|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
I've been asked to play my acoustic guitar with a friend who sings gospels songs at some nursing homes. I'm guessing the amount of people we would sing to would be between 12-20 people? I always like to bring a good sound to the mix and from that have bought BIAB of which I am very pleased. However, I've started to consider what speaker system I would need to be able to plug in my guiar, mic and iPod [BIAB backing tracks]? I don't have a big budget and dont want to get sucked into buying a full on PA which is overkill. I own an AER Acousticube which is a very good acoustic guitar and mic but not so good reproducing smooth low end bass notes from BIAB. Thing is I've been spoiled with my computer speaker system 2x B&W speakers + Rel Sub. The sound really rocks with the sub so I'm looking for a portable speaker system that can reproduce the nice low end bass notes that I've come to enjoy from my computer. Good bass makes all the difference I believe. I've seen these Web Page but I'm not so sure they would do the bass any justice? This option looks more plausible YouTube especially from 3min onward in the video. Maybe I'm looking for the impossible but does this speaker system exist?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
My Bose L1 also has the added advantage of the tiny footprint, I have found that too many speakers does not bode well at the retirement home. The support personnel will be telling you to turn it down before you turn it on if you go in there with boxes on stands, power amps and subwoofers. And it just isn't needed there.
The L1 will handle the venue you describe just fine.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,904
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,904 |
I bought a very inexpensive ($150) system from Behringer that I absolutely love for small venues like local dive bars with a small crowd. It is the EUROLIVE B205D Active 150-Watt PA/Monitor Speaker System and it mounts on your mic stand. Has two inputs that each accept XLR or 1/4" plug. It has input for your mp3 player, phantom power and a basic EQ.
It certainly won't compare with Mac's Bose L1 but it sounds pretty sweet for small venues and you can't beat the price!
And I just noticed they are replacing the 205 with a 207 which has a bit larger speaker, an additional mic input and a built-in mp3 player so you can play your recordings from a USB stick.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Mac, which Bose L1 do you mean? There are three.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
I bought a very inexpensive ($150) system from Behringer that I absolutely love for small venues like local dive bars with a small crowd. It is the EUROLIVE B205D Active 150-Watt PA/Monitor Speaker System and it mounts on your mic stand. Has two inputs that each accept XLR or 1/4" plug. It has input for your mp3 player, phantom power and a basic EQ.
It certainly won't compare with Mac's Bose L1 but it sounds pretty sweet for small venues and you can't beat the price!
And I just noticed they are replacing the 205 with a 207 which has a bit larger speaker, an additional mic input and a built-in mp3 player so you can play your recordings from a USB stick.
I saw a bluegrass band last night and they used this cool little PA. The venue was very small, about the size of a McDonalds. They stayed 4 feet away from the mic, and you could still hear each performer singing. The instruments were acoustic, not amplified, so they just used it for vocals. They might not have needed a PA at all for this gig, but it was clearly capable of a lot more volume than they were requiring of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Mac, which Bose L1 do you mean? There are three.
Well, you said you wanted a subwoofer, so that rules out choice number 1. BUT -- you very likely won't need the subwoofer. My suggestion is to see if you can audition one locally before purchase, take your laptop and BB with you, ask to plug it in. I don't use a subwoofer, didn't buy one, don't need it IMO. If, perhaps, you wanted to rock out, perhaps it would be apropos, but you mentioned retirement homes...
Numbers two and three come with the addon subwoofer.
For your stated purposes, and even much larger halls than that, you might consider choice 2, the one in the middle.
I'm not using the extra subwoofer with mine and it sounds just great with BiaB. People are always remarking on how good we sound. And the sound seems to come from everywhere, there are no hotspots and no dropout spots either. No separate monitor system, even in large venues, we hear exactly what they hear. And running it yourself onstage is easy peasy, literally a set and forget system.
In the retirement homes, I often elect not to put up the entire stack, as well. It isn't needed, is more unobtrusive in looks, but still fills the typical large drawing room or cafeterias found in those places.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
Behringer K3000FX Ultratone Keyboard Amplifier (300 Watts, 1x15") I use this to amplify my keyboards, synths, guitars, Bass guitars, Roland 5080 and even a JAM MAN! looper. The bass is gut wrenching on the drums and Bass guitar, and the vocals are crystal clear... With 300 Watts of power, you'll never run out of horse power. The K3000FX 4-channel PA/keyboard amplifier enclosed in a bass reflex cabinet has a special, beefed up 15" Bugera woofer and a custom-made 1" tweeter, delivering clear, clean sound that's ideal for gigs, large or small... included in this great amp,an internal 24-bit digital FX processor with 100 awesome presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects. Our revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection Enjoy full 4-channel stereo operation with separate volume and FX Send controls per channel, plus there is an additional XLR mic input on channel 1 for direct connection of dynamic microphones. Use the dedicated 7-band graphic EQ to give your sound your very own edge. I also have a Behringer Bass Amp which is plenty powerful. My Fender KXR keyboard/PA is also a performer to reflect the quality of the BIAB/RB Programs PERFECTO!! http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHK3000FX4 payments of $100....Have it payed off in no-time!! It's delicious...it's delightful...its... POTATO SOLID!!  ... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Here's the reason why this old achin' back loves his Bose L-1: One trip. Even with guitar bag over the other shoulder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia-vbM4lwp0 And it fits in the trunk or on the backseat of my little Ford Taurus. I've got a Roland stereo keyboard amp. Nice to have on the loud R&B/Bluesband gig, but a real backbreaker at the end of the night. And to think that I used to lug a B3 around. Maybe that's what's wrong with the back now? --Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
The B3 wears you down, than BAM the Leslie's throws the knockout punch!
