First Gig With Genos

[travlin-easy]

Gear weight was brutal when I was young. I had a pair of Peavey SP1G speakers that tipped the scales at 105-pounds each and the mixer/amp weighed in at about 50 pounds. Had to use a refrigerator dolly with balloon tires to move the speakers into the venue, and they barely fit through the door.

Then I downsized to a pair a SP-5Gs, which only weighed 78 pounds each. Of course, I was in my 30s back then and the weight difference was great. When I purchased a pair of 450-watt RMS Barbetta Sona 32SCs that only weighed 32 pounds, I thought I died and went to heaven, and damned near did one night when some drunk tripped over one of the cables and one of them came tumbling down on my head rendering me unconscious. They hauled me off to the hospital that night and I ended up with a half dozen staples in my noggin.

Now, my 23-pound Bose L1 Compact was a dream come true. Only a couple pounds heavier than the keyboard, easy to pick up and put in place, they sat right next to me so no wires for anyone to trip over, and I sold my Yamaha monitor for what I paid for it a couple years earlier. Life was good!

Gary

[Lee Batchelor]

Ah, I too remember those days Gary. You're one or two up on me. My heaviest PA was two 15 inch Yorkville Pulse PR 350s. They were great speakers and only 70 pounds each, but I had to place them on top of speaker stands.

I love the weight of the Bose Compacts. The only problem I have is, in the the seniors' venues, the old folks love to come over for a chat after the show and lean on the speakers like a friggin' lamp post!! Bob (my music buddy - guitar and vocals) and I have taken to packing gear bags around the base of the Bose so people can't get close enough.

I've even had people come over, stand right beside a Compact, and ask where my speakers are!!?? How times and gear have changed!!

[DonM]

I had the big Bose L1s, two of them.  Overkill for everything I did.  Got two Bose Compacts when they first came out and found them outstanding.
Two years ago I sold the Compacts and bought two LD Systems Maui 5s.  They are half the price of the Bose and sound better.  They have deeper bass, e.q., more inputs and outputs including Bluetooth and are easier to transport.  They make a great system for a reasonable price.
If you do really large venues the Maui 11s are a great choice, but I haven't found anything the 5s can't handle, up to 150 or 200 people, even outdoors.

[J. Larry]

I've not experienced people leaning on the speakers, yet.  But, how about those folks (not necessarily old), who like to chat and lean on your keyboard, with a drink in their hand?  I've got two keyboard-playing friends, who both had to send keyboards in for repairs from drinks that drunks spilled directly into the keybed of their instruments.

[DonM]

These days I have a steel rail around my setup.  In the past, this wasn't possible, but when somebody started to do that, I would stop what I was doing, stand up and tell them they couldn't! 
I have had a couple people try to grab the poles on the Bose or Mauis.  Same thing, you have to tell them politely, "Hey that won't hold you and it might SHOCK you!".

[travlin-easy]

I've had dozens of people try to lean on my Bose L1 and L1 Compact columns. I solved the problem by attaching bright red signs that said "Danger - High wattage - do not touch" It didn't stop everyone, but most of the offenders backed off when they saw that sign.

Gary

[Lee Batchelor]

Maui doesn't seem to have a Canadian dealer. I typed in "Toronto" in their dealer search, and nothing came up.

I'm with you Don. I'll stop playing when someone gets too close. I haven't had any issues yet, but I tell them it's at least $400 to have a tech open one of these keyboards (don't know the real figure). That gets their attention. I've also stopped playing in bars with rock bands. The customers are often too rude and ignorant. It's all corporate work for me now !

[jgriffin]

Yes Don....I'm still enjoying your old Bose speakers!!  And they are even light enough for girly work.   

[DonM]

Yes Don....I'm still enjoying your old Bose speakers!!  And they are even light enough for girly work.   

Janet, when you bought mine, I went to a larger system, but soon bought another set of the Compacts, and continued using them for a couple of years.  Bose was the pioneer in this technology, but now several other companies have jumped aboard and some have even made improvements, and they all seem to be more economical.  Competition is great for the end users!

[Lee Batchelor]

Janet, I clicked the link in your reply, but the link is dead. Would you check it? I'd love to hear your stuff. There's only a handful of female players on this forum. Thanks .

[Pianoman]

Great review Gary.

