We are new to the L1 system. We have an L1 Model 2 with two B1s and a T8S. We have only played two gigs with it. The first gig was nearly an ideal set up with the L1 about 5 feet behind us. We were blown away with the sound, how well we could hear, etc. The second gig was a problem. Due to the logistics of the venue, we had to place the L1 off to one side, right in line with us. We know the sound out front was great. However we were having a very difficult time hearing, locking into harmonies, picking out cues from other musicians, etc. Everything we were hearing was very muffled, had no detail, and was completely flat.
I see that Bose makes the S1 which seems like a perfect fit for the L1 for use as a monitor. We just ditched PA speakers, monitor speakers, amplifiers, miles of cables, etc. for the L1. So we certainly appreciate not only the superior sound of the L1 but the fact that we are now quite parsimonious with equipment. So we are in no hurry to add more to the mix. Does anyone have any hints/tips/tricks for a situation such as this where the L1 can not be placed behind the performers? Is the use of a monitor the only option? Thank you.
If you're stuck to the side or behind an L1-x model, then yeah, you may need to supplement. If it's just to the side, you could try angling the L1 somewhat, as they have nearly a 180 degree pattern, so you ideally wouldn't lose much audience coverage.
If you do need a monitor, the S1 would certainly work fine for that. If there's not room behind you, having it off so the side or offside-front would work fine and if it's being fed by the L1 it would have the same mix. I have a small Mackie SRM150 that we've had to use on rare occasion, as I use a looper so my daughter needs to hear it to keep her cajon'ing in time. Other times I've given her a headphone feed from our analog mixer that feeds our pair of L1-Compacts.
We still use Mackie 450 for monitor. It also allows us to use an Aux channel for monitor mix which is better for us as we can lift vocal level on stage without lifting it front of house.
I would like to echo Jeff's suggestion. We did exactly that at a gig a couple of weeks ago in an outdoor pavilion filled with a couple hundred people. We angled the Bose L1M2 situated to the right of the group inward a little and even though I sit on the far left of the group, I could easily monitor my vocals and guitar mix with the band's mix.
This is my main group and we have had to use our frequent venue's L1S off to one side for years because there has never been enough room to run it behind us. Same with the pair of JBL EON ONES we've used for many smaller and indoor gigs...one on each side slightly behind the line of vocal mics.
We got used to it.
The sound the group gets isn't as "perfect" as the sound out front but it's superior to most monitors and even with 3 lead/harmony vocalists, 2 acoustic guitars, bass, harmonica and percussion -- we're able to get a great mix for ourselves and the crowd.
Thanks for the feedback. We will try angling the L1. Like you Chet, we have multiple musicians. Three to four vocalists, two acoustic guitars, bass, and back tracks with drums and keyboards.