Designed for intimate spaces such as cafes and small-sized venues, the Bose L1 Pro8 is a superb PA system that effortlessly delivers remarkable sound quality, wide-coverage, and simple use. It’s incredibly light, coming in at only 16 kilograms (35 pounds), but that doesn’t diminish its ability to deliver sound evenly and consistently.
With eight articulated 2-inch neodymium drivers and a C-shape line array, the PA system delivers 180° horizontal sound coverage and 40° wide vertical dispersion. This ensures everyone in the audience hears the sound loud and clear, whether they’re seated or standing.
The L1 pro8 is a great fit for DJs, bands, singer-songwriters, and anyone who needs a compact sound solution that you can grab and go.
Here’s the full Bose L1 Pro8 review.
Features and Functionality
In our Bose L1 pro review today, we have a look at the most important features you need in a professional-grade portable PA system.
Portability
The Bose L1 Pro8 offers practical portability- breaking down into a few easy-to-carry pieces that include speaker array, array extension, subwoofer stand, and power cord.
What’s more? It comes with a convenient carry bag that houses the line array and its extension, meaning you can grab the speaker by its handle in one hand, sling the travel bag over your shoulder, and still have one hand free to tag along other instruments.
In fact, you won’t ever need help carrying it from the car to the performance venue. Nor will you waste precious time dealing with endless cable connections. This means your audience will start enjoying your message or music almost instantly.
Ideal for small to medium venues, the entire unit fits into the backseat or trunk of a small car.
3-Channel Mixer
All Bose L1 Pro systems come with in-built mixers. And the Pro8 is no exception. It comes with a 3-channel mixer that allows you to plug in various instruments, microphones, and other audio sources.
The mixer comes with three inputs located at the rear end of the unit. The first and second inputs feature XLR -1/4’’ phantom-powered connectors that support Mics, Line, and Hi-Z input for your instruments.
The third input features 1/4’’ and 3.5 mm jacks as well as a Bluetooth streaming port for compatible devices. All the three inputs also feature volume, bass, mute and treble controls.
You’ll appreciate the fact that the mixer offers quality reverb, EQ, and phantom power, along with a few ToneMatch presents for easy equalization.
Plus, it provides a port to incorporate Bose’s ToneMatch T4S and the Bose T8S mixer that helps you expand the number of input channels, EQ presets lists, and access professional effects so you can instantly change EQ settings for all your music performance needs.
Bose L1 Pro8 also included fixed presets for vocal whether you are using condenser or dynamic microphones and acoustic guitars, so you won’t need to do any tweaking. This considerably reduces set up time.
Intuitive L1 Mix App
To leverage the app, you’ll need to download it to your phone or tablet first. Once you do that, you’ll have access to the complete ToneMatch list of custom EQ settings. Simply walk around the room, listen to how the mixer sounds, and fine-tune on the go.
The best part? The LED encoders on the back of the system are bidirectional and will always sync with your music in real-time, whether using the app or onboard controls.
Design and Build
Before we talk about the system’s sound fidelity, there are some design points we need to appreciate, including a new sleek shape. While the overall build is still a wide base and stick upper, some unique add-ons have been integrated into the unit.
But first, let’s talk about what’s no longer there; the wing-like design and heavy base are a thing of the past. The entire unit is taller, slimmer, and more versatile. It also features a solid anchor for the vertical stick portion and a big, built-in handle at the top for carrying the speaker and built-in mixer.
The vertical stick upper disassembles into two sections that can be quickly plugged in together for easy set up. There’s a cover for the base to provide additional protection.
Overall, the design is sturdy and ergonomic. Bose paid special attention to the exterior and built quality, and we can confidently say it ranks high in durability. Its subtle black look blends in really well when installed in a live gig.
Multi-Position Design
The system features a multi-position design. There are two different setups, depending on where you are performing. You can choose the collapsed position if you are performing in a small space or an extended position if you want to fill a larger room.
Sound Fidelity
Bose says the L1 Pro8 provides high-quality, crystal clear, and even sound for intimate venues. The C-shaped line array in the vertical section features eight two-inch articulated drivers that deliver 180 degrees horizontal sound coverage and wide vertical distribution.
This ensures the system produces consistent sound regardless of its configuration. The sound remains loud and clear throughout the performance. Whether you remain in one spot or keep walking around the room, the sound remains consistent.
Its exceptional auto EQ feature enables the unit to produce a sound that’s evenly distributed throughout the room. Best part? The auto EQ automatically fine-tunes sound, so your instruments and mics sound perfectly natural.
Enjoy the Bass, Without the Bulk
At the bottom end is the system’s integrated subwoofer. Even with its small footprint (7 by 13 inches), Bose reports that the subwoofer with a high excursion RaceTrack driver rivals the performance of a conventional 12-inch woofer, despite it being so tiny.
Mostly reserved for huge speakers, RaceTrack drivers use long cones to match circular speakers’ performance. With the Pro8, Bose enlarged the typical RaceTrack drivers to deliver a solid, low-frequency response.
Don’t be fooled by the small size of the subwoofer; it packs a pretty huge punch. This innovation provides deep bass and is also less bulky, and makes carrying the unit a breeze.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Bose L1 Pro8
Pros
- High-quality sound that is distributed evenly to the entire room
- Very easy to carry around and set up
- Incredibly light
- Few cables to connect
- Easily fills medium-sized spaces like cafes
- Perfect for small outdoor events
Cons
- Some customers said the spacer is a bit shaky
Whether you’re a DJ, musician, or band who plays small concert venues, you’ll definitely love the Bose L1 Pro8. It quickly and easily packs up into a compact and portable package that you can carry with you everywhere.
With this system, you’ll get exceptional speaker power, ease of use, and versatility. With regards to sound, you’ll get onstage premium sound to entertain about 100-120 people in relatively quiet venues. We can confidently say it’s the one PA system you need to impress your audience.
Need Something More Powerful?
The L1 Pro8 is undoubtedly a great fit for small, intimate spaces for up to 100 people. But if you need higher output, you may need to consider scaled versions of the system such as the L1 Pro16 and L1 Pro32.
The Bose L1 Pro16, for instance, features a J-shaped line array with 16 articulated 2-inch drivers along with a 10” x 18” subwoofer. It is the right system for you if you perform in a relatively large venue where you need to fill a larger space for up to 150 people.
The L1 Pro32 is the largest in the L1 line of PA systems with two subwoofers. It is suited for large venues such as large wedding hallways and churches, featuring 32 articulated 2-inch drivers for 180-degree horizontal coverage and highly-focused vertical dispersion.
Takeaway
As the smallest and most portable of all of Bose’s L1 Pro systems, the unit is an all-around product that delivers excellent flexibility, convenience, portability, and outstanding performance. The product is excellent, the reviews are fantastic, and the price is just right. You should give it a try.
We hope our Bose L1 Pro8 review was helpful.