Difference between revisions of "Template:L1 Pro FAQ"

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   {{FAQItem
 
   {{FAQItem
 
   |id=materials
 
   |id=materials
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   |question = What are the mid-high array and lower mid-high array made from?  Metal mesh front and is rear metal or plastic?
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   |question = Are the columns made of plastic? <!-- What are the mid-high array and lower mid-high array made from?  Metal mesh front and is rear metal or plastic? -->
 
   |answer  =  Arrays on all units feature an extruded aluminum sleeve. Perforated grille on the front, solid on the back. Source: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoseL1/posts/10161224768097446?comment_id=10161256043032446 Craig Small]
 
   |answer  =  Arrays on all units feature an extruded aluminum sleeve. Perforated grille on the front, solid on the back. Source: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoseL1/posts/10161224768097446?comment_id=10161256043032446 Craig Small]
 
   }}
 
   }}
 
   {{FAQItem
 
   {{FAQItem
 
   |id=columns_interchangeable
 
   |id=columns_interchangeable
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   |question = Are the column speaker arrays interchangeable between the different models? (L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16, L1 Pro32)
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   |question = Can I swap the columns from different models? <!-- Are the column speaker arrays interchangeable between the different models? (L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16, L1 Pro32) -->
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   |answer  = No. While the column arrays and extensions of the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 will fit each other, no sound comes out.
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   |answer  =
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No. While the column arrays and extensions of the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 will fit each other, no sound comes out.
 
   }}
 
   }}
 
   {{FAQItem
 
   {{FAQItem
 
   |id=half_stack
 
   |id=half_stack
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   |question = 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
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   |question = L1 Pro32, can I take off the top column?
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<!-- 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 -->
 
   |answer  =
 
   |answer  =
 
Yes
 
Yes
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===Inputs and Connections===
 
===Inputs and Connections===
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{{FAQList
 
{{FAQList
 
| content =  
 
| content =  
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    {{FAQItem
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{{FAQItem
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    |question = Is the Channel ToneMatch Setting (MIC/INST/OFF) like a MIC/LINE switch on other active loudspeakers? Does it change the input gain?
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|question = Is MIC/INST/OFF the same as a MIC/LINE switch?
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    |answer =  
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|answer =  
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'''No. This is NOT like a MIC/LINE selector found on many other powered loudspeakers.'''
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'''No. The MIC/INST/OFF switch is NOT a MIC/LINE selector like those found on many powered loudspeakers.'''
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 +
The switch does '''not''' change input sensitivity or gain. <br>It affects only the ToneMatch Preset applied to the input. 
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{{ToneMatch Switch}}
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}}
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{{FAQItem
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|question = Does the MIC/INST/OFF switch change the input gain?
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|answer =
 +
'''No. The MIC/INST/OFF switch does not change input sensitivity or gain.'''
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 +
It only selects the ToneMatch Preset applied to the input.  <br>It does '''not''' adjust the channel’s gain staging or level.
 +
{{ToneMatch Switch}}
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}}
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{{FAQItem
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|question = How do I connect a third‑party mixer to the L1 Pro?
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|answer =
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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.
  
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The Channel ToneMatch Setting (MIC/INST/OFF) affects only the ToneMatch Preset applied to the input.  
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If the mixer has XLR outputs:  
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It does not affect input sensitivity or gain applied to the signal.
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: Mixer Mono Out → {{XLRTRS}} → L1 Pro Channel 3
  
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'''Channel ToneMatch Button:'''  
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If the mixer has {{14TRS}} outputs:   
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Select the ToneMatch preset for an individual channel.  
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: Mixer Mono Out → {{14TRS}} → L1 Pro Channel 3
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Use MIC for microphones and INST for acoustic guitar. 
 
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The corresponding LED will illuminate white while selected.
 
  
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More about [[ToneMatch]] Presets.
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For more details, see [[Mixer to L1 Pro]].
 
}}
 
}}
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  {{FAQItem
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----
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  |question = How do I connect a third-party mixer to the L1 Pro
 
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  |answer  =
 
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If the mixer has XLR outputs
 
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: Mixer mono out → XLR‑to‑Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve → L1 Pro Channel 3
 
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If the mixer has 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve outputs
 
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: Mixer mono out → 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve cable to → L1 Pro Channel 3
 
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For more details, see [[Mixer to L1 Pro]]
 
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  }}
 
 
{{FAQItem
 
{{FAQItem
 
|question = Can I use XLR cables from my mixer into Channels 1 or 2?
 
|question = Can I use XLR cables from my mixer into Channels 1 or 2?
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* Volume may jump from too quiet → too loud with tiny adjustments
 
* Volume may jump from too quiet → too loud with tiny adjustments
 
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   {{FAQItem
 
   {{FAQItem
 
   |question = 4. Channel 3 avoids all of these issues
 
   |question = 4. Channel 3 avoids all of these issues
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  }}
 
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   {{FAQItem
 
   {{FAQItem
 
   |question = Why are the 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Inputs on channels 1 and 2 louder than the 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Input on Channel 3
 
   |question = Why are the 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Inputs on channels 1 and 2 louder than the 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Input on Channel 3

Latest revision as of 13:33, 23 February 2026

General Questions

 Expand all | Collapse all

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

 Expand all | Collapse all

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 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 can lead to problems.


1. Some mixers can output mic‑level on XLR — most cannot

If your mixer allows switching its XLR outputs from Line to Mic, then it may work. But this is uncommon. Using XLR → ¼″ (6.3 mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve into Channel 3 is far more reliable.


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:

  • Lowering the mixer output reduces signal‑to‑noise ratio (more hiss)
  • Turning the L1 Pro channel knob very low gives 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‑to‑Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve → L1 Pro Channel 3


Why are the 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Inputs on channels 1 and 2 louder than the 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve Input on Channel 3

By design, the input sensitivity on channel 3 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve is lower than on channels 1 and 2, so that when using line-level inputs, channel 3 is less likely to clip. You can get the same output from channel 3, but you may have to turn up the volume control higher to do it. You are most likely to notice this difference when connecting a third-party mixer to the L1 Pro. For more information see Mixer to L1 Pro


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

Use an XLR female to 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve to connect the L1 Pro Line Out to a second L1 Pro (any model) channel three. For complete details see L1 Pro Daisy Chain


Troubleshooting

 Expand all | Collapse all

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


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