Template:L1 Pro

L1 Pro

The L1 Pro models share a common user interface and the L1 App. This page has links to resources for all three models and the Bose products that integrate with them.

If you have an L1 Pro, check out the L1 Pro Frequently Asked Questions

L1 Pro Family

Bose Pro announced the Bose L1 Pro line on October 26, 2020.

Bose App to control L1 Pro and S1 Pro+

T4S/T8S ToneMatch® Mixers

If you have an L1 Pro, check out the L1 Pro Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation

L1 Pro8

• L1 Pro8 Owners Guide
• L1 Pro8 Quick Start Guide
• L1 Pro8 Online Support

L1 Pro16

• L1 Pro16 Owners Guide
• L1 Pro16 Quick Start Guide
• L1 Pro16 Online Support

L1 Pro32

• L1 Pro32 Owners Guide
• L1 Pro32 Quick Start Guide
• L1 Pro32 Online Support

Sub1/Sub2

• Sub1/Sub2 Owners Guide
• Sub1/Sub2 Quick Start Guide

L1 Pro Technical Data Sheets

• L1 Pro8 Technical Data Sheet
• L1 Pro16 Technical Data Sheet
• L1 Pro32 Technical Data Sheet
• Sub1 Technical Data Sheet
• Sub2 Technical Data Sheet

L1 Pro Service Manuals

• L1 Pro8 Service Manual
• L1 Pro16 Service Manual
• L1 Pro32 Service Manual

L1 Pro Self-Serve Support

• Bose Self-Serve Support L1 Pro8
• Bose Self-Serve Support L1 Pro16
• Bose Self-Serve Support L1 Pro32

• L1 Pro Series Training

Application Guide

• L1 Pro Application Guide

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L1 Pro Firmware

L1 Pro Firmware

Resources

L1 Pro Application Guide

Bose Portable PA Brochure

L1 Pro Family Selection Guide (product comparison)

Choosing the L1 Pro System That's Right for You (Youtube) / (Facebook livecast)

Bose L1 Pro Overview Videos

Bose L1 Pro Technical Training Videos

L1 Pro and the Mobile DJ - video L1 Pro Technical Certification Course (no charge, but you must register)

Articles

Should I get an L1 Pro8 or L1 Pro16?

Should I get an L1 Pro16 or L1 Pro32?

Do I Need to Upgrade from the L1 Compact to the L1 Pro8?

Do I Need to Upgrade from the L1 Model II to the L1 Pro32?

L1 Pro Do You Need All Three

Two L1 Pro16 or One L1 Pro32

S1 Pro+ x 2 vs L1 Pro8 with T4S

Which L1 Pro for Singer/Songwriter/Electric Guitarist

T1 Compatibility With L1 Pro Systems

Mixer to L1 Pro Connect your third-party mixer to any L1 Pro

L1 Pro and SimpleSync Connect L1 Pro to Bose Smart Speaker Group

L1 Pro32 Separating the Sections of the Mid-High Array

L1 Pro16 Wobble

Comparing Specifications

Comparing L1 Pro Models

Bose L1 Pro8 Compared to L1 Pro16

Two L1 Pro8 or One L1 Pro16

Bose L1 Pro16 Compared to L1 Pro32

Two L1 Pro16 or One L1 Pro32

Comparing L1 Pro Power Stands to Subs

Sub Comparison

Legacy to L1 Pro Models

Bose L1 Compact Compared to L1 Pro8

Bose L1 Model 1S Compared to L1 Pro16

Bose L1 Model II Compared to L1 Pro32

Throw Over Distance

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Quick Tips

L1 Pro Line Out

The XLR Line Output from any L1 Pro contains the sound from all inputs (1, 2, 3, Bluetooth, and ToneMatch Port). That includes

• ToneMatch Presets
• Tone Controls
• Reverb
• The signal from a ToneMatch mixer connected to the ToneMatch port including ToneMatch Presets, zEQ, Reverb, Effects.

The sound is NOT affected by the L1 Pro System EQ setting.

L1 Pro ToneMatch Switch

The ToneMatch switch selects the ToneMatch Preset applied to the input.

It does not adjust the channel’s gain staging or level. It does not function like a MIC/LINE switch found on some powered loudspeakers or mixers

ToneMatch Preset Behavior:

• MIC applies the microphone ToneMatch Preset
• INST applies the acoustic guitar ToneMatch Preset
• OFF disables ToneMatch processing

Use MIC for microphones and INST for acoustic guitar. You can change the ToneMatch Presets using the Bose App

Channel ToneMatch Button: Select the ToneMatch preset for an individual channel. The corresponding LED will illuminate white while selected.

