The Best V-Drum Monitor/PA system: The Bose L1

[Hart2Hart]

I see recurring posts about the best V-drum monitor.

Here is my take:

The Bose L1 Personalized Amplification System is the top of the line.
It might seem expensive at a base price of $2300 for the double sub system,
but it's not when you think of all it does and all it replaces.
It is your monitor and your mains!
It will give you a great sound and spread that same sound to your audience.

The L1 is intended as a one system-per-player sound solution,
however, I have doubled up on them using only 2 for a 4pc rock band
with excellent results.

Anyone can start out with just one system and add as you need.
If you buy the system direct from Bose.com they will offer you a 45-day
full refund trial period and one-year no-interest to pay with approved credit.

I tried them in August of 2004, after one week with it, I was hooked.
After paying off my first system, I bought another.
I now have three systems...one for each player in my trio.
Setup/teardown is a breeze, sound is awesome.

It has not been without struggles earlier on when using an acoustic kit.
I had problems with not getting enough kick drum with a rock band.
I brought up my problems in the Bose Forums along with some other drummers and bassists.
Bose responded by coming out with the Packlite Extended Bass Package
(a 3# power amp + 2 more subs) that solved our problems.
They even asked me to beta test the product to make sure it would do what I needed.
How is that for customer service?
...these guys really listen and act on it.
The Packlite is an awesome addition to the drum package.
Even better for the V-drums!

The system sets up behind you (see pics), so it is your monitor.
The sound spreads out 180 degrees, so all in the band can hear you.
The same sound will project out into the audience very evenly.
The bass will drop off somewhat at about 40' out,
but the sound remains smooth and clear as a bell for a long distance.

It has two mic inputs (your vocal and your kit), and two line inputs.
Each XLR mic input has a XLR/line output as well for feeding FOH
in big venues (you might seldom need it though).
The mic inputs have 3 band EQ and Phantom power.
All inputs are controllable by the wired Remote that you can clamp onto your kit or mic stand.

There is tons more info on the L1 at Bose's website and their Forums...
but hearing is believing, and many just don't believe it.
As a user of 2 years, I can tell you that it has never failed me.

See pic of our setups Here
See videos Here or Here

I cannot say enough about the seemingly unlimited benefits of this system,
the look of it...the Wow factor we call it, is a big calling card for our band.
Between the Boses and the TrapKAT we are a super-geeky looking band.
We get nothing but compliments on our sound, they may hate our music, but never the "sound".

As a side note...most of the Single Cabinet type "drum" monitors I have heard
were hard sounding (not to mention heavy).
The kick sounded like it was hitting a wall, and the mids were muddy, highs were shrill.
The L1 sounds very musical, acoustic, smooth, more like real drums.
Additionally the drum monitors can't spread the sound the way the L1 array does,
making them less useful for the rest of the band to hear you.

This is just my opinion, and I'm not going to argue specs because,
I don't understand them, and to me, it doesn't matter.
What matters is what it sounds like, how it performs, and ease of cartage.

And that 45-day trial period...return it 'no-questions-asked' if you don't like it.
How can you possibly beat that? Who else but Bose would do that for you?
No one can match their level of committment and service.

The Bose Statement of Benefit

I hope this helps your decision.

[Tberry]

Ditto what Drumr says,
I've got 2 double bass systems. I've done jobs for 150 - 200 people (private parties, small clubs) using this system as the main PA & monitor system. Had nothing but positive comments from audiance and club owners. Drums are crystal clear and sound very realistic.
The L1s sound different then a coventional PA system. There is not as much chest thumping bass volume that many of us are used to .... but there is plenty of bass as far as I'm concerned. The Bose system is so clean it might take some practice to get used to it. It reproduces what you play so accurately you might need to tighten up your technique. And I'm refering to everyone in the band .. not just the drummers. In a way it is like a very high end stereo system. For me, one of the best features is the light weight. I'm not missing lugging around my old Mackie system - mains, monitors, subs, snake. The first time I loaded both systems up and my drum kit into my car I freaked out because the car (Honda Element) looked half empty.
By the way... for clubs that have PAs I only take one system for stage monitoring.