I would need two Boses or two Mauis. When buying sound equipment, I always choose the one with maximum power.  I may not use all that power, but I'll know it's there if I may need it. The places i play in are diverse.
Some are indoor lounges, while others are outdoors with huge crowds.

My current gear is a 1000 watt Yamaha powered mixer, 2 JBLs, a 2400 watt Behringer Subwoofer, a Stage Piano, a Tyros, and other paraphernalia.

The Subwoofer weighs 42 Kilos, followed by the Tyros which comes in at 15 kilos, the mixer at 12 kilos, the Piano at 32 kilos, the piano stand at 10 kilos, the speaker support stands at 12 kilos, the JBLs at 30 kilos, an extra Power Amp and mixer at 28 kilos, plus other paraphernalia.

All in all it comes to 185 kilos. The extra Power Amp and mixer remain in the car as backup in case of emergency.
This is the stuff I've been lugging around all summer, 28 gigs a month, including
setting up and breaking down.

The Boses look good and so do the Mauis.
I would, of course need a pair, and since I use 2 keyboards, which sound their best in Stereo,
I would need to look for something with more inputs.

I've noticed that each Maui and Bose has only 2 inputs for instruments. So I would need a mixer with at least 8 inputs.
I'm not a big fan of connecting a Microphone to a keyboard.

I tried it once in somebody's house in Abu Dhabi UAE, and that was the only time.
I connected my keyboard to the owner's HiFi system, for a bit of afternoon fun before lunch.

Anyway, I loved your review.

Best Regards and Merry Christmas.
Pianoman.

[Marcus]

Great review Gary.

I would need two Boses or two Mauis. When buying sound equipment, I always choose the one with maximum power.  I may not use all that power, but I'll know it's there if I may need it. The places i play in are diverse.
Some are indoor lounges, while others are outdoors with huge crowds.

My current gear is a 1000 watt Yamaha powered mixer, 2 JBLs, a 2400 watt Behringer Subwoofer, a Stage Piano, a Tyros, and other paraphernalia.

The Subwoofer weighs 42 Kilos, followed by the Tyros which comes in at 15 kilos, the mixer at 12 kilos, the Piano at 32 kilos, the piano stand at 10 kilos, the speaker support stands at 12 kilos, the JBLs at 30 kilos, an extra Power Amp and mixer at 28 kilos, plus other paraphernalia.

All in all it comes to 185 kilos. The extra Power Amp and mixer remain in the car as backup in case of emergency.
This is the stuff I've been lugging around all summer, 28 gigs a month, including
setting up and breaking down.

The Boses look good and so do the Mauis.
I would, of course need a pair, and since I use 2 keyboards, which sound their best in Stereo,
I would need to look for something with more inputs.

I've noticed that each Maui and Bose has only 2 inputs for instruments. So I would need a mixer with at least 8 inputs.
I'm not a big fan of connecting a Microphone to a keyboard.

I tried it once in somebody's house in Abu Dhabi UAE, and that was the only time.
I connected my keyboard to the owner's HiFi system, for a bit of afternoon fun before lunch.

Anyway, I loved your review.

Best Regards and Merry Christmas.
Pianoman.

The best power to weight ratio is using the powered versions of the JBL EON system or similar light weight powered speaker system. The matching JBL powered sub is way lighter than Behringer. Don't really need a power mixer either. Run your mic through the Genos and the Stage Piano output into the Genos AUX IN. It will make your setup easier, yet sound great with extra overhead when you need it. I use my JBL sub only for larger venues and only one sub is plenty for a solo performer, plus, low end frequencies are non-directional and are not required to be stereo.

The powered JBLs are so light, no problem keeping a spare in the car. If your power amp goes, none of your passive speakers will work, but using a powered speaker system, each speaker has it's own amp system. I am leery using these small light weight array systems like the Maui or the JBL version called the JBL One, but I guess good for small rooms or venue.

       

Here is the JBL version to the Maui. (JBL One)
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EONOne

Even just one JBL EON515 powered speaker blows the specs away compared to the Maui or the JBL One, plus is lighter.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/jbl-eon515-450-watt-15-powered-pa-speaker

Regards, Marcus

[Pianoman]

Hi Marcus.

I would be more inclined towards the JBL EON 615 if I were to take that route.
What do you think of them?

Best Regards and Merry Christmas.
Pianoman.