More information about ToneMatch Presets

L1 Pro Daisy Chain

Want to connect one or more L1 Pro systems together? See L1 Pro Daisy Chain

L1 Pro System EQ

The System EQ feature on the L1 Pro systems applies an EQ preset to the master output. This is similar to a graphic equalizer on traditional analogue mixers, but it uses four presets instead for quick access. read more — L1 Pro System EQ

L1 Pro32 Half Stack

Can I operate the L1 Pro32 with only the lower section of the line array?

Sometimes there is not sufficient height to use the full array

Yes

The L1 Pro32 can be used without the upper array. This configuration is useful when a venue ceiling cannot accommodate the height of the L1 Pro32
Source: Page 7 of the L1 Pro32 Owners Guide

• For best results, ensure array is at ear level for listeners
• Unlike the L1 Model II, the L1 Pro32 automatically adjusts the level of the bass output to maintain the appropriate spectral balance.

It’s a valid use case to use only the bottom array section. In fact, the EQ automatically adjusts to compensate.
Craig Small - Bose

Half Stack Not Recommended for Small Gigs

Running only the lower section of the Line Array is a workaround when there isn't enough ceiling clearance to use both sections. For small gigs, turn down the volume on the L1 Pro32, don't run without the top section of the array because

• You'll need to elevate the system so the array is at ear level for the audience. Otherwise, the sound will be muffled
• You will reduce your projection over distance. The sound will drop off more over distance.
• You may need to turn up the volume louder than if you were using the full array. As a result, you increase the likelihood of feedback.

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L1 Pro Emergency Kit

L1 Pro

S1 Pro+  

These are extras and spares I carry in addition to the items I know I will need at a gig.

Emergency and Spares Kit for L1 Pro and S1 Pro(+)

Item	Reason
IEC Power Cord	They got lost, and this can be used with an XLR cable to substitute for a SubMatch Cable
XLR cable	It's always good to have a spare. Use with an IEC Power Cord to replace a SubMatch Cable
1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Cable	Connect mixers or devices with balanced connections to the L1 Pro.
1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip-Sleeve Cable	This is your basic instrument cable. It's always good to have a spare.
XLR Female to 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Cable	To connect Line Level Output from an L1 Pro or third-party mixer to Channel 3 input of an L1 Pro or S1 Pro+
1/8-inch (3.5 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Cable	Use this to connect the headphone output of a consumer device to L1 Pro or S1 Pro(+) channel 3 input
CAT5 cable	Connect ToneMatch Mixers (T1/T4S/T8S) to the L1 Pro ToneMatch Port
ToneMatch Power Supply	In case I need to run two ToneMatch Mixers to a single L1 Pro
Dynamic Microphone	This is a spare; the one to use when you have guest speakers making announcements
Microphone Clip	They break
Multi-bit Screwdriver	Tighten, loosen, everything as needed
Gaffers Tape	Tie down cables, or quick repairs
Labels with contact information	I have labels on all my gear, but it's good to have spares in case they fall off

FAQ

General Questions

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Are the columns made of plastic?

Arrays on all units feature an extruded aluminum sleeve. Perforated grille on the front, solid on the back. Source: Craig Small

Can I swap the columns from different models?

No. While the column arrays and extensions of the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 will fit each other, no sound comes out.

L1 Pro32, can I take off the top column?

Yes

The L1 Pro32 can be used without the upper array. This configuration is useful when a venue ceiling cannot accommodate the height of the L1 Pro32
Source: Page 7 of the L1 Pro32 Owners Guide

• For best results, ensure the array is at ear level for listeners
• The L1 Pro32 automatically adjusts the level of the bass output to maintain the appropriate spectral balance.

It’s a valid use case to use only the bottom array section. In fact, the EQ automatically adjusts to compensate.
Craig Small - Bose

Half Stack Not Recommended for Small Gigs

Running only the lower section of the Line Array is a workaround when there isn't enough ceiling clearance to use both sections. For small gigs, turn down the volume on the L1 Pro32, don't run without the top section of the array because

• You'll need to elevate the system so the array is at ear level for the audience. Otherwise, the sound will be muffled
• You will reduce your projection over distance. The sound will drop off more over distance.
• You may need to turn up the volume louder than if you were using the full array. As a result, you increase the likelihood of feedback.

Inputs and Connections

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Is MIC/INST/OFF the same as a MIC/LINE switch?

No. The MIC/INST/OFF switch is NOT a MIC/LINE selector like those found on many powered loudspeakers.

The switch does not change input sensitivity or gain.
It affects only the ToneMatch Preset applied to the input.

ToneMatch Preset Behavior:

• MIC applies the microphone ToneMatch Preset
• INST applies the acoustic guitar ToneMatch Preset
• OFF disables ToneMatch processing

Use MIC for microphones and INST for acoustic guitar. You can change the ToneMatch Presets using the Bose App

Channel ToneMatch Button: Select the ToneMatch preset for an individual channel. The corresponding LED will illuminate white while selected.

