Should I get an L1 Pro16 or L1 Pro32
This article expresses my opinion and experience. Please post comments to Twitter @ST_Muso or LinkedIn @STPro. Thank you — ST. |
Contents
Should I get an L1 Pro16 or L1 Pro32?
If you are considering the L1 Pro16 and L1 Pro32 and trying to understand which is a better choice for you, then keep reading. I'll tell you what I considered as I pondered this question.
Too long didn't read - 🎬 Spoiler Alert
I got both: two L1 Pro16 and two L1 Pro32 with Sub1 subwoofers. The L1 Pro16 has unique features that make it the right choice for some applications. The L1 Pro32 has unique features that make it the right choice for other applications. In the rest of this article, I will discuss the merits of both and why you might want one or the other. For a detailed comparison of the specifications please see 👉the table at the bottom of the article.Background
I've enjoyed both the L1 Model 1S and the L1 Model II for over a decade. I mention these legacy models because they are the predecessors to the L1 Pro16 and L1 Pro32. This is how I used them and why I was interested in the new systems. Getting either of these new systems would mean replacing the older ones.
L1 Model 1S
I got the L1 Model 1S with B2 bass module in 2012. The reasons:- The L1 Model 1S vertical dispersion is 10° (+/- 5°). The L1 Model II had 0-degree vertical projection. This meant the L1 Model 1S could be useful when the audience was slightly above or below the stage. Click the picture for more information.
- The B2 could be as loud as four B1s without requiring an extra amplifier.
L1 Model II
I got the L1 Model II with two B1 Bass Module bass modules and T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine in 2009. For solo work, I sing and play acoustic guitar (or electric guitar). Most often I would use a single B1 Bass Module. For larger shows or outdoors, I would use two B1 bass modules. When playing in bands, I bring the same equipment but I generally play electric guitar with a Kemper Profiler. I don't need much bass because I've got a rhythm section (bass guitar and drums). In most band settings, we set up an L1 for each performer. We would use up to four B1 bass modules for bass guitar or drums. When the B2 became available, we would use that.
The New L1 Pro16 and L1 Pro32
Similarities
Both the L1 Pro16 and L1 Pro32 have three channels (two with ToneMatch Presets, Tone controls, and Reverb). The third channel can receive Bluetooth audio or line-level inputs. Both units can be controlled using the L1 Mix App, and you can connect a ToneMatch mixer to the ToneMatch port.
Differences
- Is the L1 Pro32 a step up from the L1 Pro16?
- Yes and No
- Yes
- The projection over distance is greater with the L1 Pro32. This is because the line array is twice as long (32 drivers) and powered by 480 watts RMS. The L1 Pro16 has 16 drivers powered by 240 watts RMS.
- When used with the Sub1 subwoofer, the L1 Pro32 is more portable than the L1 Pro16. The heaviest component is 35.5 pounds for the Sub1 compared to 43 pounds for the L1 Pro16 power stand.
- You can use the L1 Pro32 with the Sub2 subwoofer that is comparable to the L1 Pro16 bass output. However, the Sub2 goes deeper (37 Hz vs. 40 Hz) because the Sub2 cabinet has more volume (it's bigger).
- You can use two Sub1 (similar to single Sub2) in cardioid mode. The makes the bass output steered in a cardioid shape instead of omnidirectional. This means you can focus the bass where you need it (at the audience) instead of having excessive bass on the stage.
- You can use two Sub2 in cardioid mode. This provides more bass than the L1 Pro16.
- The Sub1 and Sub2 have a level control so you can adjust the bass level independent of the L1 Pro32. Note: The normal setting is 12:00 o'clock. You may choose to raise that at low volume levels, and reduce it at high volume levels.
- The L1 Pro32 is sold with a Sub1 or a Sub2. You can use the Sub1 or Sub2 as a subwoofer for other powered loudspeakers like an S1 Pro.
- No
- The L1 Pro16 has a J-shape vertical projection. This is most useful when playing on an elevated stage with members of the audience below the stage level. The L1 Pro32 will sound muffled to an audience below the vertical sound field.
- The L1 Pro16 power stand has the 10x18" racetrack driver powered by 1000 watts RMS. This is about +5 dB SPL louder than the Sub1 subwoofer (the smaller option available with the L1 Pro32). The Sub1 has the 7x13" racetrack driver powered by 500 watts RMS. To get performance similar to the L1 Pro16, use two Sub1s or a Sub2.
- The L1 Pro16 footprint on stage is smaller (14 x 18 in) than the L1 Pro32 with a Sub1 (23.4 x 21.7 in) or Sub2 (25.6 x 21.7 in).
- The L1 Pro16 total system weight is less than the L1 Pro32 with either Sub1 or Sub2. However, the L1 Pro16 power stand is bigger and heavier than the Sub1.
L1 Pro16
If all my gigs were in venues up to 75 feet the L1 Pro16 would meet my needs. I prefer to have the L1 behind me on stage, and prefer not to run my stage volume about 100 dB SPL. At 75 feet, the projected volume drop is approximately -24 dB. See the coloured chart below 'Throw Over Distance'
The L1 Pro16 downward coverage makes it the best when some or all of the audience is below the stage.
L1 Pro32
Throw Over Distance
The line array in the L1 Pro32 is twice as long as the L1 Pro16. It is driven by a larger amplifier and provides higher volume and lower drop-off over distance. This means the Throw Over Distance is greater. For example, the -24 dB expected at 75 feet with the L1 Pro16 happens at well over 100 feet with the L1 Pro32.
