Can I run a pair of L1 speakers in stereo?

Yes, stereo is definitely an option. With the older L1 Model 1s and Model II, running in stereo was a lot more challenging than traditional powered speakers. The only simple mixer option made for the Bose L1 at the time was the T1 Tonematch mixer. It was mono, but to run that in stereo was a real mission requiring you to adjust settings, send a signal to the AUX out independently of the MASTER out. With the introduction of the T4s and T8s digital mixers which have dual MASTER out (or - left and right, stereo), suddenly stereo became a lot easier. But do you really NEED to run in stereo? The downsides to running "stereo" as a DJ or band Unless they're in the "sweet spot", your audience won't get stereo. If they're not dead centre of the dancefloor, they'll get predominantly more of either the left or right channel. They probably won't notice. You can get bass cancellation if the subwoofers are too close together. You will get cancellation (particularly less bass) if the L1 speakers are too close together if you end up running "dual mono", ie exactly the same signal on both speakers. Bose recommends spacing the two speakers 6 metres apart. Even in stereo, you'd want to try to put the subwoofers together to avoid cancellation. I've been using the Bose L1 systems since 2007. Be it a Compact, a Model 1, L1 Model II, or the 1s, and now the Pro8, Pro16 and Pro 32. I've only needed a pair on less half a dozen occasions. Unless it's a massive room or huge crowd, the long throw and wide dispersion of of the L1 system means two "sticks" really is often just overcomplicating matters with no real advantage, certainly none that the client/audience will ever notice. Nick Logan - Corporate and wedding DJ Running in stereo is probably a lot easier now with the new L1 Pro series, you can use them with or without the Tonematch mixer. Or you can set up wireless streaming via Bluetooth to a single or pair of L1 Pro or S1 Pro+ in mono or stereo. Read the guide here.

Bose L1 Model 2 system - Rich Audio NZ Bose L1 F1 Pro32 Pro8 Pro16 Sub2 retailer

Description

The Bose L1 Model II is no longer produced.

Consider the new L1 Pro16 or L1 Pro32 with Sub1 as an alternative.

Bose L1 Model 2 Professional Sound System

Recommended for audiences up to 500
24-speaker articulated line array delivers 195° H x 10° V nominal dispersion sound coverage
Produces the most consistent tonal balance with little volume drop-off over distance
System’s interconnecting pieces allow for efficient transport, easy setup and breakdown

Boost your performance with the L1 Model II system, our most advanced portable amplification system for musicians, DJs and public speakers. The loudspeaker delivers 180 degrees of horizontal sound coverage and our smoothest tonal balance—across the stage and throughout the room.

Sound advantages—only from Bose

The system’s breakthrough loudspeaker produces wide, uniform sound coverage of nearly 195°—onstage and throughout an audience of up to several hundred—with little drop-off in volume and tone. The Model II system also features Articulated Array speaker technology for better tonal balance. The loudspeaker’s 24 vertically mounted drivers are precisely angled to create clearer highs and more consistent tone in the room. Even people off to the sides of these stage speakers enjoy well-balanced, detailed sound.

Deep bass from small enclosures

The B1 bass module is our more portable bass option. It is considerably lighter and smaller than conventional bass bins required for the same performance. And it ensures more accurate amplification of lower notes for most voices and instruments. With the L1 Model II system you can power up to two B1 bass modules or one B2 module on a single power stand. And the optional PackLite® power amplifier lets you add a second B2 bass module for maximum low-end power.

Easy and efficient

The L1 Model II power stand weighs only 24 pounds, and its four retractable legs make it easy to transport and set up. The power stand also has a simplified control section; the single line-level input can be used with instruments, mics, mixers, laptops, MP3 players or DVD systems. All of the system’s components are also built to handle the road. The loudspeaker has a rugged, reinforced grille, and each package includes padded carrying bags for major components.

Multi-channel flexibility

The optional ToneMatch audio engine adds four more channels, so you can expand the system and connect additional instruments and microphones. You can also use the ToneMatch engine to fine-tune your sound with powerful, proprietary tone-shaping tools.

Features

Spatial Dispersion™ and Articulated Array® speaker technologies in the loudspeaker produce wide, uniform sound coverage. The 24 small drivers are arranged using Articulated Array speaker technology in a slim, vertical enclosure—creating 195 degrees of horizontal coverage and consistent tonal balance.

Integrated power amplifiers in the power stand provide clean, precise amplification for L1 Model 2 system with up to two B1 bass modules or one B2 bass module.

ToneMatch® port on power stand for digital audio and power connection to ToneMatch audio engine.

Analogue input, trim control and signal/clip LED for line-level analogue input via ¼” TRS phone cable. Can be used for instruments or other audio sources like DJ mixers, MP3 players, computers or DVD systems.

