Difference between revisions of "B2 Bass Module"

Latest revision as of 03:07, 13 December 2012

B2 Bass Module on the Bose Musicians site

Introduction

Introduced September 27, 2012 (coincides with the L1 Model 1S
Discontinued January 2021

Documentation

Is the B2 Bass Module Compatible with the L1® Classic or Model I

General Description

High-performance flexible bass module
Designed to provide deep, impactful bass for higher SPL live music and DJ applications
Features two 10" high-excursion woofers mounted in a rugged enclosure
Features a three-position sensing switch, allowing bass output to be adjusted for different applications
Interlocking end caps allow up to two B2 modules to be stacked together
Includes a slip cover and NL4 cable

Technical Specifications^[1]

Weight: 45 lb (20.41 kg)
Impedance: 4 ohms

L1 Model II

L1 Model 1S

Frequency Response: (-3dB) 40 Hz – 200 Hz
Frequency Range: (-10dB) 35 Hz – 220 Hz

B2 Switching

The B2 bass module includes a switch allowing you to select the appropriate level of bass output for your application.

There are three settings:

Switch Position	Application
+	Bass voicing designed for DJ/Music playback applications Similar to four B1s
Normal	Bass voicing ideal for bass guitar or live sound application when mic'ing a kick drum Similar to two B1s
-	Bass voicing which is perfect for acoustic guitar and vocal Similar to oneB1

Note: You must use the Bose B2 or B1 cable (or compatible four-conductor NL4) cable to ensure the correct operation of the B2 Bass Level Switch

Bose B1 and B2 cables are NL4 cables

You can use cables that are functionally equivalent.

What you need as a 4-wire Speakon, i.e. all 4 pins of the NL4 plugs need to be connected. The pins are named 1+, 1-, 2+, and 2-. The connection is one-to-one, for example, 2+ on one plug goes to 2+ on the other plug.

The wires inside the cable are usually arranged in a square pattern. Very long cable work a little bit better if the two signal pairs are connected diagonally like this^[2]:

1+	2+
2-	1-

2+ and 2-

The Power Stand detects resistors in the Bass Module across (2+ and 2-) that identify if the Bass Module is a B1 or B2.

If B1, then adding a second B1 is detected and the Power Stand responds accordingly.
If B2, the setting on the Bass Level switch changes the resistance and the Power Stand responds accordingly.

See Bass Line Out for more detail.

Model II Firmware Update

In order to get the full use of the B2 with a L1 Model II you will need to download and install the latest L1® Model II Power Stand Firmware Updates.

Firmware 1.4

This includes a Firmware Update (must be installed first) and a System EQ update (installed second).

Base Module Cables (B1 and B2)

Bose B1 and B2 cables are NL4 cables

You can use cables that are functionally equivalent.

What you need as a 4-wire Speakon, i.e. all 4 pins of the NL4 plugs need to be connected. The pins are named 1+, 1-, 2+, and 2-. The connection is one-to-one, for example, 2+ on one plug goes to 2+ on the other plug.

The wires inside the cable are usually arranged in a square pattern. Very long cable work a little bit better if the two signal pairs are connected diagonally like this^[3]:

1+	2+
2-	1-

2+ and 2-

The Power Stand detects resistors in the Bass Module across (2+ and 2-) that identify if the Bass Module is a B1 or B2.

If B1, then adding a second B1 is detected and the Power Stand responds accordingly.
If B2, the setting on the Bass Level switch changes the resistance and the Power Stand responds accordingly.

See Bass Line Out for more detail.

Attention L1 Model II users: In order to take advantage of the B2 rear panel bass level features you must upgrade your power stand firmware to version 1.4 or higher. If your power stand firmware is not current, the rear panel switch must be in the Normal position. + or - switch positions will not work.

For the latest firmware see: L1® Model II Power Stand Firmware Updates (or see section immediately below).

Attention L1 model I and Classic users: When using the B2 with the L1 model I or Classic systems the rear panel switch must be in the Normal position. + or - switch positions will not work.

See: Is the B2 Bass Module Compatible with the L1® Classic or Model I

Rotate the Logos

You can rotate the Bose logo so it is parallel to the floor even if you have turned the B1 on its side. Chuck-at-Bose said, "... Maybe it's my kung fu grip, but I've had good luck with carefully pinching the logo and pulling at these points, then rotating 90 degrees:"

Be very careful with the fine ends of the logo because they can be easily broken off. You may even try to pull up in the middle with your fingernails on the edge instead of near the ends.

Go from this:

to this

Here is a video showing how to do this on an F1 Model 812 Flexible Array Loudspeaker. It's the same on a B2 Bass Module.

Pull the logo straight out about ½ inch before you attempt to turn it. It is spring loaded, and the rear post is square. You have to clear the post (about ½ inch before you can turn it).

Another look.

After you rotate the logo make sure that the logo is flush with the grille so that it does not rattle when the music is playing.

Even though it is unlikely that you will have this combination of pieces, this is a fun picture.

Use the B2 Cables

Warning - Use Blue B1 Cables NL4 cables with your L1 Classic / L1 Model I / L1 Model 1S L1 Model II

Classic

L1 Model I This information is applicable to the L1 Model I

L1 Model II This information is applicable to the L1® Model II

B1 Bass Module This information is applicable to the B1 Bass Module

B2 Bass Module This information is applicable to the B2 Bass Module

If you are using a B1 Bass Module with your Power Stand it is ESSENTIAL for proper operation that you use the BLUE cable supplied with the B1 Bass Module or B2 Bass Module. This is required so that the L1 Classic/L1 Model I/L1 Model 1S/L1 Model II Power Stand can correctly identify when there are bass modules connected to it and if so, how many.

