View source for L1® System FAQ

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This is the latest version of the L1® FAQs originally published in February 2008 on the [http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/musicians/faqs.jsp Main Bose Site]. 
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{{BoseFAQ}}

'''Official Manuals, Guides, FAQs'''
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== L1® Systems and the Bose® approach to live sound ==
=== How does the Bose® approach to live sound work? ===
The {{L1}}  system represents an entirely new approach to live amplification. In this approach, the mixer, PA speakers, monitors and backline amplifiers are replaced by special Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeakers located behind the musicians. These speakers have the unique ability to disperse sound evenly across the stage and into the audience with very little change in sound level. 

The Bose approach mimics the wide sound stage of many acoustic performances: Each player has control over his or her individual sound, and a group's sound comes from multiple directions corresponding to the musicians' positions on stage. This property of acoustic music enhances our ability to hear and appreciate individual instruments and voices in ensemble passages.

=== Is this technology better suited for seasoned musicians who already have tons of gear, or for musicians who are just getting started and need a simple solution?===
{{L1}} systems are equally valuable for seasoned musicians and beginners. Experienced performers immediately recognize they can hear better and therefore play better, and they instantly appreciate the easy setup. Inexperienced musicians can spend more time playing and less time hassling with equipment. {{L1}} systems can help them develop into better players precisely because they can hear themselves and each other better. Musicians at all skill levels benefit from knowing the sound they produce on stage is the same sound that's projected to the audience.

=== Are there similarities between an {{L1}} system and line arrays currently in use? ===
Line arrays have been used for large concert performances as the PA component of a traditional amplification system. Unlike these large-venue systems, an {{L1}} system is designed as a portable implementation of a line source, positioned behind a musician?providing accurate coverage for the performer, other musicians onstage and audiences.

=== In nightclubs you normally see very large loudspeakers for bass. How do your smaller bass enclosures compare? What makes them so special?  ===
Because our bass modules are used in an integrated {{L1}} system (with amplification and signal processing), performance can be enhanced in ways conventional component-based solutions can't. At the same time, the B1 bass module is modular, making it easier to produce higher bass output for instruments and styles that require it. An upright bass in a jazz trio might need only one bass module, but the electric bass in a 10-piece funk band might use four.

=== Are sound operators required with {{L1}} systems? ===
No. When musicians are in control of their own amplification with {{L1}} systems?and they know the same sound they're creating onstage is projected evenly to the audience?they're well equipped to create the desired balance of voices and instruments themselves. Without assistance from sound operators.

=== What happens if a musician is blocking the view of an {{L1}} system? Doesn't that block the sound? ===
Sound can diffract (bend) around objects. As long as a musician isn't standing directly against the {{L1}} loudspeaker, the sound diffracts around the musician and other objects like a keyboard or instrument. 

=== How loud can an {{L1}} system play? ===
The new approach can compete with the maximum levels created by most conventional amplification systems. What's changed is that musicians in a band will rarely, if ever, struggle to hear themselves and each other, eliminating a major reason for excessive volume levels. With the new approach, dynamics are vastly improved, contributing greatly to musical quality. In testing at Bose, musical groups plagued by the problem of excessive loudness were delighted to find that, in one or two sessions, their average volume level had dropped drastically while their peak level remained the same. They expressed an enormous increase in the enjoyment of playing, and audiences expressed appreciation for music that was exciting but not overwhelmingly loud.

=== Is this really a "plug and play" solution? How long does it take to set up? ===
{{L1}} systems disassemble into easy-to-carry pieces. Everything can be carried by hand with no need for special equipment. The systems are also designed for easy assembly in just a few minutes. No group mixing is required with {{L1}} systems, eliminating the task of wiring instruments to a mixer, then from mixer to amplifiers and speakers. Musicians simply set up their {{L1}} systems, plug in and they're ready to play.

=== Does every musician in the band need his or her own {{L1}} system? ===
No. In some situations?a larger ensemble on a small stage, for example?testing showed that two or more musicians standing or sitting next to each other could share one {{L1}} system without a significant erosion of the benefits of the approach.

=== Can one musician use an {{L1}} system while the rest of the band plays through a conventional system? ===
Yes?there are two ways. A performer can use an {{L1}} system onstage without connecting to any other house reinforcement equipment, including stage monitors and main front speakers (or "house mains"). This allows the musician using the {{L1}} system to hear himself better and to be heard better by the other musicians onstage as well as the audience.

A performer can also use an {{L1}} system onstage while sending his or her audio
signal(s) to a house PA. In this case, the musician and the band enjoy the benefits from the {{L1}} system's sound onstage only. There are no advantages for the audience. The potential for excessive reverberation and the problems of bulky and complex equipment continue to exist when the rest of the band plays through a conventional setup.

