Bernie,
It is a little early for me to answer your question about sound level in front vs in back. On my first gig I had the S1 Pro sitting on top of a grand piano and pointed up and the sound seemed to be louder in the front. On today's gig I had the S1 Pro sitting on my Rock-N-Roller cart about 6 inches above the ground and pointed up and the sound seemed to be louder in the back. The strange thing about this is I did not have the volume level set very high at either gig. I have to use it on several more gigs before feeling like I can answer your question. One interesting point, for both gigs I had the S1 Pro slightly in front of me and the sound that I was hearing seemed much louder than what I get with my L1 Compact in the same position. Strange. I have yet to talk to a Bose tech person about all of this.

Deane