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.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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