| BOSE L1 Compact System Review From The Mobile DJ Perspective |
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| by Cap Capello, 30 year career full-time Mobile DJ veteran, 5 year user of the L1 system, and BOSE L1 Dealer |
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| Part Two - System Sound & Quality | ||||||
| The L1 Compact is to the L1 Model 1 or L1 Model 2 what the Whopper Junior is to the Whopper ...or... what the Boeing 727 is to the Boeing 747. |
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| L1 Compact | ||||||
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| The tests were done using a Sony VAIO VGN-A600 laptop (battery only) using
the green earphone jack output from the laptop's internal audio via a .35mm
stereo splitter into rca males. The various files used were mp3s at 192kbs~224kbs
played via the direct sound drivers of BPM Studio Profi Ver 4.8. Songs
tested included classical, classical guitar, disco, latin, hip hop, and
rap. The sound from the 6 speaker line array module it everything your ears would expect from a BOSE product.The articulated array in this unit difffers from the other L1 family units in that the top and bottom speakers of the array are also articulated [angled] slightly up and down, respectively. This allows for longer sound travel and some unique line array physics properties referred to as ther origin or point source of the music. The Compact's radiator quality is every bit as excellent as existing L1 owners experience however it is, to the ear, topping out at full volume as compared to the M1 or M2 operating at moderate volume levels The bass reproduction is good. It is pronounced and clean for an 8" driver but cannot be compared to the B1. In total system comparison to several other all-inclusive multipurpose portable systems we tried there and elsewhere, the Compact is/was stellar. We then connected our output to a second L1 Compact separated about 10 feet apart and ran them in stereo. Oh my goodness!!! The depth of field in stereo reproduction could almost be tasted it was that delicious. The entire quality of sound, depth of field, propagation of sound waves, all increased seemingly three-fold, however the perceived volume levels remained fairly consisitent, one Compact versus two Compacts. That differs from the M1 & M2 wherein two units seems to substaintially boost the perceived volume levels. |
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| More L1 Compact Observations | ||||||
| After almost two hours worth of testing, here are a few more interesting
points we collectively found: 1) The bass is not conducive to dance levels of rap and hip hop, yet the higher quality the mp3, the better the response; 2) At normal volume levels, the SM58's mic head, when held high and being pointed directly at the line array module, would squeal at about 12 inches, and at red line volume values, the mic would feedback at 36 inches, again when the mic head was pointed directly at and into the line array module. Standing directly in front of the Compact and with our back to the 7 foot high tube/array facing the audience, there was no feedback at normal or red line values. None whatsover; 3) Because the unit utilizes two high efficiency low power draw amps, the potential to utilize 12vDC to 110vAC battery power is a real possibility that I intend on testing the moment I receive my units. Weddings on the beach. Parties in the woods. All a real possibility. BUT I also need to insure such actions doesn't void a warranty. 4) The sound from the line array module, at normal levels when playing the Bridal Processional in the classical guitar, traveled out the door and down the hallway over 160 feet clear as a bell. |
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| L1 Compact Personal Conclusions | ||||||
| The L1 Compact is ideally suited to be a highly sought after system for cocktail hours of almost any size of group or room as long as the line array module is free from immediate direct obstruction; The L1 Compact is ideally suited to be a highly sought after system for wedding ceremonies hours of almost any size of group or room as long as the line array module is free from immediate direct obstruction; The L1 Compact is ideally suited to be a highly sought after system for small events where electricity is unavailable The L1 Compact is ideally suited to be a highly sought after system for an existing L1 owner who wants a back-of-the-room fill speaker for those boxcar-like facilities The L1 Compact is ideally suited to be a highly sought after system for entrepreneurs who rent compact untis to oither DJs or iPod do-it-yourselfers Multiple L1 Compact systems ares ideally suited for sound support companies who provide background music and public address announcements for small to medium sized conventions, business meetings, trade shows, etc The dual L1 Compact setup is well suited to be an excellent mobile DJ system choice for small parties where high volume levels and extreme bass is not a requirement of either the listener or the mobile DJ ; Any performer who does not rely on brutal volume levels (game shows, trivia shows, small karaoke events, bubble parties, solo/duet musicians, backyard BBQs, etc) will fall in love with the Compact almost at first ear-sight. |
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| L1 Compact Personal Observations | ||||||
| The L1 Compact is not nor cannot replace or be used as a substitute for
the L1 Model Classic, Model 1, or Model 2. It doesn't have the same horsepower
though the performance is equal. If any thoughts are even remotely thinking that it will, you will NOT be happy. Remember, I told you so. |
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| Any questions? Payment terms and conditions? Wish to place an order? No
sales tax outside New York State Call me or email me. |
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| Availability and Delivery is not expected until the end of May. Orders are being place in queue. | ||||||
| I am available to give group demos of all three L1 Systems
to 20 or more interested professionals at almost any facility located within 8 hours driving distance from Albany, NY. |
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