Bose has always been a name associated with two descriptors: compact and quality. They are a company who has built their reputation on producing products that, despite their diminutive nature, supply clear and powerful sound that rivals the best component systems many times their size. This has made them pioneers in the home audio market where the now popular satellite/subwoofer combination systems are so ubiquitous.
But Bose is evolving. No more are they limited to the home audio market or to producing noise cancelling headphones for weary travellers in need of a quiet journey to the soundtrack of a Mozart concerto. They have now stepped into the world of public address and personal amplification. In fact, they have released a range of products which can accomplish both tasks with equal precision. Of course, I am talking about the L1 amplification systems, which come in three configurations as of this writing:
- L1 Compact
- L1 Model I Single Bass Package
- L1 Model II Single Bass Package with the ToneMatch Audio Engine
The model I was given for review was the L1 Compact so if you would like more information on the other two versions, please visit www.bose.com
In the L1 Compact, Bose has cleverly constructed a powerful system that can, first and foremost, be lifted with one hand and transported with ease – a refreshing feature. The entire system, including the extensions, weighs a modest 13kG. There are four components in a complete setup, namely the base, which houses the subwoofer, amplifiers, and integrated mixer; the high/mid speaker array, which cleverly slots into the front panel of the base; and two extensions, which can extend the system from virtually ground level to two metres (what Bose calls either the collapsed or extended configurations).
What I found great about this system is that all the wiring is self-contained within the components and the connectors for the extensions and the array are housed within the end slots. This means that it’s merely a matter of plug and play without the hassle of cabling.
As far as the array goes, there are some neat design features there too. Bose has implemented what they call “Spatial Dispersion Loudspeaker Technology” which consists of six small speakers, each firing at a different angle. This, Bose claims, delivers “nearly 180 degrees of horizontal sound coverage” which causes the sound to remain consistent even at extreme angles to the orientation of the system.
Features
Once the L1 is assembled the main features are focused in the integrated mixer. The mixer houses two channels and can accommodate a variety of input sources. Channel one is dedicated as a microphone input and supplies one balanced XLR connector for easy connection. Channel two can accept a more diverse variety of inputs: a hi-z instrument, one RCA stereo input, and one 1/8” stereo input for iPod, etc. On each channel you will find a two-stage level/clip light, volume potentiometers, and their patented ToneMatch presets for either a dynamic microphone or an acoustic guitar. On the rear panel you will find a ¼” balanced line out and one stereo RCA output.
So How Does It Sound?
As you would expect from a Bose product, the sound is clear, balanced, and potent. This system is surprisingly loud for such a small package and the tone is consistent even when driving it into the red.
Regarding the 180 degree dispersion, this is no joke or tall claim as I could clearly hear every detail at every angle from the speakers’ orientation. This feature was most impressive and it is clear that they spent a great deal of R&D to achieve it.
Conclusion
The Bose L1 Compact is a well designed, high quality, compact amplification system for both public address and personal monitoring. It is well worth the money and is fantastic purchase for anyone looking for great sound without a large footprint. Bose has once again delivered on their philosophy of quality and compact engineering.
Suggested Retail Price: R 17 995.00 INC VAT | Supplier: TID
Contact Tel. No: +27 (0)10 5000 111 | Website: www.tidistribution.co.za
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