Bose L1 Model II Sound System
10. Apr, 2009 
6 Comments
A BOSE L1 Sound System Testimonial:
I’m sooo tired hearing about price.
As a guitarist, look at the price of a Marshall, Engl, Egnater, Landry, Diezel, Krank, Rivera, Bogner, etc. head! Add the cabs, mics, PA, monitors, cables, etc., what is the price? Before I ordered my L1 system, I wanted to know…
I recently did a comparison and selected my ideal traditional live tube power amp head / cab guitar rig from the major and boutique amp companies if I purchased it new. The result, it would cost me about $4800. Since I also play bass, I’d need a bass rig, this would cost me around $2400. I also play keys, so I’d need a keyboard amp too so add another $1000. Grand total: $8,200.
As an alternative to the traditional amp/cab option above, the other “price check” I did was to consider that I already have a guitar preamp/effects unit, a bass preamp and can run them and keyboards direct so I could go with a set of active PA cabs – Full Range Flat Response and for bass / keys I’d need a subwoofer – 1 would be enough. This would be about $2500, and I’d need a line mixer so add another $400 or so, total: $2900. If I add the cost of my preamps into this it would be double.
Then I looked at the L1 Model II with two B1s and T1, which is what I ordered. I can run bass, guitar and keys (and more) into the T1, so I don’t need a line mixer. I can go direct into the T1 or use my preamps. The range can cover all my instruments so I don’t need dedicated equipment for each beyond my instruments and preamps/effects which may be optional in some cases or more – I won’t know this for sure until I get my system and work with it.
This doesn’t include monitors…
Net result for me, the L1 system is actually very cost competitive – and as an added bonus, it will take up less room in my home studio, and will easily fit in my car – the active PA, bass or guitar cabs would not fit at all!
Soooo, whenever anyone complains about the price, they don’t get it or they haven’t done the math IMO. I hope I don’t sound like a shill but this was my comparison shopping process summary which (among other considerations) convinced me to purchase the L1 system.
Peace.
Introducing the BOSE L1 Sound System:
The L1 Model II system delivers wide horizontal sound coverage and smooth tonal balance—across the stage and throughout the room. It includes the improved Cylindrical Radiator speaker with a stand that folds to be more portable, a B1 bass module, plus cables, power cord, and carrying bags for the various components.
Like the original award-winning L1 system, the L1 Model II is an all-in-one innovation that replaces conventional monitors, mixers and PA speakers. It’s packed with proprietary Bose technologies designed to improve your amplified sound.
The system’s breakthrough Cylindrical Radiator loudspeaker produces wide, uniform sound coverage—onstage and throughout an audience of up to several hundred—with little drop off in volume and tone.
The L1 Model II system features Articulated Array speaker technology for even greater tonal balance. The loudspeaker’s 24 vertically mounted drivers are precisely angled to create clearer highs and more consistent tone in the room. Even people off to the sides enjoy well-balanced, detailed sound.
Deep bass from small enclosures
L1 Model II systems come with one B1 bass module to ensure more accurate amplification of lower notes for most voices and instruments—including guitars, keyboards and various horns. A double bass package is recommended for bass guitars, kick drums and DJs.
The B1 bass module is considerably lighter and smaller than conventional bass bins required for the same performance. Power up to two bass modules on a single power stand. Add two more bass modules to the system with an optional PackLite extended bass package.
Lighter and more compact
L1 Model II systems are Bose’s lightest, most compact live amplification systems—with four retractable legs on the power stand for easy setup and breakdown. The power stand also has a simplified control section; the single line-level input can be used with instruments, mics, mixers, laptops, MP3 players or DVD systems.
These lighter systems are built to handle the road. The loudspeaker has a rugged, reinforced grille, and each package includes padded carrying bags for major components.
Powerful option: ToneMatch? audio engine
Add the optional T1 ToneMatch audio engine to quickly expand the system and fine tune your sound with powerful, proprietary tone-shaping tools.
The compact, multichannel engine provides fingertip control of the Bose library of ToneMatch presets. Just touch a button to make hundreds of precise refinements to the sound of instruments and microphones.
The engine also features a complete suite of studio-class reverbs, additional effects and dynamics processing. It connects to the L1 ? Model II system via a single digital cable for quick, streamlined setup.
The Bose L1 Model II system includes these impressive features:
Loudspeaker
Cylindrical Radiator and Articulated Array technologies – The loudspeaker’s 24 drivers are arranged using Articulated Array technology in a slim, vertical enclosure—creating very wide horizontal coverage and consistent tonal balance. Musicians and audience members to the sides and throughout the venue hear fuller, more detailed sound with little dropoff in volume and tone.
