I had the opportunity to hear Bill Corfield play a NH set with his T2 and Bose L1 w/sub and was totally impressed with everything I heard. The Bose was tight and the bass was surprisingly strong. Bill also uses a ToneMatch module for his setup, which he says really makes a big difference. It's a great sound for $2000+.

OTOH, it comes in four pieces - the two columns, the base and the sub, not including the ToneMatch. Each piece is substantial in weight, at least 25 lbs each. The base is the heaviest and bulkiest. I have a Mackie 808s powred mixer that is no heavier than the base and two 300i speakers that are only somewhat heavier than the columns. I also have a padded nylon bag for the speaker stands. Total cost under $2000.

So what's the fuss. No fuss, just wanted to show that a good, regular system does not have to be big, heavy or unmanageable AND that the Bose L1 system is not really that light - it is more compact on stage.

Is the Bose system better than a regular style PA? That's a very subjective question. I will say that the Bose is a premier system, sounds great and I certainly would not refuse one.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 08-01-2009).]

Don't underestimate the L1 Compact. I play in a 60X40 room to 150 people. They just love the sound, and I am at 1/2 volume. My L1 Classic is resting in my closet.

Bose L1 Classic

Power Stand = 35 pounds
Lower Line Array = 16 pounds
Upper Line Array = 14.5 pounds
Bass Module = 28 pounds
Remote Control = 0.6 pounds
Total combined weight = 94.1 pounds
Total power 750-watts RMS, 1,500-watts peak power

Bose L1 Compact
Power Stand W/Speakers = 24.6 pounds
L1 Compact Extensions = 2.3 pounds
Total combined weight W/Extensions = 29.2 pounds
Total power = 200-watts Max

I don't think anyone is underestimating the Bose, whether Compact or full L1. There are certainly enough adherents here for it to be recognized as a legitimate contender. What I think many of us try to point out, though, is that it isn't the be all and end all of PA's, despite what some of it's fans say. It has a distinct 'sound', and a distinct coverage pattern that works great IF you are looking for that specific sound and coverage. If you aren't, then other systems work possibly even better.

Nigel's got a pretty good post on another thread http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/019896.html that I think nails what I've been trying to say (and maybe, because he's a user AND moderator, you can cut him some slack for saying it! ) about the sound.

But I think that no-one here is dismissive of the Bose, just willing to offer other options (often considerably less expensive) for consideration...

[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 08-01-2009).]

I'm lovin the Bose Compact for my small gigs....and when I need more for the big gigs I add two L/R power 15's to the rig to give it some thump...sounds great with super coverage.

I'm makin like a squirrel saving up my nuts so I can get me one of them Compacts too. There could be a fire sale for a Kustom 100w/15" keyboard amp and a pair of 12" monitors. And the CM-30s could be coaxed out of me for the right price. Anyone interested email me.

cassp50@gmail.com

Picking up on Diki's point about 'other' PA systems and not wanting to divert this thread from the newest Boses (or Bosi ), but I heard a band the other night using a Peavey 10-channel mixer/amp through a pair of Bose 802's and they packed some serious wallop. Anyone used Bose 802's here?

I believe it's Bo..gus .

chas

Hi Guys - I know the hype on the Bose sure put a damper on the Podium Pro's...I know they were hot on here for a while...

The Bose looks like a great solution for a lot of situations. Thinkin' a little about one for myself for my 'trax n' sax' gigs...

Randy

Interesting to note that 2 x Compacts weighs a lot less than 1 x Classic.

Speaking of the Podiums, does anyone have a picture of a Podium setup? My CM-30s are fine, but I'd like a little more bass punch. I can add my EV 120b sub to the setup, but that's an extra trip in/out.

Also, I'd like to hear about the Tone Match mixer. Does it make a difference or does a regular mixer, like a Mackie w/EFX, do just as well?

cass get the bose compact......when you need more bass add the power sub to the bose external output ..nuff said!

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-03-2009).]

In the next couple of weeks I have two jobs that require both the Compacts and the Podiums. I will have the Compacts and Audya set up at my usual 6:30 p.m. job, and take the Podiums and E50 to retirement home parties that run 3:00 to 5:00.
That way I don't have to be setting up equipment in front of early dining customers.
DonM

I'll vouch for the significant sound improvement the ToneMatch provides. I had one with my Bose Compact. I returned it, but it was a close call.

Glenn

But, once again, $500 for a four channel mixer/effects unit seems well, a bit steep considering you could buy a twelve channel, 2X300W self powered mixer with effects and four channel compressors, for about the same money http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMEMX312SC .

Once again, not putting the Tonematch down, just pointing out alternatives for the less well heeled amongst us

I tried a Tonematch, and found it worked great, but not any better for my purposes than a $150. mixer.
If you work several various venues than require different e.q.s, or work with different makeup of band members, then the Tonematch would be good to save the "Scenes". One push recalls everything just the way you had it last time.
I once had a big 'ol Yamaha high-dollar mixer with automated sliders than did that. It was overpriced too!
DonM