I am thinking of new approach. Actually, it is not new, it is the more traditional approach that has discussed many times on this forum and enabled by Bose L1. So, I am thinking of a more "unplugged" band arrangement consisting of a acoustic guitar player, a bass -or- keyboard player (not sure yet) and a drummer (me). Now, the idea is we would play small venues and use as little sound reinforcement as possible. I have an L1 classic w/ 2 B1s. And a nice 4-piece Roland v-drum setup with regular cymbals stands (no rack) - modeled after traditional drum kit setup. And some very realistic acoustic sampled sounds. Anyway, we would all plug into the L1, but we would maintain the sound level to a point that it almost does not even seem like we are playing through a PA. Lots of headroom, very little volume. My goal is to draw the audience in towards us, rather than blasting them away. We play acoustic folk/soft rock. Vocals in the front. I am hoping it would have a positive effect in that those in the venue that are truly interested in the music would move closer and focus their attention on the performance. If/when the ambient room noise (folks talking, etc) increases, we could increase the volume but only to a level that is just below that noise floor. This is where the v-drums, combined with the L1 would (I think) work very well. Given the v-drum output volume can be adjusted down to a low volume without sacrificing sound or dynamics. Drums would not overpower the other two musicians and so they would not have to turn up to compensate. We would maintain a nicely balanced mix and we would be able to hear ourselves and each other having the L1 in near proximity behind us. Folks in the far field at other side of bar, may or may not notice there is even a band playing. If they do and like the songs, they might choose to move closer and listen. The L1 would be basically idling along - not pushed anywhere near its limits. We can play as we normally do, as if we were unplugged with no sound reinforcement. But, there would actually be low-level reinforcement from the L1. What do you think? Would this work?

Hi DPT,

Your idea will work beautifully!
I like your *if-they-like-it-they'll-move-closer* approach.

My Trio; E-drums, bass, & guitar, typically use 3 systems, but have played a number of gigs sharing a single L1 and sounded great. The only complaint I got was from the other two guys who say it's a bit harder to sing and be able to distinguish the 3-part harmonies through just the single system than it is with three.

I look forward to hearing how it goes for you guys.

DITTO on Drumr's comments. The volume wars have always been a problem with a regular PA and the Bose help solve most of that. One other benefit that we have found with playing thru one Bose was putting a Zoom H2 recorder out in front makes for a really nice clean recording, capturing all of you from one sound source. Good luck with your "new" approach. Thumper

In our church we have keyboard, vdrums, and vocalists ... and it is usually quite 'acoustic' and a wide dynamic range.

When the kids play & sing, they add an electric guitar (not through an L1) and a bass (through an L1) -- and it sounds like a loud rock band.

All using the same L1's.

Thanks guys. Nice input. I am encouraged by your comments that this will work fine. I am concerned about getting good kick drum presence on and beyond stage, however. Not loud kick, but nice resonant and balanced sound at these very very low volume levels. But maybe this will not be an issue if mixed correctly. We have not tried this yet. But, I am very hopeful.

The vdrums (with Roland TD20) go to a single Model 2, with two B1s. He's always tweaking the cymbals, but the kick is fine.

Those two B1's *are* in a corner, and that gives them a little extra 'boost' for this particular room. If you're planning on an "acoustic" sound, then 2 B1's should be fine.