Bose L1 Pro16 Portable Line Array Speaker System | Better Music

First thing you will Notice is the Sound Quality!!!! I like everything about this Bose L1 Pro16 Compact, Portable Line Array System! There is Only one thing i don't like is the flimsiness of the post of Speakers that mounts to the Subwoofer. That's it! Just that one dislike!!! Other than that! This is Bad Ass Sound for Outdoors, or indoor use with Nice Weather! Just like any other electronic Equipment you have to take precautions where you set up! It's a common sense thing! This Bose System will Not let you down on the sound!!! If you don't use the post of Speakers it comes with then the Bass will only be heard, and it will not sound as good. So, install the Speaker Pole to the Sub, and it sounds Great!!! I bought this System last year in 2021. It met my ... MoreFirst thing you will Notice is the Sound Quality!!!! I like everything about this Bose L1 Pro16 Compact, Portable Line Array System! There is Only one thing i don't like is the flimsiness of the post of Speakers that mounts to the Subwoofer. That's it! Just that one dislike!!! Other than that! This is Bad Ass Sound for Outdoors, or indoor use with Nice Weather! Just like any other electronic Equipment you have to take precautions where you set up! It's a common sense thing! This Bose System will Not let you down on the sound!!! If you don't use the post of Speakers it comes with then the Bass will only be heard, and it will not sound as good. So, install the Speaker Pole to the Sub, and it sounds Great!!! I bought this System last year in 2021. It met my Expectations! The Details of this System is Simple to understand. Easy Set up, and Operation!!! If Sound Quality is your important Feature then this is the one!!!! Pick one up, or buy a Pair!!! You won't be Sorry!

I have been using the L1s for well over a decade, around the building in spaces large and small, and outside for gatherings of all sizes. The brilliance of this speaker in delivering consistent sound to people anywhere in the room is hard to capture in words, other than 'magic'! This new version manages to pack the same robust sound into just 8 speakers, seriously reducing the footprint of the previous model, as well as solving some of my issues with blocking the bottom set of speakers with a chair on the previous model. The wireless capabilities are taking the old remote control onto a new level, and I am very excited about bluetooth addition.

Almost perfect sound system.

I've never liked Bose pro sound systems until this L1 Pro16. To me, they were pricey, heavy, and underpowered the sound didn't have enough high to me (they were all below 16 khz. I think L1 Pro8 and 16 are Bose' game changer now. The sound is much more balance and powerful. As a matter of fact, unless you are a pro DJ and regularly have to place big gigs at big church halls and outdoor, I really think one Bose L1 Pro16 is an overkill for typical home settings. The bass unit is powerful and the functions are adequate assuming most people use mixers anyway. Some users complained about the tower is too wobbly and the high frequency hiss that coming from it. I don't see these problems with my unit, and, I don't care much about those anyway because I modified the L1 ... MoreI've never liked Bose pro sound systems until this L1 Pro16. To me, they were pricey, heavy, and underpowered the sound didn't have enough high to me (they were all below 16 khz. I think L1 Pro8 and 16 are Bose' game changer now. The sound is much more balance and powerful. As a matter of fact, unless you are a pro DJ and regularly have to place big gigs at big church halls and outdoor, I really think one Bose L1 Pro16 is an overkill for typical home settings. The bass unit is powerful and the functions are adequate assuming most people use mixers anyway. Some users complained about the tower is too wobbly and the high frequency hiss that coming from it. I don't see these problems with my unit, and, I don't care much about those anyway because I modified the L1 Pro16 in a way that I can use it with any of my dozen of array speakers that I have. Don't get me wrong, the Bose tower sounds adequate. However, it's just the matter of taste. I like lots of high and treble at times so I have to modify the Bose unit and put the tower speaker away. I would still be happy with it if I had to take the way it is. I have used and heard a few portable Line array systems such as LD systems, EV Evolve, JBL One, and K-Array Redlines. I think Bose L1 Pro16 beats them all for its technology (race track speaker), light weight, look, and sound this time. I like Bose mostly for their subwoofers, not mid and high speakers. If you plan to buy one of these L1 Pro portable speakers, I highly suggest the Pro8. It sounds more than adequate, the bass unit is powerful, has all the function of the L1 Pro16, lighter and the top speaker is not as wobbly as its bigger brother. The best combine system that I love is to combine L1 Pro16 with JBL CBT J70.

Bose L1 Rocks!

