hello Bose family i recently bought a L1 modal II with a B1 bass sub but looking for more bass is it possible to hook up another non powered 12inch passive subwoofer with speak-on connection to the L1
Hello DJChevy,
Possible? Yes, it must be an 8 ohm speaker capable of 250 watts. However ...
There is much more going on inside the Model II than meets the eye (or ear)! The crossover in the Model II is matched to the performance of the B1 and B2 bass modules. The connecting cable uses an NL4 connector and four-conductor wire. Two wires carry the power, the other two signal the Model II for the proper EQ curve, when A) sensing whether you're using one or two B1 bass modules, or 2) when using a B2 bass module, the position of the B2 /normal/- switch. Conventional passive speakers don't commonly use a 4-wire Speakon, so A) the Model II won't know there's another speaker attached, and B) the EQ won't be tuned for the best performance.
Will it work? Sure. Will it sound good? There's really no way to tell. Bose doesn't officially support it. You may want to look into purchasing a second B1, or replacing your current B1 with a B2.
Does that help?
Brother thank u for the advise I really appreciate it … I have looked for a used b1 found some for like 150 from guitar center and another 115 to ship 🤦♂️ Might as well get a new one lol but the b1 is hard to find new also I have been looking at the new B2 bass but not sure it will work with my L1
Hello again Djchevy,
" ,,,looking at the new B2 bass..." The B2 bass module has been out for a number of years. Several online music stores have new ones in stock, and some with free shipping. It is a passive speaker like the B1, but has a switch on the back to adjust its performance to sound like a four B1's, two B1's or one B1 (the "plus/normal/minus" switch I referred to. When it was released, the Model II required a firmware update to recognize the B2 and optimize the EQ curves for it.)
Bose's new L1 Pro series includes the Sub1 or Sub2, which are active (powered) speakers. They're designed to match the L1 Pro systems, but can connect to most any system. You'd connect to the Model II via TRS cable to the L1's "Bass Line Out" jack. This jack was designed to send a signal to one or two more B1 bass modules (or another B2) using Bose's "A1 Packlite" amplifier, and it sends just the low frequency signal out. You would still use your B1 connected directly to the Model II, to trigger its EQ curve (although you'd probably never hear the B1!)
You've got a lot of options to consider! Enjoy your Model II!