[jgriffin]

Can't wait to review these last few posts about speakers.   I'm getting another itch now (thanks Don).  Will do that asap.  Working on a new YT video right now (I Wander arranged by Randall Hartsell).  Hey Lee.....I guess I just don't know how to connect my profile info with the actual Performer Page.  Joe will have to help me with that issue.  In the meantime, you can go to the PSR Home page and click on the SONG tab and then Performers and my name is listed there.  That will take you to my section which Joe so courtesouly re-instated for me after a long absence. 

[Roger Brenizer]

Try your PSR Performer's page link now, Janet.  I just repaired it for you. 

[zionip]

Hi Marcus.

I would be more inclined towards the JBL EON 615 if I were to take that route.
What do you think of them?

Best Regards and Merry Christmas.
Pianoman.

Hi Pianoman,

It looks like the JBL EON 515 is already discontinued by JBL.  The EON 615 is the current model at 17.69 kg (39 lbs) each.

Thanks,
Paul

[StuartR]

Hi Pianoman,

It looks like the JBL EON 515 is already discontinued by JBL.  The EON 615 is the current model at 17.69 kg (39 lbs) each.

Thanks,
Paul

I bought a pair of JBL EON 515XT, 625W RMS powered speakers just before they were discontinued. I had to get a distributor to find one of them at the JBL warehouse. They and their successor 600 series are great.

[guitpic1]

Been very impressed with mine. 

https://www.jbl.com/portable-pa-systems/JBL+EON+ONE.html

[jgriffin]

THANKS ROGER!!

[Pianoman]

Hi Pianoman,

It looks like the JBL EON 515 is already discontinued by JBL.  The EON 615 is the current model at 17.69 kg (39 lbs) each.

Thanks,
Paul

Thanks Paul.

I'm just looking at all possibilities. From Bose to Maui and JBLs.
I've been using and still am using the same pair of JBL EON 1500 passive speakers since 1998. I must say that they haven't let me down even once.

Best Regards and Merry Christmas.
Pianoman.

[Marcus]

Hi Pianoman,

It looks like the JBL EON 515 is already discontinued by JBL.  The EON 615 is the current model at 17.69 kg (39 lbs) each.

Thanks,
Paul

Sorry, I didn't even realize there were new EON models and the 515 series was discontinued. I was aware of the JBL One. Love the fact that all the newer speaker systems are super light weight compared to years past. Best to try out whatever system you choice to buy or suits your circumstances.

Personally, for the solo performer, I lean towards the powered speaker configuration and go for more power (or extra overhead power). Better to back off a more powerful speaker and have nice clean sound than overdriving a smaller system with distortion/clipping and ultimately burning out.

Also, because in the case of these sophisticated arranger keyboards and stereo DSP processing, I always go the stereo route with the speaker system. So if I was myself to go with these smaller array speaker types, I would use them in pairs or perhaps there might be some self-contained left/right channel versions out by now. Of course different personal circumstances are going to dictate different priorities and tastes, but alway best to give a new system a test drive before hand.

Marcus

[Tommy 73]

A pair of Yamaha DSR112 with a DSR118 sub may make you rethink what can be achieved with a keyboard rig and PA system especially considering the board demanding dynamics that any top arranger keyboard like the Genos will demand of a PA... so far after extensive testing of many brands this setup with my rig has not been surpassed at this price and I can only imagen that the Genos will shine in this setup well worth an audition if you are in the market for a new PA system this is excluding any outboards and mixer that i would inculde....

[Marcus]

A pair of Yamaha DSR112 with a DSR118 sub may make you rethink what can be achieved with a keyboard rig and PA system especially considering the board demanding dynamics that any top arranger keyboard like the Genos will demand of a PA... so far after extensive testing of many brands this setup with my rig has not been surpassed at this price and I can only imagen that the Genos will shine in this setup well worth an audition if you are in the market for a new PA system this is excluding any outboards and mixer that i would inculde....

Yes, a nice combination, the DSR112/DSR118 and down my line of thinking, light weight and extra power to spare. Getting a bit heavy and overkill for my situation, but that combination in a paired system with the Genos would sound stellar in any space.

Marcus 

[maartenb]

A pair of Yamaha DSR112 with a DSR118 sub may make you rethink what can be achieved with a keyboard rig

So true!

To be honest, I don't gig, so have little experience. That said, I did listen to the Bose L1 compact. They look fabulous and are great for voice (speech). For music they can't convince me at all.

