it down a couple of times... not because it sounded bad but because it was loud... (I just get into the music sometimes and when that happens the volume tends to creep up as well)...

I did as Cap had suggested since I was on a stage that was about 3' tall I put a 2x4 under the back side of the L1 to give it about a 15-20 degree down angle towards my target audience... the sound was fantastic.

Certainly not a blow your mullet back sound but the quality of the sound is great.

 

[ahoustondj]

I disagree.... while I also wouldn't use it for an outdoor gig where 1000's of people are going to show up.... I have used my 1L1/2B1 combo at a recent outdoor gig for about 100 people and the sound was just fine... in fact I was asked to turn it down a couple of times... not because it sounded bad but because it was loud... (I just get into the music sometimes and when that happens the volume tends to creep up as well)...

I did as Cap had suggested since I was on a stage that was about 3' tall I put a 2x4 under the back side of the L1 to give it about a 15-20 degree down angle towards my target audience... the sound was fantastic.

Certainly not a blow your mullet back sound but the quality of the sound is great.

Again I am not knocking the Bose technology or sound. I own (see the attached pcs.) Bose products. I want to add not replace equipment. I value the input on this Forum otherwise I would not have bothered to go and check out the system at GC. I just feel for true Sound reinforcement, The Bose system can not stand up to to a conventional SR system at the same price.
I have rented the AWM for $150.00 for 2 Hours and did not have to be there. I bought the system in its carrying case for $1,250.00 back in the early 2000s. I have used it for small pool parties as recent as two weeks ago. Hell, the mike alone is about $150.00.

 

[ahoustondj]

The L1/B1 system is what it is. As I understand, it wasn't designed to replace nor replicate a large, conventional FOH system. The primary advantage it offers is compactness, being light in weight and the processing is already set for the operator. Plus there's the aesthetics ~ you don't have "those big, black boxes" in the venue with racks that look like the cockpit in a 747.

Where L1 operators mess up is incorrect preset processing settings and/or incorrect input feeds. Trying to get the system to do more than it was designed to do doesn't help either. Cap has been advising L1 users on the correct system settings and levels for a long time. Any PA system can be made to sound like mud if the operator doesn't know what he's doing ~ or doesn't care.

The radiators or "sticks" as they're often called utilize a line array design. This design tends to shine in venues that have less than favorable acoustics because slapback and echo are no longer muddying up your tone. High ceilings, large columns, hard walls and floors all contribute to poor acoustics. The L1 can negate many of these issues. Agreed, it's a lot of money to pay for a set of mid-tops.

That said, I wouldn't suggest the use an L1/B1 system at an outdoor show. We've been bi- and tri-amping our system for years with satisfactory results. It's a lot more gear to load and a lot more weight but it works well for us. With the conventional system we have we can pick and choose among cabinets to get the job done.

Thoughts?

When you are using a 3 way or 4 way electronic crossover system with good processing you can make your system sound great in ANY envoirnment!

 

[Fred Wright]

When you are using a 3 way or 4 way electronic crossover system with good processing you can make your system sound great in ANY environment!

Oh I agree. Touring grade processing and big, beefy Class A/B Toroid amps are my friends. I love lotsa headroom in my rig.

You guys who load the snot-in-a-wind-tunnel plastic active cabs lollipopped over bass bins can laugh all you like... but I'd like to see you match this headroom-heavy tri-amped rig, lol. I'm running more RMS power dissipation in my tops amp than those plastic toy boxes dissipate full range.

I'd love to see the expression on your faces when a band with a big-assed FOH blows you away and their soundman looks at your plastic cabinets, shakes his head and tells you to get back on the porch where you belong.

That is if the toy cabinets haven't self-destructed due to thermal exhaustion already.

Overkill? You decide. We can always turn it down. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I have yet to have one of these DCMs fail. And we've pushed the hell out of 'em. I've pushed the hell out of my cabinets. They have yet to fail.

Thing is, many people don't know how to set up processing, let alone choose the right tools for the job to get a good tone. The L1 does this for you.

I admit that a dual L1/quad B1 rig costs more than we've got vested in our system. We can do a lot more with it. We could manage live sound on a flatbed trailer for a huge field party if the band has a soundboard and a pair of XLR cables. We can patch it into the rig.

We're not set up for live sound but our system is capable of handling it. We don't load DJ gear.

The L1 is marketed to live sound apps. Use what works best for your business.