[KinenSoldier]

This system really looks good!

Really interested in buying one. But i need some advice :

My band is a four piece band :

1 vocal, 1 electric guitar with effect, 1 electric bass with effect, 1 roland td-8drum + 1 SPD-S sampler. ( 5 inputs )

Can all these plug into one Double bass package? I will only use it in our small practice room or a super small live gig venue.

[Tberry]

The L1 has 4 inputs. 2 XLR/1/4" balanced inputs that are controled and effected by the wired remote which has Channel One & Two Volume and EQ.
The other two channels are unbalanced 1/4" inputs with volume control on the base unit. If you need more channels ... get a small mixer with effects. It's so easy and the sound will surprise you. There is also a EQ preset for Channels 1 & 2. I have one of the large SR Series Mackie Mixers and have used it a couple of times with great results, but I recently bought a small Alesis 8 channel mixer for like $150.00 with built in effects and it sounds great and is easily 1/4 the size of the Mackie.

[Hart2Hart]

Originally Posted by KinenSoldier

This system really looks good!

Yes...odd but good!

My band is a four piece band...Can all these plug into one Double bass package?

You would be pushing the system to do more than it is intended, but don't we all? ...In the beginning anyway. I have had a great time testing it's limits.

For you, a good way would be a mixer as tberry suggests.
I would add, that you should give the most important instruments the XLR mic inputs on channels 1 & 2...usually these being vocals.
For reason of remote control and EQ presets.

1 vocal

Channel 1 XLR input, set the preset switch to the type of mic, such as SM58 would use preset 14.

1 roland td-8drum + 1 SPD-S sampler

Channel 2 - with EQ...add some kick whump.

Channels 1 & 2 are individually controllable from the remote.

1 electric guitar with effect

Channel 3 no EQ

1 electric bass with effect

Channel 4 - no EQ available on this channel.

This setup would be great for practices,
I use one system for rehearsals myself.

ALL THIS SAID: you could also just use your guitar amps, and run vocal and drums thru the Bose
if running everything thru it is too much.

I run three vocal mics from my mackie panned Left into channel one on the Bose, set to preset 14.
The guitar and V-drum (TD-12) go thru the mackie panned Right and into channel two with no preset.
Bass guitar goes thru a Line 6 Bass POD direct into channel three.
Channel four awaits our imaginary awesome keyboard player.

Here are some close-up pics of the L1 mixer section if you need.
Scroll down the page and click on the individual component areas.

[rickschwar]

I'm not here to rain on anyones parade and I really did enjoy reading your review of this system but ... calling this system the "The Best V-Drum Monitor" might be a bit of a stretch don't you think?

It's very pricey. It's not really designed for medium or large rooms. It probably wouldn't work well sitting next to a loud Marshall Stack, etc.

I do agree its small footprint is great and it probably has it's place for bands with deep pocketbooks who play smaller rooms however.

- Rick

[BarT]

Originally Posted by rickschwar

...It's not really designed for medium or large rooms. ...

Depends on your definition of "medium" I guess:

"The Personalized Amplification System™ family of products is intended for use in small to medium venues with a capacity of less than about 300-500 people. This includes most auditoriums, places of worship, gymnasiums, ballrooms, dance clubs, nightclubs, coffeehouses, and more – places where the vast majority of live music performances take place.

Bose researchers have done extensive experimentation & measurements in many different venues with a wide variety of musical styles. The styles included classic and modern rock, blues, jazz, top-40, folk, country, western, soul, blues, funk, grunge, Latin jazz, DJ, and many more. Venues ranged in seating capacity from 50 to 500 including some outdoor venues."

Usage FAQ 1 Where can the Personalized Amplification System™ family of products be used?

Bruce

[Junius]

I'll add my $0.02.

My bandmate and I each own an L1 system with 2 of the bass modules. They do sound noticeably better than the typical traditional PA and monitor systems available and used by most bands in most venues. My comments are directed at the weekend warriors or house bands (are there any of those left?) that ply their trade in their local or regional markets. This excludes traveling acts that spend a whole lot of money on their sound systems and typically play in the larger venues.