Two-piece, interlocking design – For quick and easy transport, setup and breakdown of Cylindrical Radiator loudspeaker. Each section of loudspeaker is 43 1/2″ (1.1 m) high. Unique, proprietary design includes interlocking bayonet and center and bottom latches.
Power Stand
Integrated power amplifiers – Provide clean, precise amplification for L1 Model II system with up to two B1 bass modules. Musicians can play soft or loud, with confidence the system will accurately amplify their performance.
Analog input, trim control and signal/clip LED – Line-level analog input accepts 1/4″ TRS phone cable. Can be used for instruments or other audio sources like DJ mixers, MP3 players, computers or DVD systems. Trim control lets you adjust the level of analog input signal. Signal/clip LED indicates status of analog input signal.
Bass module out – Delivers amplified bass output signal to one or two B1 bass modules. L1 system automatically adjusts equalization appropriately when bass modules are connected. ToneMatch port – Digital audio and power connection for ToneMatch? audio engine. Use with included ToneMatch cable.
Bass line out – Post-DSP bass signal output. Accepts 1/4″ TRS phone cable. Use to connect the optional PackLite amplifier with up to two additional bass modules. Can also be used to connect powered subwoofer or additional amplification system.
Retractable legs – Provide stability for streamlined L1 Model II power stand and loudspeaker. Four retractable legs fold out of power stand simultaneously for quick setup and compact transport. Small footprint also frees up room on tight stages.
Bass Module
Compact, lightweight enclosure – Easy to transport, setup and breakdown. Small footprint takes up considerably less space than traditional bass cabs required for same performance. Fits between legs of power stand. Interlocking feet on the modules make it easy to securely stack up to four modules together on their sides.
Highly efficient speaker design – Two 5 1/4″ (13.3 cm), high-output, high-excursion drivers produce deep strong bass from an elegant small enclosure. When connected to power stand, active equalization circuitry automatically adjusts bass signal appropriately. Rugged, twist-lock connector on bass module lets you link two modules together.
Bose L1 Model II System Specifications:
- Mechanical
- L1 Model II Cylindrical Radiator loudspeaker top:
- Dimensions: 43-1/2”H x 3-1/2”W x 4”D (1.1 m x 9.0 cm x 10.5 cm)
- Weight: 16.3 lbs (7.4 kg)
- L1 Model II Cylindrical Radiator loudspeaker bottom:
- Dimensions: 43-1/2”H x 3-1/2”W x 4”D (1.1 m x 9.0 cm x 10.5 cm)
- Weight: 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg)
- L1 Model II power stand:
- Dimensions: 5”H x 10”W x 27”D (12.8 cm x 26.2 cm x 69.2 cm)
- Weight: 23.7 lbs (10.7 kg)
- B1 Bass module:
- Dimensions: 15”H x 10-1/4”W x 17-3/4”D (38.0 cm x 26.0 cm x 45.0 cm)
- Weight: 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg)
Electrical
- AC power rating: 100-120V 50/60Hz 500W (USA/Canada)
Power stand inputs/outputs:
- 1/4″ analog input
- ToneMatch port for T1 ToneMatch audio engine
- Neutrik NL4 bass module out
- 1/4″ bass line output
What’s in the Box:
- L1 Model II Cylindrical Radiatorloudspeaker box L1 Model II Cylindrical Radiatorloudspeaker box
- Loudspeaker top and bottom
- Carrying bags
Power stand box:
- Power stand
- Power cord
- Protective plug
- Carrying bag
B1 bass module box:
- B1 bass module
- B1 bass module cable
- Carrying bag
Dustin, you recommend an additional sub – any suggestions for an appropriate model?
What is the difference between the Bose L1 Model I and Model II to explain an $800. price difference? Thanks.
Hello Gable, Dustin asked me to help with your questions. The L1 model 2 should be just fine for 100 people on a patio. It kicks out a lot of sound and the fidelity is awesome. Along with easy carry in/out and slick design.
Would you say this set up could easily accommodate up to 100 people on an outside patio or say two acoustic guitars, one electric and two vocals?
gable
Thanks for the comment. This system is definitely amazing! and to answer your question about an additional sub, we would highly recommend it. It would cost an extra $300, but it is well worth it to get that low-end punch.
Thanks for cost comparisons for the Bose L1 Model II. I would like to avoid the pitfall of buying all kinds of different equipment for different situations, and keep replacing and upgrading equipment. I have been looking for system that will work with my guitar/effects modeler, keyboard, and IPOD, and that will work equally well for both small/medium venues and in my home studio. Also at my age, the last thing I want to do is to lug around lots of heavy equipment. A friend of mine first told me about the Bose L1 Model II. At first I was intimated by the price tag, yet I was captivated by the radial sound concept, and the systems lightweight portable multiple use design. As a bass player and a keyboard player, do you see two bass modules as a must? Or would one suffice? Thanks.