L1® PackLite® A1 Amplifier / FAQ

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This information was originally prepared by Bose® and may later be published on their website: http://www.bose.com/musicians/. It appears here with permission from Bose®. As a reprint of a Bose® document, it is not open for edits, but please use the discussion page to make note of any issues or discrepancies.

==Bose Official Frequently Asked Questions==

The Technology | General Product | The L1™ Product Family | Functionality | Applications | Support

Contents

The Technology

What is the PackLite® power amplifier?

The PackLite® A1 power amplifier is the smallest, most lightweight high-power amplifier Bose has developed for musicians. It connects simply and seamlessly with the rest of the L1™ system family of products for a simple and modular increase in bass output level. It also can be used with any 4-ohm loudspeaker cabinet that can handle 250W into 4-ohms.

How much does the A1 amplifier weigh?

The A1 weighs 3.0 lbs (1.4 kg)

How small is the amplifier?

The A1 is about the size of a hardcover book. Its dimensions are: 2.2"H x 5.5"W x 10.2"D

(5.6 x 14.0 x 25.9 cm).

How can a pro audio amplifier be light and small, but powerful, too?

For decades, Bose has been on the forefront of making products that deliver big sound in small packages. The L1™ Model II system family of products are no different. The A1 amplifier uses cutting-edge Class D amplification and switching power supply for a highly efficient and accurate output. This technology allows us to discontinue the use of bulky and heavy transformer components typically required in other high-powered designs.

Applications

Can the amplifier be used with products from the Professional Systems Division at Bose, such as the MB4, MB24 or 802®?

The A1 is designed for 4-ohm loudspeaker loads capable of 250W RMS. The MB4, MB24 and

802® are rated at an impedance of 8-ohms nominal. Coupled with higher power requirements at their load rating, the A1 is slightly underpowered for use with those loudspeakers. We recommend the Bose® 1600 or Bose 1800 amplifier together with the Panaray® controller to properly drive those loudspeakers. For more information, please visit http://www.pro.Bose.com.

Can I use two B1 bass modules with the A1 amplifier without the power stand?

While it can operate without damage, we do not recommend using B1 bass modules without a power stand. The B1 receives an actively equalized (EQ) signal from power stand. The active EQ allows the tone to be controlled and overall headroom increased when the A1 is used with the power stand and B1 bass modules.

Where can a musician learn more about the specifics of using the A1 amplifier and the rest of the L1™ family of products?

The best place to start is to visit the website at www.Bose.com/musicians. Be sure to visit the Message Board, where many owners and interested musicians come to discuss the product in detail.

General (Product)

What is the 45-day Better Music Guarantee?

At Bose, we recognize that customers may want to experience the L1™ system in their own environment with their specific gear. That is why we offer the ability for you to purchase and use the system in your specific application for up to 45 days. If for any reason you are not satisfied, you may return it for a refund. This offer is exclusive to Bose® direct sales channels?

Where is the A1 amplifier made?

The A1 is engineered in the U.S. and manufactured in China.

What are the environmental specifications of the A1 amplifier?

The maximum operating temperature at 122°F (50°C).

The L1™ Model II Product Family

How does the PackLite® A1 power amplifier relate to the rest of the product family?

The PackLite® A1 power amplifier integrates seamlessly with the power stand and B1 bass modules. A single connection from the power stand to one or two B1 bass modules automatically allows more bass output while maintaining quality of tone.

What products do you feel A1 competes directly with?

While there are many amplifiers on the market today that are equivalent of the A1’s power rating, the A1 is the only amplifier that we know of that offers the combination of high power, small size, light weight and convenience.

What do the different salable packages come with?

The A1 amplifier alone comes with the A1 amplifier, a soft carry pouch, one ¼" TRS cable, 20" long (0.5 m), a power cord and an owner’s guide. The A1-2xB1 package comes with the A1 amplifier, two B1 bass modules, a soft carry pouch for the A1, two B1 soft gig bags, one ¼" TRS cable, 20" long (0.5 m), two B1 cables, power cord and owner’s guides.

What additional products are available? What do the different salable packages include in the box?