 

[ahoustondj]

Oh I agree. Touring grade processing and big, beefy Class A/B Toroid amps are my friends. I love lotsa headroom in my rig.

You guys who load the snot-in-a-wind-tunnel plastic active cabs lollipopped over bass bins can laugh all you like... but I'd like to see you match this headroom-heavy tri-amped rig, lol. I'm running more RMS power dissipation in my tops amp than those plastic toy boxes dissipate full range.

I'd love to see the expression on your faces when a band with a big-assed FOH blows you away and their soundman looks at your plastic cabinets, shakes his head and tells you to get back on the porch where you belong.

That is if the toy cabinets haven't self-destructed due to thermal exhaustion already.

Overkill? You decide. We can always turn it down. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I have yet to have one of these DCMs fail. And we've pushed the hell out of 'em. I've pushed the hell out of my cabinets. They have yet to fail.

Thing is, many people don't know how to set up processing, let alone choose the right tools for the job to get a good tone. The L1 does this for you.

I admit that a dual L1/quad B1 rig costs more than we've got vested in our system. We can do a lot more with it. We could manage live sound on a flatbed trailer for a huge field party if the band has a soundboard and a pair of XLR cables. We can patch it into the rig.

We're not set up for live sound but our system is capable of handling it. We don't load DJ gear.

The L1 is marketed to live sound apps. Use what works best for your business.

Thats a big 10 4 Good Buddy! No shyttin about that fact! Brute force is whats its all about!

 

[ahoustondj]

Don't use GC as gage of the capabilities of the L1 Bose systems.... If your GC is like mine they probably had only one L1 and one B1 setup.... not to mention some know nothing set it up without "setting it up properly".... to truely experience a Bose L1 you need to set it up right.

I have run mine indoors and outdoors for an audience of up to 240 with just one L1 and two B1's.... the sound is outstanding and fills a room like no other system can.

If you lived in Indiana I'd tell ya to come out to the karaoke show I'm doing on Sep. 13th and truly get a good example of what a single L1 and dual B1 setup can do.

I guarantee you wouldn't be dissappointed...

Send me a PM on your upcoming Karoake show please. Depending on the location, I'll send someone there to check it out. My Ex! I may be in Indiana to visit her next month too. Seriously!

 

[Ron Auger]

These L1 systems for weddings are terrible. I wouldn't suggest anyone in the greater Milford, MA area buy these. If you do a lot of formal functions like weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, etc. then this is not the system for you. People at these functions like to see the big speakers on the sticks. In fact the bigger the better. If you use more than just two then the people in the back of the room will be able to hear better, if not just turn them up louder. I would also suggest that if you're using conventional speakers then get the really big base bins to go with them. The closer to the tables you put your speakers the easier people will be able to hear them. You can't do things like that with the Bose. The closer you put the Bose to the tables guests are still able to hear enough to carry on a conversation.

So again, I would not recommend anyone in Massachusetts who does weddings purchase the Bose L1 system. Just stick with equipment with names that the average person doesn't know a damn thing about. That way they will be confused.

Carry on.

 

[ahoustondj]

These L1 systems for weddings are terrible. I wouldn't suggest anyone in the greater Milford, MA area buy these. If you do a lot of formal functions like weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, etc. then this is not the system for you. People at these functions like to see the big speakers on the sticks. In fact the bigger the better. If you use more than just two then the people in the back of the room will be able to hear better, if not just turn them up louder. I would also suggest that if you're using conventional speakers then get the really big base bins to go with them. The closer to the tables you put your speakers the easier people will be able to hear them. You can't do things like that with the Bose. The closer you put the Bose to the tables guests are still able to hear enough to carry on a conversation.

So again, I would not recommend anyone in Massachusetts who does weddings purchase the Bose L1 system. Just stick with equipment with names that the average person doesn't know a damn thing about. That way they will be confused.

Carry on.

Ron,
I do not think its fair to label the Bose L1 that way. They do sound great. They do look nice & unique. They have some clarity. In comparison to big PA or SR Sound, I think thats where the tank falls and the rockets take off. The Bose cannot in my opinion compare to big sound. I love big sound. For instance, some people love Peavey speakers I DO NOT! I think that they are flat and noisy. Then again, to each his own. This forum is to share info and ideas and we should not knock any one brand. You can't argue with the fact that Bose stands for quality and ingenuity! A Lexus may be a great car but would you want to take it on a safari?

