Bose L1 Compact

[Kevin Barber]

A search revealed nothing on the L1 Compact, just a little on the more powerful L1.

I'm planning a trip to a music store with my steel to play through one within the next few weeks. I may be wasting my time.

Has anyone played a steel through a Bose L1 Compact?

If so, would it be loud enough at 130 watts to keep up with a fairly loud band? (in your opinion)

It seems that the L1 Compact may be more geared towards an acoustic guitar.

Thanks for any info!

[Terry Reece]

Hi,
I've been playing through one for three years, along with a bass and other guitar player. I play a tele, sorry on info about PSG, as I'm a newbee. I just ordered a Prolite from Justice...can't wait...
The compact is good for smaller venues...we play in a 150 seat venue and smaller. Placement of the tower takes some time as feed back can be an issue.
Sound is okay for voice...I went back to my fender tube for the guitar..each to his own.The acoustic guitar sounds great...I have the T-1 mixer..any one would work and be less expensive...hope this helps a bit...

[Kevin Barber]

Thanks for the reply!!! I've heard an acoustic guitar through it and man, did it sound great!!

I may just take off and go play through one. I really like the concept of the 180 degree speaker output and the lightweight of the system.

You will love the Justice steel! I'm really hoping the steel guitar sounds great through the Boss compact!

[Eric Philippsen]

One of the bands I play with uses the Bose Compact for rehearsals and, for gigs, the larger Model II for mains and then the Compact for a side throw (at a band-facing angle) for a single monitor.

In either setting it's simply something else.

At my age I think I've owned or played through every kind and size of sound reinforcement setup. The Bose are an outstanding and refreshing change. No ear fatigue, "cut-thru-everything", blessedly lightweight, literally minutes to set up and tear down, and even volume throughout the room. Audience members sit at the tables right in front of the tower without complaint about the sound pressure levels.

Bottom line appraisal: I'll never go back to big heavy speakers, subwoofers, "15's-on-a-stick", pre-amps, power amps, multiple road cases, stupidly long setup and tear down times, or heavy lifting. I have enough of that with my steel setup.

No, sorry, I've never run pedal steel through it, so I can't comment on that.

[Les Cargill]

Band I play with uses two LII as PA. I have played through it direct. You'll need a lot of EQ or it'll be way too thin sounding - unless you like that sort of thing.

You can spend a lot less money and get a lot more amp or PA.

When I played direct thru it I used a modeller. I like an amp better.

[Kevin Barber]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm still not sure what I'm going to do yet, but maybe for the Bose money I may give the Telonics combo amp a try. Everyone who I have contacted about the Telonics amp loves theirs.