Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $549
Standard/Professional
$499
$1500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Discover the perfect harmony of portability and performance with the Bose L1 Compact System. Ideal for solo artists, small bands, and DJs who prefer a streamlined setup, this all-in-one portable PA system delivers the renowned Bose sound with an effortless plug-and-play experience. Whether you're performing at an intimate venue or hosting a backyard party, the L1 Compact ensures your sound is clear, even, and powerful.
The system features an innovative speaker array design, boasting six articulated speakers that provide a wide, even sound dispersion. This unique configuration ensures your audience hears every note with clarity, from the front row to the back. The integrated power stand houses a bass speaker, delivering a rich, full sound that complements the crisp highs and mids of the main array.
Setting up the L1 Compact is a breeze. With its collapsible design, you can easily transport and assemble it without the need for additional stands or cumbersome gear. The system also includes integrated ToneMatch EQ presets, optimizing your sound for different environments and instruments. Multiple input options, including microphone, 1/8" balanced analog, 1/4" analog, and RCA, provide flexibility for various audio sources, making the L1 Compact a versatile choice for any performer.
Key Features:
- Two-way L1 Compact System with six curved articulated speakers
- Integrated power stand with bass speaker
- Inputs: Microphone, 1/8" balanced analog, 1/4" analog, RCA Stereo
- Outputs: RCA
- Integrated ToneMatch EQ presets
- Collapsible design for easy transport and setup
Product specs
| Brand | Bose |
| Model | L1 Compact Speaker |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Powered Speakers |
FAQs
-
Is the Bose L1 Compact System suitable for small to medium-sized venues?
-
Yes, the Bose L1 Compact System is designed to provide clear and consistent sound coverage for small to medium-sized venues, making it ideal for solo performers, small bands, or public speaking events.
-
How easy is it to set up the Bose L1 Compact System?
-
The Bose L1 Compact System is designed for quick and easy setup, requiring no technical expertise. It features a modular design that allows users to assemble it in minutes without additional tools.
-
Does the Bose L1 Compact System have Bluetooth connectivity?
-
The Bose L1 Compact System does not have built-in Bluetooth, but Bluetooth streaming can be achieved using the Bose SoundTouch Wireless Link adapter.
-
What are the main components of the Bose L1 Compact System?
-
The Bose L1 Compact System consists of a power stand, a loudspeaker array, and an integrated bass speaker, providing comprehensive sound reinforcement in a compact package.
-
Can the Bose L1 Compact System be used for both music and speech applications?
-
Yes, the Bose L1 Compact System is versatile and suitable for both music and speech applications, delivering clear vocals and balanced music playback with its built-in tone match presets.
Videos
Guitar World
Bose L1 Compact Line Array System
Bose L1 Compact Line Array System
Guitar World
Is the Bose L1 Compact really that good? - Review and Demo
Rickholly74
Jireh Supplies Demonstrates How to Connect Two Bose L1 Compacts
Jirehsupplies
Bose L1 Compact PA System - Gear Review
Sam Horton Music
Bose L1 Compact - The Real Professional
Bose Professional
Bose L1 Compact Active PA System Review
PMTVUK
Bose L1 Compact Line Array PA set up and use
Doo Wop Shop
Reviews
PROS
-
Offers 180-degree sound dispersion, unlike most other PA systems
-
Compact design eliminates the need for bulky speaker stands
-
Delivers clear, professional sound quality with good bass, mids, and treble
-
Lightweight and easy to transport, ideal for quick setups
-
Adequate for both small venues and larger outdoor events with additional units
-
Versatile for different event types, from solo gigs to weddings
-
Can be used with additional subs for enhanced bass
-
Performs well even in sizable venues despite being compact
-
Can serve as a stage monitor in larger setups
CONS
-
Requires additional equipment like the Bose T1 ToneMatch for optimal performance
-
Essentially a mono speaker without additional setup
-
Lacks a built-in switchable Phantom 48V power supply
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bose L1 Compact System.
Features and functionality
-
The Bose L1 Compact offers Bluetooth connectivity, enabling backing tracks to be played directly from a phone, and includes the 'Bose L1 Mix' app for remote PA control.
Source -
The Bose Sub1 can connect directly to a laptop using RCA to XLR cables, with the sub's passthrough providing a high-pass filter signal to L1 Compacts.
Source -
Owners report a built-in effect on the Bose L1 Compact that enhances vocal quality, possibly due to reverb or subtle auto-tuning, making vocals sound polished.
Source
User experience
-
The Bose L1 Compact does not require a mixer, which makes it convenient for performers in awkwardly shaped venues.
Source -
Owners note that the Sub1, when centrally placed, delivers a noticeably deeper bass than typical column arrays, enhancing the live sound experience.
Source -
It's noted that transitioning from the Bose L1 Compact to a more complex setup can be challenging, especially in terms of replicating its vocal effects.
Source
Build quality
-
Owners note that the L1 Compact system packs down very small, ideal for solo or duo performers in bars and small functions.
Source
Comparisons
-
Some users suggest the JBL Eon or E.V. Evolve series as better alternatives in terms of sound quality and price, despite the Bose's strong brand recognition.