I love this kit! The footprint is only as big as the bass unit, so no cumbersome stand-mounted speakers to fiddle with. I like that there are three inputs built in, so you can do more with this version than you could with the previous version without also buying an external mixer.I use this for acoustic guitar and vocals, both of which are first run through a TC Helicon. I know it sounds great that way, but have not yet tested it without the Helicon. With my current kit, I definitely sound better than I really do.For now, this is set up in my dining room, and I'm playing for an imaginary audience. But as soon as I'm up for it, I no longer have the excuse that I don't have the gear to do a proper gig. I have other excuses, but am working on those, too.Down ... MoreI love this kit! The footprint is only as big as the bass unit, so no cumbersome stand-mounted speakers to fiddle with. I like that there are three inputs built in, so you can do more with this version than you could with the previous version without also buying an external mixer.I use this for acoustic guitar and vocals, both of which are first run through a TC Helicon. I know it sounds great that way, but have not yet tested it without the Helicon. With my current kit, I definitely sound better than I really do.For now, this is set up in my dining room, and I'm playing for an imaginary audience. But as soon as I'm up for it, I no longer have the excuse that I don't have the gear to do a proper gig. I have other excuses, but am working on those, too.Down side? The box was mangled pretty badly by the time FedEx made the delivery three days late, but nothing inside was damaged. For $1,800, it would have been nice for Bose to include a cover for the bass unit along with the very nice carrying case that was included for the stick speaker units. Also, I love the bluetooth remote controls that mimic the controls on the back of the bass unit, but it would be nice if there was a master volume control included. As it is, you have to adjust each input separately.

Everything I hoped, and more...!

I have been wanting to put together a single act for awhile, and now with the reduced entertainment budgets and less venues for bands (at least for now), I decided to finally put it all together. I haven't used this in a gig situation yet -- still nailing down the material and the arrangements... But I'm looking forward to getting out there! This is truly pro-level gear!Still early days with the unit, so I can't comment on durability yet. However, with regard to sound quality, it is superb! It makes me sound better than I really am!While shopping for this item, I saw several comments in online reviews about a low-volume (but still perceptible) high frequency buzz coming out of the speakers even when all the channels were muted. Thankfully, this is not the case ... MoreI have been wanting to put together a single act for awhile, and now with the reduced entertainment budgets and less venues for bands (at least for now), I decided to finally put it all together. I haven't used this in a gig situation yet -- still nailing down the material and the arrangements... But I'm looking forward to getting out there! This is truly pro-level gear!Still early days with the unit, so I can't comment on durability yet. However, with regard to sound quality, it is superb! It makes me sound better than I really am!While shopping for this item, I saw several comments in online reviews about a low-volume (but still perceptible) high frequency buzz coming out of the speakers even when all the channels were muted. Thankfully, this is not the case with the unit I received. If this has been an issue in the past, it has either been resolved, or it is a limited defect of manufacturing or handling, and not a fundamental design issue (as some people had been implying online). My unit is whisper quiet.Other people have raised concerns about the plastic spacer that mounts between the sub and the upper speaker array. I can say that this is fairly light-weight plastic, so it probably should be handled with some care when connecting and disconnecting. However, I should also mention that this piece is not very long, and installing it is optional. If you are concerned, you can always install the upper speaker array directly to the sub, which will only reduce the height of the column by inches (rather than feet). I'm guessing that unless I see a need for the extra height, I'll probably skip the spacer most of the time to avoid any issues.If the scattered reports of buzzing or the lightweight spacer are making you hesitate, STOP HESITATING! This personal PA is the perfect balance of portability and killer sound that will make your single, duo, or small group sound great in any small to medium-sized venue! (A stereo pair would be even more awesome...!)

Excellent System

I tried the JBL Eon MKII before buying this product, then I tried the Bose from a friend of mine and the sound was way bigger and clearer. I decided to buy one and I'm more than satisfied. I play with a guitar synthesizer the Bass and piano parts and this system gives me the amount of bass I need to fill the venue with no problem or distortion. The sound is crystal clear and every detail is reproduced. The acoustic guitar sounds fantastic too, I use the tone match patch with excellent results. The mp3 music trough it sounds big and defined with a dispersion to cover the entire area. It has huge amount of volume to fill small to medium venues with no distortion. I had different sound systems that didn't satisfied my needs but with the Bose the search is over. You ... MoreI tried the JBL Eon MKII before buying this product, then I tried the Bose from a friend of mine and the sound was way bigger and clearer. I decided to buy one and I'm more than satisfied. I play with a guitar synthesizer the Bass and piano parts and this system gives me the amount of bass I need to fill the venue with no problem or distortion. The sound is crystal clear and every detail is reproduced. The acoustic guitar sounds fantastic too, I use the tone match patch with excellent results. The mp3 music trough it sounds big and defined with a dispersion to cover the entire area. It has huge amount of volume to fill small to medium venues with no distortion. I had different sound systems that didn't satisfied my needs but with the Bose the search is over. You won't be disappointed.

Great PA System for a 3 piece band.

