Bose L1 Pro32chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple users say the smaller drivers create a hole in the frequency response, rolled-off highs, and muddier or tinnier sound compared to the older L1 Model 2, requiring extra EQ work or external speakers to compensate.

@TheCatalyst999

Your arguments are valid. I switched from an L1 type 2 which I love still to the pro 32 and I'm very disappointed at the poor frequency response. It takes a lot of work to make these speakers sound good and even then I'm not satisfied with the way the sound is sculpted. I use a k sub subwoofer with it because I don't care for the Bose base cabinets. I believe the fundamental problem is that the line array speakers are too small. I always get a tinny sound that I can't seem to eliminate. If anybody has any idea how to please let me know. I use a single stack for karaoke. Was a fantastic combination with the L1 type 2 but infuriating with the updated Pro 32launch

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July 24, 2022

@ronedwards8239

Being a DJ you would far less notice the mid range detail being lost in a live performance. I think the issue hear is the 2” Cricket drivers cannot produce the mid frequencies properly. Even the S1PRO has better mids uses the same 2.25” mid high drivers the 812 uses. I think they made a big mistake using 2” drivers! The low frequencies are not passed to the Sub until 200Hz. That’s why it sounds like there is a hole in the response of this speaker. They should have kept the 2.25” driver size and improved the drivers and DSP. Mines going back!launch

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May 5, 2022

@aaadirect100

Just had a demo of boae L1 pro32 \nIn a large stage environment looking to replace my 2 x l1 model 2 with 2 b2s Which I think are brilliant great sound DIDN'T like the sound of the pro 32 especially the sub 2 it sounded dead and muffled it was loud but the more you turn it up the worst it got The line array doesn't sound as good as L1 model 2 OPAZ was spot on \nI'll be keeping my L1 model 2 \nB2s till retirement Me Thinkslaunch

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October 24, 2021

@cduemig1

Ha! I love your comment about the covers. The L1M2’s came with more premium cases. The cases for the top and base are pretty good though where is the pocket for the cables? The Sub2 cover is a joke. The B1 and B2 came with a thicker waterproof cover that though isn’t padded still feels premium.\n\nDefinitely right on the Sub2. It’s not matched well. Some songs it sounds amazing, others it’s muddy and doesn’t sound right. I think part of this is the smaller drivers. The columns don’t get as low as the M2. I think this is so they can get better mixing of two systems and get highs above 16kHz unlike the M2. Unfortunately that means the Sub 2 handles higher frequencies than the B1/B2 had to and is a bigger driver. I’m. It sold on the racetrack either. There is a reason speakers are round. The sub match cable seems to send very little info to the column. \n\nThe app and dsp ability is severely lacking. No parametric eq? No options for one Sub2 vs 2? I know you’re against getting the T4S mixer but I’m sort of ok with it if it fixes the issues. Here’s the thing, the T4S works on the M2 and Pro series and doesn’t have different eq’s for each so it doesn’t change a thing. It gives you a one band parametric eq, but that’s not much. Except a few more outputs and another tone match port it’s the same mixer as the T1. Also none of the Tonematch scenes have been updated in 15 years, they’re the same ones on the T1 mixer I have and very few. Hope you have Taylor guitars and Audix mics.launch

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October 1, 2021

Many commenters call the system overpriced compared to options like the EV Evolve 50/30M, citing costs around $3,000-3,500 per tower plus expensive add-ons, with several saying competitors sound as good or better for less.

@57ebartley

Yup, the new Bose is way overpriced. I still have my old Bose L1 type 2 with B2 and Tone match. But I really didn’t need it very often. So I bought an Evolve 30 m. Came with a nice mixer and it works fine. I only play a couple venues that I need the Bose.launch

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September 18, 2023

@djatrain696

I was in Sweetwater yesterday testing various column array units. For the money, you can do better with other units. The EV Evolve 50 sounds pretty damn good for about half the cost. Add in just about any sub (and I paired it almost everything they had on display) I personally think you come out better. That system is not worth $3200, it's just not.launch

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March 10, 2023

@toneranger

Nice music but it costs 3,500eur here in Europe for 1 (mono) system 7k for 2 and wouldn't last 5 minutes at an Irish wedding, gimme a going nowhere steel pole on a heavy ballast speaker where the guest is gonna feel it the next day if he falls on it, not the speaker, even the bass unit's centre of gravity is way too high. Great for a high end acoustic cafe but far too delicate for Wedding crowds in my humble experience. Keep rockin guys 👍🏻launch

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September 18, 2022

@madness8556

I was ready to splurge on a Bose L1 Pro 16 with T8S tonematch mixer. I went to check it out and loved the Bose sound. However the build quality is very disappointing for such an expensive system. That spacer is a joke, not to mention the wobbly speaker column?! The onboard mixer is crippled with only 2 band eq and 1 reverb preset. I could go on but I spend just a little bit more money on a pair of EV Evolve 30Ms that are fully self contained with vastly superior mixer capabilities and I can even run in stereo! The EV app is fabulous and they look awesome as a stereo pair in white. Bose are rip off merchants as far as I'm concerned. Well done for putting your neck out and telling the truth!launch

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August 24, 2022

Multiple users call the included Sub2 dust cover disappointingly thin and unpadded compared to older Bose models, with cases lacking useful features like cable pockets. Some had to buy third-party covers to compensate.

@702bosslady

Hi Opaz, I'm about 50/50 on your review. $3k is not a lot of money if you're working consistently. On the other hand well... maybe! I agree that the Bass dust cover is just maddening why they skimped on that.. and agree with the controls being on the floor. However, when I bend over to make adjustments the on lookers get a free peep show *-* LOL No.. it's not good at all! Otherwise, I think you're complaints are a little much and I have to offer you a bit of cheese with your whine! At the end of the day the question becomes are you selling a sound system or your talent? You can't degrade or promote a sys because of the cost. C'mon man, to each his/her own. If one guy buys a Chevy, the other buys a Bently well big deal both will arrive at the gig one just in higher style.. I have all of the bose models. The ease of hauling, weight, setup /teardown time and OVERALL AWESOME QUALITY is worth the $$3500 each!!! and YES I will buy again. I'd just say, make sure you put as much emphasis on your talent as you did splitting Bose hairs.launch

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October 24, 2022

@madness8556

I was ready to splurge on a Bose L1 Pro 16 with T8S tonematch mixer. I went to check it out and loved the Bose sound. However the build quality is very disappointing for such an expensive system. That spacer is a joke, not to mention the wobbly speaker column?! The onboard mixer is crippled with only 2 band eq and 1 reverb preset. I could go on but I spend just a little bit more money on a pair of EV Evolve 30Ms that are fully self contained with vastly superior mixer capabilities and I can even run in stereo! The EV app is fabulous and they look awesome as a stereo pair in white. Bose are rip off merchants as far as I'm concerned. Well done for putting your neck out and telling the truth!launch

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August 24, 2022

@toddmoore9138

I'm in a guitar/drums/bass/keys looping duo (rock and pop music) and I had a Bose F1/812 system up until about a month ago. I switched to a pair of L1 Pro32's and Sub1's, and I couldn't be more happy. I run the columns in stereo, and the subs stacked in mono, and this setup seems to be a perfect frequency match between lows and highs. I use the 'live' EQ setting, and I roll the hi EQ down one notch on the line input. I get punchy snares and kicks, and nicely rounded bass guitar. It's a much better system for what we do than the F1/812's mostly because of the way it fills the rooms we play. There's something about the columns that allow the music to be the same volume everywhere in the club, from one foot away to 30 feet away. The mix of frequencies stays the same as well. We set the system up behind us now, which allows us to hear in detail exactly what everyone else in the venue is hearing. I don't need my IEM's any longer, which is a sweet and welcomed change putting me much more in the room. When we used them in a place we play quite often for the first time, the staff was quick to point out what a sonic improvement there was. According to the specs, the L1 32 pro has the same SPL at 13ft as the F1/812, and less dB loss at 33 ft. It used to take four trips to get the F1/812 into the club, and now it's two, 90lbs less weight.\n\nOpaz, there are some good points in your video. Like the mixer on the floor really worries me. It does look like a pan for dirt and water to form. And 3000 dollars each was a huge investment to swallow for something that doesn't look like 3000 dollars worth of stuff. That sub cover too.... disappointing. However, with Bose, you're paying for R&D as well as the product. Sure, we can say that Behringer has a much cheaper version of this style of PA, but of course they do. Bose did all the work...launch

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January 22, 2022

@cduemig1

Ha! I love your comment about the covers. The L1M2’s came with more premium cases. The cases for the top and base are pretty good though where is the pocket for the cables? The Sub2 cover is a joke. The B1 and B2 came with a thicker waterproof cover that though isn’t padded still feels premium.\n\nDefinitely right on the Sub2. It’s not matched well. Some songs it sounds amazing, others it’s muddy and doesn’t sound right. I think part of this is the smaller drivers. The columns don’t get as low as the M2. I think this is so they can get better mixing of two systems and get highs above 16kHz unlike the M2. Unfortunately that means the Sub 2 handles higher frequencies than the B1/B2 had to and is a bigger driver. I’m. It sold on the racetrack either. There is a reason speakers are round. The sub match cable seems to send very little info to the column. \n\nThe app and dsp ability is severely lacking. No parametric eq? No options for one Sub2 vs 2? I know you’re against getting the T4S mixer but I’m sort of ok with it if it fixes the issues. Here’s the thing, the T4S works on the M2 and Pro series and doesn’t have different eq’s for each so it doesn’t change a thing. It gives you a one band parametric eq, but that’s not much. Except a few more outputs and another tone match port it’s the same mixer as the T1. Also none of the Tonematch scenes have been updated in 15 years, they’re the same ones on the T1 mixer I have and very few. Hope you have Taylor guitars and Audix mics.launch

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October 1, 2021

Several reviewers describe the column as prone to wobbling when touched, especially concerning in crowded or drunken venues, with a smaller footprint than the older L1 Model 2 raising toppling concerns.

@toneranger

Nice music but it costs 3,500eur here in Europe for 1 (mono) system 7k for 2 and wouldn't last 5 minutes at an Irish wedding, gimme a going nowhere steel pole on a heavy ballast speaker where the guest is gonna feel it the next day if he falls on it, not the speaker, even the bass unit's centre of gravity is way too high. Great for a high end acoustic cafe but far too delicate for Wedding crowds in my humble experience. Keep rockin guys 👍🏻launch

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September 18, 2022

@madness8556

I was ready to splurge on a Bose L1 Pro 16 with T8S tonematch mixer. I went to check it out and loved the Bose sound. However the build quality is very disappointing for such an expensive system. That spacer is a joke, not to mention the wobbly speaker column?! The onboard mixer is crippled with only 2 band eq and 1 reverb preset. I could go on but I spend just a little bit more money on a pair of EV Evolve 30Ms that are fully self contained with vastly superior mixer capabilities and I can even run in stereo! The EV app is fabulous and they look awesome as a stereo pair in white. Bose are rip off merchants as far as I'm concerned. Well done for putting your neck out and telling the truth!launch

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August 24, 2022

@sheilaearl9479

I gather from most comments people seem to be DJs. I bought this from a singer and a 5 piece band perspective. I have used and heard many PAs. This one is good, lots of volume and clarity. Glad I bought the Tonematch along with it as amazing. \nOnly negatives for me is the vulnerability of the design in wild drunken venues as the column wobbles when touched and the floor panel is easily splashed at floor level with drinks. \nIf a sensible crowd and nice wedding and events this piece of equipment is brilliant as light weight and sounds amazing.launch

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October 10, 2021

@snakehips81

I am used to my L1mk2 with fold-out legs formaximum stability.\nThe base of this new L1 Pro looks like the \"footprint\" is smaller - and thus could topple over easier.\nHow big is the footprint, compared to the L1mk2 ?\nHow tall is the speaker tower ? Is it the same as previous L1's, or taller ?\nV. interested in it. I already have two B1's and a T1 Tonematch, plus bought a T8S about 2 years back, for more channels.\nWill the B1's work with this, or would I need to buy new bass speakers ?\nThanks !launch

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October 27, 2020

Users describe the built-in mixer and app as basic, lacking parametric EQ or meaningful adjustment options, often requiring purchase of an additional Tonematch mixer for hundreds more to unlock better control.

@TMCremixes

I was thinking about buying one, however:\n\n- The height is an issue.\n- FX are super limited unless you buy the extra tonematch, for hundreds extra.\n- Bags cases need to be bought seperately. You'd think for 3000 they'd include those. Sloppy really.\n- I don't mind the price, but I do mind all the stuff you need to buy separately for it to work properly for what you need it for.launch

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January 14, 2023

@madness8556

I was ready to splurge on a Bose L1 Pro 16 with T8S tonematch mixer. I went to check it out and loved the Bose sound. However the build quality is very disappointing for such an expensive system. That spacer is a joke, not to mention the wobbly speaker column?! The onboard mixer is crippled with only 2 band eq and 1 reverb preset. I could go on but I spend just a little bit more money on a pair of EV Evolve 30Ms that are fully self contained with vastly superior mixer capabilities and I can even run in stereo! The EV app is fabulous and they look awesome as a stereo pair in white. Bose are rip off merchants as far as I'm concerned. Well done for putting your neck out and telling the truth!launch

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August 24, 2022

@jamband4230

Your 100% about all of this! The bottom column is shooting at people’s knees and feet. They aren’t laying down on the dance floor listening to music. It’s completely usless. Their mid and high frequency’s their absolutely 100% directional. And on this unit their usless! And imagine how much dust dirt and grit gets into your inputs durring a show. Bose dosent even offer any kind of cover as an add on for the base of those things. So unless you have something plugged into each socket your getting crumbs and liquid and sand and dirt inside your input jacks at every event. And the subwoofer uses a $100 dollar proprietary cable and if you wanna add a second sub you have to add another cable. For the 6k your spending on this you could have a whole dj setup with double 18’s 2 12” tops and amps to power them and it will be 10 times louder 10times clearer and if a cable get messed up you can goto any store and replace it for $15-$20 not $100 from a specialty store that carries Bose. What if you break that cable on your way to the gig? You have to find a proprietary cable same day. You can’t wait for shipping. Your completely outta luck and $100 and who puts power cables in the bottom of a unit? Just waiting for someone to place a drink down and kick it over and short out your whole system. And not just a power conditioner your actual pa. The design of this unit is totaly flawed in every way. It’s like someone who’s never dj’d a party came up with this and had no idea what environment it was going to go into. This isn’t pro audio this is home audio with a pro audio look. And it’s not scalable. Not easily and definitely not cheaply. When you buy pro audio you should buy with the idea of it growing with your company and it should easily intergrate with other products. And the app it comes with is so simplistic you can’t even adjust the equalization on the unit. Just bass and treble control. That’s it. And that’s why your complaining about not hearing the midrange because you have no control over the midrange It’s Bose’s way or the highway. And that just dosent work when you have to bring the system from one venue to the next everyday. Like I said this is home audio with a pro audio sticker on the front. And for this price you paid about $4000 for the name Bose. You could’ve bought a stencil and can of paint for $15 and hade that Bose name on more universal gear that sounds at least the same if not betterlaunch

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October 23, 2021

@cduemig1

Ha! I love your comment about the covers. The L1M2’s came with more premium cases. The cases for the top and base are pretty good though where is the pocket for the cables? The Sub2 cover is a joke. The B1 and B2 came with a thicker waterproof cover that though isn’t padded still feels premium.\n\nDefinitely right on the Sub2. It’s not matched well. Some songs it sounds amazing, others it’s muddy and doesn’t sound right. I think part of this is the smaller drivers. The columns don’t get as low as the M2. I think this is so they can get better mixing of two systems and get highs above 16kHz unlike the M2. Unfortunately that means the Sub 2 handles higher frequencies than the B1/B2 had to and is a bigger driver. I’m. It sold on the racetrack either. There is a reason speakers are round. The sub match cable seems to send very little info to the column. \n\nThe app and dsp ability is severely lacking. No parametric eq? No options for one Sub2 vs 2? I know you’re against getting the T4S mixer but I’m sort of ok with it if it fixes the issues. Here’s the thing, the T4S works on the M2 and Pro series and doesn’t have different eq’s for each so it doesn’t change a thing. It gives you a one band parametric eq, but that’s not much. Except a few more outputs and another tone match port it’s the same mixer as the T1. Also none of the Tonematch scenes have been updated in 15 years, they’re the same ones on the T1 mixer I have and very few. Hope you have Taylor guitars and Audix mics.launch

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October 1, 2021

Commenters criticize the base-mounted mixer and input jacks for being vulnerable to spilled drinks, dust, and dirt at floor level, with no available protective cover, and note the awkwardness of bending down to adjust controls mid-gig.

@702bosslady

Hi Opaz, I'm about 50/50 on your review. $3k is not a lot of money if you're working consistently. On the other hand well... maybe! I agree that the Bass dust cover is just maddening why they skimped on that.. and agree with the controls being on the floor. However, when I bend over to make adjustments the on lookers get a free peep show *-* LOL No.. it's not good at all! Otherwise, I think you're complaints are a little much and I have to offer you a bit of cheese with your whine! At the end of the day the question becomes are you selling a sound system or your talent? You can't degrade or promote a sys because of the cost. C'mon man, to each his/her own. If one guy buys a Chevy, the other buys a Bently well big deal both will arrive at the gig one just in higher style.. I have all of the bose models. The ease of hauling, weight, setup /teardown time and OVERALL AWESOME QUALITY is worth the $$3500 each!!! and YES I will buy again. I'd just say, make sure you put as much emphasis on your talent as you did splitting Bose hairs.launch

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October 24, 2022

@jamband4230

Your 100% about all of this! The bottom column is shooting at people’s knees and feet. They aren’t laying down on the dance floor listening to music. It’s completely usless. Their mid and high frequency’s their absolutely 100% directional. And on this unit their usless! And imagine how much dust dirt and grit gets into your inputs durring a show. Bose dosent even offer any kind of cover as an add on for the base of those things. So unless you have something plugged into each socket your getting crumbs and liquid and sand and dirt inside your input jacks at every event. And the subwoofer uses a $100 dollar proprietary cable and if you wanna add a second sub you have to add another cable. For the 6k your spending on this you could have a whole dj setup with double 18’s 2 12” tops and amps to power them and it will be 10 times louder 10times clearer and if a cable get messed up you can goto any store and replace it for $15-$20 not $100 from a specialty store that carries Bose. What if you break that cable on your way to the gig? You have to find a proprietary cable same day. You can’t wait for shipping. Your completely outta luck and $100 and who puts power cables in the bottom of a unit? Just waiting for someone to place a drink down and kick it over and short out your whole system. And not just a power conditioner your actual pa. The design of this unit is totaly flawed in every way. It’s like someone who’s never dj’d a party came up with this and had no idea what environment it was going to go into. This isn’t pro audio this is home audio with a pro audio look. And it’s not scalable. Not easily and definitely not cheaply. When you buy pro audio you should buy with the idea of it growing with your company and it should easily intergrate with other products. And the app it comes with is so simplistic you can’t even adjust the equalization on the unit. Just bass and treble control. That’s it. And that’s why your complaining about not hearing the midrange because you have no control over the midrange It’s Bose’s way or the highway. And that just dosent work when you have to bring the system from one venue to the next everyday. Like I said this is home audio with a pro audio sticker on the front. And for this price you paid about $4000 for the name Bose. You could’ve bought a stencil and can of paint for $15 and hade that Bose name on more universal gear that sounds at least the same if not betterlaunch

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October 23, 2021

@sheilaearl9479

I gather from most comments people seem to be DJs. I bought this from a singer and a 5 piece band perspective. I have used and heard many PAs. This one is good, lots of volume and clarity. Glad I bought the Tonematch along with it as amazing. \nOnly negatives for me is the vulnerability of the design in wild drunken venues as the column wobbles when touched and the floor panel is easily splashed at floor level with drinks. \nIf a sensible crowd and nice wedding and events this piece of equipment is brilliant as light weight and sounds amazing.launch

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October 10, 2021

Reviewers flag the sub connector cable as costly and proprietary, making replacement difficult and expensive if damaged or lost before a gig, unlike standard cables available at any store.

@jamband4230

Your 100% about all of this! The bottom column is shooting at people’s knees and feet. They aren’t laying down on the dance floor listening to music. It’s completely usless. Their mid and high frequency’s their absolutely 100% directional. And on this unit their usless! And imagine how much dust dirt and grit gets into your inputs durring a show. Bose dosent even offer any kind of cover as an add on for the base of those things. So unless you have something plugged into each socket your getting crumbs and liquid and sand and dirt inside your input jacks at every event. And the subwoofer uses a $100 dollar proprietary cable and if you wanna add a second sub you have to add another cable. For the 6k your spending on this you could have a whole dj setup with double 18’s 2 12” tops and amps to power them and it will be 10 times louder 10times clearer and if a cable get messed up you can goto any store and replace it for $15-$20 not $100 from a specialty store that carries Bose. What if you break that cable on your way to the gig? You have to find a proprietary cable same day. You can’t wait for shipping. Your completely outta luck and $100 and who puts power cables in the bottom of a unit? Just waiting for someone to place a drink down and kick it over and short out your whole system. And not just a power conditioner your actual pa. The design of this unit is totaly flawed in every way. It’s like someone who’s never dj’d a party came up with this and had no idea what environment it was going to go into. This isn’t pro audio this is home audio with a pro audio look. And it’s not scalable. Not easily and definitely not cheaply. When you buy pro audio you should buy with the idea of it growing with your company and it should easily intergrate with other products. And the app it comes with is so simplistic you can’t even adjust the equalization on the unit. Just bass and treble control. That’s it. And that’s why your complaining about not hearing the midrange because you have no control over the midrange It’s Bose’s way or the highway. And that just dosent work when you have to bring the system from one venue to the next everyday. Like I said this is home audio with a pro audio sticker on the front. And for this price you paid about $4000 for the name Bose. You could’ve bought a stencil and can of paint for $15 and hade that Bose name on more universal gear that sounds at least the same if not betterlaunch

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October 23, 2021

@cduemig1

Ha! I love your comment about the covers. The L1M2’s came with more premium cases. The cases for the top and base are pretty good though where is the pocket for the cables? The Sub2 cover is a joke. The B1 and B2 came with a thicker waterproof cover that though isn’t padded still feels premium.\n\nDefinitely right on the Sub2. It’s not matched well. Some songs it sounds amazing, others it’s muddy and doesn’t sound right. I think part of this is the smaller drivers. The columns don’t get as low as the M2. I think this is so they can get better mixing of two systems and get highs above 16kHz unlike the M2. Unfortunately that means the Sub 2 handles higher frequencies than the B1/B2 had to and is a bigger driver. I’m. It sold on the racetrack either. There is a reason speakers are round. The sub match cable seems to send very little info to the column. \n\nThe app and dsp ability is severely lacking. No parametric eq? No options for one Sub2 vs 2? I know you’re against getting the T4S mixer but I’m sort of ok with it if it fixes the issues. Here’s the thing, the T4S works on the M2 and Pro series and doesn’t have different eq’s for each so it doesn’t change a thing. It gives you a one band parametric eq, but that’s not much. Except a few more outputs and another tone match port it’s the same mixer as the T1. Also none of the Tonematch scenes have been updated in 15 years, they’re the same ones on the T1 mixer I have and very few. Hope you have Taylor guitars and Audix mics.launch

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October 1, 2021

At least one band reports being unable to exceed about 98dB before feedback issues arise, finding the system worthless for full-band use compared to a conventional Mackie setup with more headroom.

@geoffcowan2384

This system is not built for bands. We have the L1 Pro32 with two Sub2s and no matter what we do we cannot get more than 98 db at mix position, and that is with feedback knocking at the door the whole time. Same rooms, same instruments and musicians with our old Mackie system, we had all the volume we needed with plenty of headroom and zero feedback. We have the Bose maxed out and still can't get enough volume to compete with lightly struck cymbals. Can't hear the subs doing much of anything. Maybe if you had electronic drums and ran all the instruments direct you could make this work, but honestly it is worthless for us. This system is exclusively for DJs, public speaking and one or two instruments and singers. DO NOT buy this thinking it will work with a full band. We are stuck with it for now, so we will continue to adjust controls and speaker placement, but I don't have much hope.launch

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June 20, 2022