Stereo Mixer to Mono L1®

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

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

Using a stereo mixer with an L1

General principles for connecting a stereo mixer to the mono input on your L1 .

The inputs on the L1 Model 1S, L1 Model II, and the Compact Channel 2 are MONO. Check to see if your mixer has a MONO output. If it does, then use that. If not... For best results do NOT use any kind of Y-adapter to connect stereo outputs from a mixer to a mono input on an L1 . See Why Not Wye for details.

If you have questions or comments about this article please post a note in the Bose Forum - Technical Questions.

L1® Inputs

Model 1S Analog Input

{{#Click:Model_1S#Analog_Input|Image:Model II Analog Input Level Green.png|Model 1S Analog Input}}

Start with the Input Trim set to 3 and adjust so that you get a solid green signal. Occasional flickers of amber are fine.

Model II Analog Input

{{#Click:Model_II#Analog_Input|Image:Model II Analog Input Level Green.png|Model II Analog Input}}

Start with the Input Trim set to 3 and adjust so that you get a solid green signal. Occasional flickers of amber are fine.

Compact Channel 2

The Compact is different from the Model 1S and Model II because it can accept stereo inputs on the Channel 2 1/8" and RCA inputs.

Stereo Inputs on Compact Channel 2

If have RCA outputs from your mixer you can connect to the Compact Channel 2 RCA inputs. It's likely that the RCA outputs on the mixer are recording outputs and you may have control the output level separate from the mixer master faders. Please see your manual for details.

If you have a way to convert the mixer stereo output to 1/8" stereo jack then you can connect to Compact Channel 2 1/8" stereo input.

Use a cable like this from your backing track source (iPod, Computer, CD / DVD player)

Click picture for details

or if your cable has RCA (phono) jacks you can use a cable like this.

Click picture for details

Mono Input on Compact Channel 2

Start with the Volume set straight up and adjust so that you get a solid green signal. If you see red, turn the trim down.

The ¼ inch jack input accepts a balanced or unbalanced connection.

Can a stereo signal be used with the ¼ inch jack input?

A ¼ inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve connector carrying a stereo signal should not be used with the analog input on the L1 Compact.

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 Compact.

The ¼ inch jack input on the L1 Compact is balanced, and will therefore subtract the Left and Right signals on a stereo cable and you will hear almost no signal in the L1 Compact.

The 1/8 inch jack is STEREO not Balanced

The L1 Compact Channel 2: 1/8-inch jack is STEREO not BALANCED.

The written documentation is incorrect. It says:

1/8-inch stereo input - Balanced analog input for connecting audio sources such as portable mp3 players, satellite radio, laptop computers, video projectors, and smart boards.

Correction

1/8-inch stereo input - ~~Balanced~~ Stereo analog input for connecting audio sources such as portable mp3 players, satellite radio, laptop computers, video projectors, and smart boards.

Source Neil-at-Bose

General Principles

It's easy to make this work. You can pan all your inputs hard LEFT and take the LEFT output and connect that to your L1 . If you have a stereo source and two stereo channels, then you can

Run the left side of the stereo source to the left input on one stereo channel,
Run and the right side of the stereo source to the left side of another stereo channel.
Pan any other inputs hard left
Use the left output of mixer and connect that to the L1 Analog input.

Connections

Where possible use a balanced connection between the mixer output and the L1® input.

XLR Mixer to 1/4 Tip-Ring-Sleeve L1®

The output side is XLR so you will also need a converter or cable that is XLR female to Balanced ¼ inch jack Tip-Ring-Sleeve.

Female XLR to 1/4" Male TRS Balanced Adaptor Cable (audiopile.net)

1/4 Tip-Ring-Sleeve L1® Mixer to 1/4 Tip-Ring-Sleeve L1®

The output side is 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve jack and the input on the Bose side is 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve jack. Use a cable like this.

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