I am a member of a 3 piece band. Acoustic guitar, electric bass, and electronic drums. All of us sing as well. All instruments and vocals are connected to a Bose T8S mixer then to an L1 system. The normal system we used was the L1 Model II with one B2 Bass module. I have recently purchased the L1 Pro 16 and we are all very happy with the sound quality of the system. The column does have a “wobble” but still seems very sturdy. Our usual setup has the speaker system behind us so there is very minimal risk of anyone bumping into it. The power and quality of the L1 Pro 16 is more than sufficient for most of our gigs with the added feature of better portability. I am well pleased with my purchase. As a side note, I also currently own (2) L1 Model II with B2 Bass Module, ... MoreI am a member of a 3 piece band. Acoustic guitar, electric bass, and electronic drums. All of us sing as well. All instruments and vocals are connected to a Bose T8S mixer then to an L1 system. The normal system we used was the L1 Model II with one B2 Bass module. I have recently purchased the L1 Pro 16 and we are all very happy with the sound quality of the system. The column does have a “wobble” but still seems very sturdy. Our usual setup has the speaker system behind us so there is very minimal risk of anyone bumping into it. The power and quality of the L1 Pro 16 is more than sufficient for most of our gigs with the added feature of better portability. I am well pleased with my purchase. As a side note, I also currently own (2) L1 Model II with B2 Bass Module, (2) S1 Pro, (1) L1 Compact. My brother (guitar) and I (drums) have been band mates since 1981 and have been using Bose systems for over 10 years. As I get older, portability becomes a major issue. Bose PA systems have met and even surpassed our expectations for vocal clarity and sound dispersion and the L1 Pro 16 is an asset we will definitely use the most.

Has that audio quality you expect from Bose, but..

Let's get straight to the point:POSITIVES:-Has that sound quality you expect from Bose-Built-in mixer with phantom power, bluetooth, XLR or 1/4 input, XLR output-Bose L1 app that duplicates the mixer, so you can control treble, volume, etc.-New RaceTrack subwoofer design, it got that thump-Portable, like previous L1 models, but seriously everything is built-in, must for DJsNEGATIVES:-Like most reviews on YouTube, everyone complains about the plastic extension column, lacks a true, snug fit, while the 16 speaker column itself is a quality, metal material-Again, like most reviews, there is a high pitched noise coming from the speaker even when nothing is playing or connected to it. Not loud, it's subtle, but it is there.FINAL THOUGHTS:The plastic ... MoreLet's get straight to the point:POSITIVES:-Has that sound quality you expect from Bose-Built-in mixer with phantom power, bluetooth, XLR or 1/4 input, XLR output-Bose L1 app that duplicates the mixer, so you can control treble, volume, etc.-New RaceTrack subwoofer design, it got that thump-Portable, like previous L1 models, but seriously everything is built-in, must for DJsNEGATIVES:-Like most reviews on YouTube, everyone complains about the plastic extension column, lacks a true, snug fit, while the 16 speaker column itself is a quality, metal material-Again, like most reviews, there is a high pitched noise coming from the speaker even when nothing is playing or connected to it. Not loud, it's subtle, but it is there.FINAL THOUGHTS:The plastic extension column piece isn't necessary, but it does raise the speaker a few inches, allowing for it's J shaped line array to work it's magic for a crowd if placed on a stage. Most of the time music will be playing through the speaker anyway so maybe you won't really notice the slight pitch. Maybe you'll hear it if you're close to it or if someone is just speaking? If you can get past these cons then sure, grab it. Unfortunately I can't really test it at a large venue or in front of a large audience due to COVID. Not too bad for the 3rd generation L1 models, can't complain about portability and everything being built-in. Not everything is perfect.

Only the Best!

Ok, so I have an L1 Model II (32 speakers + sub). I am a solo artist and wanted something that was more compact so I took a chance on this. Wow! ...I mean wow! The sound is amazing and the size is perfect for my one man show. I did a gig in the showroom of a car dealership and the sound was clear and carried very well. I have also done many private parties and have gotten comments on where all the sound is coming from. Hey it's a Bose... only the best. The fact that I don't need a ToneMatch for this just makes life so easy. The ONLY mild complaint I have about this system is that as other reviewers have mentioned on other sites it is top heavy. No a fan of how the array wobbles if you move the entire unit. Advise? Just don't move it and keep it out of reach of drunk ... MoreOk, so I have an L1 Model II (32 speakers + sub). I am a solo artist and wanted something that was more compact so I took a chance on this. Wow! ...I mean wow! The sound is amazing and the size is perfect for my one man show. I did a gig in the showroom of a car dealership and the sound was clear and carried very well. I have also done many private parties and have gotten comments on where all the sound is coming from. Hey it's a Bose... only the best. The fact that I don't need a ToneMatch for this just makes life so easy. The ONLY mild complaint I have about this system is that as other reviewers have mentioned on other sites it is top heavy. No a fan of how the array wobbles if you move the entire unit. Advise? Just don't move it and keep it out of reach of drunk people that see with their hands...lol. My advise to Bose... create a metal spacer for the sub and array and it would solve this minor issue. Buy One!

The Best Combination of Sound, Power, and Portability PA speaker

This speaker is very sensitive that sounds louder than any speakers that I have (and I have lots of professional PA speakers). It is also balanced and easy to listen to. The bass can be too much for in door use if you don't have a large room. I'm not a Bose fan, and I have to say Bose L1 Pro8 and Pro16 are the best combination of sound and creativity. That is my conclusion after AB comparison with the JBL, EAW, and Tannoy speakers that I have. I have read lots of complaint about the hissing sound and wobbly tower problems that this series has. However, it's just not my experience. The wobbly tower doesn't bother me.