L1® Model II

This Page Reviewed By Bose L1 Model II Introduced March 29, 2007 Discontinued: Jan 2021 The L1 Model II is RoHS compliant for release in Europe.

Documentation L1® Model II System Owner's Guide L1® Model II System Quick Set-up Guide L1® Model II Technical Data L1 Model II Service Manual L1® Model II FAQs (Bose® official version) L1 Model II Online Support (Bose.com) Unofficial FAQs Downloads ToneMatch® Downloads Model II Firmware Updates T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine Firmware Updates Check the Bose® Pro Portable PA Community for periodic updates. Firmware How to tell if your Model II supports the B2 Bass Module Model II / Versions from Serial Number Model II / Versions from T1® If you need it - see Model II Power Stand Firmware Updates Different Models How to Tell the Difference Between Bose Portable PA Models This is how to tell which L1®, S1 Pro, or F1 unit you have.   S1 Pro+   2023 - Present S1 Pro+ (optional wireless transmitters), Remote Control and ToneMatch Presets with Bose App L1 Pro 2020 - Present L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16, L1 Pro32, Remote Control and ToneMatch Presets with Bose App Sub1 Sub2 2020 - Present Sub module for L1 Pro32 T4S 2018 - Present 4 channel ToneMatch Mixer (stereo) T8S 2018 - Present 8 channel ToneMatch Mixer (stereo) F1 Model 812 2015 - Present Flexible Array Loudspeaker and Subwoofer Classic 2003 - 2007 Rounded front. The Output Panel has Amp1 Out, Amp2 Out, Amp3 Out B1 Bass Module 2003 - 2020 Up to two per Power Stand (above). More if using the PackLite® power amplifier model A1. 2 x 5.25" drivers, 26.6 lb A1 PackLite Amp 2005 - 2020   Allows bass expansion for L1 Classic L1 Model I L1 Model II (not L1 Compact not L1 Model 1S) L1 Model I 2007 - 2012 Rounded front. The Output Panel has no outputs for Amp1, Amp2, Amp3. The Output Panel and L1 Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker sections have orange L1® markers. L1 Model II 2007 - 2020 Extending legs, two Cylindrical Radiator®s, Bass Line Out, T1  2007 - 2018 T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine L1 Compact 2009 - 2021 Integrated Power Stand and Bass Unit, two Extensions L1 Model 1S 2012 - 2020 Extending legs, one Cylindrical Radiator® (Top Array), Bottom Extension B2 Bass Module 2012 - 2020 Up to one per Power Stand (above). More if using the PackLite® power amplifier model A1. 2 x 10" drivers 45 lb. Three position Bass Level switch. S1 Pro   2018 - 2023 Extremely Portable PA Battery powered

Input/Output Panel

Overview

1. Power/Fault LED - Indicates power status.
   Blue = system on
   Red = system fault

2. Power switch - Switches the system on and off.

3. Bass Module Out - Bass output signal for driving one or two B1 bass modules or one B2 bass module.

4. Trim - Adjusts the level of the analog input signal.

5. ToneMatch^®  port - Digital audio and power connection for the optional T1 ToneMatch audio engine.

6. Signal/Clip LED - Indicates status of the analog input signal.
   Green = normal input
   Yellow = input approaching clipping
   Red = input clipping

7. Analog Input - A line-level analog input. Accepts a ¼" TRS phone cable. Used for an instrument or other audio source.

8. Bass - Line Out- Post-DSP bass signal output. Accepts a ¼" TRS phone cable. Used to drive a PackLite® power amplifier.

9. AC Mains - AC power input connector.

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ToneMatch® Port

For connecting the T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine to the L1 Model II.

The port sends electrical power to the T1 and accepts digital audio from the T1.

Close up

The connecting cable has a male Ethercon connection at each end that looks like this.

For details about the cable see: T1® Cables

Analog Input

The Analog input is a ¼ inch balanced input jack. Do not connect a stereo source to this input.

