Overview
The L1 Pro16 portable line array is a streamlined system with high output and extended low frequency. It offers versatile coverage with a J-shaped line array featuring 16 articulated 2" neodymium drivers. This array delivers 180-degree horizontal coverage, tight vertical control on top, wide dispersion on the bottom, to cover audiences whether set up on the floor or an elevated stage, even off to the extreme sides in medium to large venues.
An integrated subwoofer with a unique RaceTrack driver design gives you powerful bass, has an optimised centre of gravity and saves a lot of space. This slim 10"x 18" neodymium driver gives you performance that rivals a conventional 15" woofer 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.
Each L1 Pro system features a built-in mixer, so you can connect various instruments, microphones and other sources easily. You get two combo XLR to 6.4 mm phantom-powered inputs, 6.4 mm and 3.5 mm aux inputs, plus Bluetooth streaming capability. Illuminated rotary encoders give you instant access to volume, tone and reverb settings per channel. Select between optimised system EQ presets for live music, recorded music and more. And add in even more instruments and other audio sources via a dedicated ToneMatch port – one cable provides both power and digital audio between the system and a Bose T4S or T8S mixer (optional).
With the Bose Music app, you can adjust mixer settings instantly from your mobile device or even walk the room, hear how the mix sounds, and fine-tune as you go. Change volume and tone settings in the app and watch the LED encoder on your L1 Pro move to match – the mixer and app are always in sync, in real time. Plus, you have access to the entire ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets. With the Bose Music app, you get the connectivity that empowers your performance, giving you greater flexibility for on-the-fly tweaks via controls that are intuitive and instant.
Premium sound on stage. Practical portability everywhere else. With an L1 Pro16, you can get from parking to performing in one trip and from setup to setlist in minutes. The L1 Pro16 gives singer-songwriters and DJs both setup simplicity and supreme clarity – the power to sound your best and simply perform.
Acoustic Performance: Uniform coverage — Straight line array, featuring 32 articulated 2" neodymium drivers; 180-degree horizontal coverage with the most focused vertical coverage pattern and highest SPL over distance in an L1 ever, providing intricate sonic detail, clarity, and consistency, even off to the extreme sides in larger venues.
Acoustic Performance: Versatile coverage — J-shaped line array, featuring 16 articulated 2" neodymium drivers; 180-degree horizontal coverage, tight vertical control on top, wide dispersion on the bottom to cover audiences whether set up on the floor or on an elevated stage, and even off to the extreme sides in medium to large venues.
Acoustic Performance: Generous coverage — C-shaped line array, featuring 8 articulated 2" neodymium drivers; 180-degree horizontal coverage with wide vertical dispersion, allowing your audience to hear clearly whether they are seated or standing, even off to the extreme sides in small to medium venues.
FAQs
What is an L1 Pro system?
An L1 Pro system is a Bose portable PA for musicians, DJs and bands. There are four L1 Pro systems to choose from: the L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16, L1 Pro32 with Sub1, and L1 Pro32 with Sub2.
All L1 Pro systems have modular designs that are easy to pack, carry and set up. The L1 Pro8 portable PA is the most portable L1 Pro system. It has an eight-driver articulated C-shape line array and is ideal for shows in small venues like coffee shops and cafés.
Both the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 have built-in subwoofers with unique RaceTrack drivers. These slim drivers mean the power stand (base) of the L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 are easier to carry and take up less space in a vehicle and onstage.
All L1 Pro systems have the same built-in mixer, which offers EQ, reverb and phantom power, plus Bluetooth® streaming and access to the full library of ToneMatch presets.
And all L1 Pro systems are compatible with the Bose Music app, which allows for complete wireless control of the system’s mixer from a phone or tablet.
The L1 Pro16 has versatile coverage. It features a J-shaped line array with 16 articulated 2" neodymium drivers. This array delivers 180-degree horizontal coverage with wide vertical dispersion, to cover audiences whether they are seated or standing, even off to the extreme sides in medium to large venues.
What is a RaceTrack driver?