We have spent an enormous amount of money over the years and have used an assortment of equipment. The Bose system is a considerable step up in sound quality and practicality. It provides clear, clean, faithful reproduction of the source signal. Don’t trust me or anyone else – take them for a spin and do an A-B comparison.

They are not perfect, however, and they will not fit all needs. There is no built in reverb for vocals – a limitation for those trying to go the compact one size fits all route. This is easily fixed, though, with a small mixer or dedicated reverb. In fact, if you have a number of effects units that you regularly use, you will still need them.

I am also not that impressed with the low end, particularly for bass drum. They don’t thump well. You can’t replace a clean well driven 15” or 18” driver. I am disappointed with the cross-over points at the bottom end. I had hoped to utilize a Mackie sub for the bottom end instead of the Bose bass modules. But the bass crossover point in the L1 is higher than where the Mackie sub tops out. Consequently, there is a missing portion of the low end of the audio range that forces you to use both a dedicated subwoofer and the bass modules. If you can live without the thump, this is a non-issue. Our bass player did not have a problem with using just the Bose bass modules – although he liked the sound when the sub was added. If you do a lot of hip-hop or you are a DJ, you may want to pass on the Bose PAS.

They also have limitations in tight quarters and when shared by band members. I have played some small weddings and very tight places where we had to use one pointing at us as a monitor and the other pointing out at the audience. They have a wide dispersion, but you have to be in front of them. The best they ever sounded was at a deck party where we had them placed 12 feet behind us.

They can work when you share them among instruments with different audio ranges like bass guitar with keyboards, or drums with guitar. It gets difficult to distinguish your instrument when you share a single PAS system with something that has the same range in the audio spectrum. You can also add vocals – so I guess that gives you up to three instruments. I would spread the vocals out among the available PAS if you have more than one singer. However, ideally, each band member should have their own unit.

The concept of the Bose PAS is elegant. In theory, each band member reproduces the sound of their instrument from the proximity of their location on stage and there is no need for a stage monitoring systems or a FOH system. If you work with good [MUSICIANS] that are willing to balance their volume, it works well. It also goes a long way in eliminating stage mud, mic bleed, mic feedback, etc.

With respect to monitoring yourself and fellow musicians on stage, your unit is close to you that it sounds a bit louder than the rest. This is important for self regulating your volume, avoiding volume creep, and ending up with a good stage balance. You must have your volume +/- 30% louder than your fellow musicians to give yourself the perception of being in balance. When you are in balance (slightly louder in the mix from your position on stage) you will not raise your volume as often and will soon settle in to a nice playing volume.

If you get the stage balance right (like we did in the good ole’ days with horns and small amps) the FOH takes care of itself. It will sound good out front by default. And, there is an added benefit. If you can tolerate the volume behind you at head height, it will (in most cases) not be too loud for your audience.

So, except for the reservations that I have pointed out from my own experience, and for the weekend warrior, I would have to agree with the poster’s assertion. I am not aware of a comparable system with regards to portability, functionality, and sound quality, at any price level, on the market today.

Hmmm! Was that more than $0.02?

PS. Remember that the PAS replaces instrument amps, stage monitors, and FOH speakers. When you tally up the cost of what you are replacing, the price is not too bad.

[Tberry]

So far the Bose systems is the Best VDrum monitor system I've heard and used.
I didn't say it was the cheapest. If your happy using headphones for monitors that might be the best and cheapest monitor for you. My problem is that this is the first system that I've used that "I" think sounds the best. And for that matter, this is the only system that I've used that everyone I play with has gone out of their way to praise. I've had Mackie 450's, 1521's, add sub, subs, JBL Eons G15, done one speaker, one main and sub, two mains and two subs with both the Mackies and JBLs. Busted my butt lugging all that stuff around, worn out cars hauling all that stuff, fought with roadies and band mates about how much space the stuff took up and Still wasn't happy with the sound. Now I am.
If you are next to a stack of Marshalls and the volumes is so high that you can't hear the Bose system right behind you, you better be using in ear monitors or you are going to be one deaf drummer! Unforntunately.... been there done that.
The L1s have helped the people I play with hear themselves, turn down, and I think make better music. My ears don't hurt. My back doesn't hurt. And I don't spend half my time moving and setting up.
So far .... it's the best system I've used or seen!