More information about ToneMatch Presets

Does the MIC/INST/OFF switch change the input gain?

No. The MIC/INST/OFF switch does not change input sensitivity or gain.

It only selects the ToneMatch Preset applied to the input.
It does not adjust the channel’s gain staging or level.

ToneMatch Preset Behavior:

• MIC applies the microphone ToneMatch Preset
• INST applies the acoustic guitar ToneMatch Preset
• OFF disables ToneMatch processing

Use MIC for microphones and INST for acoustic guitar. You can change the ToneMatch Presets using the Bose App

Channel ToneMatch Button: Select the ToneMatch preset for an individual channel. The corresponding LED will illuminate white while selected.

More information about ToneMatch Presets

How do I connect a monitor?

* You can connect the L1 Pro Line Out to a monitor.

The XLR Line Output from any L1 Pro contains the sound from all inputs (1, 2, 3, Bluetooth, and ToneMatch Port). That includes

• ToneMatch Presets
• Tone Controls
• Reverb
• The signal from a ToneMatch mixer connected to the ToneMatch port including ToneMatch Presets, zEQ, Reverb, Effects.

The sound is NOT affected by the L1 Pro System EQ setting.

• If you have an S1 Pro, see L1 Pro to S1 Pro
• If you have an S1 Pro+, see L1 Pro to S1 Pro+
• If you prefer to run your inputs to the S1 Pro+ and send the output to the L1 Pro, see S1 Pro+ To L1 Pro
• If you have a mixer, you may prefer to send the monitor mix from the mixer to the monitors instead of the L1 Pro Line Out

The L1 Pro was designed to be placed behind the performers. If you can do that, you may not need a monitor — you should be able to hear yourself clearly. For more about that, see The L1® Approach and the History Of Amplification.

How do I connect a third‑party mixer to the L1 Pro?

Use the Mixer Mono Output and connect it to L1 Pro Channel 3.

If the mixer does not have a mono output, pan all inputs hard LEFT and use the LEFT output. We will now refer to that as the Mixer Mono Out.

If the mixer has XLR outputs:

Mixer Mono Out → XLR Female → ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve → L1 Pro Channel 3

If the mixer has ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve outputs:

Mixer Mono Out → ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve → L1 Pro Channel 3

For more details, see Mixer to L1 Pro.

Can I use XLR cables from my mixer into Channels 1 or 2?

You can, and it might work. Click for details

And yes, there are even pictures of this in the L1 Pro manuals.

However, using XLR‑to‑XLR connections from a mixer into Channels 1 or 2 can lead to problems.

1. Some mixers have a MIC/LINE or ‑20 dB switch on the XLR output

If your mixer can switch its XLR output to MIC or ‑20 dB, then engage that switch and the XLR‑to‑XLR connection should work.

If not, use Mixer Mono Out → XLR Female → ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve → L1 Pro Channel 3.

2. Most mixer XLR outputs are line‑level, which is a poor match for the L1 Pro’s mic‑level XLR inputs

This mismatch can cause:

• Input clipping
• Harsh distortion
• Unpredictable behavior

3. You can sometimes “make it work,” but it’s not ideal

You might avoid clipping by:

• Turning down the mixer output
• Turning down the L1 Pro channel volume

However:

• Lower mixer output reduces signal‑to‑noise ratio (more hiss)
• Very low L1 Pro channel settings give almost no usable range
• Volume may jump from too quiet → too loud with tiny adjustments

4. Channel 3 avoids all of these issues

Channel 3 is designed for line‑level sources and provides:

• Proper level matching
  • Lower input sensitivity (less likely to clip/distort)
  • Full +24 dBu headroom
• Predictable behavior
  • No ToneMatch presets
  • No Reverb
  • No DSP gain steps

This is why the recommended method is:

Mixer Mono Out → XLR Female → ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve → L1 Pro Channel 3

Why are the ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve inputs on Channels 1 and 2 louder than the ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve input on Channel 3?

By design, the input sensitivity of the Channel 3 ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve input is lower than the ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve inputs on Channels 1 and 2. This allows Channel 3 to handle line‑level sources with less risk of clipping.

You can achieve the same overall output level from Channel 3, but you may need to turn the Channel 3 volume control higher to do it.

This difference is most noticeable when connecting a third‑party mixer to the L1 Pro.

People tend to hear louder as better, so you may prefer to use Channels 1 and 2 instead of 3, but you can get the same result by turning up the volume on Channel 3, leaving the other channels available.

For more information, see Mixer to L1 Pro.

Multiple L1 Pro Systems

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What can and can’t multiple L1 Pros do together?

Multiple L1 Pros can be used together, but each system still operates independently.

