Was wondering if the new EV ZXA-1 SUB would be a good sub match for the Bose Compact. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas?
Not a fan of mixing brands. I’d say get an L1 w/ 2 B1’s if you need more horse power. I think in the long run you would be a way happier camper.
I hear ya. I have 2 L1’s and 4 B1’s. Just was thinking that would be a match for the compacts adding an additional sub.
No reason why it shouldn’t. It has a 100hz fixed cross-over and a volume control. A 1/4" male phono (Compact output) to XLR male (ZXA-1 sub input) cable, and you’re off and running.
I’m with Cap…You want that extra thump without adding a packlite and extra B-1’s, then the EV should fit nicely. I’m actually looking at that very thing.
Wow, you guys! I am disappointed in my fellow Bose L1 users. So many of you are always wanting more bass even though Bose has done a great job with the entire L1 line when is come to the low end. When it comes down to it I think some of you are just board & need more toys to tinker with. Why not just buy more lights & leave your perfect L1 sound alone or use more B1’s when needed.
I’m JD Bass… I use to pump a minimum of 1600 watts RMS of low end at my shows… & now after 3 years of L1 use I would never consider going back the other direction… not even a little bit. I am a proud L1 user & will remain so.
This post may anger some, but honestly I’m just getting tired of seeing so many people take the L1’s for granted when they are so amazing!
JDbassentertainment: No one is happier that you are thrilled with the overall response of the barefoot L1 systems than those of us who agree with you.
Being one person who wars in the daily trenches, elbow to elbow, with hundreds of Bose haters, border line potential Bose buyers, and/or Bose owners who want just a little more “kick”, allow me to suggest there are a significant number more of them then there are of us.
Neither sides are wrong, neither sides are deserved of criticism, and frankly the volume of member’s postings here on this very forum who seek suggestions about wanting more “kick” deserves some future product Bose engineering attention then just being ignored.
If Bose were to develop a compact lightweight 15" 1500watt 132db spl 100hz - 38hz adjunct sub to augment the L1-B1 combo, would your disappointment remain the same?
Again, I use an extra powered sub only twice a year, and both are for 500 to 900 headcounts in huge rooms. The other 50 - 60 annual gigs are straightforward 2 L1 - 4 B1 performances because it’s all that’s needed.
See? We’re not heretics!
My original post was an inquiry as to wether the EV Sub would pair with the Bose Compacts. Kind of like the sub that Cap demoed in another thread which btw sounded great. I didn’t mean to stir the pot, just looking to get some input on adding some low end to the Compact. Not the L1 M1, which I do have and love. Thanks.
quote:EV ZXA-1 SUB
It seems to me that the whole idea of the L1 Compact sound system is to provide a small, compact (thus the name), lightweight, easily-handled, dynamic sound solution for smaller audiences for up to 100 to 150 people.
The WEIGHT of the L1 Compact is under 30 pounds, completely assembled. The EV ZXA-1 SUB weighs 46 pounds. No single element of the full-sized L1 units weighs that much.
While this might be a piece of equipment that WORKS with the L1 Compact, it certainly seems like a huge PAIN in the back to have to load it in and out.
The whole reason I bought the L1 Compact systems (I have two of them plus an L1 Model II with two B1 units) was because they are light and easily transportable. Adding the EV suggested here makes it NOT light and NOT easily transported.
As far as *I* am concerned, it would be one thing for Bose to create an enhancing subwoofer for the L1 Compact that weighs 18 pounds, but it's another whole beast of burden to add a 46-pound behemoth to a lightweight system.
Just my two cents' worth here, guys.
I’m with you 100% Media.
Midnight-
Don’t take this the wrong way, but you need a reality check on what a system can and cannot do. The Compact CANNOT provide enough sound for 150 people, PERIOD! AND neither can a pair!
I have DJ “old peoples” parties with 60’s and 70’s music with about 100 people with a pair of compacts, and it was maxed out. RED light coming on, and it started to sound really harsh. For hip hop, I tried DJing a teen party with 30 guests outside in a small tent, and it did not cut it!
Bose can continue to make outrageous claims on how many people the system can provide for, but real world application always tell the truth. In case you were no aware, Bose also claims the L1 Model I can provide up to 500 people. I rest my case. I think you and I know what kind of sound it takes to provide for 500 people, and Bose is not the answer.
