S1 Pro+ x 2 vs L1 Pro8 with T4S

The Systems We're Comparing

• Two S1 Pro+ each with wireless transmitters (XLR (mic/line level) and 1/4 inch (6.3mm) instrument)
• One L1 Pro8 with T4S

Use Case

Performers

• Duo (vocals plus guitar) x two
• Dynamic microphones (no phantom power required)
• No backing tracks

Minimum Technical Requirements

• Four inputs with
  • ToneMatch Presets
  • EQ (Treble/Bass)
  • Reverb

Audience

• Up to 75 people
• Seated at tables
• Listening attentively

Venue

• 60 x 35 feet = 2275 square feet (20 x 10 meters = 211 square meters)
• Multi-purpose room (very reflective, reverberant space)
  • High, vaulted ceiling
  • No acoustic treatment
• Minimal background noise (no commercial activity)

Room Layout

• The performers are mid-way along the long wall facing the audience
• Behind the performers is a long narrow table at waist height
• The greatest distance from the sound source is approximately 50 ft (15 meters)

Conclusion [Hidden]

Too long didn't read - 🎬 Spoiler Alert - click

While it is very tempting to leap to generalizations without considering the specific application, simply comparing the units' features, specifications, and performance can lead to less-than-optimal results.

For this use case, both solutions service the audience and the venue. However, the convenience and portability won the decision. We went with the two S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters. We run the S1 Pro+ systems independently, one for each performer. We do not link them together in any way. Each performer is responsible for their volume, tone, and setup/teardown.

Though the combination of the L1 Pro8 with the T4S has more inputs, reverb and EQ options, features, and routing options, we don't need those features for this application.

• The T4S has more options and control for reverb; we don't use reverb in this venue. The room has excessive reverberation.
• The T4S has a master volume, but since each performer manages their own S1 Pro+, a master volume control isn't necessary.
• The L1 Pro8 has a better bass response than the S1 Pro+; we don't require deeper bass for vocals and guitar.

We set the S1 Pro+ units on a narrow table behind the performance area. This means they are waist-height pointed straight out. Since the audience is seated, the height is appropriate. If we didn't have the table, I'd have to bring speaker stands, reducing the convenience and portability.

In this room with the high, vaulted ceilings. We don't place the S1 Pro+ systems on the floor in the tilt-back position because sending more sound up to the ceiling makes the excessive reverberation in the room worse.

Back Story

I play in this room every week with my duo partner. We have used the L1 Pro8 and T4S here and have been very happy with the results.

I recently got an S1 Pro+ with two wireless transmitters. We also had the older S1 Pro and third-party wireless transmitters and receivers, and we were happy with that combination. Having two systems worked better for us.

In the end, I got another S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters, so now we have two and use them instead of the L1 Pro8 with T4S.

I have all the L1 Pro models, and I use the T4S and T8S with them, depending on the gig. I had another application for the legacy S1 Pro. I haven't replaced the L1 Pro8 with two S1 Pro+. I still have and use everything depending on the application.

Considerations

Cost

The options have the same retail cost. If you add the cost of Bose carry bags or cases for all components, the costs remain similar.

Portability

L1 Pro8 with T4S total carry weight is approximately 44 pounds

Power stand 31 pounds, tower 9 pounds, T4s 2 pounds

Cables 2 pounds

S1 Pro+ x two total carry weight is approximately 30 pounds

(15 x 2)

Features/Considerations

L1 Pro8 plus T4S

• AC power required
• Cable from T4S to L1 Pro8
• Cables required from microphones and instruments to T4S
• Mono
• Two performers heard through one loudspeaker
• Single sound source
• Inputs
  • L1 Pro8 has two combo inputs with ToneMatch Presets and Treble/Bass/Reverb
  • L1 Pro8 has single Aux input (channel 3)
  • T4S has four combo inputs with ToneMatch Preset, zEQ, ParaEQ, Effects and Reverb
  • T4S has two Aux inputs (inputs 5/6)
• Output
  • 112 dB SPL continuous
  • 180° x 40° degrees (horizontal x vertical)
  • Frequency Response (–3 dB) 45 Hz to 16 kHz
  • Frequency Range (–10 dB) 33 Hz to 18 kHz

S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters x 2

• Battery powered
• No cables required
• Multi-mono (One S1 Pro+ per performer)
• Two sound sources (each performer has their own monitor)
• Inputs (each S1 Pro+)
  • S1 Pro+ has two combo inputs with ToneMatch Presets and Treble/Bass/Reverb
  • S1 Pro+ has single Aux input (channel 3)
  • S1 Pro+ has insert mode available when using wireless transmitters
• Output
  • 109 dB SPL continuous
  • 120° x 50° degrees (horizontal x vertical)
  • Frequency Response (–3 dB) 62 Hz to 17 kHz

Conclusions

While it is very tempting to leap to generalizations without considering the specific application, simply comparing the units' features, specifications, and performance can lead to less-than-optimal results.

For this use case, both solutions service the audience and the venue. However, the convenience and portability won the decision. We went with the two S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters. We run the S1 Pro+ systems independently, one for each performer. We do not link them together in any way. Each performer is responsible for their volume, tone, and setup/teardown.

Though the combination of the L1 Pro8 with the T4S has more inputs, reverb and EQ options, features, and routing options, we don't need those features for this application.

• The T4S has more options and control for reverb; we don't use reverb in this venue. The room has excessive reverberation.
• The T4S has a master volume, but since each performer manages their own S1 Pro+, a master volume control isn't necessary.
• The L1 Pro8 has a better bass response than the S1 Pro+; we don't require deeper bass for vocals and guitar.

We set the S1 Pro+ units on a narrow table behind the performance area. This means they are waist-height pointed straight out. Since the audience is seated, the height is appropriate. If we didn't have the table, I'd have to bring speaker stands, reducing the convenience and portability.

In this room with the high, vaulted ceilings. We don't place the S1 Pro+ systems on the floor in the tilt-back position because sending more sound up to the ceiling makes the excessive reverberation in the room worse.

Back Story

I play in this room every week with my duo partner. We have used the L1 Pro8 and T4S here and have been very happy with the results.

I recently got an S1 Pro+ with two wireless transmitters. We also had the older S1 Pro and third-party wireless transmitters and receivers, and we were happy with that combination. Having two systems worked better for us.

In the end, I got another S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters, so now we have two and use them instead of the L1 Pro8 with T4S.

I have all the L1 Pro models, and I use the T4S and T8S with them, depending on the gig. I had another application for the legacy S1 Pro. I haven't replaced the L1 Pro8 with two S1 Pro+. I still have and use everything depending on the application.

References

L1 Pro8 Technical Data

T4S/T8S Service Manual

S1 Pro+ Technical Data

This article expresses my opinion and experience. Please post comments to Twitter @ST_Muso or LinkedIn @STPro. Thank you — ST.

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