A RaceTrack driver is a stadium-shaped transducer with different width and height ratios that offer a different distribution of speaker cone surface area. Its performance rivals that of more cumbersome circular drivers, offering optimised performance and more portability. This design allows for a slim cabinet with the full impact of a conventional subwoofer without the bulky size. The L1 Pro8 and L1 Pro16 have built-in subwoofers with RaceTrack drivers while the L1 Pro32 combines with either the Bose Sub1 or Sub2 Powered Bass Module, which also feature slim RaceTrack drivers.
What is the Bose Music app?
The Bose Music app is a purpose-built app for the L1 Pro portable line array family. With the Bose Music app, you can adjust mixer settings instantly from your phone or tablet. This means you can do things like walk the room, hear how the mix sounds, and fine-tune as you go. As you adjust parameters in the app, the LED encoder on your L1 Pro moves to sync, in real time, so the app and the mixer on your L1 Pro always match. The app also provides access to the entire ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets. It’s available for download for free on both the Google Play store and the Apple App Store.
In what types of venues can I use an L1 Pro16 system?
The L1 Pro 16 is great for small-to-medium-sized clubs, bars and other similar venues.
The L1 Pro16 offers versatile coverage. It has a J-shaped line array featuring 16 articulated 2" neodymium drivers delivering 180-degree horizontal coverage: tight vertical control on top, wide dispersion on the bottom to cover audiences whether set up on the floor or an elevated stage, even off to the extreme sides in medium to large venues.
What is the coverage of the L1 Pro16?
The L1 Pro16 offers versatile coverage. It has a J-shaped line array featuring 16 articulated 2" neodymium drivers delivering 180-degree horizontal coverage: tight vertical control on top, wide dispersion on the bottom to cover audiences whether set up on the floor or an elevated stage, even off to the extreme sides in medium to large venues.
What’s the optimal placement for an L1 Pro system?
L1 Pro systems are designed for placement behind the artist to function as both their monitor and front-of-house PA. At louder volumes, an L1 Pro system can be placed in front or to the side, depending on ability to control unwanted feedback.
Can L1 Pro systems be used outdoors?
Yes. The system can be used indoors or outside. In fact, the L1 Pro32’s 180-degree horizontal coverage pattern and tight vertical coverage with low drop-off over distance makes it an ideal system for outdoor events. However, L1 Pro systems should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time or to precipitation as these systems are not IPX-rated.
Are the L1 Pro systems waterproof?
No. L1 Pro systems are not water resistant or waterproof. They can be used outside but should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time or to precipitation as these systems are not IPX-rated.
Are the Bose T4S and T8S ToneMatch mixers compatible with the L1 Pro systems?
Yes. Bose T4S and T8S mixers can be used with L1 Pro systems and are sold separately. All L1 Pro systems feature a ToneMatch port, which allows for a single-cable connection that delivers both power and audio between the system and the mixer. The ToneMatch port on all L1 Pro systems can provide power to a T4S or T8S ToneMatch mixer.
When connected, the mixer’s ToneMatch settings are optimised for the L1 Pro system.
What function does the System EQ perform?
Based on your audio application, choose one of the System EQ settings to apply to the overall mix and optimise your audio performance.
OFF: System EQ disabled
LIVE: Use for live performances involving microphones and/or instruments
MUSIC: Use for recorded music playback and DJ applications
SPEECH: Use for public speaking events
Are L1 Pro systems designed for Mobile DJs?
Yes. The professional sound quality, enhanced portability and easy setup of the L1 Pro systems make them suitable for a variety of applications as a smaller PA system for DJs, community and athletic events, or wherever high-performance and easy-to-use sound amplification are needed.
You can use a ToneMatch mixer and two L1 Pro systems for a stereo setup. And the System EQ setting “Music” is optimised for DJ applications.
What are the benefits of the integrated ToneMatch processing?
