The big difference stood out within seconds, or in the case of load in and out time minutes. Just so happened while I am NEVER LATE I was locked in gridlock on my way to an afternoon gig today. I usually give myself one hour to setup and sound check and need every minute of it. Today I arrived 20 minutes before my 2:00 PM start time and was still able to kick off my first tune on time!

From the opening intro to Albert King's I'll Play The Blues For You I was sold. I guess what impressed me the most was the clarity of hearing every note on every track within the mix, no matter how low or high the volume for each was set wirhin BIAB. I did have concerns regarding doing vocals through my small soundcraft mixer but after a few notes I was able to tweak the bass, mid and high knobs on the mixer to blend the vocal a notch or two above the mix.

I played a high end retirement community today and I guess the biggest compliment to the sound of the L1 was when a couple of late arrivals commented to me as to how they heard the music throughout the building and it was the sound of the music that drew them to the party room. Oh yes I was playing at the same volume me and my audience were hearing, some just 8-10 feet away.

And now I don't have to lug around 35-50 lb speakers, stands and that big @$$ Peavey Classic Twin Twelve Inch Speaker Amp.

I guess what I am saying here Dudes and Dudettes is if you are a single or duet doing live gigs you owe it to yourselves to test drive one of these models.

PS: Thanks Mac as because of your help and advice I started using BIAB nine years or so ago and now again following your advice and guidance I am a happy Bose L1 musician.

Later,

Thanks for the review, Danny!

Since you are doing exactly what I want to do, what works for you is good to know.

--Mac

I too have recently purchased a Bose L1 and have done about half dozen gigs with it. Besides the obvious ease of set-up I am also very impressed with the sound of BIAB through the Bose. It's much closer to what I hear through my stereo speakers or head phones than what I used to hear through my old Carvin PA. The Bose does tend to have a wider dynamic range, and I've had to re-record my tracks after "tweaking" the bass and drum volumes. I also like the fact that the audience mainly sees me and not speakers, speaker stands, mixer's etc. Plus its much easier to find a place to set up and play at some of the smaller venues. Thumbs up all the way on the L1.

Frank

so,
did y'all buy new? Craigs List? Ebay?

Pat,

I bought a new L1 Model II with the 24 speaker stick and B1 bass module. I am also thinking of adding the Tone Match Engine in the not too distant future.

Later,

A buddy of mine played the cruise ships for many years and he mentioned that they had used a Bose PA in recent years for size and sound quality considerations.

He said he loved that thing. Of course a cruise ship is not a load in load out kind of gig..... bring your guitar and laptop and plug in and go to work.

What kind of $$$$$$$$ are we talking for the L1, the sub & Tone match?
I'm just wondering about getting that "Band" sound.

John,

OK, that's the bad news as they aren't cheap. I am in currently without the Tonematch Mixer/Engine for 2400.00, the Tonematch is another 500.00. But as a fellow gigging musician I don't have to tell you what we will spend and go through to get that "best sound possible".

And while sound is 1st 2nd and 3rd in my order of priorities I love the reduction in setup and take down time, and the fact that I can carry everything I need in the back seat or trunk of a car including the old Gibson. Heck I can sell the big pickup and get a more efficient vehicle for a 2nd car now.

A wise old owl suggested I go by my local Guitar Center and have them do a demo for me. I pass this on to you if you'd like to learn more about this equipment and if it will work for you.

Later,

"Hooty-Hoot..."

As I age I also like the idea of lighter stuff. I like being able to have a small car but I get concerned that, although the sound is clean and full,it won't have that hard drive I'm used to.

John,

These guys use 3 of 'em, but they also use them to amplify their separate instruments as well as each one's mic. You are a one-man act, you could easily use 1 L-1 model II at your gigs.

[video:youtube]here is a Youtube of a pro sound company tasked with amp'ing a Battle of the Bands, Rock Bands, using L-1s for FOH.[/video]

Here is a Youtube of a pro sound company tasked with amp'ing a Battle of the Bands, Rock Bands, using L-1s for FOH. I post this one only to show that the concept is making inroads even in the prosound arena.

FOH:
(3) Bose L1's
(12) Bose B1 Bass Module's

Monitor System:
(2) Carvin DCM2004L (1 per stage)
(8) Carvin LM12 Monitors (4 per stage)

Board:
Yamaha MG32/14 FX

Mics:
(6) Heil PR20 - Vox 1&3/Snare (three per stage)
(2) Heil PR35 - Vox 2/Lead (one per stage - center vox)
(4) Heil PR30 - Guitars (two per stage)
(4) Heil Handi Mic - Overheads (two per stage)
(2) Heil PR48 - Kick (one per stage)

Main Stage Lighing:
(4) Chauvet 4Bar's (two per stage)

Dance Floor FX Lighting:
(2) ADJ Mini Gobo Laser
(2) Atmospheric RG
(2) Omnisistem LED Blinders



I don't know why they opted to use separate Monitor system: I've never needed it, seems to defeat the L-1 concept.

