S1 Pro+ x 2 vs L1 Pro8 with T4S

Use Case

Performers

• Duo (vocals plus guitar) x two
• No backing tracks
• Dynamic microphones (no phantom power required)

Venue

• 60 x 35 feet = 2275 square feet (20 x 10 meters = 211 square meters)
• Multi-purpose room, no acoustic treatment
• The performers are mid-way along the long wall facing the audience
• Typical audience up to 75 people seated. The audience is attentive.

Options

1. One L1 Pro8 with T4S
2. Two S1 Pro+ each with wireless transmitters (XLR (mic/line level) and 1/4 inch (6.3mm) instrument)

Too long didn't read - 🎬 Spoiler Alert

For this use case, both solutions service the audience and the venue. It was the convenience and portability that won the decision. We went with the two S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters.
Even though the combination of the L1 Pro8 with the T4S has more inputs, more options for reverb and EQ, and more features and routing options, for this application, we don't need those features.

Back Story

I play in this room every week with my duo partner. We have used the L1 Pro8 and T4S and been very happy with the results.

I recently got an S1 Pro+ with two wireless transmitters, and had the older S1 Pro and third-party wireless transmitters and receivers. We were also happy with that combination.

In the end, I got another S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters, so now we have two, and use them instead of the L1 Pro8 with T4S.

I have all models of the L1 Pro and I use the T4S and T8S with them depending on the gig. So it's not as though I have replaced the L1 Pro8 with two S1 Pro+. I still have and use everything.

Considerations

Cost

The options have the same retail cost. If you add the cost of Bose carry bags or cases for all components, the costs remain similar.

Portability

L1 Pro8 with T4S total carry weight is approximately 44 pounds

Power stand 31 pounds, tower 9 pounds, T4s 2 pounds

Cables 2 pounds

S1 Pro+ x two total carry weight is approximately 30 pounds

(15 x 2)

Features/Considerations

L1 Pro8 plus T4S

• AC power required
• Cable from T4S to L1 Pro8
• Cables required from microphones and instruments to T4S
• Mono
• Two performers heard through one loudspeaker
• Single sound source
• Inputs
  • L1 Pro8 has two combo inputs with ToneMatch Presets and Treble/Bass/Reverb
  • L1 Pro8 has single Aux input (channel 3)
  • T4S has four combo inputs with ToneMatch Preset, zEQ, ParaEQ, Effects and Reverb
  • T4S has two Aux inputs (inputs 5/6)
• Output
  • 112 dB SPL continuous
  • 180° x 40° degrees (horizontal x vertical)
  • Frequency Response (–3 dB) 45 Hz to 16 kHz
  • Frequency Range (–10 dB) 33 Hz to 18 kHz

S1 Pro+ with wireless transmitters x 2

• Battery powered
• No cables required
• Multi-mono (One S1 Pro+ per performer)
• Two sound sources (each performer has their own monitor)
• Inputs (each S1 Pro+)
  • S1 Pro+ has two combo inputs with ToneMatch Presets and Treble/Bass/Reverb
  • S1 Pro+ has single Aux input (channel 3)
  • S1 Pro+ has insert mode available when using wireless transmitters
• Output
  • 109 dB SPL continuous
  • 120° x 50° degrees (horizontal x vertical)
  • Frequency Response (–3 dB) 62 Hz to 17 kHz

Thoughts

For this use case, both solutions will service the audience and the venue.

References

L1 Pro8 Technical Data

T4S/T8S Service Manual

S1 Pro+ Technical Data