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Rating And Reviews: Bose L1 Line Array System

Includes one Bose L1 Compact Power Stand and one L1 Compact Extension.

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"Bose L1 Compact--Great for certain applications." submitted July 19, 2012

By a customer from live.com
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Overall: I will start by saying I normally am not a fan of Bose...and that is downplaying it. They make decent stuff, but usually you can do better for less money. I have owned QSC K12's recently, amongst many other PA items over the years. But I wanted something for personal type use, for my keyboard, etc... There is no product similar to this piece, so I tried it. There is some dialing in on EQ I had to do, but with my Motif XF8 it was easy. It is fairly amazing that it can disperse the sound so well from a single point. Yes, it is still sort of expensive, but when I take into consideration all the large items I have to carry already, it was the perfect product. I will also say that my first unit came in damaged, and it appears it was a defect off the line. ZZounds went WAY above to help me out since I needed it for a gig. And that is why I will continue to buy from them as I have for a while.
15 of 15 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"Baby, You're the Best" submitted June 28, 2011

By a customer from yahoo.com
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Musical Background: Saxophonist
Music Style: Smooth Jazz
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Sound: I've owned four other personal PA systems made by other manufacturers, and this is by far the best. Clear sound, lightweight, small footprint, minimal cords, visually pleasing. Thank you, Bose and Zzounds. And Zounds, thanks also for your Play as You Pay program.
5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"If you are a solo or duo act, sell your other PA gears and get this one. It will save you a lot of time, and possibly improve yo" submitted June 20, 2011

By a customer from yahoo.com
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Musical Background: Band leader
Music Style: Contemporary
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Sound: This is the best sounding Bose live sound speakers I've heard to date. I did an RTA and revealed its response is fairly neutral, with a light mid high boost to bring out the presence. Microphone does not sound boomy, as the mic input has some EQ applied. The microphone doesn't feed back, even with a SM-58 mic, gain at 1 o'clock, standing 2 ft right in front of the speaker column. The music material sounds punchy, more so than the size of the sub might suggest. The sound quality is on-par with JBL-PRX and QSC powered speakers, just not in terms of output level. You will not find a better sounding integrated system for less than a grand. Feature: Setup is extremely fast: no poles, no speaker cables, patch cables between amplifier and mixer. Just your instruments/mic and 1 power cord. The modular design allows 3 different speaker heights, depending on how many spacer column you use. When the whole thing is set up, it only takes up a very small footprint: smaller area than a tripod mic stand would occupy. Works very well in tight venues like coffee shop and small classroom. Ease of Use: It doesn't require a professional sound engineer to make things sound good with this system. Bose did the hard work; you just need to control your volume. Everything packs together into 2 light hand-carry stowages. I don't think there is a system out there with a faster setup and easier transporting package. Quality: Build quality is top-notched, not a typical made-in-china appearance. Value: Everything integrated in a convenient good sounding system for less than a grand. That's quite a value. Manufacturer Support: Have not need to use Bose support yet. So can't comment. The Wow Factor: I own it. It has enough appeal to make me want to use it more than I need to use it. The clever design and good build quality does not turn off users like some other cheap products. Overall: Bose really exercised their product bases to put together this integrated system that makes sense and suits the need of many solo or duo bands. They did it right this time, with a small array at top that projects good distance at useful output levels, with a good gain-before-feedback. You don't need a full-length array for a small system like this. This system will not service a 500-people crowd, nor should it. It has its place.
27 of 29 people (93.1%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"Very Sleek!" submitted June 10, 2012

By Ray P in Harrisville, MI
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Musical Background: Professional Mobile DJ for 20+ years
Music Style: All Types of Music
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Overall: The Bose L1 Compact was purchased as a backup to my Bose L1 Model 1's I use for professional Dj use. It is lightweight and blends in with the decor. It has ample power to keep up with it's big brother and is an awesome addition to my already amazing setup! Extremely portable and can be run off a A/C powerpack for remote sound. I have been a professional mobile Dj for 20+ years and this is the most clear and lightweight speaker in it's class! I really like it!!
3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"AMAZZZZZZZINGGGG !!!" submitted July 14, 2010