=== Can acoustic instruments be amplified with an {{L1}} system? ===
Yes. If the acoustic instrument has a pickup system, you can connect to an {{L1}} system's power stand or into a ToneMatch® audio engine. When pickups aren't present, a microphone may be used. An {{L1}} Model I power stand is equipped with 24V phantom power capability for channels 1 and 2 to power condenser microphones. With a Model II system, use a direct box or transformer to adapt the mic cable to the power stand's 1/4" analog input connector.      

=== How does this approach work for electric guitar? ===
There are three main ways an electric guitar's tone can be included in the {{L1}} system approach.
<ul>
<p><b>With a modeling amp. </b>An electric guitarist simply plugs into a modeling amp, then plugs the output of that amp into an {{L1}} system. This is the most convenient and elegant way to use electric guitar with an {{L1}} system.</p>

<p>
<b>With a preamplifier.</b> Most tube-based or solid-state guitar preamplifiers can be used with an {{L1}} system. Just plug the output of the preamp directly into the {{L1}} power stand or ToneMatch audio engine.
</p>
<p>
<b>With a traditional guitar amplifier.</b> Place a microphone in front of a traditional tube amplifier and connect the mic cable to an input on the L1. Exceptional results have been obtained with the use of low-wattage tube amplifiers— increasingly popular with players who want the tone of a tube amp without producing extremely high sound levels onstage.</p>

</ul>

The advantage gained in these methods constitutes what is arguably the most important advance in electrical guitar sound since the invention of the guitar amplifier itself: The L1® Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker overcomes the problem of uneven sound dispersion experienced with traditional guitar amps. The dispersion pattern of a typical guitar amp can be so harshly directional that the sound may be painful to listeners right in front of the amp speaker, but dull and muddy to others off to the sides. With an {{L1}} system, the sound a guitarist hears onstage is dispersed evenly and clearly throughout the audience.

=== How does the output of an {{L1}} system compare to a loud stack of guitar amplifiers and cabinets? ===
The output of an {{L1}} system can compete effectively with the output of a full stack of guitar amps and cabinets. There are additional benefits that distinguish an {{L1}} system from a full stack's acute directional beam, including the wide, even sound coverage of the Cylindrical Radiator® speaker. An {{L1}} system can also be used to amplify other instruments and voices at the same time

=== Can you create distortion for guitars with an {{L1}} system?  ===
No, but you can amplify distorted sounds through an {{L1}} system. Distortion must be produced first, then fed into an {{L1}} power stand as a non-clipping signal. Key ways to do this:
<br>

<ul>

<p><b>Use inline devices.</b> Overdrive/distortion effects pedals and DSP-based amplifier modelers can be used effectively with {{L1}} systems.</p>

<p><b>Mic a guitar amplifier.</b>  Mic the speaker as closely as possible. The trick here is to run the amplifier at the lowest possible level to attain the desired tone without diminishing {{L1}} system benefits. Small, low-watt amplifiers can be used onstage; louder amplifiers can be located offstage. </p>
<p>
<b>Use a loading device.</b> Some electric guitarists may prefer to use their amplifier's output as an input signal into the power stand. Before doing this, you must use a load device such as a "plate soak" or a "hot plate" to produce a line-level output suitable for the input stage of the power stand.</p>

<p>
<b>Use the line output of a guitar amplifier.</b> This option may be suitable for some guitarists. Turn the amplifier volume down so only the {{L1}} system is heard. 
</p>

</ul>

=== Where can an {{L1}} system be used? ===
An {{L1}} system is suitable for amplified music performances in venues with occupancies up to 500 people. Typically this translates to maximum listener distances of about 150 feet (45 meters). The system will fill venues where the vast majority of live music performances take place, including small auditoriums, places of worship, gymnasiums, ballrooms, clubs and coffeehouses. Tests show that in larger venues, a musical group can use the {{L1}} systems onstage and enjoy the benefits of hearing themselves and each other better. Signals from the stage can then be fed to speakers that supply sound to distant seating areas.

=== Can I use the system outside? ===
<section begin="temperature" />
Yes. The system has been tested to operate in 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) temperatures; it can also be stored in -22°F to 158°F (-30°C to 70°C) temperatures. Take precautions in light rain to cover the back panel of the power stand. Keep water out of the air inlet slits inside the back panel, on the loudspeaker drivers or inside the {{L1}} cavity on the power stand.
<section end="temperature" />

===  Can DJs benefit from this system? ===
Yes, this system offers important advantages over conventional systems for DJs. One problem with portable PA systems is their stand-mounted speakers are very loud close to the speaker, and not loud enough away from it. With the L1® Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker, you can adjust for the desired volume level on the dance floor and in the audience, and then walk right up next to the speaker without it getting excessively loud—translating into much greater comfort for listeners. The system also has a sleek, elegant profile that fits nicely into event décors and minimizes sightline issues. And it's easier to transport, set up and break down than most portable PA systems.