Here's a one-man Virtual Band performance where the guy uses Video Monitors along with L-1's, this one a Stevie Wonder cover, 3 L-1s only, its pressure-cooker levels:



Look, these things violate every single thing about Live Sound Reinforcement theory that I've spent so many decades studying and working with it ain't funny. But they flat WORK well. SPL levels are not a problem, actually. Matter of fact, it has been my empirical experience that audiences actually allow me to run HIGHER SPLs than I can get away with using the more conventional PA systems with horn drivers, stands, etc.

And -- I've also noticed how well they sound when someone uses a cellphone or small digital cam to record the event. The same small digital camera, the same day, same stage, didn't sound so good when the next act was set up and playing thru all those darn Carvins and Behringers on the poles.

Yes, the entry price is almost staggering. You really get your money's worth in the long run, though. I was holding off on buying my second Bose Stick in hopes that I'd find my usual better deal by picking up a used one from somebody. While you may find a used one somewhere, I couldn't. That's because once a musician uses the thing, you gotta pry it outta their cold dead fingers. Matter of fact, my advice is that if anyone does find someone selling an L-1 used at reduced price, they should not hesitate, just buy it if ya got the shekels at the time.


--Mac

Should I call?
http://annarbor.craigslist.org/msg/4006097680.html

Actually, the Fantom interests me more at this point.
Is this the Bose unit you speak of?

Settle down Grey Feathers :>!

Later,

That's the Classic, we're talking the newer L1-II model, and I think the asking price for used is kinda stiff there. If I gotta fork out that much, a little bit more gets new plus a warranty.


--Mac

I've played in 2 bands that use the (2) L1-IIs.
Great sound! We used them for vocals, sax & my Synthophone in the one band. In the other band, everything went through them. I should add they were VERY loud bands. I'd like to buy 2 of my own. I don't really enjoy playing through anything else anymore.

Mick

But you're talking almost 6K for two of them with the Tone thing etc.. Holy crap!!!!!!!

Couldn't agree more. I am glad you guys love these, but can we please try to avoid these types of discussions since they tend to put crazy thoughts in my head.

What did your main instrument cost you?

What is the sense of purhasing a better and more expensive instrument and not amplifying said instrument the best way possible considering the available technology of the day?

That is an analogy that best describes the way I perceive the situation.

And, yes, the darn things put a big hit on the old fixed income.

One of the ways I rationalized it was to consider how many more thousands I've dropped on other PA systems and gear over the years.

Of course, one does not strictly have to go in this direction, there are plenty of less costly options available these days and there are many aaspects to the situation that each must evaluate and decide for themselves as to the cost/benefit analysis. One thing's darn certain: The intake from gigs these days certainly weighs in hard, darnit.


--Mac

I just do what the voices tell me.

John,

Personally, I don't need two of them, and I doubt you would either as I feel we do a very similar show. One is beautiful and powerful and more than suits my needs. Anyway if I got another I would be back into carrying a load of equipment to and from my gigs again.

But as they say at the auto dealership, your mileage may vary.

Of course I can justify the cost many ways, here a few:

#1. It's $ I made playing gigs.
#2 I can sell the F-150 big V8 and drive a less expensive more efficient model.
#3. I can get off my backside and start selling the assortment of PA's I have in my attic that I will never use again.
#4. I am a musician, therefore I am a little bit crazy.

Later,

I intended to test drive a single unit when I get a chance.

I have approximately $15K in my setup right now...

Same here. Will never play through anything else again.

Well, I can't say I'll NEVER perform using anything else again, those Cityparks gigs where they have hired a sound company to do the outdoor PA come to mind immediately, as well as a lot of other situations.

Pat Metheny, and avid userof L-1's, can afford to say that, I cannot. *grin*

"Never say 'never'..."


--Mac

Since this post I've been watching Craigs List and Ebay for used ones.

Good luck on that! Apparently nobody ever gets rid of 'em once they have 'em.

Pretty much every ad on Ebay is authorized dealers, and on CL I haven't seen any.

well? did you buy it?

Hi Guys,

I own 3 Bose L1 Classics. We use them at our church...so almost no loading in, loading out. They are in excellent condition.

I am selling 2 of them. What you would receive is:

1 Bose L1 Classic System
1 B1 Bass Module with connecting cable
1 Remote Control
2 Remote Control Cables (One is 15', second is 34')
1 Power Cable
All Carrying Bags

$1400.00 plus shipping (each)

Here are some pictures:

Bose L1 Classic

If anyone is interested...let me know. I'm going to list them on ebay or craigslist in a couple of days.

You can PM me.

OMG, you have got to be kiddin me. You live only miles from my house and the price look good. I told you guys not to talk about this stuff. It puts goofy thoughts in my head. Be strong Dan , be strong.... don't give into the dark side. I need a new PA like I need a hole in the head.

Good luck with the sale. Now what ever happened to BIAB 2013.5?

You're right, Jazzmandan, we're probably only a 1/2 hour apart and you're welcome to come on over and give the L1 a try!

Luke.. he's your father! if he says its ok to trade in R2D2 for L1, it must be the right thing to do.

;-)