Analog input trim (volume, or gain) control

There is a trim control for the analog input. Turn this off (fully counter-clockwise) unless you have something connected to the Analog Input.

Setting the Trim Control

1. Set the Trim control on the power stand to the 0 (zero) position.
2. Connect the audio source to the Analog Input
3. Adjust the volume of the source device output to the reference or nominal output level.
   • On analog consoles this may be marked as unity or 0 dB.
   • On digital consoles this may be marked as -18 dBFS. The exact value (-18 dBFS to -20 dBFS) may vary depending your location.
   • Refer to the manual for the source device for details.
   • If the source device does not have metering or indicators, set the output as high as you can without hearing distortion or seeing red indicator lights.
4. While playing/singing as loud as you will during your performance, increase the Trim level so that the Signal/Clip indicator glows green or yellow. Occasional flickers of red are okay.
5. If the Signal/Clip indicator glows solid red or you hear distortion, decrease the Trim level so that it glows only green or yellow.

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Can a stereo signal be used with the analog input?

A ¼ inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve connector carrying a stereo signal should not be used with the analog input on the Model II.

Even though a ¼ inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve connector can carry a stereo signal this is not how this physical connection is used on the L1® Model II Power Stand.

The analog input on the Model II is balanced, and will therefore subtract the Left and Right signals on a stereo cable and you will hear an L-R (Left minus Right) signal in the Model II.

You cannot 'get through the gig' this way if you are a DJ or if you need to run prerecorded music or have stereo inputs.

Using a Mixer

If you are using a mixer instead of a T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine use the mixer to create a mono output and send that to the Model II Power Stand Analog input.

• If there is a stereo/mono switch then use it and send the mono output to the Model II Power Stand Analog input.
• If there is a Left/mono output then use that and send it to the Model II Power Stand Analog input.
• If there is no way to create a mono output then pan all your mixer inputs all the way to one side (e.g. Left) and then take the mixer for that side (e.g. Left) output and send it to the Model II Power Stand Analog input.

Analog Input for Second T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine

The L1 Model II can accept two inputs.

This makes it easy for two performers to connect their own T1®s to a L1^® Model II Power Stand.

ToneMatch® Input

The ToneMatch® connection is specifically designed for a T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine. The ToneMatch® cable is supplied with the T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine and uses a male Ethercon connector at both ends.

Analog Input

The Analog connection is a ¼ inch phone jack. You can use this for a second T1® using the T1® Analog Master output (¼ inch phone jack).

This connection is made with a standard ¼ inch jack instrument cable. This can be Tip-Sleeve or Tip-Ring-Sleeve connectors.

Set Power Stand Analog Input Trim to 3 to have approximately the same level as you would have if you had connected with the ToneMatch® connection. You may have to adjust this, but 3 is a good place to start.

Note: A T1® connected to the the Analog input will require the optional T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine power supply.

Analog Connection from the Second T1® to the Model II Power Stand

¼ Inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve (balanced) to ¼ Inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve (balanced)

A balanced connection is preferred and will provide better noise rejection over greater distances than the unbalanced connection.

¼ Inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve (unbalanced) to ¼ Inch Tip-Sleeve (unbalanced)

This should work fine but a balanced connection (immediately above) is preferred especially if you will have cable runs in excess of 20 feet (6 meters) or if you hear line noise, hum or hiss.

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Preventative Care

There have been isolated incidents where Model II owners have had difficulty removing the Cylindrical Radiator® from the Power Stand.

I would encourage all users that are concerned with this happening to them to add a drop of locktite to the (2) screws identified in the attached diagram.

Thank you

Neil — Source

Start Up / Cycle Time

The model II takes a few seconds to fully boot up and then turn the audio on. Make sure you are waiting the right amount of time.

Secondly, if you do reset the system for some reason, be sure to wait a full two or three seconds between turning it off and turning it back on.