[Dstar]

I would like to keep this thread going so we can share additional thoughts on the pros & cons of the PAS.

I have had the opportunity to play with the PAS for some time now in a variety of small venues. It can't be beat for portability and ease of use.
I have used it with a trio and the singer and guitar sound great. However, the TD-20 sounds slightly "processed" – I don’t know how better to describe it. It just doesn’t have the full rich “acoustic” sound that I hear in my headphones. In addition, the pads are sometime "hot" when compared to the headphones. What I mean is that a small increase in velocity sometimes produces a disproportionately loud pop, for example on the snare. I have tamed this somewhat using the trim on the Bose. So, what I want to know from folks that have tried the BOSE (even better if you have tried several different PA systems) what your experience is. Will I ever be able to get the Bose to sound less “processed” Any thoughts, reactions, experiences, thanks

Dstar

[Dstar]

Anyone have any comments on the "processed" nature of the sound when compared to other systems? (See my earlier post).

Thanks
Dstar

[Tberry]

I've found that I like the sound better if I turn the ambience down or off ... depending on the venue. Also, I have not experiened any popping issues.

[Hart2Hart]

Thanks for the input guys!
Excellent observations from all of you!
I thought I was going to be the lone ranger in this thread.

Good to see that others of you have tried, are open to, or are using the system.

All observations, good and bad about this system are valid points.
I might be too close to Bose and too obsessive about this product to be objective anymore.

You all are making this thread a well rounded view of the L1s position in live music.

Thanks again and please continue.

[Hart2Hart]

Originally Posted by Dstar

It just doesn’t have the full rich “acoustic” sound that I hear in my headphones. In addition, the pads are sometime "hot" when compared to the headphones. What I mean is that a small increase in velocity sometimes produces a disproportionately loud pop, for example on the snare. ...Will I ever be able to get the Bose to sound less “processed”

Hi Dstar,

I know exactly what you mean here.
I had hotspots...popping on my kick drum when I was midi'ing in thru my TrapKAT.
When I hit the kick hard the sound of the sample got all "grainy",
treble-y...nasty.

But it went away when I hooked up my kick directly to the TD-12 trigger in.
The problem was sensitivity settings and pad dynamic adjustments on the KAT.

Are you running a trigger staight into a TD module?
Roland Triggers? Midi'ing in?
I mean are your triggers and module made for each other?

As for the processed sound, yes, I notice that too.
The headphones are nowhere near what comes out of the L1.
I assumed this was the case with any speaker system,
When I mix music in my studio, the speakers and the phones vary as well.
So I don't think this is unusual.

When I tweak my Roland, I make sure I am listening thru my L1,
at or near "performance" volumes and not thru the headphones.
I would suggest you do the same if it's possible for you.
Same for guitar players...everyone needs to tune the system to their instrument.
But once it's done, it's done.

If you want, I can send you a sysex of my favorite drumkit for TD-12 that really shines thru the L1.
I have to roll of a lot of lows to tighten up the sound.
My 4 B1 subs really put out a lot of rumble that I've had to clean up.
Sometimes in small venues, just unhooking one and going with three of them helps alot.

Last weekend, using the new V-expressions Exotics "Elm" kit,
the toms and kick were so bottomy that my bassist couldn't hear himself.
As soon as I switched back to my tweaked kit, everything was fine.

[Hart2Hart]

Originally Posted by Hart2Hart

As for the processed sound, yes, I notice that too.
The headphones are nowhere near what comes out of the L1.

Okay...now I see "the rub".

How to EQ the vdrums?

If playing large venues with FOH sound do you tweak the vdrums for L1 or FOH...hmmm.
Interesting twist.

I'm sure FOH colors the tones as well, but the question is how and to what degree.

Thoughts?