Btw, I use my L1 with B2 nearly every weekend for weddings up to 250 guets. Couldn’t be happier, but i know their limits!
Use the right tool, for the right job. If you need more power, stop using the compact, step up to the Model II.
I think it would be beneficial if the DJs would set their L1s up behind them, then crank them up and spend the evening in front of them. You might find that you are beating the audience to death, especially the ones on the dance floor.
O…
I agree. Never found I was beating the audience to death. I actually feel it is quite perfect with a pair of L1 Models with B2s. I only had to rent twice last year for more bass.
Hi Midnite,
quote:Originally posted by Midnight:
Jaswrx replies that the L1 Compact would only be good for 10-15 people using modern dance music! Bose claims it is good for 100-150 people!
I’ve seen Bose say “up to 100” but I don’t think I’ve seen any formal materials from Bose that suggest that the Compact can do more than that.
I think that for live music, an audience of 100 could be fine if we are talking about a concert setting for an attentive audience. You could also be talking about background music at an event where the music is not the main focus of the event.
quote:
I would use it mostly for Wedding Receptions of 100-150 people playing mostly Country, Classic Rock, 50-60’s-70-80’s Dance Music, Line Dances & some Hip-Hop!
I had no problems this week with a pair of compacts and 150 people…actually, I was only running @ 1/2 volume…and it sounded great. For the rare occasion I need more bass, I use a pair of 15" Alto powered subs. Overkill and heavy, yes, but it’s what I have available. for my weekly gigs, I use either a single or pair of compacts with no problems. When I do an event on the weekend, I add the subs under the table. Much more inexpensive and cost efficient solution than buying an L1 w/B2’s for one or 2 gigs a month. I am interested in the ZXA only to save my back. These Altos are HEAVY! 
quote:Originally posted by jaswrx:
I have DJ "old peoples" parties with 60's and 70's music with about 100 people with a pair of compacts, and it was maxed out. RED light coming on, and it started to sound really harsh. For hip hop, I tried DJing a teen party with 30 guests outside in a small tent, and it did not cut it!
You had to have been overdriving it. I had a karaoke show with just under 150 people this past week...heavy rock and pop (Ozzy, AC/DC, Pink, Rihanna)...no subs, no clip light, no issues with volume at 1/2. Got compliments all night on the sound...HOWEVER, the compacts were in the corners of the room (reverberated bass) and they were up on a 3ft stage putting the sound just over people's heads...
Thanks Scott, I would only use the system once or twice a month mainly small to medium weddings! I would only use one of the L1’s compact! I agree spending $2,700-3,000 is a over kill unless you have the green & I don’t! I saw a guy on the net testing a single L1 Compact with a sub the brand I don’t remember on his drive way & it sounded good!
You are right, I was over driving it.
I play at weddings where people want to dance their *** off. When I attempted to use Compacts, I always got asked to turn it up, and it was embarrassing to say, I can’t.
For Hip Hop, the red came on the 1st song.
quote:karaoke show
Karaoke s nothing like hard music playback.
I have been looking at this sub as well. I like options. I have a Compact, Fender Expo, and an L1 Model II with 2 B1’s. Not long ago, I sold both my powered subs. A JBL powered 18 and a Yorkville powered 10. I used to pair the Yorkeville with my Compact and it worked nicely. Still easier setup than Model II with two B1’s.
The Expo is a very easy setup, but falls in between the Compact and Model II. Sometimes, I would like to add a sub to it. So now, I am back in the market for a new powered sub. The two I had, were overkill and heavy. I just recently purchased a Packlite. Also, want to get a B2. Nice to be able to add this to the model II, when needed. Does no good for Compact or Expo without a crossover. There is another thread that discusses this on the site. Too much setup involved, and defeating the purpose, of what these systems are all about.
The EV comes in about the same specs as the B2, size wise. I think it would be a great option. You work at the same place often and know your limits and what you can get away with, why not. If the Compact with a little more punch, does it for you, go for it. Example: I work every Friday at the same place for 5 years. I could just leave the sub there, and not have to worry about humping it around. The Expo and this sub, would be all I need to get the job done. Even if you had to carry this around, it’s not that bad, compared to my old ones.