=== Can {{L1}} systems be used as a traditional PA? ===
Yes. {{L1}} systems can be used to replace PA speakers. Their unique radiation properties help them deliver more even sound coverage and a larger stereo field?benefits confirmed in listening tests. Compact size is also an advantage for transport and rapid setup/breakdown. 

=== Are {{L1}} systems prone to feedback? ===
L1 systems are resistant to feedback, but not immune from it. Putting a live mic right up against the loudspeaker, for example, will create feedback. But in the vast majority of cases, {{L1}} performance in this critical area has proven to be significantly better than the traditional use of separate backline amplifiers, monitors and PA systems. 

=== Can I use two-wire Speakon® cables for the B1 bass modules?  ===
No. Only four-wire Speakon cables should be used with the power stand. The additional two wires (+2 and -2) in the connector are used for sensing purposes. With the four-wire cable, the power stand can sense and adjust (EQ and level) for 0, 1 or 2 connected bass modules.

=== How can I tell if I'm using the correct four-wire Speakon cable for bass module connections? ===
When you plug a four-wire Speakon cable into an {{L1}} system while music is playing, you will clearly hear the loudspeaker mute for a moment. If you're using an incorrect cable, the momentary muting won't occur.

=== Can I connect a passive subwoofer to the bass module output? ===
No. We don't recommend connecting anything to this output except a B1 bass module, as the internal amplifier and bass module(s) are designed to properly equalize the system when connected. You may use the bass line-out connection, however, to feed a powered subwoofer or additional amplifier.

=== Can I use the bass line out to connect to a bass amplifier and cabinet? ===
Yes. The bass line-out connector provides a flat 40 Hz to 180 Hz bandpass signal when no B1 bass modules are connected. We recommend unplugging the bass modules to ensure correct EQ compensation of the bass line-out jack and phase consistency.

=== Why does the sound coming from an {{L1}} system change when I plug a 1/4" cable into the bass line-out connector? ===
L1 systems produce audio in the range of 110 Hz to 18,000 Hz when the bass line-out jack is not in use. The frequency cutoff point moves from 110 Hz to 180 Hz when you plug a cable into the bass line-out jack, accounting for the tonal change you're hearing.

See also: [[Bass Line Out / FAQ Extension]]


=== What about using just the lower half of an {{L1}} system's loudspeaker in places where the ceiling isn't tall enough for full assembly? ===
You can do it, but using only half of an {{L1}} loudspeaker will significantly impact system performance. The EQ will be incorrect, and sound coverage decreased. Plus, in order to hear yourself properly, it's best to have your ears at the same height as some part of the loudspeaker—which may be difficult unless you're seated.  

See also: [[Half Stack]]

===  There's a buzz in the system. Any suggestions on how to fix it? ===
Most times, noise you hear through an {{L1}} system is caused by outboard gear and power sources, not the system itself. One of the most effective ways to alleviate buzz and hum in any system is to plug all interconnected gear into the same electrical circuit. Guitar players or vocalists with effects should plug them into the same electrical outlet as the power stand. This normally fixes all problems. A power strip may be helpful, but avoid using three-prong to two-prong adapters, also known as "cheaters" or "ground lifters." Bypassing a safety grounding mechanism is a serious safety threat.

Noise and buzzing are common problems with pro audio gear. But the new Bose approach to live sound can dramatically reduce gear noise because it uses a simple, independent system. The typical buzzes and hums associated with ground loops are eliminated when you use an independent system that's not electronically connected to other equipment.

=== Why doesn't Bose publish full system specifications for {{L1}} systems? ===
While some specifications add value when comparing two otherwise similar products, they're mostly meaningless for a product as fundamentally different as the Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker and the {{L1}} system. In addition, most specifications used to describe sound systems can be very misleading. They suggest relatively complex physical or perceptual properties can be condensed to a single or small set of numbers that defines overall quality or performance. In many cases these numbers only loosely relate to what you would experience in a real-world application. <br><br> There are also several variations in how a specific measurement can be carried out, making number comparisons useless. We believe it serves our customers better to describe {{L1}} systems in terms they can relate to more directly. We also encourage customers to experience an {{L1}} system personally, either at a demonstration or in actual real-world trials they conduct themselves. 

== {{L1}} Model I Systems ==
{{:L1® Model I / FAQ}}

== {{Model II}} Systems ==
{{:L1® Model II / FAQ}}

== {{T1}}  ==
{{:L1® T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine / FAQ}}
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