What they can do

• Pass audio from one unit to another using the L1 Pro Line Out (Daisy Chain)

With a mixer

• Play the same signal if you feed each unit from a mixer
• Work as a stereo pair when fed LEFT and RIGHT outputs from a mixer

What they can’t do

• Share their internal inputs with each other
• Combine all inputs from two units into one system
• Link wirelessly over Bluetooth (Bluetooth is receive‑only)

For details on specific setups, see the related questions below.

How do I connect one L1 Pro to another L1 Pro (daisy chain)?

Use XLR Female → ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve to connect

From the first L1 Pro Line Out

To the second L1 Pro Channel 3 ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve input.

For complete details, see L1 Pro Daisy Chain.

Can I use Bluetooth to connect two L1 Pros?

No.

L1 Pro systems can receive Bluetooth audio from a Bluetooth source (for example, a phone, tablet, or computer). They cannot send Bluetooth to another L1 Pro, and even if they could, the latency (delay) would make this unusable in a live sound setting.

For more information see L1 Pro Daisy Chain

Can I run two L1 Pros as a single mono system?

No, you need a mixer to do this.

An L1 Pro cannot link its inputs or internal mix to another L1 Pro. Each unit only plays the signals connected to its own inputs.

If you want both L1 Pros to play the same mono mix, use a mixer and send the same output to each unit:

From the mixer Mono Output → L1 Pro (Left) Channel 3 ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve input

From the mixer Mono Output → L1 Pro (Right) Channel 3 ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve input

This gives you two identical mono feeds, but the L1 Pros still operate as separate systems.

For more details, see Dual Mono.

How do I connect two L1 Pros for stereo?

To run two L1 Pros in stereo, send the LEFT and RIGHT outputs from your mixer to each L1 Pro separately.

From the mixer LEFT Output → L1 Pro (Left) Channel 3 ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve input

From the mixer RIGHT Output → L1 Pro (Right) Channel 3 ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve input

Each L1 Pro then reproduces its own channel (Left or Right), creating a stereo pair.

For more details, see Mixer to L1 Pro.

Can I connect my L1 Pros so they share inputs?

You can't.

• You cannot take the three inputs on each L1 Pro and hear all six inputs through both units.
• While you can daisy chain the inputs of the first L1 Pro to a second L1 Pro, you cannot send the inputs of the second L1 Pro back to the first. Doing so will create a feedback loop.

For more details, see L1 Pro Daisy Chain.

Can I run two L1 Pros in mono without a mixer?

You can't.

There is no way to link two L1 Pros so they both play the same mono signal without using an external mixer.

Each L1 Pro only plays the signals connected to its own inputs.

If you need both L1 Pros to reproduce the same mono mix, you must use a mixer and send the same output to each unit.

For more details, see Mixer to L1 Pro.

Troubleshooting

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The L1 Pro sounds muddy

Symptoms

No mid-highs, low volume, it's all bass

Possible Causes

L1 Pro speaker column or extension not seated properly.

Solutions

Make sure the column arrays are seated firmly in the power stand

Excessive Hiss

Hiss with nothing connected to the L1 Pro inputs when I turn up the volume

Symptoms

Hiss with nothing connected, volume turned up

Possible Causes

with no input, turning up the volume amplifies noise

Solutions

turn down the volume or mute any unused channels For more details see L1 Pro Hiss

Hiss when connecting the LINE OUT from an L1 Pro to a second L1 Pro with an XLR cable

Symptoms

Hiss, noise, clipping

Possible Causes

LINE OUT from the first L1 Pro is line-level.
XLR input on the second L1 Pro is microphone-level

Solutions

Connect the first L1 Pro LINE OUT to the second L1 Pro Channel 3 input The cable: Female XLR to 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve cable For more details see L1 Pro Daisy Chain

Hiss when connecting a mixer to the L1 Pro Channels 1 or 2 with an XLR cable

Symptoms

Hiss, noise, clipping

Possible Causes

No causes provided

Solutions

Connect the mixer mono output to the L1 Pro Channel 3 input The cable: Female XLR to 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve cable For more details see Mixer to L1 Pro

Sub1/Sub2

Sub1 Sub2

Sub1/Sub2‎‎

Sub Comparison

S1 Pro with Sub1 or Sub2

Bose App / Music App / L1 Mix App

As of 2025 The current app for Bose Portable PA is the Bose App.

This applies to all L1 Pro and the S1 Pro+

Get it on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

ToneMatch Mixers

T4S

T8S

Engineered with a powerful DSP engine and intuitive user control, the T4S/T8S ToneMatch mixers offer studio-quality EQ, dynamics and effects. Sound great with integrated BoseToneMatch processing and zEQ, especially when connected to a Bose L1 or F1 system for full end-to-end tonal control.

read more — T4S/T8S ToneMatch® Mixers

Other Bose Portable PA Products

L1 Legacy F1 S1 Pro

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