- MikeZ-at-Bose

Fan runs constantly

Starting with units manufactured in late 2014 and later (shipped with Firmware version 1.5), the fan now runs quietly, constantly, while the Power Stand is powered on. This is completely normal.

This is how to read the Serial Number to tell if your system was shipped with Firmware version 1.5 or later.

Note: The grayed out characters may be different on your system.

If the underlined numbers are greater than 4284 then the unit was likely shipped with Firmware version 1.5, after October 2014.

Note: There is no user installable update for units with earlier serial numbers. The earlier hardware is not compatible with firmware version 1.5.

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Fan prior to October 2014

Q: The fan in the Power Stand comes on when I strike a chord on my Guitar. Is this normal? A: Your unit is functioning properly - no problem.

The fan in the Model II Power Stand comes on when the input signal level goes over a certain limit, regardless of what the internal temperature of the unit is. That way, the unit never gets too hot to where a fan needs to be on constantly. Whatever you do, please don't cover up the fan port.

There is a Firmware Update that addresses the fan behaviour. See: Model II Power Stand Firmware Updates - Fan behaviour

Noise During Shutdown

Q: When I turn off the Model II there is sound like flatulence. Is this normal?

A:

Over a year ago we implemented an improvement which allowed the system to better withstand extreme low voltage conditions caused by brown outs etc. Units produced prior to this change were quieter during the power down sequence.

Note: This noise is only present when the system is being turned off following use. For instances where this subtle noise is objectionable you may remove the Cylindrical Radiator loudspeaker and disconnect the Speakon cable of the B1 before powering down the system.

For anyone that is experiencing noise during power down we want to assure you that your system is working properly. Also, there is no reason for customers with older power stands to be concerned with upgrading as any potential issues would have surfaced by now.

B2 support

This is how to read the Serial Number to tell if your system was shipped with Firmware version 1.4 and System EQ 1.04 (both required to fully support the B2 Bass Module).

Note: The grayed out characters may be different on your system.

If

• the first two digits are 04 AND
• the underlined numbers are between 7000-9999 or lower than 2250

Then see L1® Model II Power Stand Firmware Updates

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Height

The fully assembled height of the L1 Model II is 84 inches. (213.36 cm)

Clearance required to assemble is approximately 87.5 inches. (222.25 cm)

Input Panel

L1® Model II Input Panel

• Analog input, trim control and signal/clip LED

Line-level analog input accepts 1/4" TRS phone cable. Can be used for instruments or other audio sources like DJ mixers, MP3 players, computers or DVD systems. Trim control lets you adjust the level of analog input signal. Signal/clip LED indicates status of analog input signal.

• Bass module out

Delivers amplified bass output signal to one or two B1 bass modules. L1 system automatically adjusts equalization appropriately when bass modules are connected.

• ToneMatch™ port

Digital audio and power connection for ToneMatch audio engine. Use with included ToneMatch cable.

• Bass line out

Post-DSP bass signal output. Accepts 1/4" TRS phone cable. Use to connect PackLite® amplifier with up to two additional bass modules. Can also be used to connect powered subwoofer or additional amplification system.

No Speakers Attached

If you want to record using USB without using the L1 Cylindrical Radiator^® loudspeaker or B1 Bass Module ...

You can certainly run the L1 with all, some, or none of the speakers connected. With no speakers connected it will happily serve as a big power supply for the T1. You are in no way risking damage to the unit by doing this.

L1® Model II Power Stand/Bass Line Out

Articulated Array®

Articulated Array

The articulated array was introduced with the L1 Model II announced March 29, 2007. This is a collection of notes and quotes about the articulated array, primarily from people-at-Bose. (alphabetical order by author)

Chris-at-Bose

When Cliff invented the first L1 , we all agreed it was a stunning solution to a terrible problem. The strong consensus on this forum over several years agrees with that. Making it into a product involved countless design decisions, many of them very hard to make. But one thing was clear--the array was a solution that worked; it didn't need "fixing", compared to all the other open questions whose answers were so obscure. So we worked on the murky questions, not on the array.