Another great option is Yamaha's DXR/DXS series. This used to be the top of the line powered Yamaha speakers. But the DSR11x series is newer.

Gary brought up the issue of sound spreading over a crowd. He wrote that with the Bose the sound level was the same everywhere in the room. I don't know how the DSR11x and DXR are doing in this regard. Maybe someone can comment on this?


Maarten

[travlin-easy]

Maarten, the Bose L1 Compact is fantastic for music. Keep in mind, though, it is much different than a conventional sound system, therefore, you must adjust your EQ settings differently than you would with a conventional system. When properly adjusted, you will hear sizzling highs that you will never hear with a conventional system, gut thumping lows from the sub and outstanding vocals. There's always something to learn with music, regardless of how old you are - I should know. At 77 I'm still learning, which I guess is a good thing.

Merry Christmas,

Gary

[Tommy 73]

Somthing else to consider is the Line6 Firehawk 1500... this is a Full Range Powered PA (stereo) in one box not a conventional guitar amp which at first glance it may appear to be... there are good reports coming from TOTL Arranger owners and keyboardists so far... I did have a quick try with the Montage in a music store and the results we're very promising so over the holiday period intend to take a closer look with more time on my hands... this I can see for small to medium venues where a bigger PA would not be needed or even a practice amp for that matter... this looks to be a very promising PA with a small foot print to check out ......(I may even try the Genos through the Firehawk 1500 if the store eventually get there demo unit in)

[maartenb]

the Bose L1 Compact [..] is much different than a conventional sound system, therefore, you must adjust your EQ settings differently than you would with a conventional system.

Hi Gary,

Could you elaborate, please? In what way is it different (except for the placement and direction of the speakers)?

How should you EQ a Bose L1 Compact? Increase low and high frequencies and attenuate the middle frequencies?

Thanks!


Maarten

[travlin-easy]

The Bose L1 Compact is preset at the factory and there is no EQ adjustment on the Bose L1 Compact. Therefore, all of the effects are set on the arranger keyboard's global EQ settings and effects settings pages.

Therefore, if the venue requires more bass and less high frequency sounds, you must lower the bass using the keyboard's EQ settings 1 and 3. In order to raise the high EQ settings, such as those needed for guitars, high-hats, fiddle, etc..., EQs 4 and 5 on the keyboard must be raised until you achieve the desired effect. For mid range sounds, piano, pan flute, some brasses, EQ 3 is the setting that must be changed.

For vocals, if you are using the onboard vocal processor of the keyboard, the Vocal Settings page offers a 2 band EQ plus a host of effect settings at your disposal.

Hope this helps,

Gary

[mark fernando]

Hi,
I have Bose L1 compact and three 12" powered speakers(Yamaha DBR12, RCF, Alto) and Yamaha 500 W powered sub woofer. I use them for small gatherings/parties with my friends nothing professional. We play all kind of different music. I think you may not  get same dynamics and power if you use Bose L1 or Mau1 system for some type of music you play. Sound distribution and quality wise they are good but if you play for different crowd and different venues need always extra headroom. If crowd is young and noisy I do not take Bose system as I hardly hear anything I play. So most of time I ended up using powered speakers. for an example: need good dynamics and power to play reggae, Rock, Latin, EDM type of music.... If you use Bose or other small system they sound soft and will lack in mids and dynamics.   

Thanks

Mark       

[travlin-easy]

Mark, the L1 Compact was never intended to large crowds. it works very, very well for groups up to 100 people and provides a full rage of sounds, including excellent mid range and low end, depending upon how the Global EQ of your keyboard is adjusted.

I have used the Bose L1 PAS system for very large, noisy crowds at outdoor venues and performed a lot of rock songs. The PAS System punches out 1,100-watts and has a 10-inch, long throw subwoofer and 24 speakers in the column. It also has a remote control with a three band EQ, plus a programmable EQ system that provides about 65 EQ settings for all environments.

The drawbacks with conventional sound systems are numerous, including horrible falloff, lack of horizontal dispersion, feedback and distortion at higher volumes.

As for not being able to hear what you are playing, the only way that could happen with the Bose is if the speakers were placed in front of you and not behind you as per the user manual. I have owned dozens of monster, conventional, sound systems, all of which required a monitor for the players. Never needed a monitor with the Bose - I heard the exact same volume the audience heard.

Good luck,

Gary