CMU School of Drama


Thursday, October 29, 2020

Bose Unveils New L1 Pro Portable Line Array Family

LightSoundJournal.com: Bose Professional introduces the Bose L1 Pro portable line array systems, the next-level advancement of a PA category invented by Bose 17 years ago with the release of the original L1. The L1 Pro systems usher in a new era of on-the-go audio for singer-songwriters, mobile DJs and bands.

3 comments:

Jacob Wilson said...

Although the L1 Pro will not affect most theatres that require a sound engineer, it is a great advancement and helps many of the smaller theatres that don’t necessarily need a full blown sound system but need some sort of pro audio solution to play music or sound effects. The goal of this device is really so an end user with a small knowledge base of sound technology can have an adaptable sound set up for all of their different needs. For example, a acoustic two person band might buy this so they can have the scalability to play their coffee shops but also medium sized stages with their own equipment. This could even be good for small traveling productions (say a small show that travels to elementary schools) that needs a solution that can allow the stage manager or even the actors to set up and run the show.

Josh Blackwood said...

I can see this having certain practical applications such as a café or a bookstore or maybe a small traveling show, but beyond that, I do not see an application for this product in theatre or live music. A musician may want it as a monitor, but even then I think it would be overkill for that purpose. I can also see it as part of a studio setup or use in a home studio where sound is desired but space is limited. So yes, there are applications where this product line would be useful, but as I stated, I don’t see any use in live theatre or live music. As an audience member, I don’t want to see speakers, so the profile can make it hideable easier than a larger monitor, but it's Bose and while they are decent manufacturers of sound equipment, they are also way overpriced for what you get. I can accomplish the same or similar sound with a different line that will suit my small theatre budget better. I want to pay for quality, not a name.

Hikari Harrison said...

I have been a huge fan of Bose products so I was very excited to read this article. I think that the L1 Pro will be great for small projects, and especially great for on the go songwriters. The first thing my mind went to after reading the basic qualities of the L1 Proline is street performers. I can see this being utilized greatly, especially by their portable and on the go nature. Especially for traveling artists or bands on tour, I feel like this is a great option to bring onto planes, busses, and even the car if they are going to be in transportation for a long amount of time. The article mentions that it will provide an "ideal balance of performance on stage," however, which I do not believe in strongly. Especially with the portability features and how small it is, I just do not think it is possible for it to be as successful for big performances. However, I think it will be great and even a lot more accessible and usable for small performances like an elementary school talent show or a small community center event.