Help connecting mixer to Bose L1 compact
 

I just ordered a Bose L1 Compact. I have an RFC Lpad 6 channel mixer with effects. I am not sure how to connect.
I will be using a mic on channel 1 and guitar channel 2. Do I just pan both channels full left and use a balanced cable out to the guitar in channel on the Bose and set to line out as opposed to tone match.... Or do what the gear heads at GC said and use a right and left 1/4 one end cable to RFC on the the other end to connect to channel 2 on the Bose?

Set the channel 2 1/4" input on the Bose to "line" and use a single cable from one channel of the mixer's main outs (for example, just the left channel). Leave the pan controls on the mixer centered. You don't need both channels going into the L1, and you won't need the very slightly louder signal you'll get by panning. Just left with centered panning will be fine.

I can't tell from the Bose manual if the 1/4" input is balanced or not (it says it takes either TS or TRS inputs, but that doesn't mean it's balanced). In any case, I'd use a TRS cable anyway. That way, if the input is balanced, you'll have a balanced connection and less noise. If it's not, it will still work just fine. It shouldn't give you trouble unless you need to run a long cable.

Louis

Thanks Louis. Kinda what I thought, but Iexcept for not needing to pan all the way left. I'm not sure about the 2 1/4 to rca cable that Guitar center guys were talking about

I use the RCA stereo out jacks on my mixers to the stereo RCA jacks in, on the L1c with the switch on line level. On most mixers, the RCA outs are paralleled to the main outs, so it works fine. The L1c sums the stereo to mono.

You could use the RCA jacks on the RCF into the RCA jacks on the Bose, but I don't see the point unless you're running a stereo signal and you'd be missing something if you only used the left. To my mind, a 1/4" cable is going to be a more secure connection, and with no reason to run stereo, I don't see the point in messing with a pair of RCA connections.

I just looked again at the manual and the 1/4" input is indeed balanced. TRS cable from left main out of the mixer into that input set for "line," and you're done.

Louis

I just looked again at the manual and the 1/4" input is indeed balanced. TRS cable from left main out of the mixer into that input set for "line," and you're done"

Thanks Louis, that's kinda what I thought. The guy at GC talked me into a cable with 2 ,1/4 connectors from the mixer to 2 Rca connectors to go into the L1. Seems like a waist now.

You could return it and, if you don't have one, get a TRS cable in the length that you'll need.

Louis

I saw this video on you tube some time ago when I was considering this system. I think it describes the same function you guys do.

https://youtu.be/BSgMG1wcgsg

If I were you, I would keep that rca cable and try both. Take back the one you don't like.

So, would this cable I bought work. One 1/4 from left channel on mixer out to RCA(white) in on the L1 and 1/4 right channel from the mixer out to RCA in(red) on L1?

The mixer XLR output is going to be line level but the Bose L1 Compact XLR is mic level. I would use a 40db inline pad between them to match levels. I use this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ine_audio.html

You might also want to use an XLR Y adapter to merge the left and right channels, especially if you are recording and want a little stereo in the recording. You want a Y with two female ends merged into a single male connector like this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Male_to_2.html


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When you look at pads, don't get a switchable one. You'll just use it in the 40db position and setting it incorrectly is just one more thing that can go wrong.


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I don't think that video is giving the best advice. You can use the mic input, but as the odd gain staging the guy uses suggests, the line level signal from the mixer is hotter than than the mic input finds comfortable. You could use a pad like lkingston suggests, but it's not necessary given that the 1/4" input on the Bose's other channel is designed to take a balanced line level input.

I'll add that this is what the relevant connection diagram in the Bose's manual recommends.

Louis

It will work. It's just not the best, most secure, or most efficient way to do it. The RCA (and the 1/8") inputs on the L1 are for stereo signals from, say, an mp3 player or a some other stereo source with RCA or 1/8" outputs. They will sum that signal to mono for you so you get the whole signal coming out of your Bose. With mono signals coming from a small mixer there is no need for that.

Louis

Would this be the same setup with a mixer going into a Fishman SA220?

Thanks everyone for all the advise. My Bose arrives tomorrow.
I think i will pan everything left and connect the 1/4 left channel output on my mixer to the Guitar input on the Bose and switch from tone match to line Level.
Hopefully that will be the simplest and most secure way.:)