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August 2002
Posts: 623
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Guys-
I took the plunge on one of those L1 systems, with the bass package (1 subwoofer). It's amazing. I heard Robert Matarazzo use it live and it was un-effing-believable! Acoustics guitars sound amazing through them, and they truly fill a room. At Robert's gig, I went down the hall (about 25 ft), around a 90 degree turn and then around another turn into the bathroom...without the PA being at any enormous volume (it was the Denville Town Grind Cafe), it sounded like he was singing right outside the door. I never heard anything like it.
I have yet to use mine at a gig, but at home it's been amazing. Clarity like I never heard on vocals too.
Down sides are that a)it only has 4 inputs, two of which are flat (no eq) and b) there is no reverb. they (at bose) designed the system to be incredble clear, and thought reverbs would just muddy it up, plus which reverb (plate, hall, room etc) is a personal preference. Since then, there has been SO much demand on the website for reverb that they are working on reverb presets which can be installed easily. (There are preset eq options in the system for different mics, guitars, and instruments. they left many presets open for options to be added later.)
To get around the limited inputs and lack of reverb, we've been using a tiny alesis mixer and it's been great. Probably not as crystal as running mics directly into the unit, but still a tremendous difference from my old "traditional" PA.
The plus's...and biggest one to me, is that the system is so lightweight and compact without compromising sound and volume. I have a bad back, and by the end of a gig night, I'm usually hunched over from moving gear. It takes under 2 minutes to set the whole thing up, and it fits in my compact car trunk no problem. THe new padded deluxe gig bag system also has wheels built in. The whole thing weighs 65 lbs! Plus, since it is designed to be heard anywhere in the room exactly the same, you don't need monitors to hear yourself. It's wonderful that way. Also, there is a remote with controls on them that you can attach to your mic stand. You can change the mix right there while playing!
Bose also has tremendous customer support, and have been impeccable with help and sending replacement parts, etc. Since the system is only on the market a year, they've had some bugs to work out (in the remote), but they have been fantastic about it. They eagerly listen to input from customers.
I'll fill you in after my first gig with it. OH! And we got it on GC's payment plan, 15 months same as cash! Now we just have to line up a bunch of gigs to pay it off! (Gulp!)
Johnny |
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December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | L1 bandwagon away!
Just got a GC mini flier and in there is a item about the use of multiple L1's and the term "Cocktail Party" sound. If it were affordable and true it seems to be an upgrade to the traditional thinking of "PA's".
It eliminates the need for monitors and enhances the audience's ability to focus on each player.
As far as a church setup - I like the modular expansion capabilities. Start with one and add on!
Hmmmmmmm. |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 623
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | They've been looking for input for the preset settings. For guitars, they have some settings for Taylor preamps, PRS, and Strats, among others. I've written them about creating one for Ovations, and informed them about the OP Pro on the LX's, so perhaps we'll see something from them on that. That would be cool.
For anyone who plays electric, there's somekind of deal that's recently in the works between Bose L1 and Line 6 Pod. I don't know the details, but apparently they've been working together. Something about the amp modelling settings in the Pod haven't been sounding quite right, because of the variations in the actual amp the pod is run through. Apparently the Pod will now have some kind of setting output specifically designed for the L1 to give a precise amp sound. Sorry, I don't know better details, I don't use a POD, and didn't pay attention to the specifics, just have a general idea.
Johnny |
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August 2002
Posts: 398
Location: So. Cal. | For your reference, we used the L1 at a jam session a while back. We had 3 keyboards and an Ovation Viper (w/Boss AD-5) plugged in at the same time. The drummer, bass, vocal and the other guitar on a traditional PA system. The four instruments from the Bose L1 came out crystal clear with no evidence of crosstalk or muddying. The total sound was in fact quite interesting since the other PA system was completely overpowered (quality wise, not loudness). The band leader (40+ year pro.) was utterly amazed by it. Also, it has an undocumented power output of 750+ watts. It should work fine for a 3-piece band or Cliff's group with no problem. |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | playadamas,
you mean 750 watts clear, from just one of those Bose tubes?! If true, that is awesome. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I'd still have to hear it in a working environment . . . |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 398
Location: So. Cal. | an4340:
From Bose: Hilmar-at-Bose posted Fri October 31 2003 03:30 PM
"What is the power rating of the System?
