Bose unveils L1 Pro family

These three new portable Bose PA systems are designed to give artists choices, suit different styles and audiences, and provide an solution for creators reintroducing live music and sound experiences into venues and online platforms across the world today.

“The new L1 Pro family gives users an ideal balance of performance and control on stage and portability everywhere else,” comments Craig Jackson, portable PA category manager for Bose Professional. “We took what our customers loved about the original L1 systems and focused on making improvements in almost every dimension. The L1 Pro family delivers more output and bass extension than ever before and doesn’t compromise on portability. We’ve expanded the I/O and integrated ToneMatch technology allowing users to quickly optimize the sound of their instruments and microphones. And with our new L1 Mix app complete control of all mixing functionality is available from your mobile device. We are excited bring the L1 Pro family to market can’t wait for our customers to experience them.”

The Bose L1 Pro portable systems are complimented by the L1 Mix app, placing complete wireless control in the hands of users for on-the-fly tweaks. Volume and tone settings can be changed in the app, with users able to watch the LED encoder move to match — the mixer and app are always in sync, in real-time.

Targeted at small venues, the L1 Pro8 is the most portable, weighing in at 38.9 pounds (17.7 kilograms). This C-shaped column speaker features eight 2” neodymium drivers and wide vertical dispersion. Integrated 7" × 13" subwoofer features a high-excursion elongated RaceTrack driver that reportedly rivals a conventional 12” woofer with a smaller footprint.

The L1 Pro16 weights 53.7 pounds (24.4 kilograms). It is aimed at small-to-medium sized venues clubs and bars. The J-shaped column features 16 articulated 2” neodymium drivers; with tight vertical control on top, and wide dispersion on the bottom (for elevated stages). Integrated 10" × 18" subwoofer features a high-excursion neodymium elongated RaceTrack driver that reportedly rivals a conventional 15” woofer with a smaller footprint.

L1 Pro32 weighs 28.8 pounds (13.0 kilograms). The Sub1 and Sub2 modular subwoofers weigh 35.5 pounds (16.1 kilograms) and 51.7 pounds (23.4 kilograms) respectively. The L1 Pro32 straight column features 32 articulated 2" neodymium drivers, which are significantly light that previous generations of L1. It combines with the Sub1 or Sub2 powered bass module via a single-cable and SubMatch connectivity is included for both power and audio. Two Sub1 or Sub2 subwoofers can be stacked for more bass or Cardioid Mode use.

Each L1 Pro system features a built-in mixer, allowing creators to connect various instruments, microphones and other sources with ease. Two combo XLR-1/4” phantom-powered inputs, 1/4" and 1/8" (3.5 millimeter) aux inputs are included. Illuminated rotary encoders provide instant access to volume, tone and reverb settings per channel too. There is also the option to add in additional instruments and other audio sources via a dedicated ToneMatch port — one cable provides both power and digital audio between the system and an optional Bose T4S or T8S mixer (sold separately).

The L1 Pro portable column systems will be available from October 2020. Initially systems 8 and 16, and next January the column of 32 and the subs on their own. Prices for the US without taxes will be $1199 for the L1 Pro8, $1799 for the L1 Pro16, $2699 for the L1 Pro32 with Sub1, $3099 for the L1 Pro32 with Sub2, $799 for the Sub2 and $1199 for the Sub2. In Europe this translates into prices with VAT of $1299 for the L1 Pro8, $999 for the L1 Pro16, $999 for the L1 Pro32 with Sub1, $3399 for the L1 Pro32 with Sub2, $899 for the Sub2 and $1299 for the Sub2. Current models will be discontinued except for the L1 Compact, which will continue to be sold at a lower price.