Sub1/Sub2

Bose Sub1 and Sub2

Introduction

Introduced: October 2020
First available: January 2021

Use the Sub1 or Sub 2 bass modules with the Bose L1 Pro32

• Sub1 creates a compact system (down to 40 Hz)
• Sub2 plays lower and louder (down to 37 Hz)
• Extreme portability using RaceTrack woofers

Use the Sub1 or Sub 2 bass modules with other PA systems (e.g., Bose S1 Pro or third-party systems)

Documentation

Sub1/Sub2 Owners Guide

Sub1/Sub2 Quick Start Guide

Training

Firmware Updates

Version 5.06

May 26, 2021

• Fixes an issue that allows users to disable Low Power Standby mode.
• Allows wider range of Standby button press lengths when powering on product.
• Implements timed audio output mute when powering on product.
• Updates to green/red signal/clip LED threshold.

Installation

• Use a USB C cable (click the picture to the right to see where it connects on the Sub)
• Go to http://btu.bose.com using a PC or Mac
• Follow the prompts on the screen
• Instructions

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"x13" RaceTrack	One 10"x18" RaceTrack	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

RaceTrack Woofer

RaceTrack Woofer

Unique RaceTrack woofers integrated in the Bose Sub1 and Sub2 modular subwoofers deliver powerful bass, have an optimized center of gravity, and save a lot of space. This slim design means you get the full impact of a conventional subwoofer without the cumbersome size, freeing up room in your vehicle and on the stage, and making every carry in between — home to car, vehicle to venue — much easier.

Although the comparisons are approximate and this assumes that other variables like input power are similar:

• The 7"x13" RaceTrack woofer in the Sub1 is comparable to 12" round driver.
• The 10"x18" RaceTrack woofer is comparable to a 15" round driver.

Note: Both the Sub1 and L1 Pro8 use a 7"x13" RaceTrack woofer. The L1 Pro8 is rated at 240 watts RMS to the subwoofer. The Sub1 is rated at 480 watts RMS.

Cardioid Mode

Cardioid Mode

Stack two Sub1 or Sub2 subwoofers in Cardioid Mode for focused, directional performance with reduced rear-firing bass energy (-10 dB SPL). This steers the bass out front, and reduces feedback. This is particularly useful when you have resonant instruments on the stage (e.g., kick drum, upright bass).

Note: Bose does not claim Cardioid mode increases the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) in front of the subwoofers. The main benefit is that it reduces the SPL behind the subwoofers.

See the tutorial in the video below starting at 4:05.

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

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Sub2 with Sub1

You can use a Sub1 and Sub2 together. The connection will be L1 Pro32 to Sub2 to Sub1

• Connect the L1 Pro32 to the Sub2 (use the SubMatch cable)
• On the Sub2 set the Line Out EQ to HPF (High Pass Filter)
• Connect the Sub2 Line Out to the Sub1 (Correction optional: use a SubMatch cable to the Sub1)
• Level - set to 12:00 o'clock on both. If adjustments are necessary - keep the Level Control the same on both Subs
• Polarity: Plus on both

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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

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L1 Compact with Sub1/Sub2

Please see L1 Compact with Sub1 or Sub2

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.

Running Multiple Subwoofers

If you are running two or more subwoofers, you want to read these articles:

• What does subwoofer mutual coupling mean?
• Sound on Sound Bass Place
• The Subwoofer Power Alley

Questions about this article

Questions about this article?

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