Source -
The Bose Sub1's output is comparable to a good 10” subwoofer, offering a practical shape and ease of transport over heavier 12” subs.
Source -
Users transitioning to high-quality RCF speakers note a decrease in perceived vocal quality compared to the Bose L1 Compact, highlighting its unique vocal enhancement.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The L1 Compact is favored for small settings like restaurants due to its portability and reasonable sound quality.
Source -
Pairing a Bose Sub1 with L1 Compacts enhances bass response significantly, making it suitable for DJ gigs where audiences desire deeper bass.
Source -
Ideal for solo performers, the L1 Compact's vocal enhancement is particularly beneficial for singers seeking a refined sound without additional processing.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 12 Ratings
115
Folks are Shocked and Amazed at the Sound this Produces
Every time I take this out to a live worship event, folks think it's not going to produce enough sound to fill the venue. Whether it's open-air or indoor venue, it's always fills up the area with tremendous sound. Good amount of bass, great mids and treble. Very balanced sound. Very clear as well and doesn't sound cheap like some other products in its price range. Sounds like a professional amplification system. I highly recommend! Bought mine for $999 at Zzounds.com
360
Bang for buck winner
This little guy has saved me so much trouble when it comes to last minute pub solo nights, or when a friend needs an acceptable system for a wedding, or if you're having a casual party and need to fill a room. Great sound quality, easy to transport and setup, lightweight and powerful enough for many venues. I gig this guy 2-4 times a month and have even used it as a monitor on stage with a full band.
Very flexible for listening rooms, small venues, and many larger venues
Though it's not a true linear array, I'm surprised how it has performed in some pretty sizable venues. I use it for every solo show I perform, where something larger isn't needed, and isn't provided.
pure clarity
i bought two of these to get the stereo chorus wave or slight ping pong stereo spread for my takamine acoustic
Artist usage
Add artist
Pat explains in the video how he redesigned his whole rig to utilize the Bose L1 speakers.
Adrian uses a Bose L1 Compact System, according to this Guitar Geek rig diagram.
The biggest chunk: The PA.
Der größte Brocken: Die PA.
Nachdem ich viele Jahre mit meiner HK Audio „Lucas“ sehr zufrieden war (50 Kilo plus Kabel & Stative), habe ich sie durch zwei extrem kompakte und leistungsfähige PA – Systeme von Bose ersetzt. Ich stelle hier nur die kleine Variante vor, die ich für Konzerte mit maximal 100 Zuschauern benutze. Die BOSE L1 Compact. Sie wiegt ca. 8 Kilo und ist nicht größer als ein kleiner Gitarrenamp – kann dafür aber deutlich mehr. In diesem Video wird sie von zwei bekannten Gesichtern präsentiert: ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78H96tUKPwc&feature=youtu.be&t=1107 ) Wie Ihr seht, ist diese PA innerhalb einer einzigen Minute aufzubauen und mit einer Hand zu tragen. Für mich ein Traum – und auch die größere Version (BOSE L1) steht dem kleinen Modell in Sachen Gewicht und „Tragbarkeit“ in nichts nach, nur dass man damit problemlos auch ein kleines Open Air beschallen kann. In English: After spending many years with my HK Audio "Lucas" (50 kilos plus cables & tripods), I replaced them with two extremely compact and powerful PA systems from Bose. I will only present the small version, which I use for concerts with a maximum of 100 spectators. The BOSE L1 Compact. It weighs approximately 8 kilos and is no bigger than a small guitar amp - but it can do much more. In this video it is presented by two famous faces: ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78H96tUKPwc&feature=youtu.be&t=1107 ) As you can see, this PA is built within a single minute and worn with one hand. For me a dream - and also the larger version (BOSE L1) is the little model in terms of weight and "wearability" in no way, only that you can easily sound a small open air.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Bose L1 Compact System, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1781103523)
-s.webp?v=1781189877)
More Bose PA Systems
$229.99 - $2,363.00
in PA Systems Rank
$599.00 - $861.00
in PA Systems Rank
$2,000.00
in PA Systems Rank
$769.00 - $989.00
in PA Systems Rank
$99.99 - $174.99
in PA Systems Rank
$80.03 - $918.00
in PA Systems Rank
$1,122.00 - $1,499.00
in PA Systems Rank
$231.00 - $369.00
in PA Systems Rank
$119.99 - $199.00
in PA Systems Rank
$1,069.00 - $1,374.99
in PA Systems Rank
$524.99 - $699.99
in PA Systems Rank
$299.00
in PA Systems Rank
$493.00 - $579.00
in PA Systems Rank
$549.00 - $1,359.00
in PA Systems Rank
$749.00 - $1,049.00
in PA Systems Rank
$1,175.00 - $1,399.00
in PA Systems Rank
$249.99 - $399.99
in PA Systems Rank
$1,899.00 - $2,049.00
in PA Systems Rank
$293.00 - $429.00
in PA Systems Rank
$129.00 - $133.00
in PA Systems Rank
$380.00
in PA Systems Rank
$1,299.95 - $1,549.00
in PA Systems Rank
$251.50 - $449.00
in PA Systems Rank
$1,096.50 - $1,249.99
in PA Systems Rank
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular PA Systems
Most Popular Brands
