I am in the process of deciding which column array system to buy for my solo acoustic act, but want enough flexibility to have some others join occasionally. I played a duo scenario thru an EV Evolve 50 last weekend and found it harsh sounding and prone to feedback. It was not my system and I had no control, so that may have been operator error. Anyway, having looked at the Bose systems, I have a question. Why couldn't I get 2 L1C systems and use them both connected to a 12 channel powered Mackie mixer? This would be much easier on my 60 yr old back than my current '80's Soundtech system with the 75 LB speakers, stands, etc. I don't think the Tonematch 4 is enough and I've heard some less than stellar things about the Tonematch 8. Any thoughts would be welcome and apologies for the diatribe.
Maybe I don't need to? That's why I'm asking. Thought I could push more power to the column arrays with a powered mixer. So I should use the L1 Compacts as my "active speakers" and use the mixer to allow for more inputs, effects, etc? Makes sense and is definitely less expensive.
I own both L1 Compacts and Evolve 50s. For a solo or duo work I generally use compact(s) in smaller venues, the Evolves can get much louder and have more bass if you need that support.
The Compacts are much lighter and easier to haul around, great sounding as well. The Evolves are a bit heavy but that extra weight gets great low end punch.
I think you would be much happier with a small format non powered mixer. Digital or analog would work well.
Be carefull not to send an amplified signal into the Compact line input, not clear if that is what you are doing? you could damage the unit.
Also, both Yamaha and EV have new compact column array speakers with multi channel mixers built in. They would also be more powerful than the Compact.
You can't use a powered mixer's powered output with the L1s. A little theory is necessary to help you understand why.
A PA system in it's simplest form comprises of one or more microphones, a 'mixer' with sufficient microphone preamps, a power amp and a speaker. Each of those elements takes the (very small) signal from the mic and amplifies it to something suitable to drive the next stage. so the mic outputs a few millivolts into the mixer/mic preamp which amplifies that to around 0.5-1.0V to drive the power amp. The power amp then amplifies that to 10-50 volts to drive the speakers. In the case of the powered mixer the preamps and power amp are built into the same unit* and the speaker outputs are designed to drive 'passive' speakers. The Bose L1 system also has a mixer and power amps built in as it is a 'powered' system so expects signals of around 'line level' or between a few millivolts (XLR mic inputs) and 1.0 volts RMS (the XLR inputs with the gain turned down to line level). What it can't cope with is speaker level inputs of a few 10's of volts without severe distortion or even damage.
* There may be a get out clause, I'm assuming you already have the Mackie powered mixer, if so it will probably have a 'line output' or a 'mixer output' which will be suitable for driving the L1s. But you are carrying a large heavy bit of kit most of the weight of which is redundant. The cost and quality of small mixers these days means it makes no sense to do that. I would recommend looking at an Allen & Heath Zed fx series mixer or one of the Yamaha's or, even a small Mackie mixer if you have decided the Bose T8 is not for you. Disclaimer I have not had hands on the T8 though I have used all the others I have mentioned. But the T8 hassle advantages when used with other units from the Bose ecosystem.
I have two EV50, two L1 Classic, one L1M2, one S1. EV50's are getting dusty from sitting in the garage. They are screeching feedback MONSTERS. I use almost exclusively the Classic(s). Nothing comes close to it.
The new EV Evolve M30 launched a month back at NAMM has a terrific built-in 8-Ch Mixer fully operable from their app (phone/tablet). 10 inch woofer ... do check it out. Weight: Bass Unit: 15.8 kg Tops: 2.7 kg
Dave, We have an analog mixer driving dual L1 Compacts for my 4-person acoustic group of acoustic guitar, cajon, hand percussion, 4 vocals and break music (and soon acoustic bass, wife’s learning). We started with a Mackie ProFX8 and then moved up to a Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 for additional mic inputs and USB multitrack capability. Both worked well and we don’t really need a lot of the digital bells and whistles so analog is a LOT cheaper.
We don’t get really have issues with feedback unless the stage is so shallow that we can’t get them behind us, but putting them off to the side and angling them in slightly helps, especially when also using hyper- or supercardioid mics.
250 gigs a year for 30 yrs. More systems and configurations than anybody on this board. The EV50 is unusable if you are anywhere near it with a microphone, though it can fill a big room. And take note, the L1M2 is not far behind the EV50 in its ability to feed back. The L1 Classic rules over all.
Apologies, my reply was unnecessary and I have deleted it.