Template:L1 Pro FAQ

General Questions

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What are the mid-high array and lower mid-high array made from? Metal mesh front and is rear metal or plastic?

Arrays on all units feature an extruded aluminum sleeve. Perforated grille on the front, solid on the back. Source: Craig Small

Are the column speaker arrays interchangeable between the different models? (L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16, L1 Pro32)

No. While the column arrays and extensions of the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 will fit each other, no sound comes out.

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

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

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Is the Channel ToneMatch Setting (MIC/INST/OFF) like a MIC/LINE switch on other active loudspeakers? Does it change the input gain?

No. This is NOT like a MIC/LINE selector found on many other powered loudspeakers.

The Channel ToneMatch Setting (MIC/INST/OFF) affects only the ToneMatch Preset applied to the input. It does not affect input sensitivity or gain applied to the signal.

Channel ToneMatch Button: Select the ToneMatch preset for an individual channel. Use MIC for microphones and INST for acoustic guitar. The corresponding LED will illuminate white while selected.

More about ToneMatch Presets.

How do I connect a third-party mixer to the L1 Pro

If the mixer has XLR outputs

Mixer mono out → XLR‑to‑Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve → L1 Pro Channel 3

If the mixer has 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve outputs

Mixer mono out → 1/4-inch (6.3mm) Tip‑Ring‑Sleeve cable to → 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

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The L1 Pro sounds muddy (no mid-highs, it's all bass)

Make sure the column arrays are seated firmly in the power stand

Excessive Hiss

I get excessive hiss with nothing connected to the L1 Pro inputs when I turn up the volume

The L1 Pro systems are not designed to be operated with no inputs For more details see L1 Pro Hiss

I get excessive hiss when connecting the LINE OUT from an L1 Pro to a second L1 Pro with an XLR cable

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

I get excessive hiss when connecting a mixer to the L1 Pro Channels 1 or 2 with an XLR cable

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