The Bose F1 systems were engineered to work with today's modern mixers.
jb6198 posted:
The setup is: Two F1 arrays with two bose subwoofers, also one Bose L1 with a subwoofer and ToneMatch, and a Behringer XR18 mixer.
This concerns my Main Left and Right channels from the mixer: Would I plug into the two subwoofer first instead of plugging into both array speaker?
I just looked at the manual for the Behringer XR18 mixer. The maximum output at the main outputs is 23 dBu, and that should be fine if you route the outputs to the F1 Subwoofers first and then connect the F1 Subwoofers line outputs to the F1 Model 812s. Here's an excerpt from the F1 Model 812 Quick Start Guide.
On the F1 Subwoofers set the
POLARITY to NORM
LINE OUTPUT EQ to HPF
On the F1 Model 812s, the setting for EQ should be WITH SUB
Have you tried the setup above? How did it sound? Did you have any concerns?
The Bose L1 with sub is used as a monitor and plugged in to the bus input on mixer to the ToneMatch on Mic 1.
That sounds fine.
Too many opinions from band mates to decide how to plug the F1 system into the mixer and we need a solid way to get the sound out.
Thank you for taking the time to read this cluster of a mess. Any help is appreciated
There are lots of ways to setup your equipment so whatever works best for you where you like the sound is fine. Speakers and mixers are just tools so we need to use the right tool for the required job. In live sound, that can change from venue to venue or the composition of performers for the set/event. I only mention this because there are lots of opinions on configurations so don't be afraid to experiment to see what works best for you/the situation at hand.
I own/like the ToneMatch but find myself using it less due to the Behringer XR18. The only time that I want physical buttons anymore is if the event I am running requires constant babysitting of the faders for proper sound control. (like dramas/plays, quartets, using more than 16 channels or hot sunny days outside where the touch screen is less sensitive or difficult to see).
Sorry to drag on, but I just wanted to lay some groundwork for my recommendation.
I would personally leave the ToneMatch out of the mix and would use the XR 18 exclusively. I would run the Main L and Main R XLR outputs directly to the F1 812s and run them in full range mode. I would then run the XLR outputs for Aux 5 and 6 to the F1 subwoofers. I would also go into the Output configuration on the XR18 and change Aux 5 and 6 to both be fed from Bus 6 and be Post Fader. The reason for that is that you use the Bus 6 master fader to control the ratio of Subs to Mains sound and the individual channel signals will still vary with their main channel fader (unlike a normal monitor mix). This also allows me to have control over what gets routed to the subs individually. Just select Bus 6 and determine what you want to go to the subs mix. (kick drum, bass, keys, Trax device, iPad, etc)
Next, I would use Aux 4 for the L1 as a monitor output for Bus 4. Bus 4 would be set to PreFader (as would most monitor mixes) and you determine what goes in that mix by selecting the Bus 4.
Again, there are multiple ways to accomplish what you desire. Each has Pros and Cons. I like the ToneMatch and the XR18 (and other mixers) so I use what fits the need for each event. If you can tell me the makeup of your band (what instruments are used, Do they use active/passive DI boxes or Mics for connectivity and how many vocalists) I'd be happy to make a scene for the XR18 and send it for you to load to do a test run or have a base config of the setup that I've described.
I find that setting the pass through on the subs to full range gives more low range sound. (Obvious right) It really makes a difference as to how the subs react and project signal. When I had them set to HPF it was like the subs weren't even there.
FYI: the Bose manual tells you to use THRU when passing thru to F1 tops.
LINE OUTPUT EQ: (See “Setting EQ selec- tor switches” on page 12.) • THRU passes input signal to the output with no ltering. Recommended when using with F1 Model 812.
I usually keep the tops between 12 & 1 o'clock and Subs on 12 or so depending on the venue. Tops are set to W/Sub. I use a large Mixer, either a Mackie Onyx 24 or QSC Touchmix 16 w/L&R outs to F1 tops. Just did an outdoor concert, smaller town green approx. 200' x 150' with Gazebo.
Used 1 F1 stack per side on 1/2 Vol. and it sounded great. 7 piece band.
I run our tops at 1:00 a lot of the time, just use my DCA on the board to keep the sound from getting out of hand. Definitely will take a look at the top down wiring....
The top down wiring gives you the opportunity to increase the signal before it hits the F1 Subwoofers. The F1 Model 812 LINE OUTPUT is post volume controls.