 

[WaydeWest]

Ron owns the Bose system...he's mockingly trying to talk others in his market from buying it.

 

[ahoustondj]

Ron owns the Bose system...he's mockingly trying to talk others in his market from buying it.

Ahhhhhhh! A sly fox, eh!

 

[Cap Capello]

I love these posts. It should be in the Olympics as posting fencing.

A fella says he's an acoustical engineer. Did you see his certification? Did he finish first...or last...in his class. He's working at a GC. Hmmmm. Hey, but that's just my skeptical nature at its best, not being one who is easily impressed with credentials without proof especially when presented totally out of relevant context.

Comparing 1 L1 and 1 or 2 B1s to the recommended 2 L1 4 B1 system is like test driving a Mercedes with no rear wheels then bitching about the ride.

Glad you had a chance to at least hear one. Have no idea what input source or quality the graduate used, what input number he used, what presets were tried, was the wired remote a factor, and what his commission would be selling a JBL versus a BOSE.

Just as many accuse BOSE owners of wanting to love them, I also think there are an equal number who are determined to hate them. It's even in the long run.

Always. Buy what you need to make you happy and your business a success. I did. Should something better comes along for my clients, I'll dump the BOSE and buy it. (I had those 802s and were newer than yours, Houston. Those are the series IIs. I had the series IIIs which I gladly gave up for the L1s).

Nothing is forever.

 

[ahoustondj]

These L1 systems for weddings are terrible. I wouldn't suggest anyone in the greater Milford, MA area buy these. If you do a lot of formal functions like weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, etc. then this is not the system for you. People at these functions like to see the big speakers on the sticks. In fact the bigger the better. If you use more than just two then the people in the back of the room will be able to hear better, if not just turn them up louder. I would also suggest that if you're using conventional speakers then get the really big base bins to go with them. The closer to the tables you put your speakers the easier people will be able to hear them. You can't do things like that with the Bose. The closer you put the Bose to the tables guests are still able to hear enough to carry on a conversation.

So again, I would not recommend anyone in Massachusetts who does weddings purchase the Bose L1 system. Just stick with equipment with names that the average person doesn't know a damn thing about. That way they will be confused.

Carry on.

Ron I did many a gig in Boston and a worked in a Club in a small town in the outskirts called Lynn, Ma. I was living in Boston from 1976 - 1981. I also did outdoor gigs in Franklin Park in the Summers

 

[Jeff Romard]

I went to Guitar Center and had them demonstrate it for me. It is a nice system but I was not really that impressed.:

It's well known around here I am not a big fan of the Bose system (although after a flight of stairs and a 150' walk today it seems like a good idea) but to be fair you should try it in the field. Even if the guy at GC knows what he is talking about the environment isn't suited for testing.

Another suggestion I give with any system don't play all nice music. Take something that sounds less than stellar on your system and compare it on the system you are trying. To get a fair comparison use the same source on both systems

 

[nextgen1]

Listen to Cap bro the first time I heard the Bose system I thought it sounded like crap. It was those people that think they know how to setup all the DJ systems at the local GC. They don't know snot about the Bose and just like Cap said if this guy was all that and a bag of chips he would not be working at GC. Hear it live setup like Cap says. My system sounds awesome and all my clients agree.

 

[Ron Auger]

I try to stay out of Boston. It's much safer that way. Hank is the man for Boston.

A few weeks ago we had a Bose night at GS in Attleboro MA. We had an engineer from Bose (who new you quite well Cap, Chuck Nemitz I believe). This guy new how to set up the Bose for our application. He made these sound the way we need to hear them. Not as good as Cap can do but it was a nice experience. For the non-Bose owners they were quite impressed with what these puppies can do. Work them with a real pro like Cap and I think you'll change your mind.

For the functions that I use them for I wouldn't use anything else. Um, what I meant to say is they don't work very well in close settings such as weddings. Yea, that's it, that's what I meant. Especially in the Massachusetts area. Just because the Bose Mountain is only 12 miles away doesn't mean these are a well rounded system and everyone knows the name. That means absolutely nothing around here. EAW factory is only 8 miles in the opposite direct, go there instead. MA dj's unite, buy the big ones, speakers you can hide behind. Send your clients to me first though. I'll show theme the Bose experience and they'll come running right back to you. Trust me.