New Bose L1 Compact!

open-road-matt · #1 04-01-2009, 11:45 AM

Bose announced a new system called the L1 Compact:

http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/...pact/index.jsp

It looks very cool!

Matt

David Aaron · #2 04-01-2009, 11:49 AM

That looks neat. And the pricetag isn't too hefty. I may have to get one of these. How much are the TruTone units?

Herb Hunter · #3 04-01-2009, 12:09 PM

Apparently, it has six speakers, not including the woofers, as compared to the larger system's 24 speakers. Are the speakers the same, differing only in number, or does the compact system use different drivers?

Larry Pattis · #4 04-01-2009, 12:19 PM

Too bad the guitar input is 1/4" only, rather than accepting an XLR.

zb0430 · #5 04-01-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

Too bad the guitar input is 1/4" only, rather than accepting an XLR.

That's a very big oversight, IMHO. That kills the unit's plausibility for many users of quality preamps with balanced outputs.

MikeTX · #6 04-01-2009, 12:56 PM

I understand the speakers are smaller than those in the other L1 models, and they are not considered a true line array, more of a curve.

I also understand the guitar quarter-in DOES accept TRS balanced cables.

membler · #7 04-01-2009, 01:01 PM

Just when I thought I wanted a Fishman SoloAmp... I can't wait to hear the comparisons.

open-road-matt · #8 04-01-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeTX

I also understand the guitar quarter-in DOES accept TRS balanced cables.

I am guessing then that you could use a Bose T1 into the guitar channel.

That would help. The L1 Compact has built in ToneMatch presets. I don't know if those are changeable/upgradeable. So far, the mic channel has a preset called Handheld Microphone and the guitar channel has the Acoustic Guitar w/piezo preset.

Matt

TwinandTwang · #9 04-01-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zb0430

That's a very big oversight, IMHO. That kills the unit's plausibility for many users of quality preamps with balanced outputs.

ahh the irony...

MikeTX · #10 04-01-2009, 02:05 PM

Hey Matt,

I *think* I saw in one of the videos that you can plug a T1 in the back into a "normal" T1 plug, like into a Mod II, with the RJ-45 plug? But surely you could plug the T1 Master Out into the Guitar Channel, like you plug it into a Classic?

Anyway, looks interesting, doesn't it! I must admit to being suspicious of the six 1 3/4 speakers in a space only 16 inches long. I was surprised that the two extension sections have no speakers, spacing only - my poor assumption. But... when you consider all of our dismay at the L1 in the first place years ago, and then last year at the SoloAmp doing what it does with only six speakers... we should know that the real proof is each of us actually hearing the Compact for ourselves, comparing it to something or not.

I also wonder if the extended setup places the speakers actually too high, for some settings (between 6 & 7 feet high?). When I play solo - I sit on a stool and my listeners are dining - seated of course. Munch told me the bottom speakers are pointed downward - that probably is the allowance. AGAIN - ya gotta HEAR it!

And to TwinAndTwang... I'm not sure about your irony reference? The fact that the guitar channel DOES accept a 1/4 TRS indicates that it "does the job" of accepting balanced input - just with that plug instead of an XLR. I DO agree that this is very important to me also. I know you get more volume and headroom connecting that way, and I believe tone is improved, although many of my friends disagree with that point. I just know what I hear.

Interesting times ahead... Actually - I do not intend to order one of these Sight-Unseen/Ear-Unheard, like I did the Bose originally, and then the SoloAmp. The Compact would have to SOUND very much better than the SoloAmp for me to switch, and I frankly don't expect this to be the case. Yes the no-stand design is cool, but the ease of carry/setup is by comparison to the full Bose L1, not a huge advantage over the SoloAmp, if at all.

Interesting times ahead...

kramster · #11 04-01-2009, 02:18 PM

Cool.... there were a few mentionings around the Bose site..

Larry Pattis · #12 04-01-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeTX

<<snip>>

I also understand the guitar quarter-in DOES accept TRS balanced cables.

Aside from needing a special cable, that would solve my issue fully.

dcopper · #13 04-01-2009, 02:36 PM

The guitar input accepts balanced signals, so you could use a balanced 1/4 inch TRS cable. (The manual was simple but had enough detail).
Anyone tried one of these yet?
It appears to have a max of 200 watt output into the six drivers. I would think this would be a great solution for those of us who are tired of lugging the old heavy "home plate" base up and down steps. I will have to give this a try. In looking at the Fishman SA, it just did not do it for tone for my ears. I would consider this as a way to replace the L1 Classic.
Great to hear from anyone who has tried this out.
davidc

dcopper · #14 04-01-2009, 02:39 PM

The guitar channel, Channel 2, also serves as a line level input, so you can run the T1 or a mixer in and just switch from the "M" present for acoustic guitar to the line level input.
Just when I was happy I was keeping my BOSE Classic!
davidc

kramster · #15 04-01-2009, 02:54 PM

http://products.bose.com/pdf/custome...l1_compact.pdf....is the owner's manual....My Classic may just have a new baby brother soon...sigh... just when I thought I was done.... yeah right.