ToneMatch presets are optimised EQ settings – found in our T4S and T8S ToneMatch mixers – for many popular microphones and instruments, and they take you from sounding good to sounding great instantly. Whether you’re using an acoustic guitar or a handheld dynamic microphone, ToneMatch allows you to match the sound of the source by maximising the sonic properties through equalisation. Use the ToneMatch button to select microphone (MIC), instrument (INST) or off (OFF).
L1 Pro systems are preloaded with ToneMatch settings for a handheld dynamic microphone (MIC) and piezo acoustic-electric guitar (INST) setting. Or you can use the Bose Music app to access the entire ToneMatch library and load any one of the existing ToneMatch presets.
How many channels do the L1 Pro systems have?
L1 Pro systems have three channels with a total of five inputs. You get two combo XLR-1/4" phantom-powered inputs, 1/4" and 1/8" (3.5 mm) aux inputs, plus Bluetooth® streaming capability. Illuminated rotary encoders give you instant access to volume, tone and reverb settings per channel. When connecting multiple sources to Channel 3, adjust the input source volumes for mixing within that channel, and use Channel 3 volume control for overall volume level. Select between optimised system EQ presets for live music, recorded music and more. And you can add in even more instruments and other audio sources via the dedicated ToneMatch port – one cable provides both power and digital audio between the system And a Bose T4S or T8S mixer (optional).
Do L1 Pro systems have an analogue audio output for expansion?
Yes. L1 Pro systems have an XLR balanced line output to send to another L1 Pro system, audio console or recording interface.
How can I take advantage of instruments or devices that deliver stereo output?
L1 Pro systems are monophonic PA systems. In order to achieve stereo output, a user must use two systems and a ToneMatch mixer. A DJ Controller or other mixing console with dedicated left and right outputs can also be used to run two L1 Pro systems in stereo.
How do the new L1 Pro systems compare to the legacy L1 systems from Bose?
Compared to legacy L1 Systems, L1 Pro systems offer enhanced audio performance and even more portability. This is due to smaller mid-high array drivers and slim, powerful subwoofers featuring unique RaceTrack drivers that deliver stronger and deeper bass performance. The new and optimised user interface allows a user to plug directly into the system with tone and reverb controls at the push of a button. Combo XLR-1/4" inputs allow you to plug in both a microphone and guitar without the use of a ToneMatch mixer. L1 Pro systems also feature wireless Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream high-quality audio from your mobile device and control your mixer using the Bose Music app.
L1 Pro systems are compatible with ToneMatch mixers, allowing you to extend inputs beyond the system’s built-in mixer. While L1 Pro systems offer significant advancements and capabilities compared to the original L1, they carry on the original principals of portability, simplicity and room-filling sound.
Can I connect an external subwoofer, such as the Bose Sub1 or Sub2 Powered Bass Module, to any L1 Pro system?
Yes. The Sub1 and Sub2 Bass Modules are powered and can be connected to the line output on any L1 Pro system.
What is Cardioid Mode?
When using two Sub1 or Sub2 Powered Bass Modules, Cardioid Mode allows you to localise your bass directly in front of your L1 system. Cardioid Mode is ideal for outdoor events and keeping the stage and microphones free of low-frequency feedback. Instead of bass invading your space on stage or upsetting the neighbours, Cardioid Mode negates rear-firing bass energy by −10 dB and focuses it out in front where you want it.
Do L1 Pro systems have a universal power supply so they can be used with any wall outlet?
Yes. L1 Pro systems have a universal power supply that allows them to operate in regions ranging from 100V–240V. The proper IEC power cord for the specific region in which the system was purchased is included in the product box.
Can the L1 Pro system be used together with other portable PA systems from Bose?
Yes. All systems can share the same stage. However, your L1 Pro system is designed to act both as your monitor and front-of-house PA, eliminating the need for any other system.
Where can I learn more about how the L1 Pro systems can work for my specific application?
To learn more about the L1 Pro systems, please refer to the owner’s guide for the L1 Pro systems.
Do the L1 Pro systems have Bluetooth connectivity built in?
Yes. All L1 Pro systems feature Bluetooth connectivity and can stream high-quality AAC codec from compatible devices, which provides your audience with a better listening experience.