L1™ Model II system

Includes the following:

  • Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker
  • L1™ Model II power stand
  • B1 bass module
  • Padded carrying bags for L1, power stand and B1
  • 4 conductor Bass Module cable
  • AC Power cord
  • Demonstration DVD
  • L1™ Model II Owner’s Guide, B1 Bass Module Owner’s Guide, Quick setup guide and product registration card

L1™ Model II system with T1™ ToneMatch audio engine

Includes the following:

L1™ Model II system


  • Cylindrical Radiator® loudspeaker (top and bottom)
  • L1™ Model II power stand
  • B1 bass module
  • Padded carrying bags for L1, power stand and B1
  • 4 conductor Bass Module cable
  • AC Power cord
  • Demonstration DVD
  • L1™ Model II Owner’s Guide, B1 Bass Module Owner’s Guide, Quick setup guide and product registration card

T1™ ToneMatch audio engine

  • T1™ ToneMatch audio engine (with protective top)
  • Soft carry bag
  • ToneMatch™ cable
  • Carriage
  • Mounting bar
  • DVD*ROM

T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine

Includes the following:

  • T1™ ToneMatch audio engine (with protective top)
  • Soft carry bag
  • ToneMatch™ cable
  • Carriage
  • Mounting bar
  • DVD*ROM

PackLite power amplifier Model A1

Designed for instruments that require additional headroom and increased output in the deep bass range, such as electric bass, bass drum and high*output playback of recorded dance music. The PackLite® power amplifier can power up to two additional B1 bass modules.

PackLite® Extended Bass Package

(adds more bass output to any of the above bass packages)

The PackLite® Extended Bass Package comes with:

  • PackLite power amplifier
  • 1/4" TRS cable (20")
  • Nylon carry pouch for the amplifier
  • Power cord
  • Two B1 bass modules
  • Two B1 bass module 4*wire cables (5 ft)
  • Two B1 bass module soft covers


What are the available accessories?

B1 bass module

This compact, powerful bass enclosure delivers the depth and impact of such instruments as bass guitar, drums and low voices. Low-pitched wind or stringed instruments, guitars and keyboards also can benefit from the additional low-end output that the B1 provides. Includes professional padded gig bag, and one cable to connect the B1 bass module to the power stand and slip cover.

Standard B1 carrying cover

A standard carrying cover for the B1 bass module. Cover is a direct replacement for the cover included with a new L1™ Model II system package.

B1 cable 5.5" (1.7m)

Heavy-duty 4-pin cable connects B1 bass modules to L1™ Model II or II power stands. Longer B1 cables may be obtained from www.audiopile.net.

Heavy-duty B1 gig bag

Custom-designed to hold your B1 bass module. Incorporates our high-end construction features to protect from scuffs and scrapes on all six sides.

PackLite® power amplifier Model A1

Designed for instruments that require additional headroom and increased output in the deep bass range, such as electric bass, bass drum and high-output playback of recorded dance music. The PackLite® power amplifier can power up to two additional B1 bass modules.

Carry pouch for Model A1 amplifier

Standard nylon protective pouch for the A1 PackLite® power amplifier.

1/4-in TRS Cable for A1 amplifier 18-in (0.5m)

Standard, balanced tip-ring-sleeve 1/4" cable connects the A1 PackLite® power amplifier to a power stand.


Heavy-duty power stand/L1™/duffle carrying bag set

Durable and form-fitted, the heavy-duty gig bag set will help protect the L1™ loudspeaker and power stand components during transport. Telescoping travel handle and roller wheels makes for a very easy transport of the power stand. The L1™ bag, lined with extra padding, comes with a shoulder strap. A rugged duffle bag contains convenient pockets and can hold the R1 remote control with plenty of room for cables and accessories.

Standard power stand/L1™ carrying bag set

Standard carrying bags for the power stand and L1™ loudspeaker. Set of three bags is a direct replacement for the set included with a new L1™ Model II or II system package.

L1™ Model II power stand cord (120 volt only)

Designed to connect a 120-volt power stand to an AC outlet.

For product codes and part numbers, please see Appendix A.

Functionality

What is the preferred use of the PackLite® A1 power amplifier?

The A1 is designed for use with the L1™ family of products. It allows a complete plug-and-play solution without having to adjust any gain controls. Everything is automatic and the connections are simple.

I own the L1™ family of products. How do I connect the A1 to my system?

After connecting the AC cord from the A1 amplifier to the wall, connect the included ¼"

TRS cable from the power stand’s Bass-Line OUT connector to the Input connector on the A1 amplifier. Connect one or two B1 bass modules to the Output connector on the A1. Turn on the power stand. Turn on the A1 amplifier. That’s it.

Will the A1 amplifier give you a different bass tone when used with the L1™ Model II system?

No.

When used with B1 bass modules and the power stand, the A1 will not color bass tone. It simply allows more low-frequency headroom without coloring of tone.

