I don't fault Bose for not putting in the T1 digital connection. The intent was really to make a system that can't be used badly by even the least knowledgeable person who might use it. To that end there are no connections that are foreign or uncommon to the majority of users. A T1 connection would not be recognized or used by the majority of users, & would add unneeded cost.

Now a connector that could be added by a user at additional cost might be an option that would make sense (think a replaceable panel with a receptacle to plug in a T1 jack).

Hi Joel,

quote:

Originally posted by Joelheck:
Man am I ever tempted to pick up an L1 Compact.
I really wish it had the darn T1 digital cable, even though I already have the separate power supply.

I guess I see their point, that a lot of people will use the system as is, but it's looking like a reasonable size market is developing for existing L1 users with T1's, for smaller venues and a backup system.

I walked into a gig on Sunday night carrying only the Compact, a microphone, a couple of cables, mic stand, and a guitar. This was a small but noisy restaurant/pub.

It was a test - to hit the ground running - no safety net. Well not quite that brave. I had my complete Model II rig complete with T1® and external power supply in my car trunk.

I had a great time. It was a little disconcerting not to have real-time control over things with the T1® in front of me, but it was not enough of a distraction to throw me off. I think I'll get an OM3 or OM5 soon, but in the meantime my Beyerdynamic M88 will do fine.

There were several people in the audience who were familiar with my sound with my Model II. Some are players and some were people who have often listened closely, attentively at my shows. While all of them were aware that I was running new gear, none of them had anything to say about the sound except that it was not noticeably different. One fellow who owns a Classic who often plays there commented that his Classic sounds louder at the back of the room than the Compact. I wouldn't disagree.

But despite that, this discerning audience told me, they had an experience comparable to that which I might have given them with a Model II.


When I read that the Compact did not have a ToneMatch® port or phantom power, I was disappointed. This is not going to deter me from using and enjoying it.

Tom, ST, Rick

It is so great that you are sharing your experiences with us. To a few expectant mothers and fathers, these first cries are a kind of music to our ears (if I may be so bold as to politely speak for others.)

Thank you and keep it coming if you can.

Ken

You're welcome, Ken. I'll keep posting anything new that comes to mind as I get to know this little brother.

Tom

Hi all,

I wanted to clarify a small detail regarding noise performance comments from ST and Marc-at-Bose.

The unit ST used for his 3 day review was a pre production loaner L1 Compact. The unit Marc-at-Bose has is also a pre-production demonstration unit. These pre production systems have a higher noise floor than the final production units. We made an improvement to the overall noise performance very late in our development cycle and this improvement WAS implemented into our production units.

L1 Compact units received by Tom Munch and RWJ are production units and accurately reflect the noise performance of the L1 Compact system.

Thanks,
Craig

Thanks Craig - Glad that was brought up.

Our store units should be arriving soon as well and I can't wait to get my hands on em!

Rain

I received my Compact yesterday evening.It is definetly a keeper.I ordered the microphone package also.When I ordered the Compact,the salesman said they had a mic that was matched to the Compact.It is an Audix OM3.It sounds great with the Compact.I've used nothing but a Shure 85PE since 1979.The OM3 sounds a lot better on this system.I plugged my Taylor 314CE directly into Ch2 with TM switch on.It sounds fantastic.My Digitech Jamman looper playing backtracks plugged into the mini plug sounds good as well.I ran through my T1 later on, into Ch2 with TM switched off ,but found the direct in was more to my liking.
The T1 didn't have as much warmth.I will probably be using this system more than my Model II or Classic.If I use the T1 , I'll need to do a lot of tweaking.I ordered this sytem mostly for small gigs,but have no reservations in using it on larger ones as well. - J.D.

Hello roxville,

Your question really deserved a whole new discussion so please see:

L1® Model II or Compact

Thank you.

Ken,
I'll be playing a program in the morning with my compact. I'll use a CA guitar, an SM58 mic, my porchboard, and the L1c. I'm really looking forward to trying it out.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Craig,

Thanks for the info about the hiss. I knew that what ST described was much more than what I heard from mine. As I said before, mine is very quiet. I don't believe it will be an issue at all.

I've done a good bit of rehearsing with the compact and I'm liking it very much.

Rick

I played the Classic Compact with the T1 twice today, & you know what? I actually like the Compact better for small gigs than the Model II. It has a really nice warmth down low that accentuates the bass in a guitar in a magical way. All the breathy clarity is still there in the high end, & I can still whisper like I do on my Model II. I believe the dispersion of the highs is even better than a Model II as well. I did have to watch the feedback on my 87 this morning at close range, but this afternoon 5 feet in front of the Classic Compact was just fine. So I don't have a plug 'n play solution without the T1 yet, but I'm really thrilled with the Classic Compact after today's experience.

(P.S. I'm not taking the bait, guys.)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tom Munch,

Hi Tom,

I'm assuming we can paste in Compact where you suggested Classic. Is that right?

quote:

(P.S. I'm not taking the bait, guys.)

Too funny Tom

Yeah, Gary. I guess I'm having a marketing moment in my brain.

I've corrected them now. I need some sleep.

The truth is that Tom and Oldghm can make ANY mic sound good. I've heard them do it.

The L1 family lets us hear so well that we can make the adjustments to make the most of whatever were using.

Rick

(Rolling right past these stray comments going by...)

I'm more & more convinced that the Bose engineers did some improvement even over the Model II with the Compact. I can't believe how easy it was to express myself at today's shows. There is almost a warm compression going in the Compact that is better in its own way than the silky mids & highs of the Model II. I didn't think I was getting as much bass as I wanted this morning, but this afternoon it was full - & not just at a couple frequencies on the guitar. I'm used to having plenty of low end with the Model II or Classic with a low E or dropped D, but the Compact is warm & round all the way up to the third-string D. Amazing!

To all interested in the SM 58 side-chain there is a new discussion:

SM 58 - extra-curricular comments.

I did a program for a local civic club this morning. I used the new compact, a guitar, one mic, and the porchboard.

It was a small group of about 40 in a church fellowship hall that would seat about 100.
The men were scattered all over the room.

From the moment I set up, the guys were coming up to inspect the "cool" sound system. When they heard it they were blown away.

Performing with it was a sheer joy. It sounded so much like my classic or model II that I just got right into the music. I set up about 3 ft to the side of it and could hear just fine. I could have taken more room but I wanted to see how it would perform in a tight setup space.

After the program there were nothing but compliments about the sound. The club normally uses the house system for its program guests and all said this was by far the best sound they had ever heard in that room.

Several said they could understand every word spoken or sung. What more can I say? It was a blast.

I look forward to using it in a couple of weeks for an outdoor event in a local park that will have 300-400 hundred in attendance. It will be one of several systems in use, including 2 model II L1s and some old acoustimass pro speakers. The compact will be used on a small stage where some kids will be singing to crowds of 50-75. I'll give you a report after that.

After using it today, I'm very sure that it's going to get more use than I had planned. It will be perfect for many of the small gigs that I do. I've been using a really nice AER compact 60 amp, but there is just no comparison in the sound and coverage.

I'm looking forward to trying it as my stage monitor with a line out to a house system. I'll probably do that soon here in a room with over 1000 in attendance. It should be fun.

I'm really pumped about this system.

Rick

6 Compacts arrived at the store yesterday!

Hi Rick,

Would you care to comment on the porchboard performance with the Compact?

O..

Which store?