Troubleshooting

There are several different forms of "trouble". At least initially, let's break them down into Acoustics, Gear, Venue.

Acoustics

• Feedback happens when the sound from the loudspeaker enters the microphone or instrument with pickup only to be re-amplified. With the L1 it is typically easier to manage unwanted feedback because you typically have fewer loudspeakers, and fewer microphones to manage per System. ... full article
• Bass Regeneration is a special class of feedback, or regeration, that exists in all live amplification systems. It is a very insidious and hard-to-confront phenomenon, but it is responsible for a lot of bad sound. Resonances of all kind, including those of musical instruments and those of large “boomy” rooms will also contribute to bass regeneration. ... full article
• Hearing Yourself can be a challenge, especially if you are not the only performer playing through the L1 you are using. But even if you have you own L1 there can be challenges on stage. If this is your issue see: Hearing Yourself

Gear

Drop Outs

Intermittent sound can result from:

• poor connection to the B1 Bass Module. Check the wires in the Speakon connectors.
• poor connection to the R1 Remote. Reseat the connections at both ends

Hiss

If you have all settings on the PS1 Power Stand (Classic) / Model I set straight-up (including the R1 Remote, with nothing connected, it is not unusual to have an audible hiss. The reason: The System is pretty much running wide-open at full power with no input. If you had a microphone or a recorded source playing - the System would be extremely loud. If you were performing at these settings the hiss would be inaudible.

Hum

You want to isolate the source of the hum, but this can be tricky because hum is usually the result of two or more devices interacting.

Start with the L1 fully assembled, no inputs, all settings on the R1 Remote straight up. If there is no hum then turn down the Master Level.

• Connect a sound source (simplest possible signal chain - for example microphone only).
  • Turn up the Master Level

Keep adding items to the signal chain until you hear the hum. When you get the hum, remove the source and make sure that the hum goes away. When you are sure you know what is causing the hum, check that the source of the hum is connected to the same power source as the PS1 Power Stand (Classic) / Model I

Venue

Small Stage

When offered a chance to play, one of my first questions is about the size and position of the stage. If you find that your show is going to be compromised by a small or awkwardly positioned stage, just

• Ask for more space
• To set-up in a better position in the room
• Don't hesitate to remove false walls, decorative railings, hanging obstructions, anything that can be handled with a screwdriver, or is otherwise easily restored.

In an ideal situation you will have

• A minimum of eight feet of stage depth (more if you have a large room) and
• A minimum of four-six feet of stage width for each player
• If you have four (or more) performers then you might want width as above and stage depth at least 50%-75% of the width. The farther apart the players are, the more you will want some depth behind you everyone can hear one another.

Examples (minimums - width x length):

• Two performers: 8' x 8'
• Four performers: 16' x 8'
  • Minimum: Width: 4 x 4' = 16' Depth 50% of Width = 8'
  • Better: Width: 4 x 6' = 24' Depth 50% of Width = 12'
• Six performers: 24' x 12'
  • Minimum: Width: 6 x 4' = 24' Depth 50% of Width = 12'

This makes for a tolerable stage, you will probably want a little more room, but you should be able to make this work.

Notes from Page 9 of the Bose^® Personalized Amplification System™ family of products Owner's Guide

This is the owners guide for the L1 Classic copyright © 2005

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Odd Stage Position

If placed in a corner, ask if you can be placed in the center or a wall. If you the "short" wall in a rectangular room is wide enough, then that is probably your best choice for the wall behind you (if the long wall is not greater than 100 feet).

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