I have an issue with Bose's choice of mixer input design on the L1 Model 2 with a 1/4" input jack for the mixer instead of the a dual XLR/1/4" that was on an older predecessor version, the L1 Model 1. That connector I believe, is called a Neutrik Female XLR / 1/4" TRS Connector.
Has anyone ever looked 'under the hood' to see if there's enough room to remove the 1/4" input and replace it with a Neutrik Female XLR / 1/4" TRS Connector? I had posed the question to an independent tech and he said without looking at it that if the existing jack was connected directly to the circuit board that it would be near impossible. However if it's wired indirectly, that it would be possible providing there's enough room inside for the Neutrik connector. Has anyone tried this?
Hello lonegigger51,
To answer your question directly, I haven't tried it and haven't heard of anyone who has. Hopefully others will chime in here.
The wiring behind the XLR/1/4" combo jack is different on the L1 Classic and Model I -- the 1/4" portion is a high-impedance line-level input and the XLR portion is connected to a balanced, low-impedance mic level preamp (more sensitive.) Also, all the 1/4" inputs on the Classic and Model I are unbalanced, while the Model II and successors are balanced.
When the Model II was introduced, it didn't have the internal four-channel mixer in the base like the earlier models; Bose designed the Model II to use the T1 ToneMatch mixer with the Ethercon (CAT 5) digital cable for combined power & signal. This allowed the mixer to be closer to the performer. They included the 1/4" balanced line-level jack to accommodate those using other mixers or line-level inputs. Where the earlier models included tone controls on channels 1 & 2, the Model II has no on-board tone controls.
If you're worried about the difference between 1/4" and XLR connections, there is no signal capability difference. The XLR and TRS jacks are both 3-conductor design and support balanced connections. The XLR does integrate a locking latch in its design, but that's about all. I'm sure there are specs somewhere regarding the number of plugs/unplugs each type connector will endure in its life, but I'm sure it's in the millions.
Does that help?