I know that with one B1 I've got 250w + 250w (L1) + 125w for a total of 625w.

I'm mainly doing solo acoustic one guitar, one vocal, no backing tracks. Will a second B1 only increase my bass output or does the built in crossover in the PS1 automatically 'round out' (for lack of a better term) my overall sound?

Anyone gone from 1 to 2 B1s in a similar situation?

Andy

If your just running an acoustical guitar and vocals, I doubt if you will notice a different. When I first started out all I could afford was the tower {L1} and I ran my drum machine through a Behringer keyboard amp. It was ok but when I could afford it I got four B1’s and another L1 tower…but I run a lot through it… I could probably get by with just a double bass system, and I have even thought of selling one off to get a Taylor, but I just can bring myself to do that. I really like the way two double bass systems sound with everything. I think the consensus here is that a double bass is only necessary if you are a drummer or bassist. Or maybe a DJ who needs the beat… Please correct me if I am wrong here guys…

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Noel in California at his house!,

Hi Andy,
Yes, the PS1 knows when you attach a second B1 (as long as you are using the 4 conductor cable that comes with it) and adjusts the bass response to remain natural sounding.

I'll agree with Noel that you will likely not need one for guitar and vox.

Andy,

I do a solo act with acoustic guitar, Because bass is somewhat room dependent, meaning you will hear it slightly different depending on size, shape, surfaces, # of people, and other variables, I almost always take two B1's with me. I wouldn't describe it as neccessary but for me the 2nd one is desirable.

Will it increase your output? It will certainly increase your potential output, and it is possible to overdo it, but it allows you to get "all" your system has to offer.

Ordered direct, the 45 day trial makes tryouts risk free, but don't order if you can't afford it, because you won't likly be sending it back.

Oldghm

Hi, Andy...

One of my set-ups is the same as yours (solo, acoustic, voice, no backing tracks, etc)... I normally use only one B1 and it sounds great... I have tried the second B1 and most of time it is too much base (I usually end up disconnecting the second B1)... the only time I've found that it really makes a difference is playing an outside venue... hope that helps...

Just curious - would adding a Packlight provide what you need?

dhcrow

quote:

Originally posted by acousticaoc:
...I'm mainly doing solo acoustic one guitar, one vocal, no backing tracks. Will a second B1 only increase my bass output or does the built in crossover in the PS1 automatically 'round out' (for lack of a better term) my overall sound?...

The second B1 -- at lower volumes -- won't change the character of the sound you get at all.

That is a good thing!

What the 2nd B1 will provide is the ability to turn up the volume and retain that same "balanced" sound further than you could with just one B1.

If you want more "low end" sound, just play with the EQ -- again, at lower volumes it doesn't matter whether it is one or two B1's attached.

You don't need a Packlite unless you want to go beyond 2 B1's.

Hi Andy,

Just a quick correction. You actually have 250W + 250W for the L1 and 250W (not 125) for one or two B1s, for a total of 750W (not 625). Of course if you're only using one b1, your math is correct, but the amplifier sizes are 3 x 250W.

Ken

Hey Ken,

Yeah, that's what I meant to say - I realize the PS1 has a total of 750W available but with only one B1, i'm only tapping 625W of that 750, right?

So it sounds like for outdoor gigs, larger rooms, I might want to go with a second B1 for a more balanced sound from what I'm hearing here. Any other thoughts?

Thanks for all of the great replies. Now that I'm starting to gig a little bit more, I'll be visiting a lot more often.

Andy

Try two B1s and then unplug the second for a song or two. If you find little or no difference, you have your answer.

Let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

Ken

Andy,

Since the system senses how many B1s you have connected, you'll want to make sure that you turn up to gig volume when you do the one vs. two B1 comparison.

When the system senses one B1 it optimizes output to that B1 until the cone area can "do no more" before distorting. Adding the second B1 then gives you more headroom/output. My point is, if you don't push the system hard enough to use 2 B1s, you won't hear a difference (which is really cool when you think about it).

Like Ken said, try it and see. Only *your* ears will know what's right for you.

Steve