Is this really a "plug-and-play" solution? How long does it take to set up?

Plug and play without adjustments. After being placed on the stage, the A1 power amplifier and B1 bass modules can be connected and ready in about one minute.

Most amplifiers have a "trim" or "gain" knob to control the input level. Why doesn’t the A1 amplifier have one?

Bose® engineers know that extra controls can equal setup time at the gig. The input stage of this amplifier is designed for the power stand. On the other hand, has an input impedance appropriate for most pro audio components such as mixing consoles. When you use the A1 with such pro audio components, use the output fader on an upstream mixing console to adjust the level of signal going to the A1 amplifier.

How many B1 bass modules can you connect?

One power stand can power up to two B1 bass modules.

Can this product be used in other countries?

There are two voltage versions of the A1 PackLite® amplifier. 120V versions are available in the U.S., Canada, and some Latin American countries. 230V versions are available in Europe and Australia. Please visit www.Bose.com/musicians for the most up-to-date information about product availability.

Can you use 2-wire Speakon® cables to connect the A1 amplifier to B1 bass modules?

Yes. Unlike the L1™ Power Stands (Classic, Model I, Model II) there is no sensing circuit that determines the number of B1s attached to a PackLite® so there is no specific need to use the 4-wire Speakon® cables instead of 2-wire Speakon® cables. Note however, that the B1s are supplied with the blue 4-wire cables and these work fine.


Is there any pro audio gear that this is not compatible with?

No. At this time, we do not know of any line-level output gear that the A1 amplifier is not compatible with. On the loudspeaker side, you must ensure that you are driving a minimum loudspeaker load of 4 ohms and that the load is capable of 250W maximum power.

How many B1 bass modules can I stack up onstage or while transporting?

For safety reasons, we recommend a maximum stack of four B1 bass modules.

Support

Where can I collaborate with Bose® staff and current owners to learn more on how the L1™ Model II system can work for my specific application?

We do host a public forum that allows our helpful user community to share their experiences and collaborate in real time on topics that are important to them. Here you will find extensive application specific documentation and helpful hints. The forum is fully searchable and can be accessed at http://Bose.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x.

You also may contact our product support team and speak with our knowledgeable staff of musicians. They may be reached at 877-335-2673.

What is the limited warranty?

Are there available accessories?

Yes. You can purchase extra A1 carry pouches and ¼" TRS at www.Bose.com/musicians.

What if the A1 amplifier fails during a performance?

The A1 amplifier is built for road use and is tested under the most stringent conditions. To prevent damage, the amplifier is protected against overheating, short-circuits and over-current conditions. The power LED will turn red when there is a problem and will return to normal operating mode when the fault condition has been removed. If used with a power stand and two B1s, the bass level would drop 6dB upon shutdown.

What is the warranty coverage on my A1?

The A1 comes with a [strike]one-year[/strike] two-year limited warranty in the U.S. and Canada. Outside the U.S. and Canada, check with your local Bose® representative. See Warranty_Information for current information.

Is there an available hard case for the A1 amplifier?

No. Hard cases are not currently available for the product. Companies such as SKB manufacture hard cases of a similar size and may be suitable for the A1.

Appendix A: Accessories

The following accessories are available for the L1™ family of products.

Accessories Product Code
=== B1 bass module ===  
B1 bass module 032494
B1 cable 5.5" (1.7m) 035404
Standard B1 carrying cover 035025
Heavy-duty B1 gig bag 041785
   
=== A1 amplifier ===  
Packlite® power amplifier Model A1 039057
Model A1 amplifier carry pouch 039860
Model A1 1/4" TRS cable 18-in (0.5m) 039861
   
=== Model I ===  
Power stand power cord 035393
R1 remote control 035394
R1 7-pin cable (5m) 035403
R1 7-pin cable (10m) 035411
L1 carry bags 034273
Power stand fuse kit (120V) 035408
Power stand protective plug 035410
Heavy-duty power stand/L1™/duffle carrying bag set 041784
Standard L1™ Model I power stand/L1™ carrying bag set 034273
   
=== Model II ===  
L1™ Model II Cylindrical Radiator® carry bag 044023
L1™ Model II power stand carry bag 044024
Heavy-duty power stand/L1™/duffle carrying bag set 041784
Standard L1™ Model I power stand/L1™ carrying bag set 034273
   
=== T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine ===  
T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine power supply 042533
ToneMatch™ audio engine microphone stand bracket 042535
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