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have the l1 model 2 with a bass speaker and the little Mixer. I don't know about guitar pickups but an audix mic is suggested by many and I love mine. None of it is heavy, but I got 2 trolley dollies 2 wheel jobs that I pull in. The Bose has some magic inside and if Mac says its good it is. I think we ended up getting them close to the same time, he's always telling me what to do. I'm pretty deaf. 
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
I've played many nursing homes and retirement centers with the Behringer 205D monitor speakers (with BIAB and outboard mixer), and they work great. Small, light-weight and they get the job done. Even used them with a 4-piece group in a restaurant setting. No problem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,936 |
I use a Yamaha stage pass for smaller venues. Very neat design. Two passive speakers with 6 channel mixer which fits onto the back of one of the speakers and the cables go in the back of the other. So all you carrying is two small speakers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
. For the small venues like nursing homes I use Logitechs similar to these: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-980-00040...rs+for+computerRemember that in a nursing home you will not need great volume to compete with chatting, knife-and-fork noises and other audio interference. These have plenty of power for something the size of a large living room. They do something very nice with vocals, and handle the full range of Biab instruments cleanly and in stereo. The tweeters are small enough that I can usually place them in a way that makes them nearly invisible. The whole thing fits in one milk crate, including a mixer like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PYD6070-6-Cha...6+channel+mixer (...many companies make mixers on this scale.) Actually I use one of these for roll-in and roll-out: http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Extendabl...=rolling+crate.If you can afford the Bose, go get 'em. If not, try these. Try Craigslist while you are at it
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 40 |
I'm with Mac on this one...I've owned Bose L1 since 2005 (at that time there was only one option).
For nursing home/assisted living situations, the L1 compact is more than sufficient. The bass module is built into the unit and would suffice for your application. The other models have an option bass module which are a more powerful bass modules than the built in module in in the compact. But again, the L1 Compact would suffice for your application.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
I'm looking for a sound system that when played through, the bass sounds live and deep rather than just OK if you know what I mean. To the best of my knowledge and experience this can only be achieved with a sub in the mix?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
I'm looking for a sound system that when played through, the bass sounds live and deep rather than just OK if you know what I mean. To the best of my knowledge and experience this can only be achieved with a sub in the mix?
You must audition the L-1, the standard model, which has a subwoofer in the bottom, just not as big as the other two offerings.
My bass sounds like a bass should, whether using Realtracks or even MIDI styles.
The L-1 is a totally different design concept from any of the others mentioned here. Trying to compare the L-1 to the standard PA configs that are everywhere without first auditioning the L-1 system is like trying to compare a prop place to a jet.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Quote:
And to think that I used to lug a B3 around.
--Mac
Whats a B3? Is that the Bose L1 Model 3? The largest of all of them?
So from your posts I take it you have the L1 Compact?
I will audition as soon as funds permit and where I can find a place who sell them. I do live in UK after all!
But here's my take on it, my AER Acousticube 2 cost me around £1500 when bought back in 1998. Now they are over £2000. So if an expensive brand like Bose sell their bottom range system for £899 cheapest, me thinks it isnt going to meet my needs. The L1 v2 or L1 v3 or L1 v2 x2 subs etc might do? Or am I wrong?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792 |
If i had the cash right now rather than the upper end Bose i would get 2 compacts. Two bass modules and 2 speaker arrays stereo, cool.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
A b3 is an organ. It also used special Leslie speakers, which have a spinning horn. It needs a special rig to move it, or 2 strong people. I never moved one, but mostly played the 'floor' model b4. I have played a b3 where the band bought one and a leslie, but I , that's I with a capital I, never helped to move it. I did set it up though. And that's another whole story. I'm with Mac on this one, mine is the L1 Model 2, with 2 pieces of pole, the bass module, and the 'mixer'. That was to be our touring rig. I should find someone in my area who wants to gig with it, I use it 2 or 3 times a week, preferring to play the actual piano on the upper level of the house. Bose is pricey, but look up the website, or find a dealer who has one setup. I think it's worth the cash if you are looking to invest in something well engineered that should last you 10 years. If you think that way. I don't even by green bananas anymore. 
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,772
Members40,063
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean