Opens in a new window
Bose Professional Products L1 Compact (Portable Line Array)
Additional Photos:
This product is no longer available.
Introducing the L1 Compact portable line array system. Carry it in one trip. Set it up in one minute. Fill the room with Bose sound.
The L1 Compact system combines conventional PA and monitors into one sleek unit. Positioned behind or to the side of a performer, DJ or presenter, it delivers wide, even sound coverage throughout the stage area and audience, even off to the extreme sides. It's Bose's smallest, lightest, easiest-to-set-up L1 system, weighing just 29 pounds.
Now you can have quality Bose sound for almost any gig, event or occasion. The L1 Compact system is small enough to fit in your boot or back seat, and its innovative modular design makes setup easy and fast. You can arrange it in either a collapsed configuration for smaller spaces or a taller, extended configuration for larger ones. No extra gear to haul. No heavy speakers to hoist onto stands. No speaker cables.
Features:
• Spatial Dispersion loudspeaker technology features six small drivers mounted at precise angles inside a slim, vertical enclosure. This proprietary Bose technology delivers nearly 180 degrees of horizontal sound coverage. Sound remains consistent even at extreme sides of the system.
• Integrated mixer in the power stand provides one microphone XLR input on channel 1; channel 2 has one instrument input, one RCA stereo input and one 0.31 cm stereo input. Both channels have two-stage clip lights, volume controls and a customised ToneMatch preset. Rear panel has one 0.63 cm balanced line output and one RCA stereo output.
• Integrated power amplifier in the power stand delivers clean, precise amplification for L1 Compact loudspeaker and bass enclosure.
• PA and monitors are combined into one lightweight, highly portable system. Proprietary Bose technology enables the system to be positioned directly behind or to the side of a performer, eliminating the need for separate PA speakers, stage monitors and mixers.
• Proprietary ToneMatch presets optimise the L1 Compact system for a dynamic hand-held microphone (channel 1) or acoustic guitar (channel 2).
• Two unique setup positions, extended (199.39 cm) and collapsed (41.91 cm), let you tailor the system's sound coverage for the room or event. For larger audiences, use the included loudspeaker extensions to elevate the array. For smaller gatherings and meetings, leave the array in its slot on the power stand and place the system on a tabletop.
• Durable, lightweight, interlocking components make the system very easy to transport, set up and break down. The power stand weighs just 11.33 kg, and the total system with loudspeaker and extensions weighs 13.15 kg. No speaker cables, stands or bass modules required. The entire system can be set up in a minute or less.
• Two ToneMatch channels with fixed presets for a handheld microphone and an acoustic guitar
• Integrated bass speaker in power stand
• Two setup positions: collapsed for smaller spaces or extended for larger ones
• Ideal for musical performances, mobile DJs, classrooms, business presentations and other events
Specs:
Dimensions/weight:
• L1 Compact power stand w/loudspeaker array: 41.8 cm H x 33.9 cm W x 42.6 cm D (11.2 kg)
• L1 Compact loudspeaker array: 40.8 cm H x 7 cm W x 7 cm D (1.35 kg)
• Each L1 Compact extension: 83 cm H x 7 cm W x 7 cm D (1.5 kg)
• Collapsed position (assembled): 41.8 cm H x 33.9 cm W x 42.6 cm D (11.2 kg)
• Extended position (assembled): 199.5 cm H x 33.9 cm W x 42.6 cm D (13.3 kg)
In the box:
L1 Compact power stand
Power stand/loudspeaker array slip cover
L1 Compact loudspeaker array
L1 Compact extensions
Power stand cable
Extensions carrying bag
The L1 Compact system combines conventional PA and monitors into one sleek unit. Positioned behind or to the side of a performer, DJ or presenter, it delivers wide, even sound coverage throughout the stage area and audience, even off to the extreme sides. It's Bose's smallest, lightest, easiest-to-set-up L1 system, weighing just 29 pounds.
Now you can have quality Bose sound for almost any gig, event or occasion. The L1 Compact system is small enough to fit in your boot or back seat, and its innovative modular design makes setup easy and fast. You can arrange it in either a collapsed configuration for smaller spaces or a taller, extended configuration for larger ones. No extra gear to haul. No heavy speakers to hoist onto stands. No speaker cables.
Features:
• Spatial Dispersion loudspeaker technology features six small drivers mounted at precise angles inside a slim, vertical enclosure. This proprietary Bose technology delivers nearly 180 degrees of horizontal sound coverage. Sound remains consistent even at extreme sides of the system.
• Integrated mixer in the power stand provides one microphone XLR input on channel 1; channel 2 has one instrument input, one RCA stereo input and one 0.31 cm stereo input. Both channels have two-stage clip lights, volume controls and a customised ToneMatch preset. Rear panel has one 0.63 cm balanced line output and one RCA stereo output.
• Integrated power amplifier in the power stand delivers clean, precise amplification for L1 Compact loudspeaker and bass enclosure.
• PA and monitors are combined into one lightweight, highly portable system. Proprietary Bose technology enables the system to be positioned directly behind or to the side of a performer, eliminating the need for separate PA speakers, stage monitors and mixers.
• Proprietary ToneMatch presets optimise the L1 Compact system for a dynamic hand-held microphone (channel 1) or acoustic guitar (channel 2).
• Two unique setup positions, extended (199.39 cm) and collapsed (41.91 cm), let you tailor the system's sound coverage for the room or event. For larger audiences, use the included loudspeaker extensions to elevate the array. For smaller gatherings and meetings, leave the array in its slot on the power stand and place the system on a tabletop.
• Durable, lightweight, interlocking components make the system very easy to transport, set up and break down. The power stand weighs just 11.33 kg, and the total system with loudspeaker and extensions weighs 13.15 kg. No speaker cables, stands or bass modules required. The entire system can be set up in a minute or less.
• Two ToneMatch channels with fixed presets for a handheld microphone and an acoustic guitar
• Integrated bass speaker in power stand
• Two setup positions: collapsed for smaller spaces or extended for larger ones
• Ideal for musical performances, mobile DJs, classrooms, business presentations and other events
Specs:
Dimensions/weight:
• L1 Compact power stand w/loudspeaker array: 41.8 cm H x 33.9 cm W x 42.6 cm D (11.2 kg)
• L1 Compact loudspeaker array: 40.8 cm H x 7 cm W x 7 cm D (1.35 kg)
• Each L1 Compact extension: 83 cm H x 7 cm W x 7 cm D (1.5 kg)
• Collapsed position (assembled): 41.8 cm H x 33.9 cm W x 42.6 cm D (11.2 kg)
• Extended position (assembled): 199.5 cm H x 33.9 cm W x 42.6 cm D (13.3 kg)
In the box:
L1 Compact power stand
Power stand/loudspeaker array slip cover
L1 Compact loudspeaker array
L1 Compact extensions
Power stand cable
Extensions carrying bag
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
3.144.28.161
Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; [email protected])
Great sound , so easy to carry around 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store St. Catharines, Ontario
For years I would cart around Peavey speakers and stands there was always multiple trips back and forth to get set up .
This Bose system is lightweight easy to set up and the sound is incredible. If you are a solo artist that just has a guitar or piano and you sing there are 2 inputs. I myself have a small mixer which I attach to my mic stand and run my various pedals etc. Through.
I usually play small venues both indoors and out and there is plenty of power to project into the crowd.
The woofer at the bottom of the stand provides wonderful tones and as I said before the sound is incredible.
Posted by Ron McEwan on Apr 26, 2024
Better than I anticipated 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Hamilton, Ontario
As these are now discontinued, I got one on sale and once set up properly with a decent mixer, I was really surprised how great it sounds.
Won't be enough for any room over say a hundred people or so, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick up another for the occasions I have that need to fill a bigger room.
For light band use, corporate audio/video stuff this can't be beat. I can carry my whole PA into the room in one trip!
Posted by Joe on Mar 11, 2022
Sweet 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Cambridge, Ontario
I've used my two L1's in venues that seat 100 people (Legions etc) with a full band mixed through a simple analog board and a sub. They work and sound great. Bigger venues I just turn them around and use as monitors and use other speakers up front.
Posted by Jamie Riley on Jan 13, 2022
Money Well Spent! 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Saint John, New Brunswick
I’d had the opportunity to use an L1 before I purchased. A pub I play uses one as their house system.
I opted to buy a T1 Tonematch to expand the effects and inputs and that took an already amazing unit and added a huge tonal pallet!
I’d recommend the L1 Compact for any Single act, Duo or even a laid back Jazz trio!
Awesome sound coverage and quality. A little pricier but worth it in my opinion!
Posted by Bill on Jun 9, 2020
Money well spent! 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Saint John, New Brunswick
I have a single act and play pubs locally. I had the benefit of trying this system out at a local venue who uses one as their house PA. I opted to buy a used T1 Tonematch mixer to go along with it and it added an amazing tonal pallet to an already great system, not to mention all the extra inputs!
Well balanced, rich sound and plenty of volume for any room I’ve played!
I wouldn’t take it to a full band gig as it’s not meant for that but for a single, duo or even a laid back jazz trio, this is ideal! Sets up in one minute and you can walk into the gig with your guitar in one hand and PA in the other!
They do run a bit higher in price but in my opinion, they also run a bit higher in quality, convenience and sound!
Posted by Bill on May 2, 2020
Money well spent! 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Saint John, New Brunswick
I have a single act and was looking to upgrade my PA to something a little more portable. I had the advantage of playing through an L1 Compact before I purchased. A good sized local pub I play, uses one as their house system. Even with a full house, I found I had plenty of sound coverage with room on the dial to spare!
I opted to order a T1 Tonematch mixer to go with it and it took an already great system up a huge notch with a wide pallet of artfully balanced effects and multiple inputs. It sets up in under a minute and you can walk into the gig with your guitar in one hand and PA in the other! For a single act or duo or even a chill jazz trio this system has everything you’ll need for small to medium sized venues!
Posted by Bill on Apr 18, 2020
Super PA 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Regina, Saskatchewan
Got one from our local store 2 years ago and still loving every bit of sound it produce. I also own a tone-match engine and really works well with this one. Only one mic input that's why I decided to get the T1 mixer. Very quick setup and tear down. Highly recommended!
Posted by Travx on Apr 3, 2020
Just plug and play! 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Hamilton, Ontario
Did my first solo acoustic gig a couple weeks ago for about 20+ people nd the sound was perfect! Had the mic and guitar volume at mid and no problem. Any guitar sounds amazing through this, my 114 e something sounded so clean and great sound on mids as well. Also had a tc helicon play gxt for harmonies and it sounded full and not artificial. Looks and sounds professional! Got another gig because of how great it sounded.
Posted by Anthony on Mar 18, 2020
Studio quality sound 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Hamilton, Ontario
We use two for playing to a crowd of 80 people. All vintage country with a four piece band all going through a board into the system. Two of these sound so good we bought one more for bigger venues (very easy to link together). Zero troubles and very easy set-up. The staff at Hamilton set one up for us to try. Can't say enough good things about the service I receive every time I go there.
Posted by Scott Edwards on Feb 25, 2020
Beats everything in its class! 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Saint John, New Brunswick
Frank from Cambridge who wasn't "as impressed as everyone else" because they don't cut it for his rock band is kind of missing the point. THAT is not what the L1 Compact is for! He might as well be saying "I'm not impressed with the sound I get from this accordion in my metal band." For a single or duo playing small to medium sized venues, one or two of these is all you need... and that includes not needing monitors. I play electric guitar in a duo with the bass player in my band and we loop drums from a percussion pad, so a full band sound. The bass player owns two of these. Between us, we own enough PA to fill an arena, but 2 of these is all we ever need for any room we play. When we play with our full band, we use a different system because these are not designed for that. You're bringing a knife to a gunfight, Frank!
Posted by Gary on Feb 22, 2020
Great Sound 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Nanaimo, British Columbia
I've done hundreds of gigs. No problem s ever. You can beat this workhorse for sound an reliability.
Posted by Cliff on Feb 19, 2020
Just crazy versatile 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Victoria, British Columbia
The outstanding staff in Victoria helped me find a used unit I could afford and I can't thank them enough. I gig local smaller pubs and such as well as use it for home writing/practice etc...and band/duo rehearsal. Right there that is three different applications/situations that it works for. I do not need or want sub bass sound so this is ideal if you are in the same boat. The small footprint puts it over the top.
In a nut shell, it's light, small, versatile and sounds fantastic. While the price for a brand new one is typical Bose, the fact that this thing covers SO much ground and fits in a trunk makes it fantastic value.
Posted by Mike on Feb 3, 2020
Versatile and Fantastic! 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Victoria, British Columbia
I have had the Bose L1 Compact for approximately 8 years now. It has been used for many different venues, events. I have hosted Karaoke events plugging everything including a 4 channel mixing board into the Bose and have had great sound for an area approximately 800 SF plus stage area. Also use it with our rock band for all the vocalists through a mixing board. Have lent it out for community events. It is so compact that I hoisted it into a Hockey bag and brought it to Europe for 8 months using it to play at various pubs and gigs. While there is nothing wrong with this, I am interested in finding out if an upgrade to the professional series would make much of a difference. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Bose L1 Compact!!
Posted by Anita on Jan 25, 2019
Bose L-1 Rocks 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Markham, Ontario
This set up has never disappointed....I am a solo guitar player and singer and wow this set up is perfect for every club I have played...
Cuts a large deck outside fine also!
Added the T1 tonematch and GOLDEN results!
Thanks Bose!!!! Also Bose's support and help has been the pinnacle of customer service at it's best!
Posted by Tim Fitzpatrick on Feb 28, 2018
Not as impressed as everyone else 6 of 13 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I've tried it
Closest Store Cambridge, Ontario
I occasionally work with a band that uses 2 of these units including the bass units along with an outboard mixer and a standalone monitor system. They play a middle of the road mix of material for clubs and dances. If you are used to lugging a huge PA with bins and the whole nine yards, this will likely leave you wanting. The sound quality is very clean, maybe too clean for rock. And there is no argument as to the portability and convenience. BUT they are expensive and for the price there is other gear out there that sounds just as good that will give you the familiar wallop and fill that these just can't deliver. This is perfectly suited for duo's or laid back trios but don't think you are going to show up at your local rock bar with these and cut it. Just my opinion....
Posted by Frank on Nov 26, 2017
Bose L1 compact 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Surrey, British Columbia
Good system, quick setup and tear down. works great for small to medium events.
I play solo with acoustic or electric guitar and I either use backing tracks or without, I also sing.
It can be used with any external mixer or without.
It's surprising how loud this system can get, don't let it's size fool you.
Posted by Ronald Ulrich on Jul 31, 2017
BOSE L1 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Kanata, Ontario
Amazing!!! All praises from Audiences. Makes me sound like a true professional musician !
Posted by chris on May 26, 2017
bose L1 compact 0 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Vancouver, British Columbia
Posted by mattfromvancouver on Oct 19, 2016
bose L1 compact 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store White Rock, British Columbia
Picked one of these up from your Delta store, the service was great! Im happy with my purchase, thanks Steve
Posted by mattfromvancouver on Oct 17, 2016
bose L1 compact 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store White Rock, British Columbia
Picked one of these up from the Delta store, service was great! Happy with my purchase. Thanks Steve
Posted by matt on Oct 16, 2016
Don't even hesitate. 5 of 6 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Vancouver, British Columbia
The L1 Compact is a modern miracle of engineering. In small venues, using the T1 ToneMatch the whole band (Acoustic Guitar / Bass / Vocals) runs through the Bose. The positive response from the audience has been overwhelming. The dispersion truly is 180 degrees, and clear as a bell front to back. You hear what the audience hears, which really helps dial in the whole band. I hesitated to buy the ToneMatch, but in the end decided to try it. Wow easy to set up. Great sound. Lots of options, without being overwhelmed with the setup. If you are in any doubt, just go out to a gig and listen to it. You’ll be sold.
Posted by Richard Fry on Apr 6, 2015
G-r-r-r-r-r-r-eat 5 of 5 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
Have a little trio (sax/keys/drums - throw in a guitar from time to time to make it 4). Play all kinds of venues from cocktail parties, country clubs and dining rooms to banquet halls. Used Bose 802-IIs with big Crown power and Mackie board for years. Then I decided I'm not carrying this any more. Went with the Compacts and Allen and Heath board - just great, no problem. Handles vocals, sax and keys for small rooms and 500 body weddings. Hides well. Sounds great and travels REAL easy. Try 'em - you'll like 'em.
Posted by Mr Frank on Sep 23, 2014
Best stereo keyboard amp yet 7 of 7 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
Have auditioned lots of keyboard amps. Finally tried a bose L1. A single unit may work for some, but a pair of compacts provides a huge stereo sound and is the best sound I've heard. Their industrial design put them in a league of their own. They are expensive, but they're worth it. Having bought a pair I was able to detect a difference between the two. Bose tech line is excellent. L&M's service is stellar. I returned the unit for an exchange. Depending on your needs you may be able to get away without a mixer.....but if you also sing or have any fx devices for voice or keys, a small mixer will be a handy addition. A single unit sparkles for acoustic guitar/ vocalist. But if your keyboard has stereo samples and you're wishing your mono amp could sound even adequate.....buy a pair of L1 compacts and you're sound will inspire you as a player.
Posted by L.G. Biemann on May 26, 2014
Great rig for an acoustic solo or duo. 3 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I've tried it
Closest Store St. Catharines, Ontario
I sing and play acoustic guitar and lugging around a full PA system for a solo gig is a drag. I rented the Bose L1 Compact for a week to see if I liked it enough to buy one.
After a two minute setup and five minutes of use I was sold on it. I'm putting on an order with L&M today.
I used the L1 at a medium-sized local restaurant/bar and it was amazing and impressed everyone, including me. The L1 puts out pristine clear highs and tight bass. There's plenty of headroom and I believe Bose claim that it'll handle venues up to 100 people - and then some I think.
With both array risers in place watch out for feedback, the array is right at mic level. Make sure to keep your mics behind or well away from the array - just like any other PA.
My only complaints is there's no phantom power. There's no reverb either but vocals sound so good I wouldn't want it anyway. I'll get a small mixer like the Alto zmx122fx anyway so it's no biggie.
Posted by Brian on Apr 7, 2014
Best PA I've ever owned! 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Brampton, Ontario
I play mostly solo gigs as a guitarist/vocalist and was getting a little tired of toting all the gear by myself so I bought an L1 Classic first and although it sounded fantastic it was still a bit big and needed the extra bass cabinets to give the full sound. As soon as I heard there was such a thing as the compact I traded my old Classic in on it right away. Way lighter - way easier to set up...I was in heaven. These are made as individual personal systems but I needed to do an outdoor concert and had a keyboard player, drummer and 4 backup vocals so we set up the tent outside and I plugged everything through a mixer into this little Compact. I positioned the Compact at the back of the tent to one side near one of the rear tent poles. It blended in and it looked like we were playing acoustic. It worked fantastic and all afternoon I was being asked where I was hiding the speakers. It was great!
Posted by Downtown Freddy Brown on Mar 19, 2014
more Bose from Tim 1 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Ottawa, Ontario
2 more little rings from Tim about Bose L1's.
1. They are not posts. You cannot allow people to lean on them as they tend to do! That's not generally a problem with 'normal' speakers, but it is with L1's.
2. Many musicians put lights on top of their speakers. Forget it with these - although I had custom made little boxes that fit snuggly over the top (not so as to interfere with the speakers.) ..so I can attach my yellow spotlight.
3. I was playing in a couple of (midi based solo) 'gigs' and this DJ came up to me and started talking about equipment (as that's all they have to talk about) So he was asking me about these Bose things.. Several months later - playing again, he told me about his new BOSE speakers. Then several weeks later, playing again, he comes up yapping about his wonderul compact new subs he purchased. I just said a-ha.
Posted by Tim on Oct 14, 2013
Love it 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store St. Catharines, Ontario
I perform solo, guitar and vocals, and this thing works great. Simple to use, very lightweight, and sounds great. I do not have the tone match system, just the L1 Compact P A. If you have a decent guitar and can sing, this is a great unit. It sounds like me and my guitar, just louder.
Posted by anonymous on Oct 14, 2013
Finally, a decent keyboard amplifier 6 of 6 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I've tried it
Closest Store Calgary Royal Vista, Alberta
Since 1991 I've been struggling to find a decent keyboard amplifier. Repeatedly, I have found that most active systems on the market have fatal flaws in having too much hiss and hum, and simply not allowing the keyboard to sound like an acoustic piano. Call me picky. Today I was at Long and McQuade in their Calgary Northeast store, auditioning various systems against a Yamaha CP5 keyboard, a board which I know from experience to generate excellent piano sounds: I own its little brother, the CP50. I went in today (04 October 2013) thinking that the Traynor K4 keyboard amp--at about $1,000--would do the trick: not even close. While the K4 has reasonably low hiss and hum, the sound quality was not acceptable: the sound was muted, rather like a rubber sheet had been hung over the speakers, or perhaps like an A.M. radio; adjusting the tone controls had little beneficial effect. We switched to other keyboard amps by Yorkville, yet I found the sound to still be unacceptable, but it different ways, which I would generally describe as giving a "boomy" sound: they gave my playing a clownish sound. I found the Roland KC-60 keyboard amp to be no better. I wondered if using a powered PA speaker might give better results. We tried a Yorkville NX-25p I think it was, with no significant improvement. Next was a Line 6 powered PA speaker, and while the quality of the sound was improved somewhat, there was overwhelming hiss and hum from the unit. I was certain it was time to hang up the spurs for the day, when the clever salesfellow queried me as to what I was trying to achieve. I responded that none of the amplifiers we had tried were crafting a sound that sounded reasonably like an acoustic piano. At that moment he suggested the Bose L1 Compact. We pulled the Bose out of the acoustic guitar section of the store (the marketing of these things is around vocals and acoustic guitar), and connected it to the Yamaha CP5. It was like magic. There is very low self-noise in the unit, and the sound is very much like that of an acoustic piano. I found no boominess, and no muffling. The Bose allowed me to immediately truly play the Yamaha CP5 like the marvelous keyboard it is: it felt, responded, behaved, and sounded very nearly like a good acoustic piano. I fell in love with that Bose amplifier and have convinced myself that for about $1,000 it will be my choice. While my initial impression is that the sound available from the Bose L1 Compact isn't as good as the speakers built into the Yamaha Avant Grand N3, that's okay: the N3 is something on the order of $15,000, isn't intended to act as a P.A. system, and weighs several hundred pounds. No contest: for the gigging musician playing smallish venues, a good stage piano matched with the approximately 30 pound Bose L1 Compact has got to be the best option currently available. In its smallest configuration, it'll fit easily underneath my Hercules keyboard stand, and will play quietly in my apartment. I can also play it that way at band practice, and even use it as an instrument monitor during shows. I am looking forward to trying it out in its extended configuration at band practice and during shows.
Posted by Bryon McConnell from A Few Innocent Civilians on Oct 6, 2013
Fab system to use on stage 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I've tried it
Closest Store Scarborough, Ontario
The Bose L1 Compact was well worth it for a gig I did for a crowd of about 300 guests. The sound was perfect, there was no buzz, no feedback (even though the speaker was about 3 feet away from the mics), and the sound clarity and tone were top-notch!!! I'd recommend it to anyone who is in the entertainment business!
Posted by Jay - One Man Big Band on Jun 9, 2013
L1 Compact 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Abbotsford, British Columbia
I use it for everything i do it's a great system to own!!
Posted by Julio Sesa Delmonte Jr 3rd on Mar 14, 2013
Perfect system for the acoustic performer 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store North York (Steeles), Ontario
I waited for a long time to purchase a Bose system, the wait was worth it. The L1 compact for the money is perfect for performing with a microphone and acoustic guitar. I cannot believe the tonematch system, I have 2 acoustic guitars and the Bose sounds different for each of them, adapting to bring out the best sound for each guitar. The depth of the base unit is great for playing drums in the background and for break music in between sets. I would buy this system again in a heart beat and I may buy another to have a left and right system, although that is not needed with the Bose system.
Posted by Hutch on Feb 25, 2013
Bose L1 Compact 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Waterloo, Ontario
I purchased a L1 Compact for work. I teach dance programs in schools throughout Southwestern Ontario and community classes and trainings in the KW-Camb-Guelph-GTA areas. Since the purchase of the Bose system, seven of my co-workers also bought and love their L1. Often Principals in the schools we visit ask where they can buy the L1. Fitness centres and other locations we visit also inquire about the produce all the time. We always direct them to Long & McQuade. We are a L1 Bose advertisement! Should have cut a deal with the company! ;)
Seriously though, this system is not only impressive to look at its quality is outstanding! It comes strongly recommended.
Posted by NIcky on Feb 11, 2013
Great 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Sydney, Nova Scotia
The Bose Compact system is incredible and if light weight and great sound aren't enough, being able to hear exactly what the audience is experiencing is a huge advantage - monitors can be a liability in this regard. Love my Compact!
Posted by anonymous on Feb 11, 2013
Bose L1 Compact 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Ottawa, Ontario
Let me start by saying i walked past these L1 thingy's for a couple of years not knowing exactly what they were. Then one day i got educated...wow...i decided i would purchase either a L1 Compact or the L1 model I (the model II was too much like diving into the deep end). I went back to the store a week later with my guitar and mic and A/B'd the two systems. I decided on the Compact for it's ease of handling and light weight. I'm tired of hauling bins around and a bag of tangled cables. At first i was thinking i should have gone with the larger (louder) model I but now in hindsight i know i made the best choice for me. I have owned the Compact for 2+ years and gig'd with it numerous times. I use a small mixer with it to add a bit of reverb and i can squeeze a bit more volume out of it too. The sound is simply amazing, crystal clear and true reproduction. Sometimes i don't even believe it's me playing!!!If i had a dollar for every compliment i've gotten on the sound, well i'd have two Compacts by now. Bose should be paying me a commision!!! If your a singer/songwriter type, you need this. If your over 40 and get back pain everytime you hear the word gig, you need this. If you just like to jam and own a smart car, you need this. If i lost this Compact i would have to replace it immediately, nothing else could replace it...i love my Compact...Thanks Bose...and thanks Long and Mcquade...
Posted by davejc on Sep 23, 2012
Great PA! 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Regina, Saskatchewan
I have had the L1 compact for almost a year. In that time I have used it for many gigs, big and small. Bose says it is ideal for crowds of up to 100 (I'm not sure how you measure sound in that way), but I have used this in large, loud clubs, big open spaces and it more than keeps up. Vocals are super clear and acoustic guitar sound great. The inputs have built-in tone engine, which means one is eq'ed for vocals and the other can be used either flat or for acoustic. Both channels work really well. Plus, the L1 compact has a both RCA inputs and 1/8th inch (MP3). Did I mention it only takes a minute to set-up and is very light and compact? Pricy, but for what it is nothing can touch it.
Posted by Ryan Hicks on Sep 7, 2012