L1 Compact, L1 Model II, F1 system which is better?

Hi everyone I have been spending most of my time on the F1 forum... This being said I still am the proud owner of four L1 systems - two Model II and two Compacts. 

A colleague of my wanted to know which was better the L1 or F1 systems... where I replied neither! I told him they are unique tools and all the models in the Bose portable PA speakers have there place...

I then replied...

I use the Compacts for outdoor ceremony's and small shows where I don't anticipate dancing.

I use my L1 Mod. II systems (one or two) for 80% of all my DJ shows including all my weddings... I did use the F1 for one wedding and even though it did OK I prefer the L1 systems wide 180 degrees of coverage and not as hot up close to the speaker characteristics...  

The F1 is my go to system for all my FOH live sound needs... and 20% of my DJ shows... 

For karaoke I mostly use my L1 systems, but am open for experimenting more depending on venue...

*I figured I would share my conversation in case anyone wanting more info about how these systems stack up find it interesting! 

 

 

Hi JD,

We've got different applications, but that's part of the fun of having an open conversation.

Model II

As a performer, solo or in a band - for me - nothing beats performing in front of a Model II with a T1® on my microphone stand.  I have absolute confidence in what I'm hearing and sharing with an audience and my band mates. I sing and play electric guitar (most of the time). I play acoustic but less often. For most of what I do with a Model II, a B1 is the best choice for me. If I'm playing with a band, the band provides the rhythm and low-end support. I might take my B2 for a larger solo show. But most of the time I use a B1.

If I'm fronting the band, I'll take my Model II.

Compact

The Compact with my Kemper Profiler is a great guitar rig. I can take it anywhere I would take a guitar combo amp, and I can sing through it. And when that's not large enough, I can run a line out to a house system. I can use the Compact in just about any situation where I can make eye contact with people at the back of the audience.  The wide horizontal dispersion is great for monitoring for others on the stage, as well as the audience. If I'm playing in a band as a side-player, and there's a house system, I'll often use my Compact with a T1®. I'll run a line out to the house system.

I have two Compacts, and I've done countless shows using the pair of them to support groups for audiences up to 100.  I generally set up one T1® for each Compact, and I put the Compacts behind the performers.  This is great for up to 6 performers. I've had very successful shows with a drummer and bassist. These have been shows where I ran the bassist through a Compact at moderate volume, and the drummer was unamplified. As long as everyone is listening and making the song the priority, it all works fine.

F1 Model 812 with F1 Subwoofer

Where the L1® excels at horizontal dispersion and very tight vertical control, when I need to be able to steer the sound, the F1s give me more control.

Typically, taking the F1s requires more planning for load-in/setup/load-out. But if you do the math, an F1 Stack  (F1 Model 812 with F1 Subwoofer) is about the same weight as a Model II with T1® and B1.  The difference for me: For a four-piece band I'd bring four Model II systems. For the same band could probably bring two F1 Stacks and a couple of Compacts for monitors, and a mixing board. In a perfect L1® world, each musician brings their own L1® and manages their own sound.  That sounds like utopia, but most of the people with whom I play on a regular basis have their own L1® or Compact.

If I need tight control over where the sound goes, or if I need to project up or down, and if I'm managing sound for the band - then I'll take the F1 systems.  If I can let the musicians manage their own sound and they want individual monitoring, then the L1®s are a great way to go.

If I need lots of sound up front (in front of the stage, on the dance floor), the F1s are great for that. If I want more level volume throughout the room and front-to-back, the L1®s work better for me.

When I'm playing in a venue that has their own PA, I'll often bring the F1s and use them to replace the house system. Every time I have done that, I get extremely positive comments from people in the audience.



Conclusions

There are no conclusions here. We've got a choice of different tools for different situations.  Take what works best for the situation.

Well put! 

Thanks for the review, quick question, how many people you think 2 F1 can handle without a sub?

That is a good question, I have never used them like this... I always use at least one sub...

It depends on the type of venue and what type of music is playing through them/band or DJ and lastly what type of crowd will be there ?... quiet listening/party it up?

DJ - Background Music/PA - I'd estimate 250-350 people

DJ - Party - I'd estimate up to 250 people

Small Band - Background Music/PA - 250-350 people

Small Band - Party it Up - I'd estimate up to -  200 people

Large Band -  Background Music/PA - I'd estimate -  200-300 people

Large Band - Party it Up - I'd estimate up to -  150-200 people (the louder the stage volume the less perceived volume you will have up front).

The estimate I am giving are trying to allow for some headroom... The biggest factor would be the venue... so results may vary...

Generally more bass that you demand from the F1 812 tops the less overall volume you will have for the highs and mids... at least that is what I have seen in my tests. When used with the "with sub" switch on, the 812s do go louder...

Hope that helps.