In a press conference held on 21 Oct, Bose Professional unveiled its L1 Pro Portable Line Array Family. The presenter touted that it has been in the making for 17 years, paying reference to the legendary L1 that was introduced in 2003. The L1 Pro brings performance, portability and ease of use to a whole new different level.

The L1 Pro systems usher in a new era of on-the-go audio for singer-songwriters, mobile DJs and bands. The three new systems — the L1 Pro8, the L1 Pro16, and L1 Pro32 with its choice of two subwoofers — offer legendary 180-degree horizontal coverage along with unmatched clarity and tonal balance. A unique RaceTrack woofer design integrated into the L1 Pro8, L1 Pro16 and the Bose Sub1 and Sub2 modular subwoofers, provides extended base response and less bulk, making the subwoofers much easier to transport, carry, and fit onstage. Built-in multi-channel mixers offer EQ, reverb and phantom power, while Bluetooth streaming capabilities and access to the complete library of ToneMatch custom EQ presets, allows performers to play with recording-studio tonal quality.

These three new portable PA systems are designed to give artists choices, suit different styles and audiences, and provide an impressive solution for creators reintroducing live music and sound experiences into venues and online platforms across the world today. The ultra-portable L1 Pro8 provides a perfect solution for intimate spaces; the portable-with-punch L1 Pro16 performs exceptionally in small-to-medium spaces; and the peak-performance L1 Pro32 is an unrivalled portable system for entertaining large audiences. With a modular design, each system is easy to pack, carry and set up, and this new generation offers a truly stunning size-to-performance ratio.

“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 via controls that are both intuitive and instant. Performers can adjust mixer settings via phone or tablet from the stage, or even walk the room, hear how the mix sounds, and fine-tune on-the-go. Volume and tone settings can be changed in the app as well, with users able to watch the LED encoder move to match — the mixer and app are always in sync, in real-time.

The L1 Pro8 weighs in at only 38.9 pounds (17.7 kilograms). Its C-shaped line array features eight articulated 2” neodymium drivers; 180-degree horizontal coverage with wide vertical dispersion, allowing audiences to hear clearly whether seated or standing, and even off to the extreme sides in small to medium venues. The integrated 7″ × 13″ subwoofer features a high-excursion RaceTrack driver. Its performance rivals a conventional 12” woofer with a smaller footprint.

L1 Pro16 offers a streamlined system with high output and extended low frequency. Its J-shaped line array features 16 articulated 2” neodymium drivers; 180-degree horizontal coverage, tight vertical control on top, and wide dispersion on the bottom, covers audiences whether set up on the floor, an elevated stage, and even off to the extreme sides in medium-to-large venues. The integrated 10″ × 18″ subwoofer features a high-excursion neodymium RaceTrack driver. Its performance rivals a conventional 15” woofer with a smaller footprint.

L1 Pro32 is the most advanced L1 portable line array ever, weighing just 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, meaning even this top performer is powerful and portable. The Straight line array, features 32 articulated 2″ neodymium drivers; 180-degree horizontal coverage with the most focused vertical coverage pattern and highest SPL over distance in an L1 ever — providing intricate sonic detail, clarity, and consistency, even off to the extreme sides in larger venues. Combine with the Bose Sub1 or Sub2 powered bass module via a single-cable and SubMatch connectivity is included for both power and audio. Users can stack two Sub1 or Sub2 subwoofers for even more bass, or unleash Cardioid Mode for focused, directional performance that negates rear-firing bass energy, steering the bass out front, and reducing feedback.

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 even 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 line array systems will be available starting this month.

For more information on the L1 Pro systems and where to buy please visit PRO.BOSE.COM/L1.

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