Please click the picture above for ordering information.

Note: The B2 Bass Level Switch will not change the sound of the B2 Bass Module if you are not using the correct cable.

See: PS1 Power Stand / Bass Line Out for details about how the Power Stand adapts to the number of bass modules are connected to it.

You may also use high quality NL4 cables (four conductor cables). Alternate and longer cables for B1s

Stacking (up to two high)

From page 3 of the File:AM356142 00 B2 OG 3L.pdf

Using More Than One B2 with a Power Stand

The L1® Power Stands can support one B2. L1 Classic, L1 Model I, L1 Model 1S, L1 Model II

To power an additional B2 an PackLite^® power amplifier model A1 is required. L1 Classic, L1 Model I, L1 Model II.

Note: The L1 Model 1S does not support the PackLite^® power amplifier model A1 or the use of a second B2.

B2 with non L1^® loudspeaker systems

Classic

L1 Model I This information is applicable to the L1 Model I

L1 Model 1S This information is applicable to the L1® Model 1S

L1 Model II This information is applicable to the L1® Model II

Question - Can I use a B2 with an amplifier as a subwoofer for another (non-L1®) loudspeaker system?

The B2 Bass Module is designed to work with the L1 system. The B1 is protected from frequencies it was not designed to handle - but only when connected to an L1 Power Stand. If you connect the B2 to another amplifier, or an PackLite^® power amplifier model A1 use a Power Stand Bass Line Out as the source. If you do not, there is no protection for the B2.

Note from MikeZ-at-Bose

Loudspeakers designed to be used with other gear (typical 2 way PA speakers, third party subs, etc.) usually have some sort of passive protection built into them. The B2, since it was designed to be used with L1's, has no protection. All of the protection is built into the L1 itself.

Notes:

On the L1 Classic there is an input "All Amps In". There is no protection for the B2 when using this input.

The PackLite^® power amplifier model A1 is a full range amplfier and does not offer any protection for the B1s. The B2 will be protected if the signal source is an L1 Power Stand Bass Line Out.

Check the Cables

You may want to double check your Blue B1/B2 cables.

B1/B2 Cable - Connections

From Kyle-at-Bose ^[4]

We've seen some past B1 cable quality problems which, because of input from folks like you, we've since resolved.

I'm fairly confident that the connector and wires in the cable assembly are OK. The problems we were having were related to the actual connection of the wire leads to the Speakon connector. Problems would be obvious in one case- the bass module cuts out. The second case would not be so obvious- the EQ to the B1 and L1 would be wrong and would make the system perform and sound poor.

So, if you have a moment and a screwdriver, we can fix these cables together.

Remove the rear shell of the connector by unscrewing it. (See the pic below, not the exact connector but similar). We use a 4-wire connection so what you need to do is re-attach, possibly restripping first (need to use a wire stripper), the wire to the connector terminals. There are four terminals +1, -1, +2, -2. Each wire needs to be appropriately connected to the same terminal on each end of the cable. Luckily, no soldering is needed. These Speakon connectors have screw terminals. All you need to do is unscrew the terminal using a screwdriver, reinsert the bare wire, and then tighten the terminal.

B1/B2 Conductors Broken

From Harry (dancingdogmuse)^[5]

The initial symptoms were clicking followed by silence. It turned out to be a problem with broken wires inside the blue jacket of the B1 cable.

B2 Cables

The cables that ship with the new B2 are 40 inches long. That is 20 inches shorter than the cables that shipped with the B1 (60 inches). Except for length the cables are identical.

Longer cables for B2s

The Bose B2 requires a NL4 connector with all 4 pins connected (that's why we call it 4-wire cable). Unfortunately, the Speakon connector comes in three different flavors, NL2 (2-pins), NL4 (4 pins), and NL8 (8-pins). Most salespeople are not aware of the differences.

A good source for the correct cables is

http://www.audiopile.net

for example

— Click image for details —

If you call Mark and tell him you want the cable for the Bose B1, you will get one that is made to our specifications. You can also any custom length cable at a very reasonable price.

Hilmar-at-Bose^[6]

Straighten the B1 Cables

Here's a tip from Nick from New Zealand

I've seen it mentioned here a few times - those wriggly uncooperative B1 leads when they're new, and no posts about how to cure the problem.

Here's 3 suggestions:

1. Taking care to hold the speakon connectors, soak the rest of the cable into a bowl of very warm/hot (not boiling) water. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE THE SPEAKON PLUGS. This will soften the cable up, lie the cable out flat and straight to dry. This will give it a "new memory" of sorts and be easier to maintain in the future.

2. Wrap the cable or lie it flat and straight and leave it on the footpath or driveway in the sun. Shouldn't take long.

3. Leave them wrapped in your car/van on a hot summer day. This is usually how I unintentionally fix all of my cable messes.

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions: 23.4H x 13.31W x 18.9D (59.4 cm x 33.8 cm x 48 cm)

Weight: 45 lb (20.41 kg)

Electrical Specifications

Impedance: 4 ohms

When used with Model 1S or Model II
- Frequency Response (+/-3 dB) 40Hz - 200 Hz
- Frequency Range (-10 dB) 32 Hz - 200 Hz

When used with Model I / Classic
- Frequency Response (+/-3 dB) 40 Hz - 180 Hz
- Frequency Range (-10 dB) 32 Hz - 180 Hz

Source ^[7]

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

This information is applicable to the T1 ToneMatch® audio engine

T4S

T8S

The ToneMatch mixers can be used with the

PackLite^® power amplifier Model A1

A1 PackLite Amp This information is applicable to the PackLite® A1 Power Amplifier

The PackLite^® power amplifier model A1 can be used with

B1 Bass Module