The system delivers 750 Watts continuous power, broken down into 3x250 Watt. Each of the two sections of the Cylindrical Radiator™ loudspeaker handle 250 Watts and another 250 Watts are delivered into up to two B1 bass modules.
This is both the power rating of the power amplifiers and the loudspeakers. Each rating has been established individually through industry standard measurements. These ratings do NOT reflect the actual power that is typically produced by the power amplifier and consumed by the loudspeaker.
We also would like to point out that the power amplifiers, loudspeakers and internal limiters are exactly matched. This makes it virtually impossible to overdrive the loudspeaker and to clip or overload amplifiers while at the same time using all available resources very efficiently." |
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February 2004
Posts: 2487
| Al I looked them up. The add I saw shows a series of 6 set up behind the players to fill a large room. The Bass units are quite unique as well. I have to say I have heard nothing but great reviews on this system! But, like some of the rest of these guy's I would love to here one used first? It is quite pricy at $2,000.00 for one tube and one bass unit? But could be the way to go?
I would love to try one of these for an Acoustic set I am working out but I think I am pretty set on buying four of the Carving 900w powered cabs, two of the double 18" subs and matching 2,000w amps and a 32 channel board. At around $6,000.00 We will have one kick ass 7,500w system! Yeah we have a lot of outdoor gigs up here.
I just can't see playing YES & Rush & Floyd etc. through those little tubes? Would be a GAS though if they do actually sound that good! everyone will wonder where in the hell the music is coming from!
Does anyone know how you send the instruments through the speakers? Is there a mixer of sorts? Must be something to control the Vocals and Guitars? how about effects? etc.? I have to see who carries these in my area? or is this a BOSE direct only deal? Man it sure would save the back when it comes time to set up and tear down! Randy |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 398
Location: So. Cal. | Randy,
At one time, we spent $16k on a sound system and it did not sound half as good as the Bose L1. We could have bought 4 of them (total $8k) and save our backs too. Bose used to have a money back guarantee. Also, you can rent them for fellow Bose PAS (personal amplification system) users in your area check here |
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Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | Originally posted by northcountry:
...But, like some of the rest of these guy's I would love to here one used first?...
Hey, now, big fella, wouldn't you rather hear one new first?
Ba-dum-bum---crash!
Thank you, thank you! Hey, don't forget to tip your waiter or waitress! Try the veal! I'll be here all week! Oh, and the 10p show is even BETTER, you know, after I've had a few...thank you! |
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Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 43
Location: South Africa | I use a SWR Strawberry Blonde accoustic amp together with a Raven Labs preamp which cleans up the sound quite nicely.
It has to be my favorite amp as it's the only one I have, apart from a Line 6 electric guitar amp which is full of effects and would not do an "O" any justice. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | the bose L1 is very unique. Of course it will have all the bose detractors saying the typical things about bose. they are not cheap, neither is a good meal, guitar, wine, beer, etc. Ultimately you have to let your ears decide for you. I have spent over 2K on gear many times, so the price does not scare me. I was very impressed with michael's and that say a lot. I have a ton of gear and have owned and sold much gear over the past 20 years or so. The bose unit is impressive. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | From Yahoo! News:
Japan Gadget Turns Plants Into Speakers
TOKYO - The therapeutic power of flowers takes on new meaning with a Japanese gadget that turns plants into audio speakers, making the petals and leaves tremble with good vibrations.
Called Ka-on, which means "flower sound" in Japanese, the machine consists of a donut-shaped magnet and coil at the base of a vase that hooks up to a CD player, stereo or TV.
Place the flowers into the vase, turn on Ka-on and the magnet and coil relay the sound vibrations up the stems through the plant's water tubes.
Near your ear and hear the music emanate from the petals. Touch a leaf, and feel it shake as though in a quiet dance.
