Sub1/Sub2

Bose Sub1 and Sub2

Introduction

First available January 2021

Sub1 and Sub2 powered bass modules combine with virtually any portable PA to deliver low end down to 40 Hz and 37 Hz, respectively. When paired with the Bose L1 Pro32, Sub1 creates a more compact system, while Sub2 plays lower and louder. And both give you bold bass from slim design that goes virtually anywhere.

Documentation

Sub1/Sub2 Owners Guide

Sub1/Sub2 Quick Start Guide

Comparisons Sub1/Sub2

Specification	B1	B2	Sub1	Sub2	F1 Subwoofer
dB SPL at 1 meter Continous/Peak	n/a	115 dB/121 dB	118 dB/124 dB	123 dB/129 dB	124 dB/130 dB
Watts RMS Active/Passive	125 Passive	250 Passive	480 Active	1000 Active	1000 Active
Weight pounds	28	45	35.5	51.7	55
Drivers	Two 5.25"	Two 10"	One 7"x10" race track	One 10"x18" race track	Two 10"
Cardioid Mode	n/a	n/a	Yes	Yes	n/a
Compatibility with Bose Products	L1 Legacy	L1 Legacy	L1 Pro, L1 Legacy, S1 Pro, L1 Compact	L1 Pro, L1 Legacy, S1 Pro, L1 Compact	L1 Pro, L1 Legacy, S1 Pro, L1 Compact
Compatibility with non-Bose products	No passive, no low-pass filter	No passive, no low-pass filter	Yes active, switchable low-pass filter	Yes active, switchable low-pass filter	Yes active, switchable high-pass filter

Level Control

Sub1 Sub2

Question

Why have a LEVEL control on the Bose Sub1/Sub2? This can also apply to other subwoofers as well.

Answer

At lower volume, the Equal Loudness contour shows that humans don't perceive bass as well as mid-highs. You can compensate for this by turning up the Sub1/Sub2 LEVEL Control.

Other times bass may seem excessive

• At higher volumes
• Due to boundary effects (proximity to walls and corners)
• On a resonant stage

You can compensate for this by turning down the Sub1/Sub2 LEVEL Control.

Recommended Settings

1. Set the Sub1/Sub2 Level control at 12:00 o'clock.
2. Raise/lower the volume of the L1 Pro32 as required.
3. Adjust the Sub1/Sub2 Level control to balance bass level with the mid-high level from the L1 Pro 32.

Comments

---

Cooling

Question

How are the Sub1/Sub2 cooled?

Answer

Sub1 and Sub2 have extruded aluminum heat sinks mounted to the backside of the I/O panel. This pulls heat out of the electronics and transfers some to the air moving through the acoustic volume of the sub and helps to cool.

S1 Pro system with Sub1/Sub2

T4S

T8S

S1 Pro  

Sub1 Sub2

Preferred Method

Connections with Sub1 or Sub2 and the S1 Pro system

For best results, the signal flow should go from

1. 

   Sub io panel
   The signal source (e.g., ToneMatch Mixer, mixer, DJ console) output to
2. The Sub1 or Sub2 subwoofer LINE IN 1 ()
3. The Sub1 or Sub2 subwoofer LINE OUT 1 to
4. The S1 Pro system with channel volume set to 10 o'clock.

Note these settings on the Sub1 or Sub2

👉 Set LINE IN EQ to L1

👉 Set LINE OUT EQ to S1 (Press and hold LINE OUT EQ button for 4 seconds)

Set up this way,

1. The Sub1 or Sub2 handles frequencies from 40 Hz (Sub1) 37 Hz (Sub2) to 150 Hz
2. The S1 Pro system handles frequencies above 150 Hz

Mono - Example with a T4S as the audio source

• Start with the Volume on S1 Pro and Sub, as shown. Adjust as necessary from there.

The picture shows a stereo setup. The signal flow is from left to right.

Recommended cable

Use an XLR to 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve cable for best results.

If you use an XLR to XLR cable, the signal may be too hot for the S1 Pro system.

Alternative Connection

Can I connect the S1 Pro Line Out to the Sub?

The method described above is preferred, but you can use the S1 Pro system as the sound source (e.g., microphone and guitar and backing tracks via Bluetooth) Note the following:

1. The S1 Pro system will sound the same as without the subwoofer (62 Hz - 17 kHz)
2. The Sub1 or Sub2 will cover from 40 Hz (Sub1) 37 Hz (Sub2) to 150 Hz
3. You will be able to push S1 Pro system harder (louder) if you route the signal as described at the top of this article

---

Questions about this article

Questions about this article?

---