Lower Stage Volume
In most rooms, you can run the L1 Pro32 at a lower stage volume than the L1 Pro16 and still reach everyone. If you prefer lower stage volumes, and more even volume from the front to the back of a venue, the L1 Pro32 is a better choice. From the Throw Over Distance chart, at 50 feet, the L1 Pro32 will be +6 dB louder than the L1 Pro16. Or put another way, you can run the L1 Pro32 at 6 dB lower stage volume to reach the same distance.
Running at lower stage volumes can reduce the likelihood of feedback.
Sub1 and Sub2
You have four options with the subwoofers with the L1 Pro32:
- Single Sub1
- Double Sub1 (use cardioid mode)
- Single Sub2
- Double Sub2 (use cardioid mode)
The subwoofers are separate from the power stand. This means you can position them for optimum results for the venue. For example, you place the subwoofers off a resonant stage or place them in front of the stage. You can also pair them in cardioid mode and aim the bass where you need it (typically at the audience and away from the stage).
Does the Array Out-distance the Subwoofers?
There have been some discussions online about the L1 Pro32 array being able to outdistance the Sub1 or Sub2. You may experience this outdoors or in applications where you need lots of bass. You can scale up the bass to meet the needs of your situation (two Sub1 instead of one or two Sub2 instead of one). See Bass Outdoors for a discussion of the concepts.
However, you may not be running the array to achieve greater distance. You may be using the longer array because you appreciate the more even volume from the front to the back of the venue.
The Bottom Line
If you have an L1 Pro16, there's no need to get an L1 Pro32 unless you need:
- The ultra-portability of the L1 Pro32 (35.5 pounds for the Sub1 vs. 43 pounds for the L1 Pro16 power stand)
- The tight vertical coverage (limited projection above and below the stage). See the chart below.
- The significantly greater Throw Over Distance.
- More even volume from the front to the back of a venue.
- Running at lower stage volumes. This means more projection/coverage before feedback.
Comparison Table
Feature | Bose L1 Pro16 | Bose L1 Pro32 |
---|---|---|
Feature | Bose L1 Pro16 | Bose L1 Pro32 |
Horizontal dispersion | 180 degrees | 180 degrees |
Vertical dispersion | 0/-30 degrees (J-shape) | 0 degrees (straight shape) |
Output | 118 dB / 124 dB peak | With Sub1: 117 dB / 123 dB peak
With Sub2: 122 dB / 128 dB peak |
Speaker Array | Sixteen 2.00" (51 mm) articulated cricket drivers | Thirty two 2.00" (51 mm) articulated cricket drivers |
Woofer | One 10"x 18" neodymium racetrack transducer in the power stand | Sub1:One 7" x 13" neodymium racetrack transducer
Sub2:One 10"x 18" neodymium racetrack transducer |
Low Frequency | 42 Hz - 3dB | With Sub1: 40 Hz - 3dB With Sub2: 37 Hz - 3dB |
Crossover | 200 Hz | 200 Hz |
Power to speakers | Biamped
|
Biamped
|
Weight | Total system weight 18 kg (54.9 lb)
|
Total system weight with
Sub1 29.1 kg (62.7 lb) Sub2 36.4 kg (79.3 lb)
|
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 201.2 x 35.5 x 45.6 cm
(79.2 x 14.0 x 18.0 in) |
L1 Pro32
213.5 × 34.5 × 55 cm (84.1 × 13.6 × 21.7 in) Sub1 53.0 × 25.0 × 53.0 cm (20.9 × 9.8 × 20.9 in) Sub2 69.0 × 30.5 × 55.0 cm (27.2 × 12.0 × 21.7 in) Footprint (floor space required) L1 Pro32 with Sub1 (W x D) 59.4 x 55.1 cm (23.4 x 21.7 in) L1 Pro32 with Sub2 (W x D) 65.0 x 55.1 cm (25.6 x 21.7 in) |
Power Stand Height (front | rear) | 66 front | 62.23 rear cm
26 front | 24.5 rear inches |
10.16 front | 10.16 rear cm
4 front | 4 rear inches |
Sound Projection | ||
Everything below this bar is the same for both | ||
ToneMatch® Presets | Channels 1 and 2 Full suite of ToneMatch Presets available in the ToneMatch mixers, built-in. Set using the L1 Mix App. |
Channels 1 and 2 Full suite of ToneMatch Presets available in the ToneMatch mixers, built-in. Set using the L1 Mix App. |
Battery | No | No |
Connections | Channels 1 and 2
Combo Jacks XLR / 6 mm (1/4" Tip-Ring or Tip-Ring-Sleeve) balanced / unbalanced Channel 3/Aux Input
|
Channels 1 and 2
Combo Jacks XLR / 6 mm (1/4" Tip-Ring or Tip-Ring-Sleeve) balanced / unbalanced Channel 3/Aux Input
|
Tone Controls | Channels 1 and 2 * Bass / Treble Channel 3 * None | Channel 1 * Bass / Treble Channel 2 * None |
Line Out | XLR balanced | XLR balanced |
Bluetooth input | Yes: Channel 3
Supports Bluetooth 5.x |
Yes: Channel 3
Supports Bluetooth 5.x |
Reverb | Channels 1 and 2 Yes Channel 3 None |
Channels 1 and 2 Yes Channel 3 None |
ToneMatch Port | Yes full support for T4S/T8S power only for T1 |
Yes full support for T4S/T8S power only for T1 |
System EQ | Yes Live/Music/Speech/Off |
Yes Live/Music/Speech/Off |
Scenes | Yes Store/recall system settings via Bose L1 Mix App |
Yes Store/recall system settings via Bose L1 Mix App |
Bose L1 Mix App | Yes Wireless control over volume, tone, reverb and system EQ |
Yes Wireless control over volume, tone, reverb and system EQ |