Once we had the product on the market, we began to learn how it could be even better, mostly from all of you on this forum. We told you we were listening and the L1 Model II is the result of that. When articulating the array was suggested by us, we were all pretty sure it would not work well in this kind of array. It was a long shot, but we tried it anyway and it worked better than any of us expected. Another theory in the dustbin. Breakthroughs sometimes happen and this was one of them, albeit a small one. So now we bring you the L1 Model II, with all our latest knowledge.

-- Chris-at-Bose, July 17, 2007

Cliff-at-Bose

At full chat, the L1 Model II is about as loud as the L1 Classic in front but definitely louder off to the side, due to the extra bit of spectrum wrap we got with the articulated array. Plus, we did all this with less power by the application of Real Science: a far better impedance match to the amp, a better amp, better power control processing and an improvement in the acoustical package. As a result, the new Power Stand is lighter. Sort of like the car engines from the 1930's can't touch today's lighter-weight EFI engines. The new unit is a real engineering achievement.

-- Cliff-at-Bose, April 3, 2007

Jesse-at-Bose

"Articulated" refers to the fact that the individual drivers in the Model II are angled slightly to the sides in an alternating pattern. (In the L1 classic, they're all facing straight ahead.) So both the L1 classic and Model II have extremely wide coverage (nearly 180 degrees,) but the M II gives you the most consistent tone as you move side to side.

We've all been impressed with the off-axis performance of the L1 Classic - the articulated array in the M II takes that even further.

-- Jesse-at-Bose, March 29, 2007

MikeZ-at-Bose

The array has been improved to give the widest, most even sound coverage across the room that we can deliver.

BUT, I want to establish that the difference between the two arrays is not like the difference between conventional gear and the L1 model I.

With the L1 Model I, if an *experienced* listener closed their eyes and walked around the room, they could tell approximately how far 'off axis' (what angle they were standing relative to the speaker) they were. With the model II, the listener cannot tell what angle they are relative to the speaker array.

-- MikeZ-at-Bose, March 29, 2007

Question Does the articulated array of the Model II have as long of a throw as the original L-1? I seem to recall hearing the the Classic maintained a cylindrical pattern out to around 85 or 90 feet.

Yes. The basic cylindrical wavefront properties of the L1 Model II are unchanged from the L1 Classic / L1 Model I. I have not measured or audibly noticed any difference in the speakers 'throw ability'.

-- MikeZ-at-Bose, July 5, 2007

Lower Section Only

Q: Can I run with only the lower section of the L1 Cylindrical Radiator^® loudspeaker?

A: From a technical standpoint it is safe to operate the system with only the lower section of the L1® Model II , however the spatial and spectral performance of will be greatly reduced, so this has only a very limited application. - Hilmar-at-Bose

Correcting the Tone

Try inserting a ¼ inch connector in the Bass Line Out of the Power Stand. This will cause the internal logic to reduce the Bass output, and this should give you a better overall tonal balance when running with only one section of the L1® Model II.

For very detailed notes about this see Half Stack.

Identifying this Model

Bass Line Out

• Retractable legs

Provide stability for streamlined L1 Model II power stand and loudspeaker. Four retractable legs fold out of power stand simultaneously for quick setup and compact transport. Small footprint also frees up room on tight stages.

• Light weight (23.7 lbs (10.7 kg)

Rubber Feet

If you need to replace the rubber feet.

Mark (Le5) on the Bose^® Pro Portable PA Community provided this helpful research about replacement rubber feet for the L1 s.

