Hi,
I’m new to PAs and L1 but I’ve been researching about it and I’m really considering buying an L1.
My budget is a bit tight so I need to be pretty sure which is the best setup for me.
I play in small-to-medium size bars of around, let’s say, 200-250 people.
My setup:
1. Vocals
2. Takamine Electro-acoustic (metal strings) guitar through a Line6 PodXT
3. Drumkit (bass drum, snare, hi-hat, thin crash)
Music we play: Acoustic Soft Rock/Folk. Drums played mostly with hot rods and brushes.
From what I’ve read the L1 Compact won’t work for such scenario, so I have the Classic, Model 1 and Model 2 to choose from.
I’m a bit confused about the main differences between those models in terms of features and inputs. It looks like the M2
is always paired with the additional T1 while the M1 can do the job nicely without it. I haven’t tried any at a store or
even seen one, but the post I’ve read in this forum seem to always pair the M2 with a T1 as if it can’t beat the M1 without it.
As I said I’m new to the L1’s so I’d really appreciate your guidance and advise for me to have clear which model will work great for me.
Thank you all in advance.
Have a nice day.
Fernando
Fernando,
Welcome to the forum!
The Model II only has one analog input, so you have to use the T1 to get more inputs. The T1 has 4 inputs with the last one being stereo (all with ToneMatch presets). The T1 plugs into the Model II with an ethernet plug that still leaves the analog input on the Model II free as well. The ethernet connection provides power to the T1.
The Model I has 4 inputs - 2 with ToneMatch presets and two line inputs. Of course you can plug in the T1 into one of these of the inputs via the analog output on the T1 as well to get additional inputs with ToneMatch presets. To do this you’ll also have to have the T1 AC power adapter.
Read up on the differences on the wiki and ask more questions. I think either model would serve you quite well.
L1 Wiki
Thank you Tom,
to have this clear, in terms of inputs the Model I without the T1 is better than the Model II without the T1, and therefore with the T1 added to both models the Model I will still be superior.
Right?
So, is the sound quality significantly better in the Model II?
What does really make the Model II better than the Model I?
Sorry for so many questions, but I want to have it clear before I decide for one of them, considering my budget and their features.
Thanks a lot in advance?
Fernando
Yes, you do have more inputs with the Model I. The main benefit of the Model II is wider dispersion from the tower array and the lighter weight power stand, which is significantly lighter. The sound quality of the two is virtually identical. It’s a tough choice, I know. I have both. I tend to take the Model II when I play solo and the Model I when I play with a band. The narrower dispersion of the Model I allows me to stand in the sweet spot of the highs for a better monitoring experience. I’m one of those guys who always wanted to look right down the throat of the tweeter in his monitor.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Hi FJ, and welcome to the forums.
From a drumming perspective…the T1 Tonematch would benefit you greatly, as it’s kick drum gate is an essential tool for getting the most thump from your kick drum. I can’t recommend it enough, regardless of which model of L1 you choose.
The Model 1 would be nice in that you’d have more inputs available in addition to your T1, however, the Model 1’s XLR inputs DO NOT have effects of any sort, just preset EQs.
With a T1 and a model 1, you could set up like this:
T1-
Ch 1) Vocal
Ch 2) Line 6/acoustic
Ch 3) Kick drum w/gate
Ch 4/5) MP3 player-break music
Model 1 XLR inputs-
Ch 1) overhead drum Left
Ch 2) overhead drum Right
If you chose the Model II, and I would, for ease of set up and great sound, you would still have enough inputs for your duo. You could set up this way:
T1-
Ch 1) Vocal
Ch 2) Overhead drum
Ch 3) Kick drum w/gate
Ch 4/5) Line 6/acoustic
You could also use the Power STand’s Analog Input for your Line 6, leaving channels 4/5 on the T1 for break music…or another line in instrument.
Another nice thing about going with the model II, is the T1 connection is simple and doesn’t require outboard power like you would need with model I.
I hope this helps.
FJ,
Just thinking…you don’t mention if your drummer also sings or not.
If he does, I’d just nix the overhead drum mic, since your drummer plays quietly (God Bless Him!!) and put his vocal in that channel.
quote:From what I’ve read the L1 Compact won’t work for such scenario
Just to add to the confusion…I have played a number of times using my drums with a country group and a Compact. Sometimes we run just the acoustic guitar and vocal into the Compact, other times, we use a T1 for added vocal channels. It works great, but this is typically in a small/medium venue with less than 50 ppl. In that situation, we are also not mic’ing drums at all, and I use Rods & Brushes.