Outstanding sound for any venue

I worked with this system several years ago. I forgot how fantastic it truly is. I have been thinking about buying it for the last several years, but talked by self out of it due to the price. I’m glad I stopped listening to myself and finally bought it. I just feel stupid for not buying it sooner. The L1 works beautifully in small and large venues! If you are thinking about it.. stop it and buy it! The Sweetwater team has been outstanding!

Fantastic Sound - Great Value

I've used an L1 Model 1 now for four years, in a variety of locations and circumstances; outdoors, indoors, large and small crowds. It has always performed flawlessly, and despite the earlier review, it is very resistant to feedback. We normally have instrumentalists and vocalists right in front of the speaker without problems, even at high volumes. The sound quality, clarity, and projection have blown away conventional setups costing many times more than this that take much longer to set up and take down. We've used it outside in damp and hot weather without any issues.

The design provides great horizontal fill, and the sound volume does not drop off rapidly as you move away (unlike conventional speakers), making setup easy. We have had no dead spots, even when partially blocked by columns inside or by trees outside.

The Model 1 is definitely heavier than the Model 2, and the included carry bags have held up great for four years of steady regular use. I've taken half a star off for the weight of the base on the Model 1, as compared to the Model 2, but really it is still more portable than an equivalent traditional system.

You can't beat this setup for the money.

A force to be reckoned with!

Prior to the L1 I've only known sound equipment in the shape of the box. Speaker cabinets and sub woofers that can weigh down a Ford-F150 are on their way out, in my opinion. I worked at a music store for a year and we carried the Bose L1 systems and its variants. I was skeptical when I first experienced it, not knowing really what I was witnessing.

My brother and I purchased a pair of them along with an extra two subs. They first saw action at an outdoor gig at the local pub. My bass cut through like a hot machete and a brick of butter. Second outing was a DJ gig in a huge banquet hall. Tall ceilings and wide open spaces a la a gymnasium. After the gig, a server approached me and complimented on the unbelievable clarity and balance of the system. This guy had seen a plethora of DJs so I was pleased to hear the opinion.

Don't get the Bose L1 and expect rock arena sound. It doesn't rattle down walls with its sheer thunder like an 18' sub. These are more elegant. It's the Porsche 911 with tightness, balance, and control. Meanwhile everyone runs around with a monster truck that slogs along with brute power. Yes, a monster truck can be cool, but it can't compete in the same league. People will be able to sleep at night without the "swan song" they may be accustomed to and still feel like they got the show and then some. Because I have the pair and extra subs the combo really kicks butt. Just a single though will handle most endeavors.

If you are looking for studio monitor sound built for an audience, look no further. Just don't get one and cry about "it doesn't sound like a box". These aren't boxes, these are pieces of alien audiophile space technology, that bose smuggled from the mother ship. They will crush anyone running around with boxes that were designed circa 1984, although sometimes they are too deaf to hear the beauty. All amateurs concern themselves with only sheer volume and disregard quality of sound. Did I mention that they are awesome to carry and transport in comparison to cabinets?

Bose saves the day in Texas

Charla Corn was about to open for Larry Joe Taylor at 8.0 in Sundance Square in Downtown Fort Worth.

Mother Nature had another idea and suddenly we had tornadoes on three sides of us. Tarps and road case covers protected all the gear from the downpour. That is except the 40 thousand dollar all digital board making it's debut that night.

As soon as the storm passed and without skipping a beat Larry Joe had his band pull out their "Road System" which was a Bose L1 and bass unit for each band member. Within minutes we had a show everyone could hear and enjoy.

Charla and her band went from an impromptu acoustic set in the bar to the fully amplified set on the covered outdoor stage for the several thousand folks who couldn't be chased of by a little thing like a tornado. Charla, Larry Joe, and the L1's performed great!

Bose sound system

This audio system is a great tool for just about any kind of audio amplification situation. it is very portable, breaks down into 4 easily manageable pieces, has cristal clear sound, and if you add wheels to the base is quite portable in mulitple areas! I would recommend it to anyone in a band, A/V company, or musician who needs a very funtional system

Sweet!

Great sound! Easily transportable. My ONLY objection is that there are no provisions for an iPod or laptop. There are ways to do it, but it is due for an update in that regard.

Devestating Feedback

Hopefully my ears will recover from the deadly, searing feedback from this product. I just ran a beta 58 and a 57 and could barely turn up the vocals loud enough to be heard without insane feedback. Sounded fine when at super low volumes. I've been producing records and playing live for years and could not get a good sound. Way bulkier than you would think too. Many better, smaller options out there for same price with tons more features. Not impressed