Bass module out for amplified bass output signal to the bass module. L1 system automatically adjusts equalisation appropriately when bass modules are connected.

Bass line out delivers post-DSP bass signal output. Accepts ¼” TRS phone cable. Use to connect powered subwoofer, additional amplification system or Bose® PackLite® amplifier with up to two additional bass modules.

Interlocking design of the lightweight components eliminates the need for speaker stands and speaker wires. Setup takes only minutes.

Retractable legs provide stability for streamlined power stands and loudspeakers. Four retractable legs fold out of power stand simultaneously for quick setup and compact transport.

Convenient carry bags—one each for the loudspeaker, power stand and bass module—make getting to and from your gig that much easier.

L1 Model 2 system with B1 bass
	Recommended for audiences up to 400 24-speaker articulated line array delivers 195° horizontal sound coverage Produces the most consistent tonal balance with less volume drop-off over distance System’s interconnecting pieces allow for easy transport, setup and breakdown B1 bass module included
L1 Model 2 system with B2 bass
	Recommended for audiences up to 500 24-speaker articulated line array delivers 195° H x 10° V nominal dispersion sound coverage Produces consistent tonal balance with less volume drop-off over distance System’s interconnecting pieces allow for easy transport, setup and breakdown B2 bass module included Spend less time setting up your gear and more time enjoying it. The new L1 Model 1S portable line array system delivers a potent combination of portability and performance. It’s compact and light enough to make setup quick and easy, yet powerful enough to fill a mid-sized venue. This system works well for solo musicians, bands and public speakers. Includes one B2 bass module for enhanced low-end performance.

L1 Model 2 system with B1 bass

Recommended for audiences up to 400
24-speaker articulated line array delivers 195° horizontal sound coverage
Produces the most consistent tonal balance with less volume drop-off over distance
System’s interconnecting pieces allow for easy transport, setup and breakdown
B1 bass module included

L1 Model 2 system with B2 bass

Recommended for audiences up to 500
24-speaker articulated line array delivers 195° H x 10° V nominal dispersion sound coverage
Produces consistent tonal balance with less volume drop-off over distance
System’s interconnecting pieces allow for easy transport, setup and breakdown
B2 bass module included

Spend less time setting up your gear and more time enjoying it. The new L1 Model 1S portable line array system delivers a potent combination of portability and performance. It’s compact and light enough to make setup quick and easy, yet powerful enough to fill a mid-sized venue. This system works well for solo musicians, bands and public speakers. Includes one B2 bass module for enhanced low-end performance.

Additional information

Bass Module	B1, B2

Can I run a pair of L1 speakers in stereo?
Yes, stereo is definitely an option.

With the older L1 Model 1s and Model II, running in stereo was a lot more challenging than traditional powered speakers. The only simple mixer option made for the Bose L1 at the time was the T1 Tonematch mixer. It was mono, but to run that in stereo was a real mission requiring you to adjust settings, send a signal to the AUX out independently of the MASTER out.

With the introduction of the T4s and T8s digital mixers which have dual MASTER out (or – left and right, stereo), suddenly stereo became a lot easier.

But do you really NEED to run in stereo?

The downsides to running “stereo” as a DJ or band
1. Unless they’re in the “sweet spot”, your audience won’t get stereo. If they’re not dead centre of the dancefloor, they’ll get predominantly more of either the left or right channel. They probably won’t notice.
2. You can get bass cancellation if the subwoofers are too close together.
3. You will get cancellation (particularly less bass) if the L1 speakers are too close together if you end up running “dual mono”, ie exactly the same signal on both speakers. Bose recommends spacing the two speakers 6 metres apart.
4. Even in stereo, you’d want to try to put the subwoofers together to avoid cancellation.
I’ve been using the Bose L1 systems since 2007. Be it a Compact, a Model 1, L1 Model II, or the 1s, and now the Pro8, Pro16 and Pro 32. I’ve only needed a pair on less half a dozen occasions. Unless it’s a massive room or huge crowd, the long throw and wide dispersion of of the L1 system means two “sticks” really is often just overcomplicating matters with no real advantage, certainly none that the client/audience will ever notice.

Nick Logan – Corporate and wedding DJ

Running in stereo is probably a lot easier now with the new L1 Pro series, you can use them with or without the Tonematch mixer.

Or you can set up wireless streaming via Bluetooth to a single or pair of L1 Pro or S1 Pro+ in mono or stereo. Read the guide here.

Bose L1 Model 2 system

This model is no longer produced. Try the L1 Pro16 or L1 Pro32 instead.

Description

The Bose L1 Model II is no longer produced.