Later this month, you'll be able to carry on a telephone conversation with a flower with a planned speaker phone model.
Unlike regular speakers, which send sound in one direction, Ka-on shoots it in all directions, filling an entire room with music in a more natural ambiance.
Masumi Gotoh, president of Let's Corp., a Nagoya-based telecommuncations-equipment company that developed and manufactures Ka-on, calls it ideal for flower table-arrangements at weddings, reception desks at hospitals and decoration at restaurants.
Ka-on vases and amplifiers come in various sizes, ranging in price from $46 to $460. There's a version that works with potted plants, and a wireless connection will soon be available for piping music to the Ka-on.
Not only does Ka-on deliver flowery music, it keeps bugs off plants and helps cut flowers last longer, Gotoh claims.
"The plant is happy listening to music," says Gotoh, showing off a rubber plant hooked up to Ka-on in his Tokyo office. "Gerberas and sunflowers work especially well as speakers."
Ka-on is also being used for concerts. Several Ka-on were planted near a bamboo grove to play music at a recent event in Japan.
About 3,000 of $46 Ka-on version, on sale via the Internet since July, have been sold and some 10,000 orders have been received so far. |
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Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 43
Location: South Africa | WHAT NEXT??
Pretty soon, people will be responding to the "which amp" question with things like:
"I find the Californian Redwood tree sounds the best, especially the reverb"
or
"I find that young saplings provide the best connection between my guitar & the amp"
The world is becoming stranger & stranger...
And more weird by the day.. |
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August 2002
Posts: 623
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Can you imagine! I'd have to make my usual pre gig trip to the music store for strings and to the florist for carnations!
What the...
J |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | There's stuff that we use in the tradeshow industry called "GatorBoard". It's very much like FoamCore, but stiffer and more rigid.
They make kits that allow you to take 3/16"-thick panels of GatorBoard (with graphics on them) and make "speakers" out of them for tradeshow graphics & P.O.P. displays.
The kit consists of an "exciter" which is a small unit that contains (and I'm guessing on this) a piezo unit that has little points mounted on it that you install on the backside of the panel by piercing the surface of the board. It's then attached by wires to a provided amplifier to which you connect to your music source. Supposedly, the sound will emanate from both sides of the panel . .
Never tried it, as I don't believe it'll handle much volume, nor at any reasonable "fidelity".
. . . predominantly designed to provide exhibitors with NewAgeMuzak by which to sell widgets by . . |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | The guy on the next booth to my business partner at the January NAMM was showing loudspeakers which appeared to be framed pictures. I seem to remember they were pretty loud. Seems the main application is for office/restaurant installations where they can be made to blend in with the decor. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Anybody remember "Magneplaner" speakers?? |
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March 2002
Posts: 255
| 2 Roland Jazz chorus 120. Virtualizer pro-- multiverbIII Morley ABY in reverse.
Otherwise straight into the mixer. |
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February 2004
Posts: 2487
| Interesting Al I will look into it! Sorry this posting took a turn from Amps to speakers but it is all information we may be able to use? Systems like this may change the whole thing. You may not need your favorite Amp anymore. Do redwoods make good speakers?
Randy |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Do redwoods make good speakers?
....um, Treebeard was an effective speaker as he was able to convince the other Ents to attack Sauroman, but was he a Redwood? :rolleyes: |
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May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | No, he was an Ent.
:) |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | yeah, I know... but Quickbeam had more Aspen/Birch and Treebeard was more Cypress-esque...mossy, hanging beard....but he was a very effective speaker :cool: |
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Joined:
March 2003
Posts: 555
Location: Wooster, Ohio | I have been using a Genz-Benz Shenandoah 200 stereo. Voice in one channel and guitar in the other. I think for a totally contained unit they are hard to beat. An Ashdown may be earier to lift.
Steve |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Anybody heard an acoustic guitar lately? Is Ovation now the guitar of the hard rock crowd? Sounds like the members are looking for the way to sound like Metallica with acoustic/electric Adamases. |
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Your Amp ...