Priscilla from zZounds
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Musical Background: DJ
Music Style: Juke & House
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ZZOUNDS CREW REVIEW
Sound: The sound quality is pretty good. Its nice and clear. Loud. I just wish it had a little more bass. I used this system for a small DJ gig. I think the sound is great for a small house party (indoors). If your looking for something with a little more power and bass I'd recommend the Bose L1 Model I System Single Bass Package. I'd recommend this particular speaker for a guitar or any other live instrument. I would not recommend this speaker for a DJ gigging at large venues. This is more for a smaller DJ gig or maybe even better used as practice speakers. Feature: The product included carrying cases! Ease of Use: This speaker is very easy to use. The best part is how easy it is to put the speaker together and to take it apart. It's super light. Its powered so thats another great thing about it. Its super simple and to the point when it come to connecting a guitar or a mixer or for most instruments for that matter. Quality: The product is high quality which you can expect from most if not all Bose products. Very dependable, feels sturdy. I think this product would be good for traveling. It's very compact and easy to carry around. It's super light also. Seems like it'll last a long time. Value: Yes it's definitely worth the money! Manufacturer Support: Haven't had to deal with support so that's a good thing ! The Wow Factor: It's pretty sexy ;) very nice design i must say. Overall: I would keep this speaker but I would also want to have something a little more powerful for DJ gigs. More bass specifically. You can never have enough bass when it comes to spinning records. But i think this is a great speaker for live instruments as well as a great clear quality practice speaker for todays DJ.
33 of 36 people (91.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"Bose L1 Compact" submitted May 14, 2012

By Bert B in Murrieta, CA
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Music Style: Rock, Country, Pop
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Overall: This Bose system is just awesome. I use it at a gym facility for classes as well as background music. The sound quality is top notch and the volume is WAY more than needed. I had thought about supplementing a separate sub to enhance the lower end, but have not really needed to. The acoustics in the gym works well enough. I still may add a sub, as sometimes we do conduct classes outside because of capacity limitations, and the low end is not heard (or felt) as well outside. The sound quality so impressed our gym members, that some of them are considered buying their own for their own purposes. I rated the Manufacturer Support as 1 star, because I have not needed to use it, therefore I can't rate it. For some people, the cost might be on the high side. The sound quality, the ease of use, and the versatility makes it worth the cost. If you're looking for a system that is very portable, flexible, and want the quality of sound that only Bose can deliver, then you'll be happy with L1 Compact.
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"Amazing stereo sound!" submitted January 3, 2012

By a customer from yahoo.com
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Music Style: Classical
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Sound: I bought two L1 portables as stereo keyboard loud speakers. What amazes me is the accuracy of the sound reproduced by these speakers compaired to conventional PA speakers. I would put it on par more or less with the sound produced by studio monitors but at louder sound levels. What is even more amazing it how the speakers throw the sound around and make it seem as if its coming from everywhere, even when the speakers are turned away from you. What I've discovered with these things is that the volume is not so important as the sound seems to magically travel long distances. The sound color also remains the same no matter what distance you are from it. The only thing bad thing I see with these loud speakers is a certain boomyness in the mid low section, somethng that I was able to fix with a little eq. Quality: Bose uses plastic for these entry level PAs. Their other models use metal. But they seem to be well made and sturdy nonetheless. Value: $899 for this kind of amazing sound in a compact and elegant design, not to mention the sound which is the most important is worth every penny. I dont think anything out there compares with these compacts.
21 of 23 people (91.3%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"L1 compact" submitted December 28, 2012

