Actually, the Bose L1 compact has four inputs, one is a mic input with a two-band EQ system, a standard 1/4-inch mono input, a 1/8th-inch stereo input and a stereo RCA input. With the exception of the mic input, the other three can be used for various instruments, I-phones, etc... I had a guy with his guitar plugged into my compact, while I plugged into the RCA using a 1/4-inch adapter cable from my keyboard to the RCAs. It ain't rocket science.

As for the audience size capabilities, well, a lot depends on the audience composition, the venue configuration, and the type of job you are playing. With a pair of compacts, I have done several relatively large jobs with audiences to 300 and still had lots of head room. And, unlike conventional sound systems that have significant falloff beyond 50 feet, I was able to fill the venue with evenly distributed sound - no hot spots - no dead spots. I've never had a lack of bass, never had to place the system on a chair or table, never have a problem with distortion. Now, if I had to do a job with an audience larger than 300 people, I would probably chain my ancient Barbetta Sona 32SC to the Bose compact, place the Barbetta on a pole off to one side and hope no one decides to lean on it and knock it over. I hate pole mounted, heavy @ssed speakers.

Now, the big difference is with the Bose Compact you must set all your EQs with either the keyboard, or a mixer if you are using one. I no longer use a mixer, therefore all my EQs are set with the keyboard, and I really like it that way. There's never a question of whether or not a knob has been bumped or not set correctly. I have a half-dozen registrations that are set up just for various EQ settings at different venues - works great. One button push and everything is ready to go. Love it!

Good luck on whatever you decide upon,

Gary