I removed a nearly new foot from a Model II. The measurements are as follows:
Diameter 1-3/16" X height 3/8" (30mm X 9.6mm)
The maximum height of 3/8" (9.6mm) for the feet is important for stability; it is not recommended to use thicker feet because the ends of the fold out legs would be raised off of the floor

The recesses where the feet are installed will not accept a larger diameter than the original feet but 1" (25.4mm) should work fine.
I did a bit of research for you for some possible replacement feet:

• Penn Elcom F1690
• Keystone Electronics 723 DigiKey
• MojoTone Rubber Feet, 25.4X9.5mm

This type of feet are commonly used under guitar amp cabinets, it's a matter of finding some of the correct height and of a diameter that will fit. These need to have a steel washer for the mounting screw.
This should help you find suitable replacement feet.
Mark

Source: Le5 Rubber Feet for L1®

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Acoustical Output

The maximum output volume of the L1 Classic, the L1 Model I, and the L1 Model II are virtually identical.

In the L1 Classic, the L1 Cylindrical Radiator^® loudspeaker is powered by two (2) 250 Watt amplifiers. In the Model I and Model II, the L1 Cylindrical Radiator^® loudspeaker is powered by one (1) 250 Watt amplifier. The Classic, the Model I, and the Model II all use a second 250 Watt amplifier to power one or two B1 bass modules (update: or a single B2 Bass Module).

Although these numbers serve as a point of reference they do not tell the whole story. During the design of the L1 Model I and the L1 Model II the impedance of the L1 Cylindrical Radiator^® loudspeaker was lowered. As a result of the lower impedance, a single 250W amplifier now powers the system to within 1.75 dB of the max SPL of the L1 Classic. Several other changes were made to the signal processing and acoustical sections to further reduce this small difference. Particular attention was paid to this change and many A/B comparisons were conducted by Bose to confirm that there was no significant audible difference between the two systems.

— Source: Ken-at-Bose, Neil-at-Bose

Compatibility with Other Members of the L1® Family of Products

This Page Reviewed By Bose

Cylindrical Radiator®s

Cylindrical Radiator®s are not interchangeable across models

Specifically (and without exception)

• The Cylindrical Radiator speaker sections of the L1 Classic, the L1 Model I and L1 Model 1S and the L1 Model II are not compatible with each other.
  • The Cylindrical Radiator speaker sections of the L1 Classic can only be used with the Classic PS1 power stand (no orange markings on the input/output panel).
  • The Cylindrical Radiator speaker sections of the L1 Model I (orange markings on the back of both sections) can only be used with the Model I PS1 power stand (orange markings on the input/output panel).
  • The Cylindrical Radiator speaker sections of the L1 Model II can only be used with the L1 Model II power stand.
  • The Cylindrical Radiator speaker sections of the L1 Model 1S can only be used with the L1 Model 1S power stand.

T1 ToneMatch^® Audio Engine, T4S/T8S ToneMatch® Mixers

T1 

T4S

T8S

• The ToneMatch mixers can be used with the
  • L1 Classic
  • L1 Model I
  • L1 Model 1S
  • L1 Model II
  • L1 Compact
  • F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker

PackLite^® power amplifier Model A1

A1 PackLite Amp

• The PackLite^® power amplifier model A1 can be used with
  • L1 Classic
  • L1 Model I
  • L1 Model II

B1 Bass Module

B1 Bass Module

• The B1 Bass Module can be used with the
  • L1 Classic
  • L1 Model I
  • L1 Model 1S
  • L1 Model II.

B2 Bass Module

B2 Bass Module

• The B2 Bass Module can be used with the
  • L1 Classic Normal Mode only
  • L1 Model I Normal Mode only
  • L1 Model 1S all modes
  • L1 Model II all modes but L1® Model II Power Stand Firmware version 1.4 or later required

Related Documents

• L1® Model II System Owner's Guide
• L1® Model II System Quick Set-up Guide
• L1® Model II Technical Data
• L1 Model II Service Manual
• L1® Model II FAQs (Bose^® official version)
• L1 Model II Online Support (Bose.com)

Design Team

In 23 years at Bose, the L1 Model II and T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine are the most lovingly designed products I have ever had the fortune to work on. More care by more experienced people went into this than anything I've been involved in.

