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For a number of years at band practice, we’ve used a Bose home theater system to output audio for an electronic drum kit, vocals, and keyboards. After a number of bass speaker failures (mainly due to the output of the electronic drums), it came time to invest in a more robust sound system that we could use for both band practice and performances.
Enter the Bose L1 Pro8 powered line array speaker system
We’ve always been impressed with the Bose L1 powered line array speaker systems ever since their introduction in 2003. What sold us on the Bose L1 Pro8 system was its slim form factor and impressive sound for such a compact unit.
Key Features
- Get in, set up, and simply perform with the most portable L1 Pro system, ideal for small venues like coffee shops and cafes
- Deliver premium full-range sound with consistent tonal balance for singer-songwriters, mobile DJs, and more
- Maintain supreme vocal and instrument clarity with a C-shape extended-frequency line array featuring eight articulated 2″ neodymium drivers and wide 180-degree horizontal coverage
- Bring more bass with less bulk with an integrated subwoofer featuring a 7″ 13″ high-excursion RaceTrack driver; performance that rivals a conventional 12″ woofer with a smaller footprint
- Go from vehicle to venue in one trip with a modular three-piece system that’s easier to pack, carry, and set up
- Select between optimized system EQ presets for live music, recorded music, and more
- Connect various audio sources easily via built-in 3 channel mixer with two combo XLR-1/4″ phantom-powered inputs, 1/4″ and 1/8″ (3.5 mm) aux input, plus Bluetooth® streaming – and access system EQ and ToneMatch presets, volume, tone, and reverb via illuminated controls
- Add in even more instruments and other audio sources via dedicated ToneMatch port; one cable provides both power and digital audio between the system and a Bose T4S or T8S mixer (optional)
- Take wireless control with the L1 Mix app on your smartphone to adjust settings instantly from your phone, roam the room and fine-tune, and access the ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets
- Stream high-quality Bluetooth® audio from compatible devices
Setup Process
3-Piece Modular System
The system is made up of the bass unit, a speaker array extension, and the main speaker array unit (all pieces plug into each other). You also have the option of just plugging the main speaker array into the bass unit. The system weighs a total of 40 pounds which screams portability.
Positioning of System
Typically, a powered amplifier (PA) speaker system would be placed at the front corners of the performance space facing out to the crowd, and monitor speakers would be placed in between the front speakers facing back to the band as needed. The Bose L1 Pro8 system is designed so that it can be placed behind all the band members and be used as both the main PA system and a monitor.
Sound Quality
In addition to being simple to set up and transport, the sound quality of the Bose L1 Pro8 is exceptional. The eight 2″ neodymium drivers, articulated in a C-shaped array, provide clear, unmuddled sound. At our performance at the Casino Night Fundraiser, the organizer asked where the sound was coming from, and she was amazed at how loud the Bose L1 system was, just sitting to the left of our drummer. The system specs at a maximum of 124 decibels SPL peak.
Tonal Balance
Perhaps most impressive of all is how powerful this system can be without having to turn it up very loud at all. Even at lower volumes, everything sounds clear and distinct. And, if you do need more volume for bigger crowds or larger spaces, you’d simply adjust your control settings accordingly.
Vocal and Instrument Clarity
Our drummer was impressed with the sound quality. He said both the drum sounds and vocals were coming out with clear trebles and deep bass from the Bose L1 Pro8 system. Our vocalists, bass, and rhythm guitar player also commented on how clear and loud the sound was compared to our previous performances using traditional PA speakers.
Racetrack Bass Driver
The bass driver is a 7-inch X 13-inch racetrack-shaped sub-woofer. Odd as this may sound, the design delivers low center-of-gravity and sonically clear, deep bass frequencies.
Built-in Mixer
EQ Presets
There are 3 system equalizer presets:
- Live – for live music performances
- Music – for recorded music
- Speech – for speaking performances
Connections
The Bose L1 Pro8 system comes with the following connections:
- Two combo XLR-1/4″ phantom-powered inputs
- One 1/4″ and one 1/8″ (3.5 mm) aux input
- One XLR output
- One ToneMatch port
ToneMatch
Add in Other Audio Sources
The Bose L1 Pro8 system has the optional capability to connect a Bose T4S or T8S ToneMatch mixer via the ToneMatch port shown above. Both mixers add Studio-Quality effects and advanced digital audio processing for natural-sounding vocals and instruments.
L1 Mix App
The Bose L1 Mix app downloadable on both iOS and Android gives you the capability to adjust any of the controls on the Bose L1 Pro8 through a smartphone or tablet.
Ultimately, the Bose L1 Mix app allows you to roam the performance venue and fine-tune the sound to your liking. Additionally, the app gives you access to the ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets
Conclusion
Overall, we think the Bose L1 Pro 8 is great value for anyone needing top-of-the-line sound quality without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a small concert or need superior audio at an important event, this sound system is sure to get the job done! With exceptional performance across multiple channels plus easy setup and portability, not many better options than the Bose L1 Pro8 when it comes to your audio needs.