By Reggie S in Gardendale, AL
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Musical Background: Guitar, keyboards..40 years...professionally
Music Style: Jazz, R&B
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Overall: I bought this Pa system a few months ago after exhausting research done on many systems/combo systems..I'm a jazz guitarist that needed a small, but high quality system for banquet halls, reatuarants, etc..I use backing tracks through my laptop, but then sometimes play with a bass player, keyboardist and drummer..I'm extremely pleased with the quality of sound this thing puts out...it is exactly what i wanted...I do use a small powered monitor off to the side( 12in. speaker)...but only when playing larger rooms..everyone is impressed with the sound ...I currently use a small mixer for my running my electric and nylon string guitars through...jeyboards added and synth drums when a drummer is present...it handle all of this very well...I will say, though that if you find yourself playing for in a larger room and find that you need to crank the volume really high..it will clip...as i'm sure any system would...so when Bose says for audiences up to 100 people I've found that to be an accurate statement..I have a friend with the next level up system and we've played together for events, combine the 2 systems and it sounded fabulous...I'd replace this system immediately if something happened to it...there is a place here in the city that deals with used Pa equipment...they tell me they've NEVER had any of the array systems from Bose in for repairs...It's awesome...I suggest buying it.
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"Loud, clean, and COMPACT!" submitted August 28, 2011

By a customer from gmail.com
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Musical Background: Professional Musician
Music Style: Acoustic Rock
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Sound: The sound is fantastic. It's clean and loud and sounds the same no matter where you're standing or sitting in the room. Unbelievable! Feature: I love how simple this system is. I only wish I had the ToneMatch accessory to go with it as I could then adjust the volume without have to get up or bend over. And that will also allow me to add some reverb as well. Ease of Use: Simple and COMPACT. This thing effortlessly fits in the trunk of my Yaris with my guitar and luggage. Value: I wish it was cheaper, but you get what you pay for! This is still a good deal compared to what it would cost to get anything comparable. The Wow Factor: This system makes people's jaw drop. They cannot believe that much sound is coming out of that little array. It's hard to stay humble about it. Overall: I love it. I plan to buy the ToneMatch accessory and use it to chain a second L1 Compact for even larger venues. Although this unit is PERFECT for any coffeehouse, restaurant, or venue seating less than 100.
7 of 8 people (87.5%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"Small environment product (stand alone system)" submitted September 12, 2012

By DeeJay Bull Dawg Purp in Atlanta, LA
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Musical Background: Production, DeeJay
Music Style: Almost everything
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Sound: Sound was great. Feature: Easy thing to setup ever!! Ease of Use: A five year old could do the setup for you. No need to get a crew to do something small. Easy, portability, and no large vehicle needed to carry it. Quality: Great quality. Built solid, but not heavy. Looks great. Value: For the amount of money I wouldn't suggest it if you are doing something "big". If you do small get together, stand out in front of buildings and give speeches, or play on the corner, and small outdoor events it's great. Manufacturer Support: No need The Wow Factor: Only in a small area was the WOW factor present. Overall: The sound was good but not enough "boom" I like heavy bass without Bose's other components it wasn't loud enough. If you are looking to do a small outdoor event, For a presentation the simple setup is perfect. For me it didn't have enough Shake rattle and roll.
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"Bose L1 Compact" submitted November 18, 2012

By Tony Corner in LEXINGTON, NC
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Music Style: Southern Gospel
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Overall: This System is awesome. Going to get the bigger system soon. Love it!
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"Bose L1 Portable Awesome" submitted September 14, 2012

By Alan G in Germantown, MD
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Musical Background: Play professionally- keyboards and saxes
Music Style: Reggae/ Ambient/ Smooth Jazz
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Overall: I've used the L1 Portable on five gigs since purchasing it three weeks ago. I love it's compact portability and the quick setup. I've received numerous positive comments about how great the sound output is. I wish I'd purchased it earlier.
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"bose l1 compact" submitted January 25, 2013

By Lonny Terkay in Lakeland, FL
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Musical Background: PRO,GUITAR,VOCALS PRIMARY,BASS,PERCUSSION
Music Style: SINGER SONG WRITER, ACOUSTIC ROCK,MODERN COUNTRY
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Overall: good sound over priced needs built effects line outs separate from each channel, very under powered, if i could do it all over i would go for the again over priced li sys for more power
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