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.
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.
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.
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.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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.
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.
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.
Actually, the Fantom interests me more at this point. Is this the Bose unit you speak of?
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.
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.
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!!!!!!!
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 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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean