Hello everyone. My name is Cap and I am a mobile DJ, full-time for 21 years, and a BOSE lover and user for most of that time. From the 400 series, the 300 series, the 500 series, and now the 802-III/MB4 configuration. I've have personally auditioned a single PSA system (1-B1 sub) and marvel at the technolgical accomplishment BOSE has created. It will be the audio wonder of 2004.

A large part of a mobile DJ's concern, sound quality notwithstanding, is ease of transport, not only in weight, but size and purpose.

To that end, I offer a suggestion. Why force 2 B-1's for extra low-end when you already have the MB4 enclosure that would serve as a single "B-2" (no charge for the marketing suggestion). One less trip. One less place for a guest to place their beer on. One less wiring config to hook up.

Does BOSE offer a custom build service?

Also, as nearly every quality mixer today offers balanced XLR outputs, why has BOSE opted for a 1/4" unbalanced input jack for such devices?

Thank you all for your attention and I'm very looking forward to my PAS purchase once I am able to my existing (2) 802-III's, (4) MB4's, (1) EDSP, Crowns amps etc.

Regards,

Cap Capello

Cap,

Thanks for your interest and assessment of our product.

you can't really use the Bose MB4. Click here and rad the last post to find out why.

The MB4 carry also a lot of extra weight because the are designed with internal reenforcement that support flying a chain of MB4s. In my opionion its a lot easier to carry two B1s than a single MB4 but I agree that the hookup is not particular convenient.

The B2 is something we will certainly think about.
Thanks for the suggestion.

Unfortunately, we don't offer a custom build service at this point.

The 1/4" inputs for channels 1 and 2 are high impedance inputs so you can plug in a passive guitar or bass directly, so they mimic the input of a guitar/bass amplifier that are usually not balanced. Channel 3 & 4 are mostly used for keyboards, CD players etc. and normally get line level signals where balanced inputs are not much of a benefit unless you have very long cable runs, (although they sometimes do help with "hum").

Again, we'll put it on the suggestions list.


Hope that helps and have fun with your new system (once you have it).

Hilmar

Early on, we used MB4s with a group of test bands. Boy, did they complain about carrying them. The reason is that the rest of the system -- the PS1 power stand and the L1 speaker -- is so easy to carry. They could not wait for the B1 to come out and have never looked back.

One other thing to think about. If you have two B1's you can leave one at home if you're not playing a loud gig (and the spectrum of the system will remain the same.) You can't saw an MB4 in half.

quote:

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Originally posted by Ken-at-Bose:
If you have two B1's you can leave one at home if you're not playing a loud gig (and the spectrum of the system will remain the same.) You can't saw an MB4 in half.

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Pffft. Obviously, you're not using a sturdy enough saw. Performance would be unacceptibly diminished though, that's for sure.

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Hourglass http://www.hourglassband.com

about that sawing in half thing - check with Lee. She has a command of reciprocating power tools that is second to none.

http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=8206048934&f=3976055944&m=7006018455&r=2746003655#2746003655

Thank you all for your prompt and courteous replies.

For clarity, I was suggesting using one MB4 style enclosure as a double B-1 replacement "option". I fully understand the purpose of PAS is and was not for DJs, but as one, I offer my suggestions in that regard only. My documented conerns are in that regard as well.

I will continue to watch this forum with great anticipation, however my interests are better served in waiting to see what BOSE will offer after a year so.

I lug 4 MB4s to every event which sure beats the heck out the weight of the 502-Bs.

Regards,

Cap Capello

Cap,

I'm not sure if you've read all of the responses from DJ's using the system, but the consensus seems to be that the audio benefits of the PAS system for that application are significant. If you're already lugging that much weight around, I would suggest that you may want to consider trying out a pair of L1/B2 systems, along with a couple of your MB4s if you decide you need that much bass. Its my understanding that the base station and the B1s are optimized to work together, but adding the MB4s would work fine with an appropriate amp driven by the bass line out. If it works for you, all the rest of the boat anchors could go on ebay. It may be better to make the switch now while the other stuff still has some reasonable resale value. A year from now it may not. I think we're at the beginning of a revolution here, the live performance world is about to change in a big way.

As far as carrying the B1s, if enough people really miss carrying all of that weight, maybe Bose could create a B2 bag, or add an expandable compartment to the B1 bag. It could even be designed with an external port and an internal port so you just set it down on stage, unzip the front, connect the back and away you go. Or you could just strap the two B1 bags together.

Larry

Thanks, Larry. Again, the written word fails to convey properly what my mind is attempting to communicate.

I can't wait to get rid of the 4 MB4s just a much as I was relieved to sell off the 2 502-B's.

The B-1s are, in style and design ONLY, half-pint MB4's. Forget for the moment the internal workings/drivers/electronics altogether.

I will purchase 2 PAS and 4 B-1's (two per side). If carrying just this up a flight of stairs to a venue, that's 3 trips.

My suggestion was to incorporate 2 B-1's into one "MB4-like" enclosure making it a single unit (B-2?) meaning 2 trips up the steps albiet slightly heavier, which I'm already doing anyway, but twice, with 4 MB4's.

In no manner is it suggested to replace the B-1's completely, only to add the option double bass potential in one unit.

In terms of how to transport, I trailer my entire system, everything preloaded and strapped on two handtrucks. As everyone does everything so differently, there can't be any universal solution but I appreciate your suggestions.

I have a source who has custom-made covers for the MB4's for me and several others. I'm sure that service will also come through for B-1's as well when asked. I would be pleased to offer that custom-cover information to anyone who wants it by simply sending me an email.

Regards,

Cap Capello