Hi,
I'm considering some new sound technology and am wondering does the L1 deliver as a full stereo sound system? Does it require two L1s? I must have the full separation of left and right channels for proper pan and effects processing. Is the power amp included and is it also two channels? Would I use my existing signal processing (mixer, effects, amp) or is this a stand alone system that would replace what I'm using now? I would think that one L1 would only deliver a monophonic sound from a stage point source rather than two? Is this correct? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Respectfully,
John Paul

Personally, I would use two. I have two myself, and use it for a full band. Electronic drums sure help, although you don't need them. Without electronic drums, you'd need a bunch of more bass modules. I use 2 L1's and 2 powered 18's. I could do without the 18's but I don't want to push the Bose.

I can't stand having only one. If you are WAY back from the stage, stereo is mute. But remember, your ears hear sounds that bounce off walls, people, tables, chairs, etc. So to me, Stereo sounds better. Especially with phasing issues, such as keyboards. My Motif XS sounded like **** (to me) with just one L1. With two, it's a billion times better. I also use two tonematch processors. I use some of the channels directly, and others go through a 24 channel sound board, but if we don't have 6 or 7 musicians, real drums, etc., we'll just use the two ToneMatch processors. Main vocal in stereo, keyboard stereo, drums stereo, and other stuff mono out of one side.

Keep in mind, a lot of people don't know what stereo is. They think it's left/right, just like panning. So you sound like you really want two for a true stereo sound. Think of a real band--every instrument comes from where they are on stage. With two speakers, you can achieve close to that. With one, you can't. So although it's personal preference, my L1 was in the case for a year until I finally ordered another one.

Excellent help Michael and thank you. I do have concerns about stereo imaging with this system from on L1. And from your post I can see my concerns are warranted. I use smaller Bose cabinets and just love them. But they're definitely worn and need replacing. I think Bose are the only speakers I would purchase without hearing them but I'm not familiar with this new technology in the L1 and really just need some great speakers. Per pound Bose is the best. Thanks for the reply though.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael C. Gates:
....... Think of a real band--every instrument comes from where they are on stage. With two speakers, you can achieve close to that. .......

Hi John and Michael,

When each player has their own L1, you can achieve "exactly" that.

Keyboard specific needs vary, with many users enjoying true stereo, there are however many users happy with one unit. I have seen and heard some interesting effects when one instrumentalist uses two L1s.

All the L1s have built in power and can be used with your present mixer and effects processors.

You can read more about the different systems here.

O..

You're welcome.

Let me just say this about the speakers since you haven't heard them. They are amazing. They sound exceptionally clear, the drop off is lower than normal speakers (meaning sound travels farther before the volume decreases) and the highs and lows are pretty even. Feedback is almost non-existent unless you use some major slap-back and are in front of the speakers. The ToneMatch is a great processor. I just wished you use all of the effects available instead of picking a few. Hasn't been a problem, but would be nice. And white noise--barely any, even when cranked with 6 instruments and 4 mic's going through a board, then the Bose. Plus, they fit in the trunk of a car!

In a band, or solo piano, it was kind of 'tinny' sounding with my vocals and keyboard. The drums sounded great, and all other instruments sounded great. Then my sound engineer tweaked the ToneMatch last Tuesday, and they sound amazing. It had to do with some EQ settings, and the reverb to get a nice smooth rounded sound.

They DO sound amazing enough if you just put stereo music through the left 2 (used for stereo) channels. It's not a problem then. Sounds great. You don't get the stereo, but it's harder to notice than with a stereo instrument.

They are expensive. But there's a reason for it. Are they worth it? I guess that depends on how much you like music. My wife would say no--I say yes! Haha... kidding, she supports me. Or at least pretends to

I agree. It's the perfect solution.

However, I am not sure about your band--having children, a wife, a job, 2 acres of land, a small farm, animals, did I mention children??? Bands I am in don't make much money, and we can't spend the time to play out 3 times a week. So in that respect, it's too expensive for most people to go out and buy just for sound. I am the extreme I guess. My rig cost $15,000 - $20,000, to make a couple hundred bucks a gig. Not a wise business decision... But it makes me happy! If I could go back, the only thing I would have done differently, was buy 2 right away, instead of waiting.

But if you can do that...each musician have their own--You're set! That's the ultimate. Maybe since I purchased 2 of these systems, Bose would donate 2 more?