The most minute details were studiously created. As one tiny but important example, a propriety light pipe was designed so that the light from volume knob indicators smoothly wrapped around the knob from top to side, giving the musician a clear indication of volume from any angle. The color and intensity of the light was carefully designed so that it was visible in an extraordinarily wide range of stage lighting conditions.

Here is a picture of some members of the design team when we reached the point in May of 2006 of having the proprietary folding mechanism for the Model II power stand and industrial design for the new Articulated Array speaker finally finished.

Ken-at-Bose

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Mechanical Specifications

L1 Model II

• L1 Model II Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker top:
  • Top array 39.63” H x 4.15” W x 4.13” D (100.6 cm x 10.6 cm x 10.5 cm
  • 16.3 lbs (7.4 kg)
• L1 Model II Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker bottom:
  • Bottom array 43.5” H x 4.15” W x 4.13” D (111.0 mm x 9.0 cm x 10.5 cm)
  • 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg)

• L1 Model II power stand:
  • 5H x 10W x 27D (12.8 cm x 26.2 cm x 69.2 cm)
  • 23.7 lbs (10.7 kg)

B1 Bass module

• • 15H x 10 1/4W x 17 3/4D (38.0 cm x 26.0 cm x 45.0 cm)
  • 25.1 lbs (11.4 kg)

Total System Weight

The total assembled system weight with the B1 bass module  84 lb (38.10 kg).

The total assembled system weight with the B2 bass module 102 lb (46.2 kg).

T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine

• • 2 2/3H x 6 1/2W x 8 1/4D (6.76 cm x 16.6 cm x 20.9 cm)
  • 2.1 lbs (1.0 kg)

Electrical

• AC power rating:
  • 100-120V 50/60Hz 500W (USA/Canada)
  • Power stand inputs/outputs

• ToneMatch port for T1 ToneMatch audio engine
  • 1/4" analog input
  • 1/4" bass line output
  • Neutrik NL4 bass module out

What's in the Box

• L1 Model II Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker box ===
  • Loudspeaker top and bottom
  • Carrying bags
  • Power stand box
  • Power stand
  • Power cord
  • Protective plug
  • Carrying bag

L1 Model II

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Bose L1® Model II

URL http://worldwide.bose.com/pro/en_us/web/l1_model2/page.html
Release Date: 2007-03-29
Height: 84 inches
Weight: 84 pounds (includes B1)
Power Stand Depth:27.2 inches
Power Stand Width:26 inches
Description: FAQ, documentation, hints and tips for owners of the L1® Model II
Description:

Key Features

• High-performing, powered, portable two-way loudspeaker system with a 195° H x 0° V nominal dispersion designed for the production and reproduction of live music, music playback, speeches and A/V sound reproduction

• 24-driver articulated line array loudspeaker technology produces wide, uniform sound coverage throughout the entire listening area—even off to the extreme sides

• Consistent front-to-back coverage, 24 drivers mounted in a vertical line array produce little drop in sound pressure level per doubling in distance than a conventional point source

• Retractable folding leg mechanism for easy transport

• Lightweight, interlocking components

• Expandable bass design supports the use of multiple B1 bass modules or a single B2 bass module

• Digital Ethercon port provides single-wire connectivity for the T1 ToneMatch audio engine

Physical

Enclosure
Power Stand: Polypropylene cover with cast aluminum legs and steel chassis base
Cylindrical Radiator: Aluminum enclosuure with ABS baffle

Dimensions
Assembled height: 84.0" (2134 mm)

Net Weight
Power Stand: 23.7 lb (10.7 kg)
Cylindrical Radiators (pair): 33.7 lb (15.3 kg)
B1 bass module: 26.6 lb (12.1 kg)
B2 bass module: 45 lb (20.41 kg)

Color
Black

Package Contents
1 system

In stock $ New 999.95

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