My experience with the Bose L1 Compact and CPS Spacestation v.3 (3-D Sound)

[RoyceM]

I recently commented that I felt stuck with the CPS Spacestation v.3 and unable to get a Bose L1 Compact.  Then I turned around a got one.

I took the L1 system to a gig for the first time today.  At home, it sounded so bad I could have cried, considering what I paid for it (nothing sounds good in our living room). At the gig it took on a different quality, one I maybe could live with as I learn to better adjust the keyboard's EQ and compressor to accommodate the L1 in the types of spaces I play. I knew up front that the L1 would be a compromise for me sound-wise.

The 3-D sound of the CPS Spacestation v.3 beautifully brings out the nuances of my new PSR-S975 keyboard. The L1 is a mono system, which to me is somewhat flat in comparison, which was to be expected.

I worked very hard learning to adapt the Spacestation to my special needs, and feel sad to be looking elsewhere. My weakened body is not managing its heavy weight any more, so the light weight of the L1 is SUCH a relief--and hopefully my ears will become more satisfied with the Bose L1 Compact as I learn to use it.

- Royce

[rononeil]

Royce, I wish so much that you had tried the Bose S1 Pro before buying the compact. I have a pair of the L1 Compacts and IMO they don't sound near as good as the S1 Pro. The S1 Pro can be purchased for about $550. If you want to go stereo again buy one of the S1 Pros, it will work perfectly with the compact. It only weighs 15Lbs. and has a very nice mixer and gobs of power. Don't let its size fool you, it will amaze you. Try it out at a Guitar Center or your favorite music store. I know there has not been much talk about it here, but I know you will like it. Check it out. Ron

[rononeil]

Forgot to mention IMO your keyboard will always sound better in stereo. Also that 6" bass speaker in the S1 Pro really kicks it.

[organgrinder]

I just got 2 bose s1 pros. I have used them as single one in mono and sounds much richer than my compacts. I tried stereo with one compact and one s1 and wow what a sound. the same with just 2 s1's in stereo. gain stage them by turning off the volume of s1, than bring your keyboard up the volume you normally play at  at your loudest. Then very slowly turn up the s1 volume until the green light flickers red on your s1 or compact.This will make a big differance in your sound and you wont believe the power. I totally love mine.
Good Luck
MEL

[Pino]

After playing keyboards in bands for many years with 15" bottom cab and 4 x 12" top cab and a 300 watt amplifier on top of that it's nice to hear the comment from Ron.

"That 6" bass speaker in the S1 Pro really kicks it."

We've come a long way. 😀

Pino

[travlin-easy]

Royce, do not dispair. The Bose L1 Compact was never intended to be used in tight quarters, such as your living room or family room. It's a totally different animal when used in a larger venue, outdoors, etc...

When I switched from conventional speakers to the Bose L1, I first fired it up in my office - BIG MISTAKE! I too, almost cried when I heard the results, but I took the system to my first job, a 100 X 80-foot room, fired up the system, put in a homemade midi file, then walked round the room and listened. WOW! It was amazingly different than what I heard in the office.

Next, I fiddled with the EQ settings a bit and managed to really improve the overall sound throughout the venue. Using the PSR-S950, I set my Global EQ settings to the following:

EQ1 = 3
EQ2 = 2
EQ3 = 4
EQ4 = 4
EQ5 = 3

When I switched to the Bose L1 Compacts, I used the same settings and got the same Wow factor, both for my own ears and from the audiences.

Keep in mind that conventional speakers sound completely different than any of the line array systems. Conventional speakers manufacturers try to cover all the frequency ranges by adjusting the cone configuration and size, while Bose does it in an entirely different way, thus resulting in a crisper, clearer, cleaner sound with absolutely no distortion, whereas distortion is quite common with conventional speakers at all but the lowest volume levels. After a while, your ears become accustomed to this distortion and are deceived into thinking this is the norm. There is a huge difference in the overall sound quality.

I tried the Spacestation V.3 and took it back after just one day on the job. For me, it just didn't compare with the Bose.

Hope this helps,

Gary

[Toril S]

Gary says it all about the Bose. I have had the same experience. When I fired it up in my living room I almost cried, but on gigs it is fantastic! Sometimes I play in cramped places, and that can be a little challenging, because I feel I don't get the opportunity to place the Bose to its best advantage. Every time I use the Bose L1 Compact, I thank the friends on this forum that recommended it for me. I really love it!

[RoyceM]

Thanks Gary!!!

I GREATLY appreciate the comforting/encouraging words about your experience. I am looking forward to visiting more venues so I can acclimate my ears and hone my EQ & Compressor adjusting skills with the Compact. On my S910, I followed your lead on the 5-band EQ settings, but this S975 seems to be a zebra of different stripes (for me), with the 8-band EQ and effective compressor.

I was just arriving at workable patterns for adjusting the S975 (played through the Spacestation) for each venue, then I got the Compact. That method may vary just a little, but so must I tweak a few of my songs' style and voice settings for a better result through the Compact.

I am aware that several gigging forum members tried the Spacestation, and I think I appreciate that it wasn't worth the "fiddling around" for you. Plus, the Spacestation might not be that great for singing artists.

I chose to camp on the bleeding edge of the technology (I vacillate between being stubborn and stupid) and paid a stressful price for it. If I had obligations to the professional kinds of venues you play, I wouldn't have done it.

Thanks again!

- Royce

[RoyceM]

Gary says it all about the Bose. I have had the same experience. When I fired it up in my living room I almost cried, but on gigs it is fantastic! Sometimes I play in cramped places, and that can be a little challenging, because I feel I don't get the opportunity to place the Bose to its best advantage. Every time I use the Bose L1 Compact, I thank the friends on this forum that recommended it for me. I really love it!

Thanks for your encouragement, Toril!

- Royce

[rononeil]

Mel, I appreciate your positive comments on the S1 Pro. I guess not many people have experienced there great quality for half the price and half the weight of the Compact. I guess we will keep this our little secret. Ron

[Toril S]

Half the weight?? In that case I am interested. Half the price is good too!

[RoyceM]

BRIEF UPDATE

Today I played my second gig with my new Bose L1 Compact during dinner at a large independent living facility. It was in one of the more complicated dinning rooms I play for both setup area and sound projection (it has a very large acoustically dampened dining room). I'd been tweaking some of my song settings and still have more to do. Regardless, many compliments were given on the new sound equipment.

My attitude toward the Compact is rapidly progressing from extreme disappointment (when first hearing it in my awful living room) to more than moderately liking it in the two venues in which I've played through it. Best of all, my audiences have liked it.

My gear box is so light I have feared that I'd forgotten to pack something. My hands and back are rejoicing.

- Royce

[rononeil]

Toril, Check out the S1 Pro, It is loaded with features. It also has Bluetooth to play music from your I-phone or pad on your breaks. Also if you want to use tone match it is on there too. Bose hit a home run with speaker. It also uses a lithium battery pack, sold separately, that allows you to play for 5 to 6 hours with no power cord attached. The dispersion is not as good as the Compact, but much better than traditional speakers. Ron

[Toril S]

Thanks Ron!